(long) Super-beginner Thrown Under The Bus.

Going to have to stick around for the whole story with this one. Pretty long.


So, I recently became really interested in fish after coming across the videos of the King of DIY and Solid Gold. I really wanted to get into aquarium hobby and wanted to start with some fancy goldfish. I am a teenager, so I was slowly—very slowly— saving up to buy a nice 40 to 60-gallon tank to set up and leave to cycle before getting my fish. I had a whole plan to make sure I was going to give my future fish a beautiful home. I was saving up for the price tag on a pair of Butterfly Telescopes.


Boy, those plans have been thrown out the window in the last week.


As I became interested in the hobby, I behaved as a teenager naturally behaves and decided to tell my friends to see if anyone else wanted to put in the time and effort. No one jumped on the boat, but they all could see I had a growing passion for fish. When we went on trips to the store, I would often buy a cute aquarium decoration here and there for my future tank. My parents were supportive; the only requirement is that all costs were coming from my pocket and not theirs.


Now I have a friend we will call Lora. Now Lora is a beautiful, wonderful person, but she has an impulsive streak in her. Lora is the reason I am in this debacle, albeit in her heart she honestly had good intentions.


I was spending the Wednesday with her (8/2) when we stopped at PetSmart to pick up some special food for her dog they only sold there. Naturally, I went over the fish isle where Lora joined me after her purchase. When we were looking at the fish together, it was kind of late, so all of the fish had been sold. A few stragglers here and there but of course I had to look at them. I remember quite clearly there was only of the Black Moors left, a small little guy, and another goldfish with a wen whose tag only read FANCY. He was also the last.


Since I was hoping to get goldfish, I stood around and gawked at them. Of course, then it was time to go so Lora and I left. She dropped me off at my house, a day passes.


Now on Sunday (8/6) Lora shows up with a “surprise gift” at my door. After she dropped me off, she had driven back to the store, gotten the last stragglers before closing time and had been keeping them in one of those itty-bitty plastic bowls. It broke my heart to see that tiny Moor and the fancy with a wen stuck in there together, and they’d already been in that sub par state for half a week.


Warning: You are going to chastise me a lot of the things I did next. I apologize, realize I was wrong in some areas, but I was a frantic teenager.


I assembled what I could on such short notice with my meager savings. I found a 5.5 gallon my aunt gracious let me have which I had planned for a betta. I filled it with water, spent a whole bunch of money on stuff I probably shouldn’t have, but I was sad for those fish. Poop and old food was floating in the stagnant water and it was kind of cloudy. I don’t know if it was just tap water or what but I was scared. I washed that new tank like priest washing a sinner clean with hot water. I bought new filters, and I probably bought what was unnecessary gravel. I add bacteria supplement because of there sure as **** wasn’t any beneficial bacteria in that tank and I didn’t know a single person with an aquarium much less healthy bacterium.


After letting that sit, I add the fish 24 hours later on Monday (8/7). I currently have the fish on my desk, and they seem to be fine. I know 5.5 gallon is probably not a lot better than a 1, but I have a filter causing some current and more room for the guys to get around.


The fish were in Monday (8/7), and so far, they seem active. They are eating twice daily at 6 in the morning and 6 in the afternoon, but they worry me. I haven’t had a fish since I was five so I have zero experience besides the internet. Sometimes Thisbe and Koa, (the unknown fancy and the Moor) will spit up the food I give them before re-eating it. Is this okay?


Bubbles are gathering at the top of the tank from my fish blowing bubbles. Is this alright? Thisbe and Koa will sometimes spend a couple of minutes at the bubble structures and honestly, I can’t tell if they think it’s food, or they are blowing more.


How often should I do water changes? I did a 25% on Saturday, but I honestly believe it should more water and more frequent. The internet gives so many conflicting answers. Tank instructions said weekly, but I honestly don’t think so.


Please help guys. Honestly, I didn’t realize how attached to these guys I became in a week but I did. They come to the tank corner when I do my homework and stay there until the light goes off. I love these little dudes.


I am saving up for a 40 gallon for them, but at this rate, it’s going to be a bare bottom with what decorations I have. Well, the universe has its plans. I have spent all my money on these fish and my bank account is in cents. All in the name of love for my fish.


And can anyone tell me what breed Thisbe (the fancy) is? Picture below:





Also, one of Tisbe's tail (fingers?) bent and doesn't make the X (as seen in the first photo). I received him as such and want to know if it will ever come undone.

Thisbe's wen is pretty small, but it's there.

 

I would return the fish until you can get a proper home for them. Until that point, you need to be doing 50% water changes at least once a day. Get rid of the gravel, keep it bare bottom.

 

Its probably a fantail oranda? crossbreed.
You should be doing 50% water changes every two days, or 25% water changes everyday. They can live in there for a maximum of one month and then they will need to be moved to a larger aquarium.
Its also recommended to feed them deshelled and boiled peas once in a while since they get constipated quite easily (compared to other fish).
Is the aquarium filtered?
When is the earliest time you can get the 40 gallon?

 

I would return the fish until you can get a proper home for them. Until that point, you need to be doing 50% water changes at least once a day. Get rid of the gravel, keep it bare bottom.

You're probably right. I am going to be really sad to see these guys go, (probably knew I to give them up all along) but I until I can return them or rehome them I'll do the water changes.

5.5 would probably best give a betta a better home

 

Part of the hobby is responsible fishkeeping, if you start out behind you will have a hard time ever getting adequate housing for them on a budget. You obviously care so returning them is best, then you can plan for what you want and do it right. Really admire you wanting to keep fish the right way after doing your research and saving for adequate tank.

 

Well while she gifted the fish in hindsight probably should have taken it back to the store or tell her that you appreciated the thought but you couldn't take it in at this time due to timeliness. is there a way you can take the fish back to a LFS, not a Petco or Petsmart and see if they can take it in while you gather the necessary funds?

Also look up local fish clubs and see if anybody can take them and perhaps you might find a person who might give you an old tank to start your hobby with and even some media.

 

Well while she gifted the fish in hindsight probably should have taken it back to the store or tell her that you appreciated the thought but you couldn't take it in at this time due to timeliness. is there a way you can take the fish back to a LFS, not a Petco or Petsmart and see if they can take it in while you gather the necessary funds?

Yeah. Lora really had the "goldfish in a fishbowl is fine" mindset, I don't blame her really. That was me a year ago. I will most likely see if I can either return the fish or gift them to a more equipped person on Craigslist. Really wish I will have visitation. :')

Well while she gifted the fish in hindsight probably should have taken it back to the store or tell her that you appreciated the thought but you couldn't take it in at this time due to timeliness. is there a way you can take the fish back to a LFS, not a Petco or Petsmart and see if they can take it in while you gather the necessary funds?

Also look up local fish clubs and see if anybody can take them and perhaps you might find a person who might give you an old tank to start your hobby with and even some media.

Really wish I just returned the guys but hindsight is only 20/20 after you have blinded yourself.

Part of the hobby is responsible fishkeeping, if you start out behind you will have a hard time ever getting adequate housing for them on a budget. You obviously care so returning them is best, then you can plan for what you want and do it right. Really admire you wanting to keep fish the right way after doing your research and saving for adequate tank.

Thanks. I feel really bad but I know it's the right thing to do.

Its probably a fantail oranda? crossbreed.
You should be doing 50% water changes every two days, or 25% water changes everyday. They can live in there for a maximum of one month and then they will need to be moved to a larger aquarium.
Its also recommended to feed them deshelled and boiled peas once in a while since they get constipated quite easily (compared to other fish).
Is the aquarium filtered?
When is the earliest time you can get the 40 gallon?

I will follow this advice. 40 gallon is probably somewhere in November at the earliest so I will probably just gift them away to someone responsible or see if the store will take them back.

 

Welcome to Fishlore. Agree with the advise given. Gifting is last resort. Some stores give store credit try that first. Then research here on the forum and save for the right equipment. You will have knowledge and funds to do it properly.

 

could you maybe get someone to buy the tank for you and pay them back? You can get tanks very cheaply on Craigslist. The last thing I would do is give them back to the store, as then someone might just stick them in a fish bowl again for their whole lives. If you decide to give them away make sure whoever it is will care for them properly

 

could you maybe get someone to buy the tank for you and pay them back? You can get tanks very cheaply on Craigslist.

Tank isn't mine to sell. All the cragslist postings in my area is far over budget (100 -300 gallon tanks and stand mostly. There's 30 gallon but its a saltwater) so pet store is best option.

Welcome to Fishlore. Agree with the advise given. Gifting is last resort. Some stores give store credit try that first. Then research here on the forum and save for the right equipment. You will have knowledge and funds to do it properly.

Will do. I will go by the store in on the weekend and water change until then.

 

Sorry if you have to re-home your goldfishs but I'm dealing with the same situation also I pretty soon have to donate my goldfish to he is 3 inchs and is a commen goldfish I love him a lot and he comes up to the corner of the tank when I arrive home from highschool but my tank just Isn't his tank accommodations so I will have to re-home him to so don't think you are the only one

 

Tank isn't mine to sell. All the cragslist postings in my area is far over budget (100 -300 gallon tanks and stand mostly. There's 30 gallon but its a saltwater) so pet store is best option.

You could convert the 30 from saltwater to freshwater, if not could you possibly rehome the fish instead of returning it?

 

You're probably right. I am going to be really sad to see these guys go, (probably knew I to give them up all along) but I until I can return them or rehome them I'll do the water changes.

5.5 would probably best give a betta a better home

Petsmart has a 14 day return policy so you still have a few days. Hopefully she still has the receipt - if not, if she has a Pet Perks membership and gave the linked phone number, they should be able to look up purchases that way too. In case you can't find a way to return or gift the fish, Petco usually has a "donation/adoption" tank.

 

Sorry if you have to re-home your goldfishs but I'm dealing with the same situation also I pretty soon have to donate my goldfish to he is 3 inchs and is a commen goldfish I love him a lot and he comes up to the corner of the tank when I arrive home from highschool but my tank just Isn't his tank accommodations so I will have to re-home him to so don't think you are the only one

Thanks. Glad to know I'm not the only one in the situation. Now I am just praying for a miracle my mother won't be against the idea of the 40 gallon in November when the birthday rolls around.

Petsmart has a 14 day return policy so you still have a few days. Hopefully she still has the receipt - if not, if she has a Pet Perks membership and gave the linked phone number, they should be able to look up purchases that way too. In case you can't find a way to return or gift the fish, Petco usually has a "donation/adoption" tank.

I'll see if she has the receipt still. Really wish there was Petco near me, but there is one under construction half an hour away so I can't wait for when I am an actual prepared fish owner.

 

You will also have to deal with your friend when she comes by and sees the tank is empty. When or if that happens just tell her that you appreciate the gesture but tell her the truth, while you were ready to handle the fish due to the lack of equipment and no beneficial bacteria to help the fish live you couldn't provide a good and safe environment for them. By not having the tank ready for fish it would have stressed you out more then having one that was cycled.

Can't ask a golfer to play a round of golf without clubs.

 

You could convert the 30 from saltwater to freshwater, if not could you possibly rehome the fish instead of returning it?

I thought if it was Saltwater it couldn't be converted? Well, that's my rudimentary knowledge for you. I'll have to see if it's still available but my money is gone and the paycheck is tight this month. I'll see if she still has the receipt.

You will also have to deal with your friend when she comes by and sees the tank is empty. When or if that happens just tell her that you appreciate the gesture but tell her the truth, while you were ready to handle the fish due to the lack of equipment and no beneficial bacteria to help the fish live you couldn't provide a good and safe environment for them. By not having the tank ready for fish it would have stressed you out more then having one that was cycled.

Can't ask a golfer to play a round of golf without clubs.

Yup. She really was trying to do good but she really acts without thinking. I love the thought though because she thought it would make me happy. I hope it won't upset her too much.

 

I thought if it was Saltwater it couldn't be converted? Well, that's my rudimentary knowledge for you. I'll have to see if it's still available but my money is gone and the paycheck is tight this month. I'll see if she still has the receipt.

I think you can just empty and sterilize it, then fill it up with freshwater. A 30 gallon would be perfect for those fish if you can make it work, so sorry this is happening to you

 

I think you can just empty and sterilize it, then fill it up with freshwater. A 30 gallon would be perfect for those fish if you can make it work, so sorry this is happening to you

Just checked and it's gone now, last I saw it was last week when Lora handed over the fish so probably has been sold off. Everything near me is way over budget (apparently everyone is my area is suddenly selling corner tanks?) so unfortunately Koa and Thisbe are either going back to the store or I will post somewhere on classified to give my guys a responsible home.

 

I'll see if she has the receipt still. Really wish there was Petco near me, but there is one under construction half an hour away so I can't wait for when I am an actual prepared fish owner.

Soon even though I'm sure it seems like a long time away. I'm an extremely impatient/impulsive person, and at almost 32 I still have to talk myself out of doing things or at least convince myself to wait, so you're already doing better than me lol

 

I rehomed my goldfish that I won at a carnival game to my boss who has a 700 gallon pond with a few goldfish in there . I wasn't really intent on keeping though in the first place . Just didn't want him to be the fishbowl pet . Kept him in my 70 gallon tank for as long as I could till he got too big for my other fish .... it's a big community tank specifically made for Bettas ( like five at one time soriority and two males, and no , no issues with aggression and only one incident when one big plant caused tears in there fins that I had to remove ) . But the goldfish started bullying my other fish so I rehomed him to a guy who had some and the tank size to take care of them . I think he has 7 in there. I see him every once in a while but the guy isn't even a full year and already 10-12 inches

 

If you need a large emergency tank, most large plastic storage bins will do. You can get them at hardware stores or big box stores (walmart, target, etc) for around $10-$20, usually. The filter for it would be you largest investment. Scrub with hot water and add you filter and you have a tiny indoor pond. It still won't be cycled, so if you went that route and then decided to keep them you'd need to be careful about doing a fish-in cycle. Once you can afford your aquarium, you can just move the filter with them and the tank will be instantly cycled.

If nothing else, it would keep them more comfortable until you can find someone to adopt them.

 

I'm almost 50 and still like a kid in a candy store when I want something.
But that's part of being a responsible adult, Paloma & Racing1113 you are both showing great maturity. Wish everyone I deal with was that mature.

 

Soon even though I'm sure it seems like a long time away. I'm an extremely impatient/impulsive person, and at almost 32 I still have to talk myself out of doing things or at least convince myself to wait, so you're already doing better than me lol

Hey, I'm a teenager. My impatience is only held back by the fact I can't will construction to go any faster.

I'm almost 50 and still like a kid in a candy store when I want something.
But that's part of being a responsible adult, Paloma & Racing1113 you are both showing great maturity. Wish everyone I deal with was that mature.

Thank you so much for the compliment. I want to do what's best for the fish.

If you need a large emergency tank, most large plastic storage bins will do. You can get them at hardware stores or big box stores (walmart, target, etc) for around $10-$20, usually. The filter for it would be you largest investment. Scrub with hot water and add you filter and you have a tiny indoor pond. It still won't be cycled, so if you went that route and then decided to keep them you'd need to be careful about doing a fish-in cycle. Once you can afford your aquarium, you can just move the filter with them and the tank will be instantly cycled.

If nothing else, it would keep them more comfortable until you can find someone to adopt them.

Honestly, if I can't find a place for these guys I'll go the storage bin route. I already have a filter though it probably is';t near the strength, but heck, I want these little guys happy.

 

You will, we all have opinions and options but you will deal with it the best you can. You will make a great fishkeeper. Maybe I suggest plants and snails, I'm the crazy old planted tank w/snails guy. Lol

 

If you need a large emergency tank, most large plastic storage bins will do. You can get them at hardware stores or big box stores (walmart, target, etc) for around $10-$20, usually. The filter for it would be you largest investment. Scrub with hot water and add you filter and you have a tiny indoor pond. It still won't be cycled, so if you went that route and then decided to keep them you'd need to be careful about doing a fish-in cycle. Once you can afford your aquarium, you can just move the filter with them and the tank will be instantly cycled.

If nothing else, it would keep them more comfortable until you can find someone to adopt them.

Really wish I saw this the day Lora handed them over! Honestly 29 gallons for $15 bucks and clear? Maybe I will go that route if the receipt is showing up.

 

Honestly, if I can't find a place for these guys I'll go the storage bin route. I already have a filter though it probably is';t near the strength, but heck, I want these little guys happy.

If you decide to keep them, use the filter you have and then see if you can add a few large cheap sponge filters from amazon that you can run with an air pump. They don't sell the the sponges in petsmart or petco, and I assume if you had a good lfs that you wouldn't be in this bind. Sponges are probably your cheapest option for now, and the air will help oxygenate the water for them. You might want to keep it bare bottom and get a turkey baster for spot cleaning.

 

You will, we all have opinions and options but you will deal with it the best you can. You will make a great fishkeeper. Maybe I suggest plants and snails, I'm the crazy old planted tank w/snails guy. Lol

I aspire to be the crazy old fish lady one day. You know, when I actually have the resources.

If you decide to keep them, use the filter you have and then see if you can add a few large cheap sponge filters from amazon that you can run with an air pump. They don't sell the the sponges in petsmart or petco, and I assume if you had a good lfs that you wouldn't be in this bind. Sponges are probably your cheapest option for now, and the air will help oxygenate the water for them. You might want to keep it bare bottom and get a turkey baster for spot cleaning.

Really will look into this. Anything else I need to know about the emergency tank option?

 

Took me years, you'll be OK. This forum is great for help and knowledge, didn't have the internet when I started. Lol I'm old!

 

Really will look into this. Anything else I need to know about the emergency tank option?

What water conditioner to you have? I'd go with Seachem Prime if you don't already have it. It's more concentrated than other brands (2 drops per gallon), so it'll last you longer. Plus, it'll detoxify some of the ammonia in the tank for 24 hours, so it'll help keep them comfortable in an uncylced, or cycling tank if you dose it daily.

 

What water conditioner to you have? I'd go with Seachem Prime if you don't already have it. It's more concentrated than other brands (2 drops per gallon), so it'll last you longer. Plus, it'll detoxify some of the ammonia in the tank for 24 hours, so it'll help keep them comfortable in an uncylced, or cycling tank if you dose it daily.

Probably not the best but I used Topfin. I honestly think I'll set up an emergency tank like this until I can get my 40 gallon in November if it goes well. I'll order the conditioner with sponges.

I looked up videos and found a wonderful indoor goldfish pond with a plastic container. If only I knew this a week ago.

 

Probably not the best but I used Topfin. I honestly think I'll set up an emergency tank like this until I can get my 40 gallon in November if it goes well. I'll order the conditioner with sponges.

I looked up videos and found a wonderful indoor goldfish pond with a plastic container. If only I knew this a week ago.

Better late than never though! Imagine if you'd found this out after you returned/rehomed them! I'm so sorry I didn't suggest the plastic tub, I don't know why I didn't think of it. Definitely get Prime though! Petsmart has it, as does Amazon. Other water conditioners don't provide protection from ammonia/nitrites.

Edit: just saw you already decided to get Prime. Ignore me lol.

 

I honestly think I'll set up an emergency tank like this until I can get my 40 gallon in November if it goes well.

You can get really big storage tubs at Walmart for cheap, then you can keep the fish until you have a bigger tank! I'm so hoping you find some way of keeping them

 

Have you tried looking on craigslist for a cheaper tank? I just got a 40 gallon with stand for 40 dollars, so that may be a option for you if your parents are okay with it/ take you.

 

Better late than never though! Imagine if you'd found this out after you returned/rehomed them! I'm so sorry I didn't suggest the plastic tub, I don't know why I didn't think of it. Definitely get Prime though! Petsmart has it, as does Amazon. Other water conditioners don't provide protection from ammonia/nitrites.

Edit: just saw you already decided to get Prime. Ignore me lol.

I feel like an idiot but thanks goodness I can now keep my boys (or girls)! I just went into the garage and found a 20 gallon. Filled with books, but I rather rehome old books than my fish! I still have to make sure its safe but now I can keep the boys. I just need to buy a sponge filter and Prime, small price to pay for my fish until my 40 gallon.

Have you tried looking on craigslist for a cheaper tank? I just got a 40 gallon with stand for 40 dollars, so that may be a option for you if your parents are okay with it/ take you.

I have and the prices are good but there isn't any near me at the moment. 100-300 gallon range is everything, with a surprising number of corner tanks.

 

I feel like an idiot but thanks goodness I can now keep my boys (or girls)! I just went into the garage and found a 20 gallon. Filled with books, but I rather rehome old books than my fish! I still have to make sure its safe but now I can keep the boys. I just need to buy a sponge filter and Prime, small price to pay for my fish until my 40 gallon.

Yay! I'm so happy for you. I'm glad this worked out ok!

 

You can get really big storage tubs at Walmart for cheap, then you can keep the fish until you have a bigger tank! I'm so hoping you find some way of keeping them

You can, yes. It's not as attractive, but it works just fine. You can look for the recycling code on it to verify it's safe plastic (anything labeled with a 1, 2, 4, and 5 are good, 3, 6 and 7 are not), but I haven't seen any storage bins so far that aren't. Buy a new one if you're not sure if it's had anything questionable in it, clean it well with hot water and maybe some vinegar (rinse well after) and you've got a little pond. You have to be a little careful setting them up for fish that need heaters, but goldfish don't unless your house is super cold.

 

I'm so glad I read the whole thread. I'm so glad you found a way to keep them!

 

You can, yes. It's not as attractive, but it works just fine. You can look for the recycling code on it to verify it's safe plastic (anything labeled with a 1, 2, 4, and 5 are good, 3, 6 and 7 are not), but I haven't seen any storage bins so far that aren't. Buy a new one if you're not sure if it's had anything questionable in it, clean it well with hot water and maybe some vinegar (rinse well after) and you've got a little pond. You have to be a little careful setting them up for fish that need heaters, but goldfish don't unless your house is super cold.

Update: It's a 5! Hopefully, it'll be ready for the weekend after I buy the necessary!

 

Congratulations on finding a way to keep them. I told you it would all work out. Just take good care of them till you get your bigger tank.

 

Winner Both you and the fish. Good Luck