Getting fish today?!?HELP!!

[SBells]

Hey everyone! I'd like to start off by saying hello to everyone, as I am a new user. Seems like a pretty awesome forum you've got here, and I look forward to talking to everyone!

Here is my situation:

My girlfriend would really like a couple of fish. We aren't looking at getting anything spectacular, just 3 or 4 fish to put in her room. We headed down to our Pet Co. store today, and were told about the cycling (I learned that term from browsing this board) process. She was somewhat turned off at the idea of waiting for a week to end up with any fish, let alone the ones she wanted.

I'd love to have a small goldfish bowl (if nothing else) setup with a couple of fish swimming around when she gets home from work. Is this possible without sentencing the fish to a quick death? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot!
Scott
SBells@mchsi.com
AIM: SBells14

 

[ChilDawg]

Unfortunately, goldfish bowls are not a very good idea, in that you must do water changes at least once a week, and probably every other day at that. I was able to set up a 10g with a Betta and four Corydoras on the day when I purchased them, but I would not advocate doing so with animals which are less hardy than that. Also, if you can afford/make room for a larger tank, this would be a better idea--it is hard to find a book in which a tank smaller than 20 long is recommended for beginners. The goldfish bowl is nary recommended for anyone. If you are still interested in having one, only a single Betta splendens is recommended and careful attention to feeding and maintenance is of the utmost importance.

 

[SBells]

ChilDawg,

Thanks for the reply! Say I purchased a 10 Gallon tank. If that was the case, how much longer would it take to be able to drop more than a Betta in the tank?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[ChilDawg]

Scott,
The day I got my tank, I put the Betta and Cories in (15 minutes after setup). I have learned a little more since then, and might not have done it again, but all five of them are still alive and kicking (and two of the Cories are entering into courtship rituals). I would suggest this route if you want to do something quick with a tank, as Cories are hardy and they will give you an instant clean-up crew. Hope this helps!

~Matthew

 

[val]

Welcome....

to Aquaria Central, Scott, home of the most new, and old, fishkeepers on the internet

Well, you seem to have found a good fish store, or at least a store with a knowledgeable salesperson. Most stores don't spend a lot of time to talk about cycling for just the reason you're experiencing right now. It requires delayed gratification...

First off, you don't have to do fishless cycling as you've read here on this site. I'm no expert, but it will take you more than a week. Usually, it takes much longer -- 3 to 4 weeks. However, if you want to surprise your girlfriend, please do not rush into getting a tank and some fish. If you want to surprise her, PLEASE take her to the movies, buy her some roses, give her some chocolates, but do not make fish a surprise gift. In some respects keeping fish is more work than keeping a dog or a cat since you have to create and maintain the actual environment for them.

I think I started this in time for you to read this prior to your girlfriend coming back, but I got delayed in the middle. Sorry about that.

Regards,

Val