Okey dokey pokey. I'm going to go back to being close minded, pious, judgemental and everything else you can think of now
Good day
Good dayHELP! Got a goldfish as a kiddie birthday party favor!
- Thread starter TeaPea
- Start date
There are those who call names, and those who don't. The people who toss around terms like "zealot" are no better in my book than those that mouth off and call someone an "idiot." They both demonstrate an equally regrettable lack of respect.
If somebody posts a question on this board, genuinely caring about the welfare of their fish, they do not deserve to be called names. I think (hope) that most of us agree on that.
By the same token, if a member takes the time to create a well-considered response to your question, you have no basis on which to brand him/her a "zealot" -- even if you don't like what they have to say. That sort of invective is unfair and uncalled for.
I happen to agree with Leopardess' advice, so I take the "zealot" remark personally. In regard to the question: "I just didn't know how long it would take for this guy to outgrow the 10G, if it was even worth the effort or should I just take the fish back," I would respond that it would be best to take the fish back.
You've made a different decision, and that's your prerogative. You posed the question, however -- it is hardly fair to call names simply because your question was answered (thoughtfully).
To me, it doesn't make much sense to see somebody refer to other members as "zealots," and then see that same person complain of overly "judgmental" attitudes.
I'm sorry and ashamed for AC that you were treated so poorly in the first response to this thread. Finaddictfred owes you an apology, as well.
Still, civil discussion is a two-way street. IMO, TeaPea, you have some apologizing of your own to do. By resorting to epithets, you've sunk to Finaddictfred's level. I respect your right to raise your fish as you see fit. In return, I ask that you respect the right of others to disagree.
Signed,
Not a Zealot.
Perhaps you hadn't noticed that I was given other advice as well? Specifically Seaman and Blinky... Just because I didn't take the advice that YOU agreed with doesn't mean I knew what I was going to do before I posted.
For crying out loud I didn't single anyone out and call them them a zealot. Go back and read the thread please. I said there are two disctinct types of personalities on this board, I used "Zealot" to drive home the idea of the type who is overly concerned with perfection IMO. I don't think I should apologize, I expressed my opnion tactfully. And I clearly thanked everyone for their time in responding. In case you missed it, I said:
"Thanks again for the advice everyone, even those I don't necessarily agree with. I know you're just trying to help"
Sorry if you felt that wasn't gracious enough. You can't please everyone all of the time I guess.
For crying out loud I didn't single anyone out and call them them a zealot. Go back and read the thread please. I said there are two disctinct types of personalities on this board, I used "Zealot" to drive home the idea of the type who is overly concerned with perfection IMO. I don't think I should apologize, I expressed my opnion tactfully. And I clearly thanked everyone for their time in responding. In case you missed it, I said:
"Thanks again for the advice everyone, even those I don't necessarily agree with. I know you're just trying to help"
Sorry if you felt that wasn't gracious enough. You can't please everyone all of the time I guess.
TPIRman couldn't have said it better than he did...
... TeaPea, I defended you more than once in this thread and while I did not care whether or not you gave me recognition for that, I would appreciate it if you at least considered what it was we are telling you… because after all, its not just one person telling you one piece of advice. We are all basically saying your Goldfish needs more space. Does that count for anything? LOL
The facts are, a 10 gallon tank is not a good permanent solution to your problem. If you are not willing to provide for this pet the way he/she should be provided for, then taking him back to the pet store is best. Do you know how expensive it is to keep a sick or unhealthy fish over a period of 1-2 years… or however long the fish might last? It will be much more costly than just giving him the required room from the get go.
… But like I said, you can always take him back.
I certainly wouldn't expect you to round up all the other fish, but you do have power over what happens to this one. I fear that he will soon die if proper conditions are not given. It is stressful enough to be thrown into an un-cycled, barely setup tank... having it be a smaller aquarium adds to the stress level.
... TeaPea, I defended you more than once in this thread and while I did not care whether or not you gave me recognition for that, I would appreciate it if you at least considered what it was we are telling you… because after all, its not just one person telling you one piece of advice. We are all basically saying your Goldfish needs more space. Does that count for anything? LOL
The facts are, a 10 gallon tank is not a good permanent solution to your problem. If you are not willing to provide for this pet the way he/she should be provided for, then taking him back to the pet store is best. Do you know how expensive it is to keep a sick or unhealthy fish over a period of 1-2 years… or however long the fish might last? It will be much more costly than just giving him the required room from the get go.
… But like I said, you can always take him back.
I certainly wouldn't expect you to round up all the other fish, but you do have power over what happens to this one. I fear that he will soon die if proper conditions are not given. It is stressful enough to be thrown into an un-cycled, barely setup tank... having it be a smaller aquarium adds to the stress level.
I agree too. My above story was when I was ignorant and had only bad advice from LFS employees and books that did not accurately give me the information I needed. The internet wasn't widely known or used(late 80's I think).
I would not, and assuradely do not now, do anything that I know is bad for the fish in my care. I did not know then. I do know now and would never repeat such a travesty.
Ignorance is bad enough, indifferance is far worse.
But you can only get people to do so much. Better is better, but it's still not enough in this case. I've just seen too many people who refuse to do anymore.
I would not, and assuradely do not now, do anything that I know is bad for the fish in my care. I did not know then. I do know now and would never repeat such a travesty.
Ignorance is bad enough, indifferance is far worse.
But you can only get people to do so much. Better is better, but it's still not enough in this case. I've just seen too many people who refuse to do anymore.
aquarium fish guy: Thanks for defending me. Sorry you didn't feel I recognized that. 
I thought I said "Thank you" numerous times, in fact I ended every response with a thank you, I guess the fact that I didn't mention you specifically was rude. Sorry, I thought "Thanks everybody" and, "thanks for the advice EVERYONE etc etc" was self explanatory. Honestly if I had more time on my hands I probably would've mentioned you specifically but I was setting up a 10G tank all afternoon remember? 
I DID consider what everyone said. Several people agreed that a 10G would be a fine solution, albeit a temporary one. It was not in my budget to buy another tank. Heck, it wasn't in my budget to buy the gravel and accesories for the 10G, I just spent a bundle on stuff for my existing tanks last week. It would've been easier to return the poor thing and let some other shmuck put it in a bowl or feed it to his oscar, but I kept it for my kids.
I asked the opinon the owner of my LFS, whom I know and trust, and he agreed that 10G is too small but said I had plenty of time before I had to worry about it. So in the meantime I will keep my eyes opened for another tank in a garage sale. I have no doubts that by the time the goldfish is too large for the 10G I will have found a larger tank. For now, the fish that went from a bowl to a vase is now in a 10G tank. Quite an improvement I'd say.
I think the reason I'm so offended by the criticism is I feel that some are looking at me as a careless newbie and forgetting that I have been following all 'the rules' since I got into this hobby. I just get the impression that some people will find criticism with even the most responsible aquarists; I don' t know why, and I can't be bothered trying to figure it out.
I thought I said "Thank you" numerous times, in fact I ended every response with a thank you, I guess the fact that I didn't mention you specifically was rude. Sorry, I thought "Thanks everybody" and, "thanks for the advice EVERYONE etc etc" was self explanatory. Honestly if I had more time on my hands I probably would've mentioned you specifically but I was setting up a 10G tank all afternoon remember? I DID consider what everyone said. Several people agreed that a 10G would be a fine solution, albeit a temporary one. It was not in my budget to buy another tank. Heck, it wasn't in my budget to buy the gravel and accesories for the 10G, I just spent a bundle on stuff for my existing tanks last week. It would've been easier to return the poor thing and let some other shmuck put it in a bowl or feed it to his oscar, but I kept it for my kids.
I asked the opinon the owner of my LFS, whom I know and trust, and he agreed that 10G is too small but said I had plenty of time before I had to worry about it. So in the meantime I will keep my eyes opened for another tank in a garage sale. I have no doubts that by the time the goldfish is too large for the 10G I will have found a larger tank. For now, the fish that went from a bowl to a vase is now in a 10G tank. Quite an improvement I'd say.
I think the reason I'm so offended by the criticism is I feel that some are looking at me as a careless newbie and forgetting that I have been following all 'the rules' since I got into this hobby. I just get the impression that some people will find criticism with even the most responsible aquarists; I don' t know why, and I can't be bothered trying to figure it out.
People People People....
...You all need to stop. TeaPea-10g is ok for now...When you think it is to big simply just take it to the Pet Store and trade it in for something else that your child likes. If you really get attached to it and like it...get it a bigger tank. Also..good luck finding one at a Garage sale
Why can't people just keep there opinions to themselves?
HTH
...You all need to stop. TeaPea-10g is ok for now...When you think it is to big simply just take it to the Pet Store and trade it in for something else that your child likes. If you really get attached to it and like it...get it a bigger tank. Also..good luck finding one at a Garage sale Why can't people just keep there opinions to themselves?
HTH
Last edited:
lol Like the opinion of yours you just stated? All the advice given here is an opinion.
Some people say this size tank is appropriate others say a different size tank is.
Some people say these fish can't be kept together, other people say they are fine together.
Some people say keep nitrates below 40ppm others 20ppm.
No opinions means no advice. And this is all this is. Our opinions. Our advice. I think she is doing FAR better than 99.9% of people that get a fish unexpectedly thrust into their care. But when someone asks a question and many people all give an opinion stating one thing and the person says...."Eh, I'm not doing that." People start thinking, "Then why did you ask?"
Personally if I intended to react that way I would just say, "Thanks for the advice!" And then do what I decided to do without stating it online. No fuss, no muss.
Some people say this size tank is appropriate others say a different size tank is.
Some people say these fish can't be kept together, other people say they are fine together.
Some people say keep nitrates below 40ppm others 20ppm.
No opinions means no advice. And this is all this is. Our opinions. Our advice. I think she is doing FAR better than 99.9% of people that get a fish unexpectedly thrust into their care. But when someone asks a question and many people all give an opinion stating one thing and the person says...."Eh, I'm not doing that." People start thinking, "Then why did you ask?"
Personally if I intended to react that way I would just say, "Thanks for the advice!" And then do what I decided to do without stating it online. No fuss, no muss.
Exactly. Free advice is just that free. Take what you'd like from it, gather it up and get to know a "safe range" of info in your head that you can trust.
Personally, I think keeping a fish "until it gets too big" is a little irresponsible and uncalled for if you can just take the fish back now.
Personally, I think keeping a fish "until it gets too big" is a little irresponsible and uncalled for if you can just take the fish back now.
I guess that's where I hung myself. I thought it would be nice for those who were following the thread to learn the outcome, but obviously not. From now on I'll be much more vague.
