[Shantih]

I go to 6th form (for you Americans, it's like college, but in school, so we don't have to wear uniforms, etc) and realised today that someone's put a tank with a few fish in there. When the first years start they're always given a bit of money and told to go buy something to "improve" the room, and this is where I figure they came from.

I didn't notice there were fish in there before today because the water was so cloudy, but then one of the first years decided to clean them out (the fish were lovingly put in a cup while she did this). There's three smallish goldfish, and the tank is about 7" by 12". Also, people regularly throw balls around pretty violently in there, along with loud music which is on all day. The tank doesn't have an oxygen pump either.

I don't know anything about fish, so do goldfish generally need a pump, is the tank big enough and can fish by bothered by music? (I know they're underwater, but maybe the vibrations). I don't want to complain about this when their enviroment isn't actually bad, but also I've no idea if anyone's in charge of regularly feeding/cleaning them, the girl who did it today seemed to be doing it on some sort of whim.

I wanted to ask on here first, but now I feel crap because it's Friday so they might be there alone all weekend...

 

[gaya]

Three gold fish will not survive in a tank that small. They get to be pretty big, require cooler temps and definately need a pump as they produce more waste than most fish. All tanks should have a pump. I think each gold fish requires 15 gallons per fish. Tell your teacher to return them and pick up some platties. The water should be changed weekly and treated with dechlorinator because chlorine kills fish. The fish should be fed every other day at the most imo, especially if nobody is keeping up with water changes. You guys probably shouldn't have a tank at all.

check out www.fishforums.com

eta: if I were you I would have a serious talk with your teacher and tell her if she's not responsible enough to appropriately care for animals then she shouldn't have them in the classroom. Maybe you could offer to bring the fish back to the store.

 

[Shantih]

Thanks, I'm going to talk to the head of 6th form Monday. I'll take the fish back if she won't, and if they won't take them back my parents would let me keep them, they kept fish when I was younger so they'll be able to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

It's not a classroom, it's where we go in free periods, so these fish are living amoung a bunch of loud, unsupervised teenagers, so I wouldn't like any animal having to live in there.

 

[gaya]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shantih

Thanks, I'm going to talk to the head of 6th form Monday. I'll take the fish back if she won't, and if they won't take them back my parents would let me keep them, they kept fish when I was younger so they'll be able to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

It's not a classroom, it's where we go in free periods, so these fish are living amoung a bunch of loud, unsupervised teenagers, so I wouldn't like any animal having to live in there.

Most beginners really have no idea what they're doing when it comes to fish. Imo, caring for fish is far more difficult and expensive (over all) than a cat. You should also ask your school if the tank has been cycled, if they even know what cycling is. If you do decide to take them feel free to pm me. Keep in mind tho that gold fish get pretty big and to keep three you would need at least a 40g tank. They poo so much!!! eta: they can also live 20+ years so it's a commitment.

 

[gas4]

It's so great that you're prepared to do something for these fish, Shantih. Hope it all goes well.

 

[Brandon]

Good advice, Gaya.

 

[gaya]

hey brandon, while we're on the subject of fish...have you ever kept tropical angels? I've had angels for years now and I'm having a problem with one of them. I picked up a little girl angel that was/is deformed (permanently bent feelers) about a year ago. She's been growing well (silver dollar size now), eats fine etc but her feelers always look like they have a bit of fungus or something on them. I have her in a 20g extra tall tank with a small sucker fish. I'm thinking this extra tall tank might be an issue because the surface area at the top is that of a 10g (not enough 02?). The bottom part of her feelers have fallen/broken off tho it doesn't seem to be slowing her down. I hate the idea of medicating fish. None of my tanks seem to have problems (no ick or anything). I just don't know what to do with her. I guess she was kind of a mess when I got her, that's why I bought her any way. I should post this on my fish forum but i never go there any more. Oh, I've recently added an air stone to her tank but I'm fearful it creates a bit too much current for her. Angels dont' like strong currents. I want to set up a 55g and put her in there with another angel but I want her to be strong for the move and any potential territory battles.

g

eta: water specs seem to be fine but I haven't tested for nitrites in a while. I checked for ammonia the other day just for the heck of it and it was at 0 ppm. My tanks have been set up for so long that it's really not necessary any more. hmm...maybe i'll test for nitrites and even ph right now. who knows. A couple of years ago my town messed with our water system and the ph got all funky.

 

[Brandon]

Hey gaya

Sorry, I actually don't have any experience at all with tropicals, I've only ever kept goldies and bettas. It is possible that the tank being a tall rather than a normal one might have something to do with it, but I dunno. Is it possible that the current is stressing her, and that's what's caused the problem with her feelers?

 

[gaya]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Brandon

Hey gaya

Sorry, I actually don't have any experience at all with tropicals, I've only ever kept goldies and bettas. It is possible that the tank being a tall rather than a normal one might have something to do with it, but I dunno. Is it possible that the current is stressing her, and that's what's caused the problem with her feelers?

dammit! I just deleted my post!!!! I hate that.

oh well, thanks for responding any way lol. I'll figure it out. So, do you have salt water? That's a dream for me but I don't have the money or the time.

 

[Brandon]

Nah, all freshwater here. I love saltwater tanks, they're beautiful.

You're welcome, Gaya.