Fluke burden ? was Dying (?) fish

"Steve" wrote in message
. ..
soup wrote:
Yes I know the tank is far too small for two goldfish (5 GL) but
realistically *there is no chance of getting a bigger tank*. I tried to
tell the wife that two was too many (indeed it is to small for one
goldfish) but she would not listen.
======
And get a bigger aquarium.

He claimed that was out of the question - see above.

A bare 20 gallon aquarium (long type is
better) may only cost $20 or $30 US,

I live in the USA and tanks that size, unless they can be found used at a
yard sale or flea market, run anywhere from $40 to $70.00 which includes the
canopy if you're lucky. The weight will demand he buy a sturdy stand which
runs about the same as a tank,... he'll also need a filter for a larger tank
and a reflector - another $30/$40 or so. And he'll need the wall space
which this couple may not have.

-
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
Troll Information:
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Koi-lo wrote:

"Steve" wrote in message
. ..

soup wrote:

Yes I know the tank is far too small for two goldfish (5 GL) but
realistically *there is no chance of getting a bigger tank*. I tried to
tell the wife that two was too many (indeed it is to small for one
goldfish) but she would not listen.

======

And get a bigger aquarium.


He claimed that was out of the question - see above.

A bare 20 gallon aquarium (long type is

better) may only cost $20 or $30 US,


I live in the USA and tanks that size, unless they can be found used at
a yard sale or flea market, run anywhere from $40 to $70.00 which
includes the canopy if you're lucky. The weight will demand he buy a
sturdy stand which runs about the same as a tank,... he'll also need a
filter for a larger tank and a reflector - another $30/$40 or so. And
he'll need the wall space which this couple may not have.

-

I haven't bought a tank for a while, and maybe they've gone up. Also I'm
in Canada. I mentioned a bare tank though, no canopy, no glass top or
other overpriced items. Is a bare tank really $40US at a chain like
PetSmart?

As for a stand, a strong old dresser or desk will do. Or the dining room
buffet if you can handle water stains. I've had aquariums on all 3 types
of furniture, and still have a small tank on the buffet.

Your solution of adopting the fish out may be the best answer for these
folks, however. Or euthanasia - just don't "flush" the poor fish, a
horrible way to go.

Congratulations to the Original Poster for successfully keeping the fish
for a year! Most goldfish don't last that long due to lack of care,
samll bowls etc.

Steve

"Steve" wrote in message
. ..
Koi-lo wrote:

I live in the USA and tanks that size, unless they can be found used at a
yard sale or flea market, run anywhere from $40 to $70.00 which includes
the canopy if you're lucky. The weight will demand he buy a sturdy stand
which runs about the same as a tank,... he'll also need a filter for a
larger tank and a reflector - another $30/$40 or so. And he'll need the
wall space which this couple may not have.
======================== -
I haven't bought a tank for a while, and maybe they've gone up. Also I'm
in Canada. I mentioned a bare tank though, no canopy, no glass top or
other overpriced items. Is a bare tank really $40US at a chain like
PetSmart?

Yes, or more! It depends.

As for a stand, a strong old dresser or desk will do. Or the dining room
buffet if you can handle water stains. I've had aquariums on all 3 types
of furniture, and still have a small tank on the buffet.

I have as well but never over 10g since furniture isn't designed to hold a
lot of dead weight such as a tank. If the tank leaks or the filter runs
over (Aquaclears have been guilty of this) the furniture can be ruined.
Ruined by stains, warping and glued joints letting go. The top can also sag
from the weight over time. If it's an old piece of furniture of little
value then it may be worth a try.

Your solution of adopting the fish out may be the best answer for these
folks, however. Or euthanasia - just don't "flush" the poor fish, a
horrible way to go.

I think he can save it if we can pinpoint the problem a little better. In
any case a GF in a 5g tank will not work.

Congratulations to the Original Poster for successfully keeping the fish
for a year! Most goldfish don't last that long due to lack of care, samll
bowls etc.

Steve
--
Koi-Lo.... frugal ponding since 1995...
Aquariums since 1952
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
Troll Information:
http://members.aol.com/intwg/trolls.htm
Reading Headers:
http://www.technomom.com/writing/headers.shtml
~~~ }((((o ~~~ }{{{{o ~~~ }(((((o