Q&A for How to Enjoy Having Pet Fish

Usually when they swim side to side in short distances in the front pane of the tank, the fish are happy.

If you leave your room dark for an extended time, turning the light back on immediately could affect or harm your fish because they got used to darkness. If there is natural light coming in during the day, however, they should be alright.

The average tropical community fish lives 2-6 years, while goldfish could live over 20 years with proper care (e.g., 50 gallon tank, good filtration, not overcrowded).

It will depend on how big your tank is and what your filtration setup is like. In general, plan on leaving about 1 inch of space between the rim of the tank and the top of the water.

You're not supposed to, because you may damage their slime coating.

It's best if you find someone to feed your fish for you while you are away. If this is not possible, go to the pet store or fish tank store, and get one of those fish pellets that dissolve slowly over time. They are intended for use during vacations, when the owner cannot feed his or her fish.

Once a week is usually good.

No. They are living things and they need space to move around. 10 gallon tanks can be bought for around $15. Would you like to spend your whole life in a closet-sized room? They don't want this either.

Don't mix the store water with your own water. When you fill your tank, add water conditioner to remove harmful chemicals that are deadly to the fish. It's important to let the water of the tank neutralize before adding your fish, or else you risk killing them.

It would be a good idea to avoid putting these two species in a tank together. The oscar will likely eat the goldfish.

The fish needs company to not be lonely. If it's swimming side to side in a short distance in front of the table tanks pane, it means they're happy.

It depends on the move. If they are moving from a small lonely bowl to a large tank with a lobster and another fish and water snails, then yes. If they are just moving to a random small contaner, they may be lonely and sad.

2-3 times a day. Feeding it too much food can cause a disease known as swim bladder and/or dropsy.

No, The salt will kill the goldfish and the clownfish will most likely die without heated and salted water. These two types of fish have different needs.

No fish can live completely without oxygen, although Siamese Fighting fish can live with a very low oxygen supply.

Try and find pictures on the internet that look similar to your fish. You can also ask your local pet store or fish tank store as well.

Mollies are compatible with freshwater angelfish, but they do have different pH needs. Watch them carefully, and if either fish is showing sign of stress, you'll need to separate them.

No, they will grow to be large. A fish bowl is not enough space for any fish, and angels should probably have at least 20-30 gallons.

The only way to tell is by looking closely at its scales. It has age rings, similar to a tree's trunk. However, it's not easy to distinguish the rings without taking the fish out of the water, which could harm it, so be careful.

Yes. Examples are usually something water-related and easy to remember, such as Fin, Bubbles, Splash, or Tiki. However, you can name your fish anything you'd like.

No fish are maintenance free, but bettas are relatively low-maintenance fish.

No, one fish is fine.

Try starting with one male betta and about five tetras in a ten-gallon tank.

Of course; they still produce waste, even if it is less than most fish. Clean and do partial water changes like a normal fish tank.

No. Angelfish can't move well with their long, flowing fins, and are more of a display fish.

Yes; it's possible that they can feel some vibrations from the music. Just turn it off if your fish seem spooked.

Ten gallons is the minimum for a fantail goldfish. It's best to start with a 20-30 gallon tank, however.

Yes.

I feed my fish once every morning and maybe a few pellets before bed.

About 7-10 fish.