Goldfish

[Significantother]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows about Goldfish?

I brought my kids a Goldfish tank (approx 40cm x 20cm and 30cm high) about 4 months ago from an aquatic centre at my local garden centre. They have had 4 small fish in them (including a goldfish) and the tank had NO filter with it, just some plants. We asked for advice and was told we did not need a filter.

Yesterday, we went back to get some more plants and it had closed down, so we went to another Aquatic Centre. As we were there, I said that the kids could have another fish. I asked the man which fish they could have and he said "It was illegal to have goldfish without a filter and I could be prosecuted"!!!

Is this right? Or have I been given the hard sell for the store to sell more filters? Are their Goldfish police that come round and check your fish?

I feel something is not right with this; it was a reputable garden centre in Worcestershire that I went to.

Thank You in advance

[EvianBaby]

Illegal to have goldfish with no filter? As most people seem to get their fish contained in a plastic bag that's been hanging up in a fairground for days I doubt this is true.

[rowanwitch]

not illegal but much better for the fish if you have one... small tank a fluval one plus might be enough or even one of the bubble through types water will stay better for them and the pads last for ages if you keep rinsing them out

Would also get a small air pump and stone set up as they seem to like swimming through the bubbles

[Old_Geezer]

When I was little and had goldfish in a bowl, we had no room for filters and suchlike. We just changed the water regularly. In retropect I guess a large tank and filter would have been more fish friendly, but they never complained.

[divegirl]

Hi goldfish are one of the biggest waste producing fish that there are[mainly due to over feeding]. Please have a read of the link below and if you can't keep them to their requirements then please find someone with a pond that they can live in....that said not until the Spring.

http://www.practicalf.../content.php?sid=2689

These are the very basic acquirements and yes while I agree we have kept goldies in bowls for ages....we know should know better.

Lisa x

[notasyoungasiwas]

Well said divegirl

[B00]

And please don't overstock the tank- remember (all being well anyway) they'll grow!

[wildwood]

Firstly report the 'reputable' garden centre to your local consumer or trade standards org., wherever you live, for fraudulent representation.

You say only one is a goldfish.... does that mean the other 3 are tropical fish? Is there is heater in the tank? If they are just 1" or so you don't need a filter or if you have an airpump you can get away with an undergravel filter. It is always better to use a filter but as said above, regular PARTIAL water changes works good too.

If the goldfish gets too big make sure it is only put outside in the summer.