2 goldfishes as first pets

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you actually want fish? Because you are about to spend several hundred dollars on these "free" pets that can live 10+ years if you don't kill them through neglect. If you aren't that into it, give the fish to the pet store (most stores will take them) and buy your kids ice cream as consolation. Everyone will be happier.

If you decide to keep them:
You need a tank of at least 10 gallons, preferably 20 - 30 (the size is not really for the fish, it's for you because more water = easier water chemistry).
The tank needs a filter, which comes with some stuff inside that periodically needs to be replaced.
Buy de-cholor and water conditioner.
Buy a suction tube for cleaning the tank (you will also need a bucket, but not from PetSmart).
Buy a very small amount of food, you don't need a lot.
A tank light is optional but a lid is a good idea.
Gravel for the bottom is nice but optional, same for plastic plants and fun hidey holes. Don't get live plants.

When picking out the fish, look for clean active ones without raggedy fins or any growths or scuffs. Ideally there should not be dead or sick-looking fish in the tank. Consider spending more for a better grade of fish than your coupon probably entitles you to, but don't get the bubble-eyed goldfish as they have a lot of eye problems.
Don't buy snails or sucker fish or whatever you think will clean algae: they don't, they just poop more.

Good luck!

This reply is insane. You just get a fishbowl and food. It's two fish.

[Anonymous]

People are being jerks here. I had a goldfish as a kid that lived 4-5 years in a bowl, then a small (5 or 8 gallon?) tank. And that was pre internet, it’s easy to get info on how to care for them now.

One of the first comments was right- ideally get a 10 gallon tank (bigger is always better but 10 is fine), make sure you use water treatment. Feed them less than you think they need (I wouldn’t let the kids feed them, they will over feed).

Get larger smooth rocks or gravel, it’s easier to keep clean than the small stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We just won 2 goldfishes, and they are now our kid's first pets. We will go to PetSmart first thing in the morning tomorrow. Any tips what to buy? Any tips for kid to follow to take care of them?

They probably won't live till the morning since you don't have a tank with aerators ready.

[Anonymous]

Get some "sea monkeys" when they croak. Remember those in comic books?

[Anonymous]

Get your kid a dog

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well my son came home from camp with a fish in a soda bottle crafted terrarium. We put him in a fish bowl we had. No filter. The fish lived for years!

Was it a goldfish?

I don't support any kind of fish or living thing being sent home from a fair or camp to unsuspecting parents.

But there are species of fish, particularly bettas and guppies that are far hardier than goldfish. Was it one of those?