For many people first getting into fishkeeping, few take the time to even consider if fish are the right pet for them.
All too often fish are purchased impulsively with little regard to their requirements. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the new fish keeper though. I mean, how hard can it be right? Grab a tank, fill it with water, put a fish in it, and feed it a couple times a day. Afterall, the kid at the pet store said you’ll be good to go, so what’s the issue.
Now while that is actually true, generally speaking, there is much more that often doesn’t get considered at the time of purchase and will more often than not lead to the fish dying. And perhaps equally as tragic is that you may lose interest in fishkeeping after a couple failed attempts shutting yourself off to a world of wonder and delight.
Some things to consider before running off to the pet store
Fish keeping requires work, yup that right, like actual work. Between the feeding, cleaning, water changes, and testing your water parameters, you’ll find yourself much more involved than you perhaps planned to be. Fish aren’t just a thing that can be ignored and be expected to thrive even yet survive. Taking care of fish will most certainly require a commitment on your part.
Moving with a fish tank
If your living arrangements aren’t stable you may want to hold off as well. Imagine trying to move with a big tank of water splashing around all while ensuring that your filter media and substrate don’t dry out and remain fed. This is important as it will kill off the beneficial bacteria and you’ll have to cycle your tank again. Also, a tank as small as 20 gallons will weigh in around 225 lbs. If you’re moving a tank or 2 to a new home around town, you’ll be fine. However, if you’re planning a move several hours away much more planning will have to take place.
Vacationing with pet fish
Are you planning a vacation? You can’t bring your fish with you and you can’t kennel them either. You’ll have to have a plan in place because your fish will be home alone waiting for your return. Who will feed the fish? Who will change the water? Who will be there to handle an aggressive fish, illness, or a power failure? Hopefully, you have a friend who is also familiar with keeping fish that can assist. Your neighbor, although the most convenient, may not understand the importance of some of the mundane tasks as you now do.
Lifespan of fish
Fish can live from several years to over 10 years. Are you prepared to look after a fish for that long? Did you know that the oldest goldfish lived to 43 years old? His name was George btw. Or how about an Australian Lung Fish that lived to the ripe old age of 84 at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Make sure that you research the fish you are thinking about so that you can be ready for that commitment.
Expenses of have fish for a pet
Keeping fish is not cheap. There are many expenses that you’ll start to accumulate over time. After you consider the cost of the tank, the substrate, lighting, filter, heater, and of course the fish, there will be on-going costs. Running all this equipment will use electricity, and depending on the set-up you have it can be a substantial amount. You’ll have to buy food, water conditioner, filters, gravel vac, etc. The moral of the story is that the amount you spend on your initial purchase can easily double before you know it.
Pet fish and kids
Do you havekids? A lot of first-time fish owners will get a fish for their kids. Now Ifully support bringing more people into the hobby and exposing our children tofish keeping but kids don’t make the best aquarists. A common result of leavingfish in the care of children is over feeding. Over feeding will quickly poisonthe water with ammonia resulting in the death of the fish. This is especiallytrue in smaller tanks and in newly set up aquariums. Be prepared to monitoryour kids and educate them on the care of their fish until you are comfortablewith leaving them this chore. Also, unless your child is extremely responsible don’texpect them to remember to do water changes and vacuum the gravel. This will likelyfall on you as well. Furthermore, depending on how you choose to cycle yourtank it will require the use of chemicals. Even in a fish-in cycle you’ll beconstantly testing your water parameters by use of chemicals.
Fish aren’t like other pets
Fish areboring. Well I definitely don’t think so but you may. If you’re used towrestling with your dog and cuddling with your cat you may become bored whenall you can do is look at your fish. Heck, even some birds can talk and a petspider can crawl around in your hands. Don’t expect your fish to give you thesame level of attention.
Fishkeeping positives
Ok, hopefully I didn’t scare you away from becoming a fish keeper, that certainly wasn’t my intention after all. With that said I’ll close with some positives.
Fish are by far the least needy of all pets. They don’t require walks and you don’t have to pick up their poop from the grass. They are also very quiet and don’t take up much space. No need for baby gates or to keep your fish from jumping on the couch and or visitors.
Fishkeeping is a very rewarding hobby and fish are also really relaxing to watch. I love to sit back and just observe during feeding time. You’d be surprised how much personality they can have as well. My Corydoras actually make me laugh on occasion watching the way they interact with their world and other fish.
Oh, and a well-maintained aquarium can be a beautiful focal point in your home. My tanks are always conversation starters when having visitors. Taking care of an aquarium also does a great job of teaching children responsibility, compassion, and an appreciation for nature.
Conclusion
Over time your appreciation for the hobby will grow and you’ll start to actually enjoy some of the work that’s involved. Most experienced fishkeeping hobbyist would tell you that what was once considered work is now quality time with your aquatic friends.
We haven’t even begun to scratch the surface of fishkeeping either. Before long you’ll be experimenting with plants, different lighting, different substrates, tank mates, trying new filters and ways of heating your tank.
One more warning though, fishkeeping can be very addicting. Having one starter tank can quickly grow into the hunt for where you’ll put that 6th tank.
If you’re still here, I truly hope that you’ll consider fish as your next pet and I welcome you to the hobby.
