Giving Fish Away...

[ahodge84]

Hello, folks. I haven't been around here (or any other fish forums) very long, but they have taught me much even though I have been in the hobby for awhile. One thing that I learned was that my pair of 5-6" Columbian sharks/catfish (aka black-finned sharks, etc.) would not only grow huge, but also needed to make a gradual transition to full saltwater. Since they were in a community tank and at the same time I did not want them to die, I did the best thing I could think of. I took them to my LFS. At the same time, I took my large hi-fin pleco (probably 8"+) because he would soon outgrow my tank and was being unpleasant to my big eclipse cat. Since I had all of these fish from the time they were very small, it ended up being a very difficult thing to do. I suppose I had never really thought about it, being concerned with the well-being of the fish, but I (strangely) miss them, especially the Columbians, who were among my most active and entertaining fish. The bit of store credit that I received (I will probably get a bristlenose when they arrive) didn't quite make me feel better.

But anyway, I just wanted to share my experience and express thanks to the community in general for helping to educate myself and others. If anyone is so inclined, I wouldn't mind reading about others' experiences with having to give up favorite fish.

 

[minxfishy]

Its always hard to give up a fish you become attached to and I find I get more attached to some than others. But you did the right thing for the fish and for that you should be proud of yourself as some people wouldnt, they would put their feelings first without regard for whats best for the fish. So well done, in future before buying any fish, have a good look around for their requirements (which Im sure you are now doing) and if your still unsure, just pop a post on here, there are always plenty of peeps about happy to advise you

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I had this a while ago with my Oscar. It wasn't that he was going to outgrow his home or anything like that, I knew how big he'd get and I had the tank for him and stuff. Then life just seemed to get in the way, our home situation changed and I didn't have the time to give him the care he deserved and he got poorly, I despised myself for not keeping on top of his maintenance and I was so upset. Thankfully with the right medication I was able to save him without any real harm done but once he was better I decided it would be best if I found a new home for him with someone who had the time to look after him properly.

still miss him now. one day I'll have an Oscar again hopefully.