Good advice on stocking from the RSPCA

[dwarfgourami]

Thanks everybody. I rang the non-emergency line (thanks Wolf) and got the address to National Headquarters, so I'm going to write them a polite letter tonight. May not work, but I feel I should do something.
This book has gone through several editions, but none of the authorities who have put their names on the front page seem to have bothered to read it. Can't understand that with somebody like Dick Mills; I'd never ever endorse something in my own field without having checked it, I have too much professional pride.
Interesting to hear that the books about other pets are also problematic, I was wondering if it was just fish being shortchanged, because nobody cares about them.
Well, now we know where the let-the-water-in-your-new-tank-stand-for-2-weeks-to-age advice comes from: official advice from the RSPCA, no less. And that book is sold in pet shops, so we shouldnt' wonder if that is what people get told by the employees.

 

[morgan]

I just borrowed a book from the library and their stocking suggestions were high too! Much higher than I would be happy with. It also stated that the aquarium should be emptied each year and thoroughly cleaned before reassembling. Does anybody empty their tank on a yearly basis? I have not been fishkeeping for a whole year yet so I wondered. I would have thought regular water changes and filter maintenance was adequate. Also I would have thought that would be very stressful to the fish. I hope the second part of my post is not off topic as it deals with bad advice from books and I would really like to know if it is right.

 

[rdd1952]

It also stated that the aquarium should be emptied each year and thoroughly cleaned before reassembling. Does anybody empty their tank on a yearly basis?

I would definitely not do that. By emptying the tank and cleaning it, you would be destroying a great majority of your beneficial bacteria thus finding yourself needing to cycle the tank again. If the tank is fully stocked, that would be a disaster.

 

[GSD]

emptied each year and thoroughly cleaned before reassembling.

id say that was runnsih an weekly cleaning should be enough

 

[OohFeeshy]

5 tiger barbs
2 pairs black mollies
2 pairs guppies
1 pair swordtails
1 pair pearl gouramis
2-3 corydoras (bronze or peppered)
2 pairs platies
2 small angelfish

Wow, I can have a lot
Its very silly. If I had enough tanks to stock all of that comfortably, I'd probably put all that in a 20 and see how overcrowded it looks. That is rather an overkill, and if they're looking for fish that make the tank look full, then fast moving fish like danios are good.

 

[MegTheFish]

I find it funny how they say "small angel fish". There is not such thing as a small angel, they all grow pretty big, too big for a 20 gallon. They could mean to get them while they are young, and when they outgrow the tank find a larger tank for them, but I doubt they say that. They are saying to put about 26 fish in there. Thats pathetic. And why would they say "black" mollies, I don't think it really matters what color they are?

 

[OohFeeshy]

Yep Meg, I was going to say that about the angels. Its like when they say 'suitable for one small goldfish'. Ummm... Riiight . Also when they say x 'pairs' of y, surely they should take into consideration male/female ratios and fry? Becasue 6 months or so later, you're likely to have twice the amount of fish.

 

[FalconStorm]

Does anyone know if there are ANY good, beginner books out there? Any that discuss cycling and bioload? I was wondering, because I'm a fairly decent writer and was thinking it might be a good idea to pitch to a publisher to publish a *good* beginner book for tropical fish, of course, gone over by several experts, if possible. Possibly one for saltwater too, if they have the same problem. With the right publisher, it could really clear up a lot of misconceptions and help lots of beginners to get the right information first.

 

[dwarfgourami]

"I find it funny how they say "small angel fish". There is not such thing as a small angel, they all grow pretty big, too big for a 20 gallon."

Yes, you can be sure I point that out in my letter!

 

[Miss Dib Dabs]

"I find it funny how they say "small angel fish". There is not such thing as a small angel, they all grow pretty big, too big for a 20 gallon."

Yes, you can be sure I point that out in my letter!

My Mother saw my fish today. She'd like to keep angels and even she knows they'd need a much bigger tank then I currently have. She hasn't kept fish for 30 years! Makes me think they've been working on premises older then even that. I'd love a really good sized tank (Even have the perfect spot dammit) but I can't afford one as yet and I think I need a lil more experience with the little one.
Sorry went a bit astray there. My point really being, if my Mum who knows less then me about fishkeeping has more common sense than a book published by supposed experts! No wonder beginners tend to go totally wrong and give up fast!
Hugs,
P.

 

[hello kitty]

kick their ass with your letter!