Curiosity101
Is now at University! :D
Here is what I've sent to the BBC, I'll amend slightly for the RSPCA
Basically in short...they may just hit the delete button. But I cringed as I watched that part of the program so gave in. Didn't take me too long to write.
I didn't sound too up myself did I?
I just wanted to point out the huge error made by the RSPCA in this particular episode.
Quote: "This is probably one of the cleanest fish tanks I've ever seen", normally the only 'visible' defect to a tank is algae, and this is not a good way to judge a suitable and safe living environment for a fish.
The water quality is what counts, and the level of toxins in the water is what is most detrimental. Ammonia and Nitrites which are the main two are clear and so not visible to the eye. There are also other contaminants (such as build up of inorganic materials and minerals that could be causing an issue if the system was just being topped up with water)
Also, algae can easily be suppressed by UV light, the tanks look like they might have UV on them, but at the same time they also look like they have live plants (and the UV would also kill the plants), so it may just be a blue bulb.
Quote "You've had them how long in here"
Quote "7 months, since we've opened"
Quote "And that's quite a long time to be honest for fish. Goldfish inparticular to survive so they're obviously very happy in that environment and he is providing everything they need"
Well frankly that's the biggest misconception fish keeping has ever held. Goldfish are related to carp, and if given the correct condition they should live to 20 years or so on average. This is not an exaggeration or a one off. This IS the average lifespan of a goldfish.
And having said that the inspector refers to ALL fish. I can assure you most fish have a lifespan of 2years minimum if given the correct care.
By correct care I mean, sensible diet, correctly sized living conditions, an adequate and cycled filter from the beginning and the correct tank mates.
Also one final thing, she said there was nothing to alert her about their living conditions. However these were comet goldfish. The goldfish should grow to more than 12" in their lifetime, judging by the proportions in comparison to the people and my familiarity with tank sizes I would estimate each tank is around 24" x 12" x 15" which is barely suitable for them as they are now. And is clearly not a suitable environment long term.
I'm not trying to suggest the inspector should have seized the fish, but this should have been mentioned as advice, just as earlier in the program she advised a dog owner of a more suitable way to discipline her dog.
I'm not enjoying complaining, but I couldn't actually just watch that and say nothing. See below for a list of websites backing up my complaint, these are not the only sources available, I just figured that was enough to make my point.
http/animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/goldfish/CometGoldfish.php
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Basically in short...they may just hit the delete button. But I cringed as I watched that part of the program so gave in. Didn't take me too long to write.
I didn't sound too up myself did I?
