What To Tell My Sister-in-law

[TammyLiz]

I have a sister-in-law who has a single white common goldfish that I think someone gave her. She had been keeping it in a bowl (probably less than a gallon) for quite a while, doing frequent water changes. She got a larger bowl for it as it got bigger but that broke. I went over there a couple of weeks ago and she had it in a plastic container, maybe holding a gallon of water. I'd estimate the goldfish is about three or four inches long, and it was gasping at the surface. She didn't realize that meant there was anything wrong. Since then she said she bought him an aquarium and added an airstone. Still no filter, but I think she does a lot of water changes. I haven't seen it but I think it is a 10 gallon aquarium--don't quote me on that. She doesn't want to get rid of the fish but she doesn't want to let it die but she doesn't want to get a large tank either. She also doesn't want it to be the only fish in the tank. I thought about suggesting whiteclouds but I was afraid the goldfish would eventually eat them. She wanted a "suckerfish" but when i told her plecos get to be a foot long and need a heater she decided that wouldn't be a good idea. I know there are smaller ones but they'd need a heater, too. I didn't suggest hillstreams because I don't believe they should be kept with goldfish (they are from rivers and need clean, flowing water, something that won't be found in a goldfish tank).

The thing is, the last thing I want to do is offend her by acting like a know-it-all, but I do think she wants the fish to live. What she wants is not possible, though. It will outgrow that tank or die young. Can anyone think of something good for me to say to her? I've already suggested that she get rid of the goldfish and get a few tropicals instead so she can have more than one fish, and they could be better suited for the size of the tank. But she said the only reason she has that tank is for the goldfish so it doesn't make sense to get rid of the goldfish now.

I don't know, its just something that eats at me and I guess I'm just looking for suggestions. Maybe someone here will have an awesome idea.

 

[demonmagus]

well you'll just have to tell her that it isn't possible to keep it in that tank tbh

 

[TammyLiz]

well you'll just have to tell her that it isn't possible to keep it in that tank tbh

Well, obviously it is possible. If you walk in to her bedroom it is there in the tank. It is possible to do anything you want with a fish, unfortunately. It is ultimately her choice. I was looking for something that might persuade her to do something better for it, without offending her, which wouldn't really do the fish much good, nor would it help strengthen my relationship with her. And she'll still be my sister-in-law (and somebody I care about) even after the fish's 20-40 year life expectancy is over.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

what about telling her that she could get a really nice 25 gallon tank for her living room and put another goldfish in there along with the one she has. tell her it would look really good or maybe just show her a picture of a big goldfish and or even take her to a petstore with a adult goldfish and then she will understand how big its going to get and maybe reconsider the tank size

 

[black angel]

Putting two into a 25 gallon isnt solving anything and giving them just 12.5 gallons each.

Can she get on to the forum so we can talk to her?

I dont really think it will make much difference whatyou say as to her the fish has plenty of room.
Maybe tell her the goldfish if allowed the room can get to over a foot long but as it is now will be lucky to grow any more.

For a mature goldfish you are looking at 50 gallons minimum anyway.

Take her to a garden centre that sell goldies and try and see if you can find any big pond fish that might change her mind.

Sometimes though its like banging your head on a wall.

Keep going on at her though and maybe google and see if theres any pics of large goldies

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

that was my idea black angel what about building a pond for her in her back yard? that may just solve the problem.