How to keep a fish alive

Whether you’re in a dorm or an apartment with strict pet rules or just a newbie fish enthusiast, this fun and comprehensive guide will teach you how to keep fish alive and thriving. From my own journey as a former fish killer to a step-by-step guide for successful fishkeeping, you’ll find everything you need right here.

The Fish Killer Chronicles: Learning from Past Mistakes

Let me be honest with you – I used to be a serial fish-killer. But fear not! From my unfortunate experiences, I’ve learned valuable lessons on how to keep fish alive. So, if I can do it, so can you!

Step 1: Choosing the Right Tank and Equipment

To keep your fish alive and well, you need to provide them with the right environment. Let’s explore the essentials of a proper fish tank setup.

Tank Size Matters

When choosing a tank, always remember that size matters. A good rule of thumb is to provide one gallon of water per inch of fish. But this is just a starting point, as some fish require more space due to their size, swimming habits, or territorial behavior.

Filtration, Heating, and Lighting

A quality filter, heater, and proper lighting are essential for keeping the water clean and free of harmful toxins, maintaining a stable water temperature, and ensuring a comfortable environment for your fish.

Step 2: Cycling Your Aquarium and Preparing the Water

Before adding any fish, it’s essential to cycle your aquarium and establish a healthy colony of beneficial bacteria. This involves adding a source of ammonia and monitoring the water chemistry until the ammonia and nitrite levels drop to zero.

When adding water to the tank or fishbowl, never take it straight from the tap. Instead, pour some into a container and let it sit for at least 24 hours to allow any chlorine to dissipate.

Step 3: Selecting the Right Fish and Adding Them to Your Tank

Now that your tank is cycled, it’s time to choose your fish. Do thorough research on the species you’re interested in, considering factors like size, temperament, and compatibility with other fish.

When introducing your fish to their new home, be sure to minimize stress and prevent shock. Float the unopened bag with the fish in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature, then slowly add small amounts of tank water to the bag before gently transferring the fish to the tank.

Step 4: The Low-Maintenance Cleaning Routine

One of the biggest mistakes I made was obsessively cleaning my fish’s home. Embrace the bacteria and only clean the tank when necessary. Perform regular water changes (20-30% every two weeks) to remove waste and replenish essential nutrients. If you must clean the tank or bowl, only wipe down one side with a rag to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria.

Step 5: Proper Fish Care and Consistent Feeding

Feed your fish a high-quality diet tailored to their specific needs. Stick to a regular feeding schedule, giving your fish small amounts of food once or twice a day. I keep my fish Hector in the bathroom, so I see him often!

Keeping Fish Alive in a Bowl: A Closer Look

While a proper tank setup is always the best option, it’s still possible to keep fish alive in a bowl if you follow some essential guidelines. If you’re considering a fishbowl for your aquatic friend, here are some important tips to ensure their survival and wellbeing.

Choosing the Right Fish

Some fish species can handle living in a bowl better than others. Betta fish, for example, are hardy and can tolerate less-than-ideal conditions. Keep in mind that even Bettas will thrive better in a proper tank setup. Do thorough research on the specific needs and preferences of the fish you want to keep.

Opt for a Larger Bowl

A larger bowl (at least 2-3 gallons) is essential for providing more swimming space and maintaining better water quality. Smaller bowls are prone to rapid fluctuations in temperature and water parameters, which can stress fish and lead to illness.

Partial Water Changes

Water quality is crucial for the health of your fish. Perform partial water changes every 2-3 days, replacing about 25-30% of the water with dechlorinated tap water. This will help remove waste, maintain water quality, and keep your fish in a healthier environment. I have lived strong by this rule for a year now, and my little fish Hector has not died! That is a record!

Adding Live Plants

Incorporating live plants into your fishbowl can help improve water quality by absorbing toxins and providing oxygen. They also offer shelter, hiding spots, and a more natural environment for your fish. Some suitable plant options for a fishbowl include Java moss, Anubias, and Java fern.

Temperature and Lighting

Ensure your fishbowl is placed in a location with a stable temperature, away from direct sunlight or drafts. While most fishbowl inhabitants can tolerate a range of temperatures, it’s essential to research your specific fish’s requirements. Additionally, keep your fishbowl in an area with sufficient natural or artificial light, but avoid direct sunlight as it can lead to rapid algae growth.

Monitoring Water Parameters

While it’s more challenging to maintain stable water parameters in a fishbowl, regularly monitoring water quality is crucial. Test the water for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH to ensure a healthy environment for your fish.

By following these essential guidelines for keeping fish alive in a bowl, you can create a more suitable and comfortable home for your aquatic friend. However, remember that upgrading to a proper tank setup is always the best choice for the long-term health and happiness of your fish.

What do you think?

So, what do you think? Are you ready to give fishkeeping another shot? Or maybe you’re already a successful fish parent with some tips to share. Either way, we’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Good luck, and happy fishkeeping!

12 Comments

  1. avatar Jen says:

    ‘Don’t clean out the tank, like ever.’

    You have to have the fish in a tank. I’ve had many goldfish over the years and they always died within 2 days when I just had them in a bowl and never cleaned it out.
    Now I have 8 goldfish in a tank and I’m always cleaning it out like once a month. They have lived for 2 years since I got them and still going strong.

    • avatar Savanah says:

      The goldfish produce an amonia in their feces (thats what makes the tank stink) it is also toxic to the fish, thats why they say take out 10-20% at least of the water each week and replace it

  2. avatar concerned fishkeeper says:

    Kaitlyn, why don’t you do some research before you call those guys idiots? Yes, on rare occasions fish will survive in less than ideal conditions like yours, but they will not thrive. You may have gotten lucky with your fish, but what you did was just plain wrong and would normally kill the fish. And pet stores keep their fish in overcrowded tanks because a)it’s temporary and b)they make more money that way. It is still very bad for the fish, which is why a lot of pet store fish are often sick. You may very well be the most ignorant person to comment on this article.

  3. avatar kaitlyn says:

    some of yall are complete idiots..the 10 gallon this is complete bs..the pet stores keep like 30 of them in like 2 gallon tanks i had 3 in a 4 gallon tankand they lived for like ever….and livy they probly died by something else cause thats just not true AT ALL…

  4. avatar Annie says:

    Thank you for all your feedback.

    I wrote this from my experience. Obviously many of you have a different opinion and different experiences with fish. Thank you to those who have expressed their opinion while still being respectful to my views.

    I wrote this piece mainly for fun. But I can see that I may very well be wrong on many points. So thank you for your opinions and advice.

  5. avatar Fish Lover says:

    “When adding water to the fish bowl, don’t take it straight from the tap.”

    Tap water contains chlorine and Chloramine, a water treatment product will remove these from the water making it a safe environment for fish.

    “Don’t clean out the tank, like ever.”

    A fish tank requires cleaning and water changes on a regular basis. Final.

    “Be consistent in feedings. I keep Hector in the bathroom, so I see him often!”

    About the only good advise here

  6. avatar Livy says:

    Goldfish need AT LEAST 10 gallons of water per goldfish if a fancy goldfish, & 20 gallons per regular goldfish (yes, those 15c ones from the pet store). Goldfish are supposed to live 15+ years, so if they die after a year they probably weren’t happy. II learnt this the hard way, with my two goldfish who shared a 10gal. Stick to bettas in college, in the long-run much cheaper too! And better personality!

  7. avatar Taylor says:

    Wow. You would have to be an idiot not to clean out a fish tank. That’s the biggest reason why fish die in the first place. Bad water quality = introduction of diseases = DEAD FISH. Disease kills fish before hunger does.

  8. avatar Lana says:

    I don’t agree with #2. If you’re regularly maintaining the tank, it should be fine. I had two goldfish that lived for three years and I cleaned their tank on a weekly basis.

  9. avatar Rachel says:

    Sigh. I am THAT person who has killed a cactus.

  10. avatar Annie says:

    Can I just say it is slightly ironic that this post was approved, um now? Since my fish Hector died this week. However I still think these tips work, and Hector did live to be a year old. He simply was neglected the past few weeks and not fed enough due to being out of town too often and being ridiculously busy with finals. I am a bad fish mommy.

    And I agree with you Aleida, fish do have personalities!

  11. avatar Aleida says:

    I hope you know that there are products that get rid of chlorine in tap water for you and you didn’t just give your fishies tap water right from the get go.

    I’ve never had a goldfish but I do keep Bettas from time to time. We don’t really clean the tank, just refill the water when it starts getting close to half empty. My Bettas usually live 2 – 3 years which isn’t bad considering their short lifespan and how most are already at least a year old when they’re put up for sale.

    I don’t think fish get enough credit as pets. They each have their own personalities and if you take the time to get to know your fish, it’ll become apparent. They’re easy to take care of and make great pets for a dorm or someone who doesn’t have the time to commit to a dog or cat.

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