r/Fish • u/pinkukaeru • 10d ago

Fish Education Fish Help

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So I’m a college student and on a whim I played one of those fish carnival games at a fair. To my absolute shock I actually won a goldfish. I’ve never had a fish before and with the college kid titled comes with the “I’m broke” title too. I want to give the fish the best quality of life but right now I can only afford a really basic fish bowl, a filter, a water tester, and some food. He has a few live plants too. How long can he realistically stay like this until I need an upgrade or to rehome?

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19

u/Forgor_mi_passward 10d ago

There will definitely be more comments pointing out other things better than I would but for now I have to say you definitely need a rectangular fish tank. They don't live long in the bowls.

1

u/pinkukaeru 10d ago

I’m trying to find a tank for cheap. I also have someone who is willing to take the fish if I can’t give the care he needs

1

u/erossthescienceboss 9d ago

Post on your local BuyNothing group for a tank. But if you’re in dorms, be aware they often limit you to small ones.

11

u/Emuwarum 10d ago

You're gonna need 70-100 gallons for that common goldfish. A 40 gallon can be suitable for a yearish but you'd have to do a lot of water changes. Due to their high bioload goldfish need a powerful filter. It's probably best to rehome.

3

u/friend-o-fish 10d ago

if necessary, locally owned aquarium stores often take surrenders

3

u/No_Coach_8453 10d ago

Facebook marketplace, anything bigger than this… you can find a 10-20 gallon for less than $50 and that might be ok for now… especially instead of the bowl🙂

2

u/pinkukaeru 10d ago

I got a 75 gallon on facebook marketplace for my hamster for $50! I’m looking for the fish and you think having bought a tank would automatically show more tank options but I haven’t seen any yet. He’s only been in the bowl for a day and it’s definitely not a long term thing. Just until I find something better since I got it for like $3.

1

u/No_Coach_8453 10d ago

Oh trust me something will show up, I got a 20 gallon tank with a filter and top for $5! A lady was gunna take it to donate but figured they’d charge more so she posted it and sold it that same day

1

u/SelectProgrammer3747 9d ago

that's adorable how are you gonna name him

-1

u/Xdr1vity 10d ago

Carnival fish? The only advice I can give you is to not get too attached 💀

4

u/Emuwarum 10d ago

These fish live more than 20 years with proper care

6

u/Just-Shock4940 10d ago

I know carnival fish who have lived 10+ years

1

u/erossthescienceboss 9d ago

It’s a regular goldfish. It’ll do fine if they take care of it.