I remember quite clearly owning several goldfish during my childhood and once even added a big goldfish bowl to my lounge in my 20s. There were about four rather large goldfish in it. (I have since learned that this amount of goldfish were far too many).

They swam around happily for years.

Lately because I am not allowed pets (I am really not sure if goldfish qualify as a pet, since they leave no mess), I decided to get some goldfish.

I felt it was a rather fancy set up. Filter, large tank, special water stuff and the obligatory ornaments and plants.

Over a period of 2 weeks, I have lost and replaced a total of 5 goldfish. I am really shocked. Now it appears owning goldfish is a very scientific and expensive hobby. Who knew that you had to ‘turn over the tank’ before placing your fish and it can take up to two weeks. I have fancy sticks to test the water PH and I have an assortment of aids that keep the water up to par. I have bought two fancy filters in this short period as well as an array of medicines to treat various disorders that didn’t work at all.

This is a question of course. So, how come my goldfish that used to live in a bowl that I cleaned out when looking a bit grimy lived a happy life and this lot seem to die at the slightish environmental issue?

I had no filters, no dip sticks, and no medicines. I was even advised to take one fish to the vet, but alas he did not make it.

What has happened to goldfish lately? Or, is it the pet shop I am purchasing them from?

Topics: fish, pets, fishing, hobby, goldfish