So for context my boyfriend got two Goldfish on a whim from his boss at his previous work.
I immediately warned hom that maintaining a tank is a lot more expensive and a lot of effort than he thinks.
He said alright bet and we started them in a 30L tank. Got an airstone and filter, later one a heater for the winter. Got dechlor and bacteria for the water and so on. We soon added two plecos (one unfortunately passed, never found the remains or anything, he was just gone so I'm suspecting some cannibalism). I admit we've made some mistakes here and there and I'm very sorry for it but we've learned. The Goldfish were thriving and I later bought a 60L tank on special. We've also went through 3 filters, looking to get a new one since the suction power on our current one is not working well anymore. We also added a Hillstream loach sometime after the missing/very likely deceased pleco. Not 100% sure on the timeline though.
It's been two years now, and I haven't regretted it for a single day. I only wish I could give them better. We live with parents and the space is pretty limited in our room (I don't want to move the tank elsewhere in fear of possible neglect, my mother's dogs knocking the stand over and just general piece of mind).
I wish I could say my boyfriend cares for them as much as me but not really. If I don't regularly clean the tank then they probably wouldn't have lasted as long. He feeds them at least.
I'm not sure of the genders of the Goldfish but there are no eggs on sight so that's good for now.
I'll also add some pictures maybe yall can help with that. I've googled the gender shapes and stuff and it seems like it's a male and female possibly.
Anyway back to my title. I've lost 2 childhood dogs shortly before we got them, and sadly had to say goodbye to another one a year after. I was massively depressed and work wasn't going well and all in all I've been dealing with the worst depressive episode I have had in a long time. Having the fish to take care of really helped me to get up and take care of myself too.
I never imagined myself loving an aquarium so much. Did anyone else get it on a whim and absolutely fall in love?
Posted by Flunkboii
2 Comments
Glad to hearing, bless.
if you add real planta the tank Will be cleaner and fishes happier. Try cola de zorro and other easy ones. I’ll be fun for you too.
Glad that your fish are bringing you peace and healing, and that you’re giving them the best life you can in return.
I never expected to be so involved with aquariums again from just getting my partner a betta two years ago, but it brings a sense of purpose and tranquility to my life that’s hard to fully explain.
Depression can be rough, but I think caring for animals shows us that life is more beautiful than it is painful 💜