Bubble Eyed Goldfish

[fghtffyrobesity]

I recently bought a bubble eyed goldfish for a school project.

I read places that the water temperature for them should be around 72-78 degrees. My house is set at 68 and i have a hard time keeping the water around that temperature.

The bowl it is in is only 1 gallon and I could not find any heaters that would work for that size bowl.

How can I keep my fish happy?

Thanks.

PS. Also, I came home after a couple hours and the fish was laying at the bottom of the bowl, not moving too much. Is this normal behavior for the fish or is it because the water is too cold?

[emc7]

Was the light out? Fish sleep in the dark. If it still lethargic in the daytime, change some water (use dechlorinator (Prime) and match the temperature of the old water). To keep a fish alive in such a small container even for a short time, you may need to give it clean water every day. See if you can find a large plastic storage bin or tub that you can use as a makeshift tank to give the fish some space.

[fghtffyrobesity]

Right now he is in my living room which is filled with natural light and he is still just laying around at the bottom of the tank. I just got him today so I doubt his water would need cleaned already.

Is it because his bowl is small that he isnt moving around much?

[trashion]

Could be. Did you dechlorinate the water?

No fish belongs in a bowl. A Bubble-Eye goldfish needs a 20-29 gallon tank with very efficient filtration. And if you're keeping it in the bowl even temporarily, I would change all the water twice daily.

[fghtffyrobesity]

Yes, I did dechlorinate the water but I am not sure if I used the right ammount. It said to use 1 tsp. for 10 gallons. I have a 1 gallon bowl and dont have a 1/10 of a tsp so I just gave it 3 drops.

I dont have a 20 gallon tank and this is a classroom project in school and they would not have enough space for a large tank in there. I'm afraid my only option is a bowl.

Also, I would not have the time to clean it twice a day, only enough for the weekend.

What should I do? It really doesn't seem like my fish will last for a very long time under the conditions it is under.

[Obsidian]

It may not. I agree with the idea of at least getting it a larger tub to live in. I do not think the water is too cold as goldfish are coldwater fish. 68 is not unreasonable. I am betting it is a space issue, and it will quickly become a water quality issue. Even a rubbermaid container would be more than what you currently have.

What is the project?

[fghtffyrobesity]

The project is called "Alive and Satisfied"

You have to keep an animal alive for 9 weeks. It seems that this bubbled eye goldfish will not last that long however. I think I am going to take it back to the store tonight where I wont worry about it and it has a bigger tank.

What is a good fish to get that will survive in a 1 gallon bowl for 9 weeks.

I know its not good to keep them in a bowl, but it is my only option (plus, I already spent 20 bucks on everything and I dont really want to spend any more)

[Obsidian]

Betta They will work in that small of a bowl. It is not ideal, but it is better than putting a goldfish in one.

[fghtffyrobesity]

Alright. thanks. Betta where an option but the bubble eye just looked so cool, I got it without looking into it at all. My friend had one similar to it only it had its eyes on the bubbled. Im not sure what it was called however. It looked somewhat like a hammerhead in the way that its eyes were placed.

I suppose I will just go back to the store and return it to get a different fish.

Are there any alternatives to betta's that would live well in a 1 gallon bowl?

[trashion]

Nope. Just the betta. Even so, twice weekly water changes would be better than just the weekend. Only feed it every other day.

[vettech909]

a betta could be put in a 1gallon bowl.you would probly have to change the water every 3-5 days though.

[fghtffyrobesity]

Well, I just got back from the store with a red betta.

I am really not impressed with them. They are not very exciting and it just sits in the bowl. As long as it lives, thats all that matters. I really liked my bubbled eye though, but its better being in a big tank with other fishes.

Thanks for all of the help guys and gals.

[trashion]

They are when put in good conditions, which means a heater. I put a 7-watt hydor mini-heater in my mom's 1-gallon betta tank, and it was one perky fish! Might want to try that out. And remember, 2x weekly waterchanges as well.

Shame on your teacher though, I feel that's kind of an irresponsible project to give out. It's asking a lot of people to go out and get a pet just for a project. Doesn't really teach people about the joys of actually keeping pets, it's just keeping an animal alive for a grade.

[shade2dope]

Maybe your betta just sits there but in the right tank they really show there selfs,flaring bubble nest ect.

[fghtffyrobesity]

Originally Posted by trashion

They are when put in good conditions, which means a
Shame on your teacher though, I feel that's kind of an irresponsible project to give out. It's asking a lot of people to go out and get a pet just for a project. Doesn't really teach people about the joys of actually keeping pets, it's just keeping an animal alive for a grade.

I totally agree. I really wish we didn't have to do this, plus I dont trust the kids in the class room very much but I dont want to have to bring it home every week.

I will looking into getting one of those mini-heaters if I can find one around town.

Should I really only need it every other day? And if so, how much?

[Obsidian]

You have the option of telling your teacher that you disagree with the project and why. Does not mean he/she will take the project away but it does get your opinion voiced.

And everyone should make the teacher take all the "pets" when they are done, and make the teacher deal with the aftermath.

[trashion]

The best food is 'Hikari Betta Bio-Gold' in my opinion. Feed 3-5 pellets every other day.

[shade2dope]

I like betta pro better but that something you would need to find online.Also micro pellets and mini waffers are good too(made by Hikari).It would be nice if you could get some blood worms or some other frozen.but its seems that this is just for a class not somthing you wanted to do.

[Fishfirst]

I think you get an A+ for doing the right thing by researching what you have and for realizing the problems you would face with the fish you had chosen, and forgetting a betta as a replacement.

[fghtffyrobesity]

It seems that my betta is now refusing to eat. He just kind of floats around the bowl. I gave him some food when I first got him and he didn't eat it, then I fed him an hour ago and he still didnt eat.
Is this normal betta behavior or is something wrong with him?

Also, what is the correct temperature for a betta to be comfortable in?