fish size poll?

[mudskipper]

I hate having to give up fish because of that. The thing is, i know the right homes. once the lfs gave be a 15" oscar, wich i kept overnight just to get it to the science teachers 125 gallon. I can't drive yet, so i had to call up my freinds, and carry a heavy 10 gal tub (w/ oscar) all the way across town, and up the stairs, to the 3rd floor. everyone was asking (what the f*** was in that tub, and why, but the oscar has been happy with a pacu, long nosed gar and small plecoo as tankmates for over a year.

 

[RadleyMiller]

I don't mind grow out tanks if they are growing out for a show tank that you already have. However, I am not a fan of grow out tanks that are the main tank because there is always a what if you cannot get a bigger tank. That is a big problem with a lot of people, whether money is tight, you don't have any room, your parents or spouse say no, or you just loose intrest in the hobby (like that would ever happen) So if you are growing out to add to the new tank that if fine, but not for a tank you are going to buy, because I sell fish too and I know that usually doesn't happen.

 

[Mourinho18]

I noticed there is a split of opinions regarding adult fish size versus tank size and I'm curious where you stand on this issue. I see alot of comments that imply that it's wrong and even irresponsible to house a juvenile species in a tank too small to house it's adult size. Having sold fish for years, I don't understand the problem. Putting a few juvenile Oscars, a Green Terror and a 3" Clown Knife in a 30 gallon tank is completely acceptable to me as long as it's understood that one day, these fish will outgrow their surroundings.
At that time, what's wrong with bringing these fish back to the pet shop or trading them privately for smaller fish? To me, that's part of the fun of fish keeping.
I don't get it.

There is no problem with it imo, but a lot of people don't agree. We'll just all have to agree to disagree on this subject and leave it at that.

There's nothing wrong with a grow out tank as long as it's understood that it's just that, and there is a plan for them in the future.

fish are pets like dogs and cats . would you go buy a st bernard living in a studio apt ? its irresponsible pet keeping

What if you're going to move into a nice house with a large yard in 2-3 months or even 6 months down the road. The St. Bernard is still a puppy when it's 6 months, def. not full grown at 2-3 months. So living in a studio apartment is acceptable for the time being until you move. Same with fish.

 

[joel]

i can agree with both sides. is it better for an oscar to be put in a 40g or is it better off in the 10g tank in the pet shop. half the people on this forum keep fish that get to large for there tanks, but that doesn't stop us from buying. i personally have a few fish that will get to large for my 150g but thats not gonna stop me. what would you rather see a silver arowana in a 150g or a 55g? most average aquariasts have tanks no larger then 75gs. so everyone keep that in mind.

 

[Zoodiver]

I depend on grow out tanks. I agree with most that they need to be used as a tool.
I also take the stand that you shouldn't buy a fish if you can't house it for it's entire life.

 

[sandtiger]

What if you're going to move into a nice house with a large yard in 2-3 months or even 6 months down the road. The St. Bernard is still a puppy when it's 6 months, def. not full grown at 2-3 months. So living in a studio apartment is acceptable for the time being until you move. Same with fish.

The thing is, plans change and anything can happen between now and then. Lets say something happens and you find you cannot move to the house with a big yard, then you are stuck with a St. Bernard in a studio apt. If you're moving in 3 months just wait three months to buy the dog. Same with fish. I see people all the time saying "I have an oscar in a 10g but will buy a larger tank in a couple months". Why not just buy the oscar AFTER you buy the big tank. What if you break a leg and need to spend money on that? Or what if you total your car? Or what if you get fired? Then you're stuck with that oscar in a 10g.
Now, as for growout tanks, I have no problem with that. I have a rockbass growing out in a 29g, I have his 75g already setup with other fish in it, the problem is that the fish in it can eat him so I grow him out. I am also growing out a severum to live with my oscar. Well what if my oscar does not like him? I have a spare 40g sitting downstairs...problem solved. If you already have the backup plan established then I have no problem with it.

As for trading in fish to the LFS, it depends IMO on the species. Something like a 12" oscar will have a difficult time finding a home. Opposite that, large clown loaches are in pretty high demand in most places so trading them in is IMO alright.

 

[chrisdef15]

What if you're going to move into a nice house with a large yard in 2-3 months or even 6 months down the road. The St. Bernard is still a puppy when it's 6 months, def. not full grown at 2-3 months. So living in a studio apartment is acceptable for the time being until you move. Same with fish.

If your 100% sure you can look after its needs for life go for it but fact is going off all the trade ins at your average LFS that most people dont ever get that bigger tank (or house).

 

[~A betta named Mowgli~]

It's irresponsible because if you have that many fish that grow that large in a 30 gallon tank, they will either get stunted or will die of overcrowding. EVEN when they're young. Those fish produce A LOT of ammonia. More than you think.

Maybe if you got a 75 gallon for their grow out tank, that would be fine.

But it is irresponsible.

 

[rallysman]

It's irresponsible because if you have that many fish that grow that large in a 30 gallon tank, they will either get stunted or will die of overcrowding. EVEN when they're young. Those fish produce A LOT of ammonia. More than you think.

Maybe if you got a 75 gallon for their grow out tank, that would be fine.

But it is irresponsible.

I wont agree with that. With massive amounts of filtration and new water there wont be any adverse effects as a growout (unless it's ridiculously crowded with something like 20 oscars)