The "giving up fish guilt"

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Natural_Born_Killer

Feeder Fish
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Dec 2, 2008
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I was wondering if anyone else gets this when you give away or trade in your fish?

Maybe its because I've only been the hobby just under a year, or maybe its something normal.. but I am struggling with the idea of giving up certain fish to make space for new fish...
 
Giving up a fish is hard, especially one that you have held onto a while is certainly difficult. I think that's a pretty common thread amongst most fishkeepers. I keep thinking about getting rid of my hypostomus because he's super agressive, but just can't seem to bring myself to do it - I've had it longer than any other fish.
 
I just get this guilty feeling... I wouldn't give up one of my cats to get a different cat.

And I hate the idea of them being "just a fish"....
But at the same time, in my tank I'd like to make some changes...
 
Some fish are part of my permanent collection.I buy alot at auction,keep for a while then if I decide I dont like them they go at the next auction.
 
I traded my tire track for a smaller one after my 100g busted. I thought it was the right thing at the time the guy I gave him to had a nice big tank he deserved but I completely regret it, and do feel guilty because I wonder if he's being well taken care of and happy (if he misses me as *** as that sounds). Sometimes I think I should have pawned off all my kids belongings and gotten a 600g plus tank instead :)

Some people look at their fish as a collection and some as pets I think thats what comes into play in with whether or not you feel guilty about a trade.
 
It can definitly be hard to give up a fish especially one that you've had for a long time and have become attached too. There are definitly fish that I have that I wouldnt give up at all and some that I would. When I get rid of one to get another I just think of the prospective of the new fish :D
 
I think your decision to give up fish all depends on what you have/might be coming. But depending on the circumstances just like any other animal gotta look out for the best for it.
 
meghanashley;3360617; said:
I traded my tire track for a smaller one after my 100g busted. I thought it was the right thing at the time the guy I gave him to had a nice big tank he deserved but I completely regret it, and do feel guilty because I wonder if he's being well taken care of and happy (if he misses me as *** as that sounds). Sometimes I think I should have pawned off all my kids belongings and gotten a 600g plus tank instead :)

Some people look at their fish as a collection and some as pets I think thats what comes into play in with whether or not you feel guilty about a trade.
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I totally agree. I worry that fish that I've babied and provided everything for will go to a home that doesn't care about it. I feel a real loss when I sell a fish. I do assign human emotions to them whether or not they can feel that way.
 
lol I don't really have to worry about this anymore, anybody who's too big for inside, goes outside. my pond is at 78 degrees right now and my above ground intex is a few higher but currently empty.

anybody who fights can be seperated into their own tank or a different tank.

but I understand the feelings of those who have to trade their fish in either for agression or space reasons.

Thus far I have had to give up only 2 fish. They were gsp's and I simply couldn't care for them the way they deserved to be cared for at the time. My buddy on the other had could and is still now. They are living happlily in a 125g fowlr full salt.

I'd say it was too difficult, but it really wasn't because I knew the home and could visit it and do often.

If I had to take my fish back to the lfs, then i would feel guilty because I almost feel like I rescue a fish every time I get one from most stores due to the tank size they are in at the store.
 
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