Hello! Welcome to the March edition of Dr. Pet Mom’s Delightful Pet Menagerie (DPM) Newsletter. Spring is here! And it’s a great time to find new hobbies and new adventures. I’m interested in pet fish and reached out to a pet fish hobbyist.
I interviewed fish hobbyist, Camille Bates. She works for the Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS). Their motto is “Where all roads lead home…”
MARS serves pets and pet parents to find homes for lost, forgotten or abandoned animals. MARS rescues at-risk dogs and cats who are homeless through no fault of their own.
Basic Pet Fish Facts
- Fish need special equipment, aquarium cleaning each month, and food to stay healthy. Goldfish, angelfish, and betta fish thrive in cooler fresh water. Tropical fish prefer warm water.
- Betta fish and goldfish tolerate a variety of water chemistry. They are healthier than other fish. But overfeeding is a common mistake made by pet fish parents.
- Tapping on the tank will stress out your goldfish. Goldfish have internal ears, (otolith) which allow them to hear. Hearing you tapping on their tank will stress them out.
- Fish became indoor pets in 1853 in London, England, when aeration and the filtration of water was finally understood.
4 Myths About Fish
- Goldfish are happy living in a fish bowl. Wrong. A fish bowl lacks proper filtration, aeration, and water volume to dilute waste. Goldfish have no space to grow. A fish bowl is a home for ammonia- and nitrite-converting bacteria.
- Catfish will keep your tank clean. Wrong. Catfish are predators, not scavengers. They should not eat feces of other fish.
- Snails are bad. Wrong. Snails land in your aquarium as eggs on plants – it’s almost impossible to get rid of them. Snails consume uneaten food and other waste in your fish tank.
- Small 2, 3, or 5 gallon fish tanks make good beginner tanks. Wrong. Tiny tanks are very high maintenance and prone to failures. Only very advanced pet hobbyists should use tiny tanks. Good beginner fish tanks are always in the 15-30 gallon range.
Interview with Fish Hobbyist, Camille Bates
Camille Bates is the Finance and Marketing Manager for Midwest Animal Rescue & Services (MARS). She was a beta reader for my book and shared her knowledge with other pet fish parents.
Camille has spent her life surrounded by everything the Twin Cities has to offer and has a strong passion for integrating our furry family members into our daily lives.
Growing up, Camille was immersed in rescue and dedicated her spare time to volunteering. Motivated to be a force for change, Camille graduated top of her college class at 18.
She has had a strong heart and passion for the betterment of animals since a young age and actively pursued those passions. She has focused her goals in life to make a difference in the lives of animals.
When not at MARS, Camille enjoys spending time with family, friends, and taking her foster dogs out and about with her. She also enjoys cooking, home improvement projects and online gaming.
Enjoy Camille’s interview below!
Many people think that taking care of fish is easy. What do you think?
It takes more work than is believed. Doing about 25% water changes weekly is good for the fish. Work includes helping to remove stuff like ammonia and keeping nitrite/nitrate levels in check.
People also commonly overestimate the value of a gallon of water. For example, the keep bettas in a bowl or one gallon tank when bettas should at least be in a five gallon tank.
Do you have tropical (saltwater) fish or freshwater fish? How long have you been a fish parent?
I have freshwater fish. Saltwater fish are trickier or more expensive to take care of. I’ve been a fish parent for over a decade.
What are the best things about pet fish parenting?
Honestly I’d say just watching fish swim around the tank when they’re happy, or begging for food. I feed my fish at night, and every night I see them swarm at the top begging for some food.
It’s hilarious to see these little things swim around with such big personalities!
What fish are good for a beginner?
If you want a lone fish, I’d suggest a betta. If you want a community tank though, probably guppies, platys, and/or mollies.
Is there a typical diet for any fish? Or does it depend on the species?
It really depends on the species. You should know what is safe for them to eat, and what isn’t. I’d highly recommend doing research to find out.
Which type of fish can live together? What fish can not live together?
Most peaceful fish species can live together. When it comes to aggressive, or semi-aggressive fish, it really depends. You should be careful what you put together, and observe your fish’s behavior before adding more fish.
Another thing to really consider are water parameters, all fish have different water parameter requirements. Some species can adapt, others are more sensitive. Again, I highly recommend research first.
What about the size of an aquarium? Is a big tank better than a small tank?
It depends on the fish species, and how many you want. Like a 50 gallon tank for one betta isn’t realistic. But if you want 10 each of guppies, neon tetras, and mollies, a 10 gallon tank isn’t going to be big enough.
Tank size depends on the fish species and quantity, as well as your price budget.
Smaller tanks use smaller decor, less gravel, smaller water vacuum, etc., all of which you’d need more of for a larger tank, which would cost more money.
Is a fish bowl good for goldfish?
No, this is a huge misconception and big pet peeve among true fish hobbyists/keepers. Goldfish can actually get as large as koi fish, and live for just as long – around 20+years.
Is a fish bowl good for any type of fish?
I’d say this is the biggest misconception, I (and the fish community) cannot stress enough that fish (like any other living creature) need plenty of space to live!
Imagine how you’d feel living in a one room apartment packed with furniture, with no escape.
What’s the most difficult type of fish to care for?
I couldn’t say. I haven’t tried my hand at the more difficult species. I’d say the more difficult fish are the ones that are more sensitive to changes in water quality/parameters, like a discus fish.
How much does it cost to maintain pet fish each month?
Monthly costs I’d say is pretty much just your water bill from doing water changes on your fish tank(s). Next after that though would be based on fish food, and water conditioner.
What’s a good source to learn about fish care?
As far as actual books, I’m not sure. When it comes to websites, I make sure to do my research, cross-referencing different sources and info.
What’s your best advice for successful pet fish care?
My best advice would be to always do your research before getting fish, so you’re best prepared to bring them to your home.
And also, be honest with yourself. Set yourself up for fish keeping success from the get go, not to your “ideal”expectations.
Thanks for your time, Camille!
Dr. Pet Mom
“No human being, however great, or powerful, was ever so free as a fish.”
–John Ruskin
Book Update for 2023
It’s time for a short break from launching my comprehensive pet guide. Now I plan to release the book in time for the holiday season.
I’m switching gears to work on a short book based on my Delightful Pet Menagerie newsletter. The book will be released in early July. Stay tuned for more details.
Thanks for stopping by!
Dr. Pet Mom
“Some days you’re the dog, some days you’re the hydrant.”
–Unknown
“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.”
–Bernard Williams