Question:
I’m looking at owning some fish so I was just wondering if a heater, filter etc. Is essential when getting something like a gold fish or a siamese fighting fish?
Also, I have cats so I was wondering if you have any recommendations on how to deal with keeping my fish safe or if I should not own fish at all?
Answer:
A heater is required to keep most tropical fishes unless of course, you live in the tropics where the water temperature can be naturally maintained at 24-28degC.
A filter is necessary to detoxify the wastes produced by fish in a confined water body, unless if the stocking density is as low as occurs in nature and if there are other methods to detoxify the wastes.
Speak with your local fish store for advice that fits exactly what your budget can meet. Remember, the larger the tank, the easier it is to keep.
A heater is never a bad idea, even for coldwater tanks. It’s not so much about keeping the water warm as it is about keeping the temperature stable. Stability is key for any aquarium. And as for a filter, yes, every tank needs filtration of some sort. Without it there to remove waste the water quality has nowhere to go but down.
You know it’s pretty popular in pop culture to see a cat trying to get at fish in an aquarium, but I’ve never actually experienced this. Mine rarely even seem to notice there’s anything in the tank. Same goes for everyone I’ve known with cats and fish. I’m sure someone has had a problem with it, but I think it’s actually pretty rare.
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I have a client who told me her fish fully freaked out her cat when the fish bit the paws.
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