Where to get Gold fish from?

[aysh]

Does any one knows if the pet shop in Ed sells gold fish? I want to surprise my toddler?

He is almost 2, do you think he is too young?

Thanks

Aysh

[shaunag]

Yes I think he's too young depending on his personality. We looked after my aunts goldfish as kids when she went on holiday. Walked into the room as my 2 year old bro walked out-fish was on the sideboard flapping about. He survived that but not my aunts kid sharing her Rice Krispies as she didn't think the flakes tasted good...

[SE22mum]

why not take him to the aquarium at the Horniman to see if he is really interested?

[FairlawnPTA]

I have been asked my my sister to get my niece a Robofish for Christmas. Not seen it up close, but it claims to provide the enjoyment of a real fish, without the hassle (and more child friendly). Can even play with it in the bath.

Fish in a bowl is about ?20 so probably similar cost to the real thing....

[Saffron]

We've had a fishtank since my daughter was around a year old. Go for zebra fish or similar danio type small fish. They're hardier and won't outgrow a small tank like most gold fish. Get a proper tank with a small filter, so you'll need to change the water less often, less hassle. The pet shop in Ladywell has very knowledgeable staff in the fish room. Good luck!

[Strawbs]

we had the same thought for our 2 year old but I went with the Robo fish in the end just to see how many times it ends up on the floor! got is off amazon for ?24 and santa shall be delivering it this year. x

[Mrs TP]

Not ED but there is a good pet shop in the basement of the Glades in Bromley (to the right of Boots if you stand outside Boots looking at it). You have to wander right into the pet shop but they have loads of fish tanks over in the far right corner and sell everything you would need.

[dollydaydream]

There is a fish pet shop in Croydon next door to where Lloyds bank used to be on top

of BHS called Aquazoo

Sells everything you need for your fish, tanks, filter, food etc.

and a pet shop in West Wickham nr the Swan pub on the crossroads next door to Sainsburys.

[winslow]

There's a pet shop in the indoor market in Peckham, near the station, they sell fish. There's also Phoebes in Catford or Supreme Animal Foods in Lewisham. I would recommend Supreme Animal Foods they provide lots of advice and the fish are very healthy.

[emahoney64]

There's a big fish shop in Crystal Palace.

[Michael58]

My children loved watching the fish from when they were very little. Very relaxing for them.

There?s a shop in Crystal Palace.

[natty01295]

Or try - Petsathome old Kent road Or vets for pets - same location

[ludoscotts]

Can recommend the one in crystal palace, don't know if we were really unlucky but when we have got fish from peckham they have died within a month or 2. Switched to crystal palace and didn't so anything different and they lasted a few years! If you want a tank I was about to throw ours out. It will need a bit of scrubbing as it's got a lot of alge inside from having to keep it in direct sunlight for,last couple of months. But when our last fish died we decided not to restock. If you want it you are more than welcome just sen me a pm for address. It's a nice size tank with light( bulb just replaced last month) and filter etc. Be fine with a good clean out.

[natty01295]

Don't feed fancy goldfish flakes its not good for there swim bladder,

Bloodworm, sinking foods,tetra fresh delica,daphia,shrimp, peas,veg etc is best Foods, a for fancy goldfish

[nunheadmum]

Can anyone tell me roughly what's needed for keeping a fish - kit, cost etc. My youngest is desperate to get one (would like a dog / cat / hamster but is pitching her ask strategically!). I know nothing about keeping them but if we did get one, I know I'd want to do it right.

[Gubodge]

I agree with Ludo that the Peckham Market aquarium store should be avoided. We bought a fish from there that died within less than 48 hours.

[natty01295]

No (Gubodge)

I have bought fish there and they lasted years, they Care/look after them very well

At Peckham indoor market, I shop there very friendly helpful staff,

Tanks are kept clean and they use tester kits, to monitor water waste levels

[cazbee]

I visited the Peckham Market pet shops recently and I think the one that sells the fish has recently changed hands. There is now also an alarming array of reptiles and other creatures in there - snakes, tarantulas, scorpions etc. Eek!

[Saffron]

A medium-sized tank is easier to keep than a small tank. Small tanks need frequent water changes and are easily overstocked. Stick with freshwater until you've had some experience before setting up a saltwater tank.

Don't overfeed, don't overstock. Small, freshwater, coldwater fish that school look nice and are easy to keep. Always check that the adult size will be suitable for your tank, if fish are likely to grow. As a guideline, 1-2cm of fish per 1 litre of water. This is a good resource: http://forum.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/showthread.php?t=26489. You'll need a pump/filter, and shelter - can be real or fake plants, or decorations etc suitable to your fish type.

If you choose warm water fish (ie, tropical freshwater) you must get a heater and keep the water at an appropriate temperature. British homes are too cold not to heat the tanks for tropical fish. Fish are sensitive to temperature, and will easily become sick and die at the wrong temperature.

Avoid fish that are territorial or aggressive. They need more tank space and often bully and injure other fish.

The petshop in Ladywell (Supreme Animal Foods, 324-328 Lewisham High St,London SE13 6JZ) generally gives good advice and has fair prices.

Use the correct amount of water conditioner, and do a ~30% water change every other week. Only clean the gravel 1/month.

On second thought, a cat might be easier...

[nunheadmum]

Thanks Saffron. I'd love a cat and so would the kids but eldest is allergic. I think my youngest is pitching her ask at a level she thinks may be more successful - without realising that size doesn't necessarily correspond with ease of care!