Looking for a pet? T Goldfishry a


Story by Chris McDaniel P


arents who want to teach their children the responsiblity of owning a pet, but who don’t


want the hassle of a four-legged friend, may want to consider get- ting a fish. “They don’t poop on your floor or


chew up your shoes,” said Ian Reed, a Yuma-area fish aficionado. When he was about five, Reed


won a goldfish at the county fair. He named it Biggie. “I had that goldfish for seven years,” he said. “He was a survivor.” Biggie introduced Reed to the


chores that come along with owning a fish, including keeping the water clean and feeding it regularly.


“You had to feed it everyday,


clean the tank every week and there is upkeep you have to continue,” he said.


He would become a lifelong fan of


aquarium fish, and even now as an adult keeps an aquarium in his house. The first fish Reed bought was a


Siamese fighting fish, also known as a betta in the United States. He recommends that species for first- time fish buyers as it is known to be hardy and can survive in small tanks with no equipment. “That is the good thing about that


fish,” he said. “It is small and you don’t need any kind of filter. You do have to feed it, but all you have to do is change the water once a week. It’ll probably cost you $20 to get a betta with a tank.” It is important to note that bettas are aggressive fish and should be


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kept alone in their tank, Reed said. Since his childhood, Reed has continued to own several varieties of fish. He even once owned and maintained a saltwater fish tank, although he said that took a significant investment in time and money as saltwater tanks are more expensive to maintain than freshwater tanks. Reed uses several tools, including


water conditioners, ammonia remover and an activated filter carbon to maintain a healthy environment for his four fancy goldfish that live in a 30-gallon tank in his living room. He also pointed out the importance of feeding the fish in proper amounts. “I feed these twice a day in small


amounts, but most people feed them once a day in the morning,” he said. He feeds in small amounts


because any extra uneaten food “puts a lot of nitrate in the water,” which is bad for their health. Reed enjoys the natural beauty


and serenity a fish tank affords. “It is aesthetically pleasing,” he


said. “If you keep the tank clean, it is like feng shui. It is very pleasant


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to hear the sound of running water. I used to have it in my bedroom and it helped me fall asleep. I would highly recommend it.”


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Photo by: Bill Butler


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