Cichlid lovers, what do you do?

[spartyblaze]

Hey, just a quick check - what does everybody do with their fish once they've outgrown their tanks?
I usually do what any aquarium nut would do (and according to my bank statement, the most expensive option) and BUY A BIGGER TANK for them. I've also passed a few onto friends, and my fish normally exterminates all others in their new home.

What about credit at LFS? What % do you normally get, on average? My local place refuses to buy or give credit for fish, which I personally take offense to - especially because I've spent thousands there in the past years..... But I'm considering switching because of this recurring problem.

Unfortunately, I don't have the time or space for a fish room, like Mojo's - but I just can't bear to let my babies go after watching them grow for so long....

 

[valerie]

an easy solution is just don't buy fish that you know will grow bigger then you are willing to accomidate.

 

[Kit Walker]

That is how I ended up with multiple tanks. However sometimes you just see a fish you want and need a change. There are many people with aquariums at my work, and recently I found a home for my 2 oscars. If you ask around at your work you may be surprised how many keen aquarists there are, and will be willing to look after unwanted fish. LFS will usually offer very little.

 

[goldfries]

hehe. buy a new tank for them.

but i guess the best rule is to know what you're getting.

 

[MoJo]

The pond. Any of the non-paired fish or fish that have outgrown the biggest tanks...get ponded.

 

[quantim0]

yes mojo, we're all lucky enough to have a pond in our basement.

i ususally give them to the lfs or a friend. but not usually because it's too big but because i want something new or the fish is creating problems in the tank.

 

[Wippit Guud]

Originally posted by MoJo
The pond. Any of the non-paired fish or fish that have outgrown the biggest tanks...get ponded.

I can just see it.... all these cichlids roaming in the pond, and "Jumbo" gets added. One of the established cichlids comes up to Jumbo...

Random Cichlid: What's your name, fish?

Jumbo: My name is Gladiator.

 

[Frameshift]

Originally posted by spartyblaze

What about credit at LFS? What % do you normally get, on average? My local place refuses to buy or give credit for fish, which I personally take offense to - especially because I've spent thousands there in the past years..... But I'm considering switching because of this recurring problem.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to sell full grown cichlids? I work at a LFS, and we only accept fish on donation because we lose money if we give store credit. They take up huge amounts of space, eat a ton, and take months to sell, if that soon. I would look at a LFS as a last resort for getting rid of fish, you have no idea of what kind of home they are finding. Do research before buying fish to learn the adult size of the fish and buy accordingly.

When I started in this hobby I had a oscar, JD, and firemouth in a 30 gallon tank with some danios and gouramis. I did the research and found out that a 30 gallon could not house them for long. I did the responsible thing and bought a large tank (100 gallon) and today my fish are happy and healthy.

I find it extremly irresponsible to buy a fish just to trade it in or give it away. Fish are a pet, like any other animal and buying one is a long term commitment.

[Edit:] After rereading my post it seem that I am thrashing spartyblaze, but I am not. I am thrashing irresponsible fish keepers around the globe.

 

[Serrateeth_2002]

i killed the fish that grew too big for the tank,not my fault since my dad bought it without consulting me,then i put it in a tank,lied about saying it died of disease,if i released it in the canals,he would kill me.

 

[fishlips]

I trade them in for credit. The place gives out one third of full value.