Re: Novice with cloudy water HELP!
#11
I don't think anyone's intending to treat you like a child. However it is important that you understand that by continuing to keep them in current conditions they will not live a happy and healthy life. You are trying, I can see that, so please don't think that anyone feels otherwise. But unfortunately if a larger tank isn't feasible then you cannot hope to provide suitable conditions for your fish to live a happy, healthy life, and that point needed to be made. Just because the fish are alive and the tank is clean shouldn't be taken as a sign that all is OK. Many fishkeepers have started out in much the same way as you, so you're not alone. I started out with a smallish tropical tank which, on joining this forum, I discovered had approximately four times too many fish in it. Up to that point I had believed I was doing everything right and initially found it very hard to accept that I had gone so badly wrong and caused so much suffering to the fish. You're not the first to make these mistakes and you certainly won't be the last.
However angry you may be PLEASE DON'T consider just flushing them down the toilet! If you are unable to care for them and provide proper conditions, then the best thing you can do is find a suitable home for them, and perhaps start again with something more suitable to your situation.
I know it wasn't my post specifically that you were annoyed about, but I would like to apologise on behalf of everyone for any offence caused. We're here to help but it can sometimes be very frustrating to see someone appearing to ignore important advice, although I'm sure this wasn't your intention. Please don't feel that anyone is being unsympathetic or looking down on you as a novice.