How do you measure your fish?

[Joeybsmooth]

I know this is a really silly question .. but really what is the best way to do this . When I try to add fish from the store they end up being way to small. It is not like they will stay still for me but a ruler on the glass , and I know I should just not pick them up to do it .

 

[matty2085]

I just approximate.

 

[Fishanatic]

Well, if you approximate, it can be wrong, since it's a matter of perspective. The bigger the tank, the smaller the fish will look like. The further you are from the tank, the smaller the fish will look like.
What I do is I go beside the glass and when my fish comes close i measure with my fingers, and check on a ruler. It's almost accurate. If not, take it out of the water.

 

[Joeybsmooth]

Thanks .. I got some gold fish to go in my tank. And when I got them home they were so tiny they were eaten fast.

 

[matty2085]

Sure if can be wrong, but its not like its going to be metres out. I have a good idea what an inch looks like close to or far away from an aquarium.

 

[thomasina]

Thanks .. I got some gold fish to go in my tank. And when I got them home they were so tiny they were eaten fast.

How big is your tank? Are you keep tropical fish along with Goldfish?

 

[shellieca]

Research the fish you want & see what their ADULT size & needs are. Remember the bulk of fish are sold as fishlets (is that a word,lol) which means not fully grown. My Chinese Algaea Eaters were approx. 1.5" long when I purchased them, they're now 4-5".

 

[PolyptRus]

I kinda just estimate it by looking at a ruler than at the fish it works for me even though its probably not exact.

 

[Joeybsmooth]

How big is your tank? Are you keep tropical fish along with Goldfish?

45 gals. And this one just has Goldfish in it it . I had a big fellow just take them one by one .. After the first one was taken I was thinking about putting them in my other tank with my turtles.. but I assumed that would not have a much better out come .

 

[Fishanatic]

45 gals. And this one just has Goldfish in it it . I had a big fellow just take them one by one .. After the first one was taken I was thinking about putting them in my other tank with my turtles.. but I assumed that would not have a much better out come .

Good thinking. Sometimes turtles and fish works, but i heard some turtles can kill you're fish easily so hehe:3

 

[Coursair]

45 gals. And this one just has Goldfish in it it . I had a big fellow just take them one by one .. After the first one was taken I was thinking about putting them in my other tank with my turtles.. but I assumed that would not have a much better out come .

Confused. So how many Goldfish do you have in the 45g ? How big ? Fancies or Comets ?

A 45g is good for 2-3 Fancies, but not large enough for a Common or Comet. They need ponds.

Goldfish are poop machines as are Turtles. I don't like fish living w my Turtles as the water pollutes even faster. Plus the Turtles always end up killing the fish.

 

[Coyne]

I use my finger. The distance between my first and second knuckle on my index finger is 1 1/4", so I just kinda crook my finger and hold it up to the tank so I can compare as they swim by. I suppose I fall into the guess-timating catagory.