Friend got me a pet fish as a surprise gift, but I have no clue how to care for it. See below details. Would it be messed up to return the fish?

[DreamLife7]

So the fish is still in its pet store container I haven't removed it from there since I'm preparing the tank. Anyways for the tank I used purified /distilled water. Plan to let the water settle in tank 48hrs before transferring fish. I did some digging and found out this type of water isn't for fish. So I have to start all over, clean the tank , and use regular sink tap water and with that you have to check the ph. This is a bit much for me. There are so many specifics and tedious things to know about a fish. And it can't stay in the store container too long yet I still have to redo the tank

Updates

+1 y

Thanks @laly520 for the advice I'm going to keep the fish and just purchase actual fish water from petsmart or walmart.

[Kori1236]

I mean if you don’t think you’re capable of caring for it it’s fair to want to return it. My roommate and I got bettas we’ve had 2 and now we quit because it didn’t matter what we did the both died. How is it when I was a kid I had them in a tiny bowl they thrived but once we got an aquarium and followed all the advice given at the store (they actually specialized in fish husbandry) they barely lasted 3 months

[DreamLife7]

That's what I'm hearing too. I spoke to a person who specializes in fishes they informed me I needed water stabilizer ans an aquarium cycler it's insane how they're more work than cats and dogs

[IslaTheWitch]

it's a living and feeling animal; if you don't feel like you can take good care of it, returning it is the most responsible action

[DreamLife7]

I agree, I don't want anything to happen to the fish I plan to return it but how do I break it to my friend? She bought a fish and tank for me without consulting with me first just showed up with it saying surprise. I feel like she should've asked me first cause there's a lot to fishes than just them being in a tank. You have to feed them a certain amount, their tanks have to be cleaned a certain way, there's a specific type of water they need or they'll get sick. I bought distilled cause it's the cleanest water. It's good for humans apparently but not for fish so I'm glad I didn't place the fish in the tank and did further research

[IslaTheWitch]

explain it to her exactly as you wrote it here

[Anonymous]

So when you want new water for your fish, you need to use water conditioner or let tap water sit for a whole day for the chlorine to disappear

[DreamLife7]

Thank you so much, yes so my friend told me the type of fish I have is a special type of fish. It's not like a gold fish. I had to also bye stabilizer and quick start.

[Opinion Owner]

What fish is it? I had like 500 fish over my lifetime, some 1cm fully grown and my current fish is like 2 feet and maybe 35 lbs

[JayBones]

He wants to know if your smart enough to keep basic life alive. If you fail this he will abandon you because you are worthless

[DreamLife7]

@jaybones I think you have me mixed up with your dead grandma and all the woman that have rejected you.

[JayBones]

I've never been rejected once in my life. I have a wife, a girlfriend, several children who I have very good relationships with. Your ass blasted about a boy who doesn't care about you and a fucking fish. Good luck. Life is hard. It's even harder if you are stupid

[DreamLife7]

🤣🤣🤣that paragraph tells me I struck a nerve. 😂haha truth hurts sucker go cry about your rejection and dead grandma 🤪🤣

[laly520]

Provide a suitable habitat

Maintain water quality

Feed a balanced diet

Monitor fish behavior and health

Provide enrichment

Maintain a consistent routine

or just return it

[DreamLife7]

Suitable habitat- tank and heater

Water- bought distilled water but.. they say that kills fish now have to dump it and buy a whole new set of rocks, re clean tank and wait 48hrs again! My thoughts were sink water was bad for fish. Hell I don't even drink sink water

[laly520]

municipal tap water free from chlorine n other bacteria would do

[DreamLife7]

Do you have a fish?

[DreamLife7]

Cause I could sure use the advice. He's cute and I like him just pissed I bought some purified water and had the tank all pretty but can't even use it

[laly520]

used to have a fish before n I just followed the tips I gave u
worked just fine

[DreamLife7]

How long did your fish last and what type did you have?

[laly520]

golden fish
lived 1 year n half

[nawtee_me]

Is it big enough for the skillet? Just kidding….

[Anonymous]

I think you'd be justified in returning it.

[DreamLife7]

Same cause I don't know if I'm crazy but I feel a cat and dog are easier than a fish. As a child I always thought you buy a bowl, some fancy rocks and place the fish in it. Now as an adult I'm reading all this stuff and you have to be very careful with a fish. A dog and cat are more vocal when they're sick but a fish? No..

[Opinion Owner]

I agree, when a fish is sick you usually just find them dead one day.

[DreamLife7]

Yes! How should i break it to her that it's a bit much for me? My cat and dog had passed away year ago due to old age so she wanted to gift me which was a kind gesture BUT.. I wish she would've asked me first cause a pet is a responsibility. If she bought me a shirt that would be different but she showed up with a tank , fish, fish food ans rocks. Now since I have the wrong water I have to start all over, throw away the rocks and filter 🤦🏼‍♀️. I feel bad for the fish honestly because he's so cute but he needs to be with someone who knows fish

[Opinion Owner]

By the way, animal shelters are full of cats and dogs who are up for adoption.