I like that Boss.....it's also like being with a man until he gets a beer gut and trading him in for six-pack abs!

I have 3 Black Neon Tetras that I don't like, I think they are boring, and they just won't die! My tank is small enough that they do take up room I could use for a fish I'd rather have. But, I'm keeping the little buggers. They didn't plan or ask to be a party to any of this, but they are living creatures 100% dependent on me. And personally, they may be "just" fish, but that last thought sticks with me.

I'm new to this, but I'm struck by how often people rave about how their fish recognize them, communicate with them, provide them with entertainment and company, and on and on. Then one day, they bag 'em up and off to the lfs, or worse. I dunno.....I already know that I prefer fish to people and this isn't helping!

Zambize

Ok, littlej, so far so good. But you *already* realize that the tank will not be large enough and will not have room, therefore with your promising logic, you would stop now and not get the shark. Right?

I seem to favor cichlids, but they are just a little big for my diminutive tank, by only an inch or two, but I still don't get them because it is already clear that they won't work in the long-term. I don't want to snatch them out of their long-time committed home to be plunked down in some awful, over-crowded tank with too little plants to be bought by god knows who (and that's even in good lfs'). That trauma is enough to kill many fish. It may be just me, but I feel that when I purchase a live animal that it's implied that I have the responsibility to provide the best care possible. I'm not able to kid myself into believing that, for me, returning a fish to an lfs would be an acceptable means of satisfying my wants first.

I've only returned a fish once. One of my very first fish I was given bad advice and was sold a single male Swordtail. He was insane being alone and terrorized every other fish, relentlessly. He displayed distinct signs of stress too. I tried different methods to help him adjust, but nothing worked. After choosing the best lfs around here, and after a long discussion with them, and an inspection of their Swordtail tank, I gave him to them. They put him in a tank of females and he was in bliss. My tank's been calm ever since and it was clearly in his best interest. I've since learned my responsibility to better research and not rely one salesperson's advice. If I hadn't, I'd already have a few 5" Cichlids in my little tank.... One day!

Blah, blah, blah.... LOL

Zambize

Whose to say that I dont get a larger tank when he out grows this one?

Little said "Whose to say that I dont get a larger tank when he out grows this one?"

Well, you did. Your plan was to return him when he's "too" big. But, if you've thought it through, can do the larger tank (I agree, it would be a swimming pool), and you commit, then cool.

Zambize

Keeping sharks and rays should definitely fall into the category of "don't ask, don't tell"

Kinda like asking, "how many tangs can I keep in a 29g tank?"