Help with goldfish? Filter or not?

[gerbrajess]

we have a reasonably big glass goldfish bowl and went to a chain pet store to buy goldfish today.

The assistant there said if our bowl didn't have a filter they couldn't sell us the fish. (Despite this, the assistant admitted that her goldfish at home lives happily in a tank without a filter and has done for 4 years!)

We had 3 goldfish when I was little that lived to 18 years in a tank with no filter.

Provided we add the drops to de-chlorinate the water, surely the little fishies would be happy in the tank?

I'm talking about bog-standard goldfish here - nothing fancy! Does anyone have any thoughts?

We did look at buying a separate filter unit to put in the bowl but it's just too large.

Thanks for anyone's advice!

Depends upon how you manage the tank really. Factors such as size of the tank, numbers and size of the fish you want and how frequently you change the water will matter. You are best going to a specialist fish dealer to discuss the requirements you have and decide upon the safest options for any fish you do get. Yes they can do ok in unfiltered tanks, but ultimately it is probably better to have a filter in most situations. The main reason for fish to die or become diseased is due to poor water quality. Particularly if this is a newly set up tank you need the correct advice about introducing fish and water changes etc.

Thanks beautifulgirls!
There's a local fish shop so I'll go and chat to them. We were planning on 2 very small goldfish and have dechlorinating drops etc.
I did read on an animal welfare site that if you change 50% of the water 3 times a week that's sufficient if you don't have a filter.

Will definitely get some more advice though - thanks again!