Help! My goldfish keeps 'going' outside the bowl - potty training tips?

Hey everyone, I know this sounds weird but I'm desperate! I got a fancy goldfish (named Bubbles) about a month ago and I can't get him to 'do his business' in one spot. He just poops wherever he swims and it's making the tank cloudy and gross. I tried putting a little decorative castle in one corner hoping he'd associate it, but no luck. Has anyone successfully potty trained a fish? Or am I just doomed to constant water changes forever?

LOL sorry OP but this made me chuckle! As a cat lady, I can tell you fish are way harder than litter boxes. My cousin had a betta and she said they just... go. Maybe try feeding Bubbles in the same spot every time? With cats, consistency helps with habits. Also, get a better filter! My friend swears by those canister filters for keeping tanks clean despite 'accidents.' Good luck - at least you don't have to walk him in the rain!

Devoted dog mom here - fish are totally different, OP! They don't have control like mammals. Bubbles' waste is just part of his biology. Instead of 'potty training,' focus on tank maintenance. Get a gravel vacuum, do 25% water changes weekly, and add live plants like java fern to absorb waste. Overfeeding causes more poop, so stick to tiny portions twice a day. Trust me, my dogs are leash-trained pros, but with fish, it's all about the ecosystem!

Senior dog rescuer chiming in - I've fostered older pups with potty issues, but fish? Honey, they're not trainable like that. It's like expecting a rock to fetch! Vicky's advice is spot-on. Maybe add a snail or two to help clean up? They're nature's little janitors. Patience is key - Bubbles is just being a fish. P.S. Love the name!

Another dog mom here - OP, I feel you on the training frustration! My terrier took ages to leash train. But fish... yeah, they don't do commands. Try a bigger tank if you can? More water dilutes the waste better. Also, test your water parameters - high ammonia from poop can stress Bubbles out. Get a test kit from the pet store. Hang in there, and maybe consider a hamster next time if you want potty training wins! ;)