Fish Tank For Kids? In this article we will give you some tips that can help you to choose a beautiful fisk tank for your kids.
Many of us had our first experience with fish tanks as a child. Unfortunately, first-time hobbyists don’t have the information they need to succeed. As a result, they lose some or all fish, then give up and don’t try again.
If you are helping a child, or even a teenager, get started in Fishkeeping, be sure to do your homework so that they don’t receive inappropriate guidance.
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Before you go pet store, make a short list with things you need to keep from losing anything or buying unnecessary items. Below, we can mention some essential items:
– Fish Tank (can be 30 liters, but remember that the bigger the better);
– Fish Tank Lid;
– Filtration System;
– Heater or a thermostat;
– Substrate;
– Aquarium Fish Tank Net;
– Water conditioner (will help in removing heavy metals);
– Test Kit (Ammonia, Nitrite, pH);
– Siphon to remove dirt from the bottom;
– Decorations;
Buying The Fish Tank
Choosing which fish to buy for kids may not be that easy. Perhaps because we are used to buying small products for children, there is a tendency to buy small tanks for them. It’s a common thing, but one that you should avoid.
Small fish tanks require much more skill than large ones and aren’t suitable for beginners. For beginners, we strongly recommend an tank of 30 liters or more. If space or finances make this impossible, the fish tank should not be less than 10 liters and be careful to select small, resistant fish.
Should We Choose Glass Or Acrylic?
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although some people prefer glass fish tanks, acrylic has many advantages for kids. It doesn’t chip or break, weighs less and doesn’t distort view like glass. This is important, as kids spend a lot of time looking at the aquarium from all angles.
On the negative side, acrylic scratches easily and is more expensive than glass tanks. If price isn’t an issue, consider buying an acrylic tank. You won’t have to worry about the aquarium being broken by a flying toy, for example.
Decorations
Kids generally want colorful gravel and decorations. However, this decoration doesn’t end up leaving the fish tank with a natural appearance for fish and this can end up animal stressing.
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Rather than simply taking away your child’s choice, consider discussing what the fish “home” looks like in nature. Make your child understand that in the natural habitat, they don’t have red gravel or bright blue plants.
Buying The Fish
Now comes your biggest challenge, with a new fish tank purchased, you already want to leave the store with several fish. Fish should never be purchased on the same day as the tank. Adding too many fish early and feeding them inappropriately will be the biggest mistakes new owners can make.
It is essential to set up the tank, let it run for a day or two to stabilize the water temperature and ensure that everything is working properly before the fish are added. Note: This initial waiting period is not Cycling (Nitrogen Cycle); it doesn’t start until the fish are added.
As long as you allow the aquarium to cycle, sharing some basic facts about fish tank waste will help anxious kids to wait for their new pets.
Educate And Plan
Tell the kids that the fish go to the bathroom in the water in which they live, and the waste can harm them. Explain that there are special bacteria that get rid of this waste, but it takes the bacteria several weeks to grow enough to do the job.
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While they are growing, it’s important not to have fish in the tank or if you have one that contains only one or the other so that bacteria can get rid of the waste.
High school students are able to understand how the Nitrogen Cycle works in an fish tank, take this opportunity to teach them about it. Many tanks owners are unaware of this critical process and, as a result, lose their fish.
Once your tank is ready, discuss your fish’s choices with your kids. Avoid large or aggressive fish. Choose a pair of tough fish before you go to the store – that way, your kids are less likely to insist on unsuitable fish.
Choosing which fish tank to buy for kids may seem like an easy task, but it really isn’t!
Try to guide it, showing the equipment importance, plant or animal that you can add inside the fish tank. Believe! With that, they will become more curious and most likely, your ideal companion in Fishkeeping!
