Looking for a tank for the kids.

[Kayanarka]

I am looking for a small tank to do a fresh water build for my little girls. I feel like I would like something they can grow into. I see there are some Fluval kits on the value end of things, or I could go more high end with a peninsula from water box, Fiji, or innovative marine.

Am I going overboard here with the high end tanks for a 7 and 8 year old? Or should I spend the money now on a good product that they can "grow into" as they get older and take on more responsibility with the tank. I often think it is better to spend the money right the first time instead of wasting it on something cheap I might regret.

I do have to say, the Innovative Marine really appeals to me because of the slide out filter media tray. Since I will be the one maintaining it each week, I like the idea of making it easier to take care of.

Here are the tanks I have been looking at:

Fluval Sea Evo XII 13.5 Gallon

20 Gallon Peninsula Rimless AIO Nano Aquarium - Fiji Cube

20 NUVO Fusion Peninsula PRO AIO Aquarium Bundle - Innovative Marine

Waterbox Aquariums PENINSULA MINI 15

The downside to Waterbox right now is they are sold out of the 25, and I would prefer to have 20 to 25 gallons... Also the Fluval is only available in 15 gallon...

 

[littlebeard]

Each and every kid is different, so it's really hard to give solid advice. So take my advice/experience with that in mind. My kids however are not as enthusiastic about fish as I am.

I've gotten my kids 2 tanks so far. I should really say, it's my tank in my kids room that they sometimes throw fish food at, because they just don't have the maturity to take care of it. The first tank was a fluval, a simple fowlr with a single clown. (They're hardy right?) somewhat of a disaster, mom tried to help feed when the kids didn't. Pellets covering the sand, not sure if mom was over feeding or kids. Lived for awhile(maybe a year ?), but eventually those pellets add up. Somewhere in the restart of that tank, one or all of the kids managed to crack the nice tank. Into the garbage it went.

A few years later my younger kids really wanted a fish tank again. Of course they want the glo-fish. ugh. My wife convinces me to buy one of those ugly, glo-fish tanks. Honestly, though I think she was right to convince me. First my kids just aren't interested in the whole fish Eco-sphere as I am. They would rather play house with the fish by convincing mom to buy some awful, ugly cheap plastic decoration for the tank and then switch them in and out every few weeks. Those fish are also extremely hardy, and can survive if/when accidental over feedings do happen.

So my advice is to get one of those ugly glo-fish tanks that the kids can then play house with. I think, 99.99% of the time this is the right choice. I think it is important to try to put yourself in your kids shoes and mindset and how they would interact with the tank.

That or just admit to yourself that you want another tank for you. jk

 

[Quietman]

I would think either 20 gallon would be best as it will allow more fish to be added as they discover more what they like without having to upgrade.

I'm using a Fluval Flex 9 right now for a little planted setup (set it up a few months ago) and before that used the Fluval Spec V. I like the idea of an AIO for teaching young folks the hobby. The filter is easy and you can change media.

I would recommend planted (simple low light low demand plants - java fern and such) as it makes it so much easier to add fish, not worry about cycling (unless you want to teach that).

Good luck.

 

[Kayanarka]

That or just admit to yourself that you want another tank for you. jk

I think I will go pick up the cheap fluval kit after work, thanks!

 

[Idech]

I bought my son a used 20 gallons as his first tank when he was that age. I wanted to see if he would have interest in it before spending more money.

I ended up having to do all the work so when the tank started leaking, 1-2 years later, I just transferred the fish in my own DT. And no more tanks for him.

So no, it’s not worth it to buy higher end tanks and equipment for kids as a first tank. Later, when they have shown they can care for the fish in the long run, then yes, sure.

Best advice : only buy if you’re willing to do all the work yourself.

 

[Auquanut]

It's all about the psychology. Initially, don't "let" them care for the tank. Show a lot of interest, and spend time teaching them how to care for these living creatures. Hopefully, over time they'll want to take over the care of their pets and accept the responsibility.

But in the end, this.

Best advice : only buy if you’re willing to do all the work yourself.

 

[Kayanarka]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I picked up the Fluval. I will post some pictures. I will see how much "help" I can get with setup.

 

[Kayanarka]

The tanknis all set up. Time to wait.

 

[Idech]

The tanknis all set up. Time to wait.

We need pictures !

Never mind, I just saw them. The kids look happy !

 

[mermaid_life]

Do a build thread! Curious to see if/how your kids take on the responsibility!

 

[Sebastiancrab]

I raised fancy guppies and sold them to the pet store when I was young. That might be an incentive.

 

[Kayanarka]

Do a build thread! Curious to see if/how your kids take on the responsibility!

Can you have two build threads? How does that work with your build thread contributor tag?.

I thought of having them write their own post about the experience, but there was so much activity tonight and we finished the Initial setup too close to bed time.

 

[Kayanarka]

I raised fancy guppies and sold them to the pet store when I was young. That might be an incentive.

Anything that might get them more robux would peek their interest. Gia is already excited to post her old 3 gallon on craigslist.

 

[Chrisv.]

I hacked this kit and made a nice little nano! If you eventually want to turn it into a reef it can happen!

 

[Kayanarka]

I hacked this kit and made a nice little nano! If you eventually want to turn it into a reef it can happen!

I am kind of liking the idea of growing out all the plants. You will see what I mean once the cloudiness is gone, there are quite a few green live plants in there. I might even move one of my mangroves into it.

I hope posting a fresh water tank on these forums is not considered blasphemous.

Here is a shot of the mangrove roots forming.

 

[Chrisv.]

I am kind of liking the idea of growing out all the plants. You will see what I mean once the cloudiness is gone, there are quite a few green live plants in there. I might even move one of my mangroves into it.

I hope posting a fresh water tank on these forums is not considered blasphemous.

Here is a shot of the mangrove roots forming.

I started mine as a freshwater planted tank and kept some very fancy dwarf rainbows in it.

 

[mermaid_life]

Can you have two build threads? How does that work with your build thread contributor tag?.

I thought of having them write their own post about the experience, but there was so much activity tonight and we finished the Initial setup too close to bed time.

Sorry I don't know the answer to this. Maybe someone else with more experience on the forum can answer.

I bet you'll get some interesting comments and stories as they start picking out the fish they want, etc. "Ewww that fish just ate the other's poop..."

 

[Kayanarka]

I hacked this kit and made a nice little nano! If you eventually want to turn it into a reef it can happen!

Do you have a link to your build with this?

 

[Chrisv.]

Do you have a link to your build with this?

I don't! I really should do a thread on it one of these days. I will dm you a few photos!

 

[Jedi1199]

2 girls aged 7 and 8? Hmm ... I think they would fit well in a 180... If you want room to grow them out, I would probably look in the 300g range... Good luck!!

Edit: Make sure you get a solid tight fitting lid.. Kids that age climb well, they may jump out!!