Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login
Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
 4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Subject Topic: Beginning Aquarium Post ReplyPost New Topic
Author
Message << Prev Topic | Next Topic >>
JennGM
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Avatar

Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 17702
Posted: June 19 2007 at 10:18am | IP Logged Quote JennGM
I didn't want to bring old thread on Home Aquarium Help back to life, but I wanted some little help.

Ds is expressing interest in a fish aquarium. He's almost four. He saw some great tanks at the Catholic Montessori school and really would like them at home.

We don't do other pets, so this would probably be a good thing to try. But is it costly? Is it worth it? KISS is our motto...anyone have regrets, tips, pointers, must dos?

Thanks for any help!

__________________
Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
Back to Top View JennGM's Profile Search for other posts by JennGM Visit JennGM's Homepage
 
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Board Moderator
Avatar
Non Nobis

Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
Posted: June 19 2007 at 12:44pm | IP Logged Quote Mackfam
Jenn,
Having an aquarium has been a very good learning experience for us and our ds. Keep in mind, we weren't going for ultra flashy aquatic dreamworld. Just a simple fish tank. Here's what we've figured out so far.

You need algae eaters to keep the scum down.

1 or 2 bottom dwellers are nice to eat the poopy from the fish - gross I know, but it's better than having to constantly clean it. We like little shrimp - they're fun to watch.

Then get only 1 each of whichever "pretty" fish you want. Here's why. We got two platty's and two guppy's originally along with an algae eater and 2 shrimp. Apparently, the platty's are quite fertile as we now have over 40 fish in our tank . It's pretty, but what do we do now?? They just keep multiplying!! A side note, getting two or more shrimp is ok because their young can't mature in a tank environment unless you buy special food (plankton and really tiny stuff.)

We have enjoyed watching the fish behavior. Also, we spent maybe 3 or 4 dollars on some underwater plant seeds that you can just drop in the tank and watch grow. That was money well spent. It has been very rewarding and we have learned much watching something grow totally underwater, how the fish gather under the leaves, how some fish munch on some of the leaves floating on the surface, how the plant sends out roots and feelers into the rocks.

Get a smallish tank (but not a fish bowl) a couple of fish to clean the tank, a few pretty fish and avoid the plastic stuff. I think your ds will enjoy the fish.

Fish death has been difficult - thought I should mention that too. No flushing here - a full Christian burial is required for our aquatic friends.    

__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
Back to Top View Mackfam's Profile Search for other posts by Mackfam Visit Mackfam's Homepage
 
Red Cardigan
Forum Pro
Forum Pro
Avatar

Joined: June 16 2007
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 470
Posted: June 19 2007 at 7:28pm | IP Logged Quote Red Cardigan
We started an aquarium a couple of months ago, and have been having some trouble with the nitrogen cycle. Things are finally settling out, but it's been frustrating to have to wait to add more fish.

I will say, though, that the girl at the pet shop was right: the three lamp-eyed tetras we started with are still alive despite our ammonia fluctuations, so they really have been a good starter fish!
Back to Top View Red Cardigan's Profile Search for other posts by Red Cardigan
 

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

  [Add this topic to My Favorites] Post ReplyPost New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com