how to make an 8 year old like reef tanks?

my 8 year old sister has begun to take an interest in my tank and has even said that she wants to take mine when i go to college. im happy to see her like the hobby, and ill help her all she wants, but she keeps messing with my tank in not so helpful ways. i caught her trying to catch one of my fish with a net and she ended up knocking over two frags. what should i do to help her enjoy the tank more while not killing stuff in it?

 

You need to explain to her the importance of allowing everything to be unless it is absolutely necessary to change things and the consequences of disturbing the balance. This must be done in a gentle, understandable for her and informative way.

BTW it sounds like she likes your reef tank.

 

Maybe get her a tank, you could get a nano and a big, upgraded HOB filter and a Two bulb T5 fixture off CL. Get her some GSP, xenia, zoas/palys, leather corals, etc. And a clownfish pair, of course

 

cant do the tank gift for her, too expensive and my parents would kill me lol. ill definitely explain everything to her, thanks!

 

Have her help you do things like water changes, glass cleaning, etc. Maybe let her pick out a a fish or coral to put in your tank and let it be "hers." And, as has been mentioned, stress to her how delicate a balance exists in a tank such as yours. She may be less apt to mess with it in a bad way if she thinks that one of "her" animals could die as a result.

 

Ha ha, my son had a friend over and they had a great time trying to catch my angelfish and tetras! It was ok, because he said that Dad wouldn't mind. They did have a lot of fun.

But I minded!!!! I lost one angel, a couple of tetras, and my temper.

Yeah...an explanation of what NOT to do first.

Then maybe she can start feeding the fish (strictly supervised), JUST MAKE SURE TO HIDE THE FOOD until you can trust her absolutely. (my son fed them too....A LOT! "But they were HUNGRY!!")
And then maybe feeding the coral.

One small step at a time until you can trust her at each step. Kids really are like dogs, just ones that can talk back and complain.

Rick

 

lol thanks everyone. ive started to let her feed the fish, and she does enjoy that. i might actually help her start up a tank... if my parents let me. im going to take her to the lfs with me next time and ill let her pick out a coral.

 

Good Idea Amcarrig

 

Ya, I could use an extra hand with my pwc's...

 

I've seen some one do a tank for a kid in a 2gal with a spiral compact florescent bulb that they got from the hardware store and a single aqua clear. They only kept shrooms and kenya trees, but I was blown away that it worked at all. I have to admit when I saw it in person it looked better than I thought it would when he first told me about it. I think he said they spent 50$ for the whole set up.