Our 4yr old son wants his own tank

Dude, find yourself a girlfriend....you take fish way too serious, he's 4 not 14. I've been into aquariums before you were even born, I think I know what I'm doing...I was just looking for some input from others that are into freshwater because it's been a while since I had a FW tank. Millions of kids start out with a goldfish, he'll be oK.

 

I have a girlfriend. And most people getting the goldfish don't realize how big they get. You are basically buying a golden retriever puppy for a kid with the intent of keeping it in a small cage for it's whole life.

Just because a kid wants a pet doesn't mean he should get it. If you can't take care of it or don't have the space for it, don't get it. End of story.

 

What would lead you to believe this would be the only tank he would ever have? You probably just got into this hobby so I'll let you slide and leave it as that, maybe you were deprived of something and you're just angry. It's been 20+ yrs since I've had a FW tank so I might be a bit rusty. I know nothing about you or your current tank but I'll bet you've killed more livestock in your current tank than I've killed since I've been in this hobby...I haven't killed a fish or coral in at least 12 years. I never asked for your advise on what fish to add to the tank. No disrespect to anyone with freshwater tanks, but I've managed to get by with SW for years, I think I'll do fine helping my 4yr old with a gold fish.

 

I picked up the 5g Fluval Chi for my kid, it's up and running. In a few days I'll take him to to the LFS to pick out a fish.

With a few minor mods the Chi would make a pretty cool pico/nano, it's not priced too bad either.

 

So did you end up getting him a tank?

EDIT: Fluval Chi, NICE!

 

Congrats!!! The only fw I have is my husband's betta: Cousin Eddie. He'll be getting a fw tank after we move. Fw or SW, it is an exciting experience. I hope your son enjoys his new tank. Post pictures too! =D

 

I didn't read the whole thread, so I might have missed something. You have almost everything. Don't forget to take time in the cycle. It might be cheaper and easier than SW, but don't rush it. Also, what specific size of tank are you considering? A ten gal would be good, you can get an aqueon or topfin kit(comes with tank, hood, light, filter, heater, and maybe a net) for about $30. And goldfish? I'd recommend tetras or guppies. With goldfish you'll have more filth related problems. As well as ammonia. Good luck to you and your son!

 

Hey Thanks...a boost LED over this tank would make a cool pico. lol

I have to admit, I'm not really into FW tanks but seeing how excited my son was buying the tank and setting it up, I actualy got into it.

I ended up getting the Fluval Chi, it came with some bacteria to get the tank started right away, but I'll give it a few days before adding a small goldfish. Yeah it's probably more work than guppies but it's OK.

Here's a pic of the tank running, we need a background (maybe black) and some decorations, I'm thinking some live plants.

 

pictures of my goldfish, to show you how big they get.


Note: they are around 2 years old here. they have gotten larger since then. I have a 55gallon tank, and now in retrospect anything more then 3 fish is probably to much for it. It may end up even that is too much.

 

also make sure the plants you get won't be eaten by a goldfish, java fern is ok.