Christmas For Fishkeepers

[OohFeeshy]

Following on from PFK's article about gifts for fishkeepers, I thought it would be helpful (for those who don't know what they want for Crimbo or to hint to spouses, relatives etc.) to see what things other people reccomended getting. Things like books, fish, equipment... anything you think would make a nice Christmas gift. For sanity purposes, methinks the highest cost per item should be £150- obviously if we've got any lottery winners here, adjust accordingly In the same format as PFK, the two categories are
'For the novice'
and
'For the 'expert' (read, fish geek)'

My reccomendations?

For the novice, there's plenty of stocking fillers that aren't exactly the most exciting things, but come in darn handy. A bag of filter floss, a few gallons of RO water, a few large sheets of plastic craft canvas, silicon.... They won't break the bank either.

For the fish geek, money is always appreciated. Alternatively, ask for an order from your favourite mail order company- that way you can get the fish you always wanted without paying yourself.

Now, your turn.

 

[Cheffi]

For the novice a Python Siphon as it will make their life a lot easier and keep them keen on the hobby.

For the Geek a credit note to their favourite fish store (sorry bit of a cop out on that one)

 

[willtang3000]

For the novice Fishkeeping for dummies the book

For the geek contact lenses

 

[voo]

For the novice: Electronic thermometer

For the geek: moonlighting

 

[Inchworm]

For the novice: A starter kit of a tank, hood and lights, gravel, air pump and box filter. In the US it's possible to get these for less than $30. Also, some beneficial bacteria laden filter media and a commitment to mentor the recipient until they have learned all the basics.

For the more experienced fishkeeper: A gift certificate to the lfs of their choice in a nice Christmas card.

 

[Betta splendens]

hmm I'm still trying to find some Christmasy decoration to put in my tank. But of course there are none on the market.

 

[Scatta]

For the novice: A good fish encyclopedia and water test kits.

For the expert: A book detailing a certain species or niche in the hobby (e.g. an Aqualog type book) or electronic water testing equipment.

 

[vic]

For either, a gift certificate to a local eatery so that the fishy one can take his significant other to dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (finally).

 

[Lateral Line]

For the novice: Easy to use test kits.

For the geek: Something for their wife/husband. A geek wants to choose their own stuff, based on their research. Being able to drop the "other half" a little present tends to make the "I need a new..." moment easier.

 

[CFC]

For the novice; a good book such as the Baensch atlases, give them a new volume each year until they reach "geek" status.

For the more experienced fish keeper; a blindfold, ear muffs and a gag for them to use on the other half so they dont see or hear the price on those new fish and even if they do cant start moaning about it until its too late.

 

[dwarfgourami]

For the novice: Baensch atlas volumes every year, subscription to Practical Fishkeeping, small ready-to-set-up hospital/quarantine tank; test kits;

For the geek: a gift certificate- if the lfs doesn't do them you can make your own- glue a tin of sardines to a piece of cardboard and they should get the message ; Aqualog volumes according to individual interest- or similar specialist books (I want John Dawes on livebearers!); again, a spare little tank never goes amiss- you can always try breeding something new

 

[Miss Wiggle]

for the novice: water testing kit, big bottle of pimafix and melafix

for the geek: bit hard to say tbh, depends what they're particular area of geekery is. easy enough to find out though, acompany them to the fish shop a few times and buy them whatever they drool over the most

 

[BigIan]

Well as my Mrsreads this forum...

For me, Nature Aquarium world 2, Some lovely ADA glass ware. Aqua essentials vouchers.

For the novice. You can never know to much so some books topics along the line of fish health/water chemistry aswell as a good encyclopida.

For the exbert, its hard to say as well all devide off into our own little niches/ plantes/marine/breeding/various chiclids. so anything to go along with what the person wants

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Well as my Mrsreads this forum...

For me, Nature Aquarium world 2, Some lovely ADA glass ware. Aqua essentials vouchers.

how does a lump of coal and an orange sound to you?

 

[BigIan]

MMMM tastey!!!