Good For Kids?

lilacamy931 · Jun 30, 2009

Hello all!

Have some questions in regards to my sister. She has two daughters who really want to get some fish. They are 7 and 5. I offered to look into it for her and could do with some help.

There is not an awful lot of space, so relatively small tank needed, imagine they would want their own fish so have thought to perhaps divide the one tank between them. The tank may end up in their bedroom being the only table space left, would acrylic be the tougher choice over glass in a kids bedroom?

I was thinking a good choice of fish for the girls would be guppies? Quite hard, pretty and they could get a couple each (all females or all males). Thinking a 14g along those lines?

It would help them with responsibility, be their own pet. Do you guys think it is a good idea?

I would most probably cycle the tank for them, once the fish are in it is up to them.

oh - if you divide a tank with stead divider do you need a filter and heater for both sides?

Bebobb · Jun 30, 2009

You shouldn't need a heater and filter for both sides, as long as the divider has holes in it, like screen. Guppies would be fine, but they would be MUCH more happier if it wasn't divided. Maybe you could get guppies that are distinct in their color and patterns. Maybe you could also have a harem of platies. A harem of platties and a harem of guppies would be fine, to me that is, I have little expirence with live bearers.

indigoj · Jun 30, 2009

I'd go for either 2x5gal with a betta and apple snail in each or 1x10-14gal with a divider a betta on each side and an apple snail (thinking you can get bettas and apple snails in nice girly colours....)

saltynay · Jun 30, 2009

adult apple snails need a 10 gallon with 5 gallons per additional snail ideally.

bae1994 · Jun 30, 2009

i wouldnt go with two bettas as if they jumped over it would be bad for a 7 and 5 year old and would blame each other so may cause arguments id go with a few distinct guppys so they know whos is whos but if one attaked another same problem id just try them to choose together

lilacamy931 · Jun 30, 2009

Thanks guys! I had thought of bettas but also thought of the problem with fights breaking out, also one tank much better as only the one water change and maintenance between them!

The younger does like to follow older's suit. So perhaps a male or female only guppy tank would be best for them... would mollies or platys be even better? I am biased as have guppies myself!

I think I am partly to blame for this as the oldest was with me purchasing the dwarf puffers and she was enthralled with them!

I will suggest to my sister a acrylic tank and see what she thinks!

bae1994 · Jun 30, 2009

sounds good

Bebobb · Jun 30, 2009

You could have a harem of guppies. You might add 3 females and one male. If that would work, so they can each have their "own" fish.

bae1994 · Jun 30, 2009

theyd probably inter breed and the fry would possibly die or theyde live and the tank and get overstocked

lilacamy931 · Jun 30, 2009

Well would definately look at a 10 gallon for better water params and such, but would 3 females and 1 male produce a lot of babies and work for my sister?

bae1994 · Jun 30, 2009

Bebobb · Jun 30, 2009

Well, yeah, didn't think of that. Maybe a school of tetra for one and some other type of fish.

lilacamy931 · Jun 30, 2009

hmmm thinking possible a male only guppy tank, they are pretty (easy to replace - just in case!) and the girls know a little about them.. thanks for the tips! Will report back to the mother ship for more questions! p.s. sorry bae1994 didnt see your reply before i did!

Thank you all for the help, will look into tank prices and such for her now