What Would You Do?

[chrisbassist]

Cheers.

Number one, they'll finally have a filter too. No idea how long they've been in the tiny thing, but apparently they were given to the place like that. I would imagine years.

Number 2.
First thing I'm doing when I get there is testing everything to compare tank water to tap water. If the ph matches then I figure I can do things a bit quicker. If not, it'll be taking longer.

 

[BethK]

Situation 1 - I would say to them, that having a bigger tank, they can decorate it more, after all, kids like pretty and attractive colors. And that, with a filter, it is less maintenance.

 

[chrisbassist]

Yeah, I have some old colourful gravel which got given to me. That's going their way. I think I have some horrible horrible orniments (given by the same person) which can go too.

 

[BethK]

My god son's class had a 12ltr tank with 10 neon tetras in, they looked depressed, barely moved and were dying off very slowly. I started chatting to some of the mums from that school and told them about the tank and how it was cruel and unhealthy. We made a small collection for a new tank etc, raised £60 in 2 weeks. Brought a 2nd hand 40ltr off ebay for £13 GBP, new filter/heater and some decor for the tank. With the left over money (£15 I think), they saved that for later food purchases.

Because of that, the kids later said they realized how important it was to tank care of pets and not let them suffer.

Although, the teachers at that school weren't too fond of me!

 

[kaivalagi]

Although, the teachers at that school weren't too fond of me!

Most teachers don't like being told their wrong, they are used to it being the other way around
I am trying to convince the other half to get on the PTA so we can have more of a say, I am too busy with work to give it my all. That's seems to be the only real way to make things happen these days...the school seems like they are more interested in raising money for charity (kids now think it's a requirement!) than doing good things in the school for the children...rant over

 

[chrisbassist]

Even as a student I managed to prove teachers wrong.

And you're right, they don't like it.

 

[ellena]

Cheers.

Number one, they'll finally have a filter too. No idea how long they've been in the tiny thing, but apparently they were given to the place like that. I would imagine years.

Number 2.
First thing I'm doing when I get there is testing everything to compare tank water to tap water. If the ph matches then I figure I can do things a bit quicker. If not, it'll be taking longer.

It's not just the pH, it's the nitrates, and then a million other trace elements that will have built up that you can't test for. If you do a massive water change and cleanout, it's very likely some of the fish will die and that's not going to change their minds at all

Pest control-spooky! Def. not the same ones though as these have never had babies. Handing them out to kids is v.irresponsible though

 

[chrisbassist]

Like I said, I'll be testing EVERYTHING. So I can judge how quickly I can do it. Maybe months, maybe weeks, maybe a small amount every day will get it there smoothly after a couple of weeks.
I didn't say I'd be able to do the whole lot in one go...

 

[kaivalagi]

I'm sure you'll do what's right Chris, and the fish and residents will be better off for it

 

[chrisbassist]

Right just got back from the care home.

No where near as bad as expected.

Ph was identical to their tap water. It wasn't covered in algae as I expected. But then they haven't got any lights on it.

Not tropical either. Maybe sub tropical. They have 3 goldfish, 2 of them were fairly large, the smaller one was about 5 inches. And one plec which I haven't managed to id. The markings were a bit like a giraffe plec but not as clear and defined.

Did 15% change, cleaned things out a little, father in law will continue 15% changes every couple of days until it tests ok for nitrates.

 

[chrisbassist]

Wow this was so many pages back!

Just thought I'd update a little.

The playgroup tank:
although I knownits still nit big enough, the I took the time to watch the fish for a minute yesterday. The fishseem much happier in this tank. They're actually swimming about a bit now! So I think success there. Plus I gave them that old colourful gravel, got rid of it since I was never going to use it.

The old peoples home tank:
everything going well. The only thing that has happened sofar is my f in law has forgotten to add dechlor on one water change. Doh, but other than that it all seems fine.