I am considering getting a little goldfish tank for my son's 3 birthday in 2 weeks time.
Does anyone have experience with kids and fishtanks? How much work is it to keep the tank clean. The one I am looking at is a almost half moon shape, funky kids one, with lids in various colours, like orange. I think it has a filter and a light. Which I read aren't necessary for goldfish.
And what are the chances of the water damaging his new shelf in his bedroom? I am not worried if the fish peg, as they don't seem to cost much, and he would enjoy getting more anyway.
oh, and we have a almost 1 year old cat...is she going to tip it over trying to get dinner?
Basically I need to decide if this is good idea, or hit the toy shop for some regular birthday toy! (which I have no idea what he would like!)
fishy smiles
Cat :D
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don't have to be a huge hassle. They are guaranteed to live a short life if just kept in a bowl with no filter. They do need a filter as it adds oxygen to their water. A filter will also eliminate the need for constant cleanings and you won't have the smelly water issues. A good friend of mine has an aquarium with several fish, in her living room. They rarely clean it and it is beautiful.
It doesn't matter what kind of pet it is it is a responsiblity and must be bought with that in mind. They are work and if you feel you child is to young to take on this I wouldn't suggest a pet of any sort until they are old enough.
We did the goldfish thing. They were lovingly named Ballerina and Trucker. Trucker was replaced three or four times, before we decided to tell DD about the unfortunate demise. It was like living in a sitcom, trying to ensure she didn't notice when one was missing and then trying to match up the goldfish to the original (unfortunately Trucker was a two-tone goldfish) I would suggest two things...be realistic. Goldfish are typically bred as "feeder" fish anyway, so they're going to die. And don't buy variagated goldfish! The funny thing is that this was almost five years ago and I just asked DH "How many times did we replace Trucker?" and he immediately knew what I was referring to. LOL, in the end I guess it was more our experience than it was hers.
I am imagining him squealing with glee when he sees the fishies for his birthday. I imagine him staring at them fascinated by their movement. I imagine the excitement of feeding fishy-fishy.
I imagine the orange little fish complimenting his bedroom decor...
how long before all the excitement wears off and it becomes a chore...
Well, we have a bunch of little goldfish and the kids enjoy feeding them. They are in a fishtank and we got those little sucker fish to take care of the algae. So it hasn't been that bad, actually, considering that I was against getting the fish in the first place.
that is soooooooooo funny lol
smiles
janetc
lets say, been there done that, and while your child is still young, wait until they are older and they will reel you in anyway....so in the meantime you may not want the hassle....enjoy the toys lol
smiles
janetc
all your replys are hilarious and resonate my feelings exactly. however in saying this my 2 DD's have gotten their way again and there sits a bowl with fish on our kitchen counter once again, it has been a while since the last round kicked but now my oldest dd being the young skeptic or realist she is has named one of the fish 'toilet' because "mom that's where they eventually wind up!" she says. smartie pants!:D-
We've had four rounds of goldfish.....DH had no problem cleaning the tank and all - he cleaned it once per week - DS and DD loved them! DS had them in his room on his desk and we had no mishaps. However we did have to go through the 'funerals' when one died. DS had names for them all.
He was truly devastated after the first few 'passed'. Our rear garden looked like a cemetary.
We chose not to go through another crisis after the last fish, 'sushi' died.
They were a great experience but.............
Good luck with your decision.
regards,
sweetie
same experience as nancy and claudia...
try [url]http://mastermindtoys.com[/url]
there you can click on an age group and the selection is huge....delivery is not that expensive either.. You can figure that out on their site as well... :)
I have to say I am avoiding goldfish for my children. The water had to be changed/the bowl cleaned frequently or as Claudia referred to - verrry smelly! They died and had to be replaced often. And when I had them, my cat frequently tried to catch one for dinner. Wish I could be more positive, but that was my experience.
I bought my daughter a goldfish after she begged me for weeks. It died after one week. I am glad I didn't invest a lot. Just a bowl and some coloured stones and fish food. It was hard to explain the fish's death after just one week. She was devastated. Thankfully she has forgotten about it and I won't be buying one again anytime soon. That is just my experience. I am sure you will hear from others who say it is wonderful.
P.S Water needs to be changed frequently or it smells. I can't bother with the hassle.