Fish!

tanyalbeck

we got the kids a fish tank (with heater and filter and haunted house!) but are clueless as to what comes next! I know you have to keep it empty for a week...

The boys are 5 and 7 years old and will be (almost) fully responsible. Everything bought will be with their xmas money.

What's easy to keep, fun to watch, and doesn't die?!! Also, is there a cheaper alternative to buying supplies at the shops... for example we live near the beach so can we use pebbles from ther instead of buying it in? Can you keep plants underwater? if so, what maintains well and what do you keep it in?
ALL advice is welcome, please!!

Thanks
Tanya

Mankysteve

You'll need more than week. The week thing is simple not true it causes shorter fish life times.

http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/articles_51/fishless-cycling-article.htm

what size tank have you got will determine what fish you can have.

Foggster

Agree with Mankysteve there is alot more to fish keeping then meets the eye.

Some will say 1 fish needs 20 gallons with 10 gallons per additional fish.

A tank should run for at least 1 month before introducing fish but you should always check the quality of the water either with a home kit or take it to a fish keeping store who will test the water for you.

I have kept both cold and tropical fish and every day was a learning curve!