Next to Dogs and Cats, aquariums are another very popular pet for children to learn how to care for pets.
There are so many options available to a parent who is helping their child decide about their new pet and their very own fish aquarium.
What Type of Aquariums Are Available?
There is a variety of Fish Aquariums available through pet shops and specialist fish and aquarium outlets. These include
- Cold Water Fish such as the ever popular Goldfish,
- Tropical Fish or Warm Water Fish such as the colourful Regal Angelfish or Neon Tetra or
- Salt Water Aquarium Fish with popular ones being the Clownfish and Green Chromis.
Top 5 Things to Consider when deciding on an aquarium
To help you with the decision on the type and size of the aquarium you would like to help your child set up, consider the following:
- The age of your children and how much involvement they will have to care and maintain the aquarium. The amount of time needed to care for and maintain the fish tank will help determine what you purchase.
- What is your available budget to spend on not only the aquarium, but also the fit out of the aquarium and importantly, the fish. Determine your budget then research what you can afford to purchase.
- What size and type of aquarium do you need for your chosen fish. Have you decided on a small fish bowl type or a larger tropical aquarium.
- What physical space do you have for the aquarium?
- Is this space in an appropriate location within you house. Is it in an area where your children are very active or is it a “safe” location away from any danger of it being accidentally disturbed or damaged?
Where to Purchase An Aquarium?
Now that you have decided on your budget, the size and type of aquarium, where it will be located and the types of fish, the next task is to find a reputable business to make your purchase.
My recommendation is to where possible, use a local supplier. My reason for this is to enable you to have ask questions and obtain advice from an expert. Further, once you have set up your aquarium and ensured the fish are happy in their new environment you can always obtain further information and advice from an expert who has a real interest to ensure his customers are happy.
Goldfish Fish Aquariums
These are very simple and easy to set up. They are very low maintenance and relatively inexpensive to purchase.
They range from a simple Fish Bowl up to as big and as elaborate you as your imagination and budget can afford.
They are a great option for young children to learn about fish and to be involved with.
Tropical Aquariums
The bright vibrant colours of tropical fish certainly add a special dimension to your home. They are a great addition to a family.
Tropical Aquariums when compared to a goldfish aquarium have some special care and maintenance requirements.
These include:
- Controlling and maintaining the correct water temperature between 24 and 27 degrees C
- Maintaining the correct pH levels between 5.5 and 7.5
- Ensuring the nitrite level is between 1 and 0.5 ppm
- That Nitrate levels are in the range of 5 to 10 ppm.
Testing kits are an essential maintenance tool to help you with monitoring water quality.
Saltwater Aquariums
With your saltwater aquarium you can create a special and individual affect for your home. Like Tropical Aquariums, they have their own special requirements to ensure that the salt water provides a healthy environment for the fish to live. Saltwater fish, depending on the species have a life expectancy of almost 30 years. These are a wonderful opportunity to help educate you child (or children) in how to care for the not only a wonderful family pet but also the environment.
Healthy Saltwater Aquariums require
- The salinity of the water needs to be maintained correctly at 34 to 37 parts per 1000 units of water
- pH levels should be maintained between 7 and 9
- Ensure water temperature is between 23 and 28 degrees Celsius
Regular cleaning and algae removal
