breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,316 
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 30, 2016 16:51:30 GMT
The kids wanted a cat, we had one years ago but the more kids we had the more it hid under the bed because of their noise so we rehomed it and have no plans to get a new one. So enter the fish tanks. Both the girls (12 and 10) got one from Santa. Both got 3 fish and each girl has lost a fish so far (we bought the fish Tuesday).
Not the enjoyable present we were planning on, funeral #2 coming up...
DD #1 has Zebra Danios, and DD#2 has Glofish.
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Post by knit.pea on Dec 30, 2016 16:57:16 GMT
Our boys had a Zebra Danio years ago, and it was a very aggressive fish.
It chased the other fish around and caused a lot of stress.
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Post by monklady123 on Dec 30, 2016 17:00:45 GMT
I feel like a cat would be less trouble than fish. Fish need the right temperature and the right water etc. Cats go along with your temperature (of the house), and drink tap water, and all they really need besides food and water is a lap. And cats purr! And they're cute.  |
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Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,240
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Post by Peamac on Dec 30, 2016 17:10:12 GMT
Did you let the water sit long enough before putting the fish in? I forget how long it should be, but I want to say a week or two.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 30, 2016 17:18:10 GMT
Lots of work to keep up an aquarium and fish.
Water, oxygen in the water, aggressive fish etc.
More trouble than a baby!
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,049
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Post by blue tulip on Dec 30, 2016 17:21:53 GMT
i agree that fish are not actually that easy of a pet. do you have the whole set up- filter, heater etc? tropical fish can be picky. we always had the best luck with mollies and gouramis. if by "glofish" you mean neons, those are sensitive fish and harder to keep.
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Post by mom on Dec 30, 2016 17:24:07 GMT
Im no help - the only fish we ever had died when my then toddler son poured milk into his aquarium during breakfast- but I wanted to say I am sorry. Sounds like Santa was trying to do a good thing and it has backfired.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:02:28 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 17:24:29 GMT
We have had many aquariums over the years. They take a LOT of work. One of my girls still has one. She LOVES it but she also did a lot of research and does everything she needs to maintain the water just right, etc. They are definitely not easy to maintain and certain fish are harder than others and/or should not be placed together. She knows all of that because she loves it. I learned I hate it. If I don't have to maintain them, I love to look at them but I won't do the maintenance. Sorry the gift has turned out to not be so good. Hugs to the kiddos.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,316
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 30, 2016 17:56:28 GMT
We have a heater, a filter and let the tank sit after we set it up for 24 hours (80 degrees). It was DH idea, so I haven't paid a ton of attention except when a kid comes knocking on my door at 2 am because their fish is "missing". It jumped out of the tiny hole in the tank lid and died... the 2nd one just died the normal way (in the tank).
We're going to test the PH and possibly get more fish since 2 is not really a school... but we might need to set up a fish graveyard in the backyard if this keeps up.
The problem with cats is the litter box, and vet costs. Maybe some day...
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Post by elaine on Dec 30, 2016 18:03:51 GMT
Keep it at 2 fish per tank for the next 2-4 weeks while the tank cycles. It is preferable to start with only 1 fish per tank for the first 2-4 weeks. Too many fish in the tank before the beneficial bacteria have built up will result in an ammonia spike that will kill sensitive fish.
You can't rush cycling a new tank - it takes time and patience.
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Post by secondlife on Dec 30, 2016 18:25:05 GMT
I am clearly suffering from some form of visual problem because I really wanted to know why Santa shouldn't bring a flask as a Christmas present and why it was causing your fish to die.
Moving along now.
I'm so sorry your girls lost their fish. It's sad even when they're "just fish". My 9yo wants fish and I'm feeling like she's a little tender for the life cycle of fish-tank fishies.
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Post by leslie132 on Dec 30, 2016 18:25:30 GMT
When DD was in grade school, she "won" free goldfish at the school fair. I made the mistake of letting DH take her to pick them up. They came home with an expensive setup and 3 goldfish: Nala, Sarafina & Simba. Simba bit the dust the second day. Nala & Safafina lived for another 6 years. Guess who got to take care of that d@mn fish tank? By the end, I wished that N & S had joined Simba quickly! There will never be another fish in my house, unless it's for dinner!! Good luck with getting the tank going. See, I am with you. I think I'm a fish whisperer!! I can't get a fish to die no matter what I do. They always lived for years when I was younger. My son got a beta (let me rephrase and say I got a beta) and it lived for years. I love the thought of having a pet, but right now life is fast paced and shows no signs of slowing down. Hence.....we are currently without animals. I hope you find the perfect fish with "staying power"!!! |
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 30, 2016 19:16:00 GMT
Google fish tank cycling. Your tank is cycling, since you are doing a fish cycle and not fishless you can probably expect some deaths. Keep a close eye on your water parameters. Ammonia, nitrite, nitrate being the most important. The pH is not overly important at all. Go to Petsmart and pick up a water test kit and test the levels daily. If the ammonia or nitrite spike too high you'll need to change out about 25% of the water during the cycle. After reading all of that and googling the cycle you'll probably be better off getting another cat. |
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Post by julieinsweden on Dec 30, 2016 19:58:09 GMT
Keep it at 2 fish per tank for the next 2-4 weeks while the tank cycles. It is preferable to start with only 1 fish per tank for the first 2-4 weeks. Too many fish in the tank before the beneficial bacteria have built up will result in an ammonia spike that will kill sensitive fish. You can't rush cycling a new tank - it takes time and patience. Wise words. Took forever to set up our tank. |
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uksue
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,597
Location: London
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Post by uksue on Dec 30, 2016 19:58:09 GMT
Try being left with a bearded dragon! My son moved in with his girlfriend when their baby was born but couldn't take Fred with him as not enough room . My youngest is supposed to be in loco parentis but it's me that ends up doing most of it . I'm currently waiting for him to eat his last bl**dy hopper ( left over from yesterday's feast) so I can clean the vivarium as it stinks!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:02:28 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 20:09:32 GMT
I just asked my daughter, and two things you can use in a new tank are:
Quick Start
Stress Coat +
The first one limits toxic ammonia and nitrites and helps prevent fish loss. The second one removes chlorine and chloramines plus detoxifies heavy metals. Hope that helps. She also uses the Stress Coat+ if their gills look damaged because it replaces their slime coat.
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Post by annabella on Dec 30, 2016 20:14:58 GMT
There was a pea here last month who said her house caught on fire because of a defaulty fish tank.
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Dec 30, 2016 20:45:12 GMT
Man Aquariums are getting a bad rap in here  I have owned tanks since I was 12. Used my own money to purchase my first one and that was the start of it. I have owned everything from simple fish to the saltwater and beyond and at one point had 7 tanks running at one time. Some are more trouble than their worth, while others are really enjoyable. At your children ages, the fish dying shouldn't be that traumatic of a deal in my opinion. You also have chosen the harder way to cycle your tank which will involve fish death. Its not so much the tanks problem as it is a lack of knowledge on the part of the owners. Just like any other pet, fish should be researched prior to purchase. The girls are more than capable of handling the maintenance etc. As long as you do water changes regularly, you shouldn't have too many issues with the tank itself. A well cycled, properly stocked tank is a wonderful thing to watch work. Leave the current fish in the tanks and do not add any more. Let the tank cycle for a week or so. You can get a water testing kit at a pet store, but most of them will test your water for free. you are better off going to a smaller locally owned pet store, but they are harder to find unfortunately. The fish from the larger big box stores tend not to be as healthy in my experience, (and NEVER get them from WALMART) though I do purchase from them if the right fish comes along and I have gotten to know the staff running the aquarium area. Some of them really know their stuff and are a great resource for information  Petsmart has some good tutorials on setting up a tank etc. When the tank has cycled, add fish very slowly. Also learn how big your tank/s are, what kind of filtration system you are using and figure out how much they can sustain. Newbies tend to overstock the tanks and that results in more deaths of fish. good starter fish that are hearty and tend to live through many beginner mistakes are mollies, platty's and guppies. I prefer mollies. I hate glofish. Do not get me started on that disaster of a marketing idea. Danios are great once the tank has been established and there are bigger fish involved. If they are the starters they can get territorial. take the time to learn what type of fish you would like to have in your tank and what tank mates they can have. There are many options but not all live well together. This can be a great experience if you let it. I have enjoyed my tanks and am currently working on a planted tank with Discus now that I have stopped moving for a living You wanna talk picky fish...  |
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Post by anxiousmom on Dec 30, 2016 20:59:55 GMT
I don't do fish. Well, except to grill them, fry them, etc.  But my ex loved his fish. We had fresh water tanks, we had salt water tanks, we had reef tanks, blah blah blah. They still have them and my boys are big fans of fish tanks. Here is my advice having watched from the outside for years... Skip the generalized pet stores and find a locally owned fish store. You will usually find a much more well versed employee who can take the time to tell you exactly what to do and in what order. They will be able to knowledgeably explain to why you are having problems and how to fix those problems. And probably just as important, what kind of fish can all live peaceably together without killing each other. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:02:28 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2016 21:05:51 GMT
There was a pea here last month who said her house caught on fire because of a defaulty fish tank. Oh dear. I missed that. How scary and awful! |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Dec 30, 2016 21:07:41 GMT
When DD was in grade school, she "won" free goldfish at the school fair. I made the mistake of letting DH take her to pick them up. They came home with an expensive setup and 3 goldfish: Nala, Sarafina & Simba. Simba bit the dust the second day. Nala & Safafina lived for another 6 years. Guess who got to take care of that d@mn fish tank? By the end, I wished that N & S had joined Simba quickly! There will never be another fish in my house, unless it's for dinner!! Good luck with getting the tank going. ahhh, the joys of fair fish Yes, we've gone through many at our house from the county fair. Starting with my parents house and then at our house. Darn kids in 4-H at county fair, every year! |
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Post by annabella on Dec 30, 2016 21:08:36 GMT
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Post by elaine on Dec 30, 2016 21:08:39 GMT
Man Aquariums are getting a bad rap in here I have owned tanks since I was 12. Used my own money to purchase my first one and that was the start of it. I have owned everything from simple fish to the saltwater and beyond and at one point had 7 tanks running at one time. Some are more trouble than their worth, while others are really enjoyable. At your children ages, the fish dying shouldn't be that traumatic of a deal in my opinion. You also have chosen the harder way to cycle your tank which will involve fish death. Its not so much the tanks problem as it is a lack of knowledge on the part of the owners. Just like any other pet, fish should be researched prior to purchase. The girls are more than capable of handling the maintenance etc. As long as you do water changes regularly, you shouldn't have too many issues with the tank itself. A well cycled, properly stocked tank is a wonderful thing to watch work. Leave the current fish in the tanks and do not add any more. Let the tank cycle for a week or so. You can get a water testing kit at a pet store, but most of them will test your water for free. you are better off going to a smaller locally owned pet store, but they are harder to find unfortunately. The fish from the larger big box stores tend not to be as healthy in my experience, (and NEVER get them from WALMART) though I do purchase from them if the right fish comes along and I have gotten to know the staff running the aquarium area. Some of them really know their stuff and are a great resource for information Petsmart has some good tutorials on setting up a tank etc. When the tank has cycled, add fish very slowly. Also learn how big your tank/s are, what kind of filtration system you are using and figure out how much they can sustain. Newbies tend to overstock the tanks and that results in more deaths of fish. good starter fish that are hearty and tend to live through many beginner mistakes are mollies, platty's and guppies. I prefer mollies. I hate glofish. Do not get me started on that disaster of a marketing idea. Danios are great once the tank has been established and there are bigger fish involved. If they are the starters they can get territorial. take the time to learn what type of fish you would like to have in your tank and what tank mates they can have. There are many options but not all live well together. This can be a great experience if you let it. I have enjoyed my tanks and am currently working on a planted tank with Discus now that I have stopped moving for a living You wanna talk picky fish... I love tanks and have had saltwater in grad school. Now I have a simple 20 gallon that is planted with all live plants (I have keep trimming some of them). My plattys and mollies keep having babies - I have 10 small Mickey Mouse plattys to bring into my local fish store (they take the babies for store credit), so I'll take it that they are happy. I've had the tank set up since this summer and have had 3 broods so far. I have two different snails that don't reproduce - they are fun to watch - especially the large Mystery Snail. But my favorites by far are the freshwater shrimp I have - 3 different types - and a small freshwater lobster (I'll bet it is really a crawfish of sorts). They are so fun to watch move around the tank - both walking and swimming - and are great for keeping the tank healthy in terms of eating stuff that drops to the tank floor. ETA: all that said, if you want care-free pets, tell Santa not to bring aquariums. Healthy aquariums do take work, but they also can be left on their own if you go out of town for a long weekend. Pets, of all types, take commitment and some work. Aquariums more than some because you have to create and maintain a whole ecosystem for them. That is why keeping fish is considered a hobby - it can become as time consuming as you'd like. |
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 30, 2016 21:38:20 GMT
scrappinspidey2 post pictures of your discus set up when you can, I would love to see it! I got my first aquarium when I was six. My mom and sister had them before then too. So basically I have been caring for and enjoying fish tanks for most of my life. In the last 10 years I've had reef tanks, Tanganyikan cichlids, a huge brackish tank, general freshwater, planted tanks, and micro beta tanks. At one point I had 7 aquariums going at one time, it was awesome! Now I am fishless and it makes me sad. I'm hopeful that at some point in the next few years I'll be able to set up a tank again.
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Post by Outspoken on Dec 30, 2016 21:45:41 GMT
There was a pea here last month who said her house caught on fire because of a defaulty fish tank. Actually, it was a faulty POWER STRIP. Not the tank itself. |
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Dec 30, 2016 23:52:17 GMT
Santa doesn't bring living animals, only toys, here.
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,316
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Dec 31, 2016 0:31:21 GMT
So we went to the store to get a water testing kit, the water is fine. Meanwhile while we were at the store buying the kit, fish #3 has died (DD #2's so it actually died died not jumped out of the tank and died on the floor).
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Post by AussieMeg on Dec 31, 2016 0:43:08 GMT
Ugh, DD's boyfriend bought her a fish tank and 3 fish for her birthday a few weeks ago. Yep, one died after a few days. DD had to get her 12yo brother to scoop it out of the tank. Then they gave it a touching send off complete with music and flushed it down the dunny. And posted it to Instagram.  Come to think of it.... DD has gone away for 5 days and she didn't leave me any instructions on what/when/how to feed them. I suppose I should ring her hey? |
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scrappinspidey2
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,511
Location: In the Parlor with the Fly
Mar 18, 2015 19:19:37 GMT
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Post by scrappinspidey2 on Dec 31, 2016 0:54:46 GMT
What size tank is it and what filtration system is running? Something is off if they are dying, although I swear not that long ago I got what I call a bad batch of neons. I have never had a hard time keeping neons and they are so pretty in their blue color and fast movement. Except this bunch just did not handle the move from store to my house at all. It was odd. No explanation. Water was fine, lighting was good, temp was good. They just didn't handle it well. Im eyeballing the cats though.....its possible they are a part of this |
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Post by elaine on Dec 31, 2016 0:55:37 GMT
So we went to the store to get a water testing kit, the water is fine. Meanwhile while we were at the store buying the kit, fish #3 has died (DD #2's so it actually died died not jumped out of the tank and died on the floor). No offense, but the water shouldn't be fine. If you are testing what you need to be testing - read chaosisapony 's post - it should be moving towards unhealthy levels. All tanks go through this period when they are cycling, so if you aren't getting some wonky readings, you are doing something wrong. What other explanation for the two fish that have died without jumping out of the tanks? Your tanks will be poisonous to the fish until they cycle and build up enough beneficial bacteria. You just hope for hardy enough fish to survive it. Your readings, if you choose to test the water for ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites, will show this. Skip the pH. |
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Refupea #39
I have owned tanks since I was 12. Used my own money to purchase my first one and that was the start of it. I have owned everything from simple fish to the saltwater and beyond and at one point had 7 tanks running at one time. Some are more trouble than their worth, while others are really enjoyable. At your children ages, the fish dying shouldn't be that traumatic of a deal in my opinion. You also have chosen the harder way to cycle your tank which will involve fish death. Its not so much the tanks problem as it is a lack of knowledge on the part of the owners. Just like any other pet, fish should be researched prior to purchase. The girls are more than capable of handling the maintenance etc. As long as you do water changes regularly, you shouldn't have too many issues with the tank itself. A well cycled, properly stocked tank is a wonderful thing to watch work. 
Petsmart has some good tutorials on setting up a tank etc. When the tank has cycled, add fish very slowly. Also learn how big your tank/s are, what kind of filtration system you are using and figure out how much they can sustain. Newbies tend to overstock the tanks and that results in more deaths of fish. 
