Buying an Aquarium for a Child or Teen

Many of us had our first fish keeping experience as children. Unfortunately, first time fish owners aren't always provided with the information they need to be successful. As a result they lose some, or all, of their fish, then give up and do not try again. If you are assisting a child or teenager start an aquarium, be sure to do your homework so they aren't set up for failure.

Prior to shopping, it's wise to make a checklist of things you need. Then you won't miss anything, or purchase unnecessary items. Print off my checklist and recommendations for aquarium gift giving - it has everything you'll need on one list.

Tank Selection
Perhaps because we are accustomed to buying smaller items for children, there is a tendency for parents to purchase small aquariums for their children. Don't fall into that trap! Tiny aquariums require more skill than large ones, and are not well suited for beginners. For beginners I strongly recommend a 20 gallon tank, or larger. If space or finances make that impossible, don't go smaller than 10 gallons, and take care to select small, hardy fish.

Should you select glass or acrylic? Each has its own pros and cons. Although I personally prefer glass aquariums, acrylic has many advantages for children. It does not chip or break, weighs less than glass, and doesn't distort the view as glass can. That's important, as children will spend a lot of time gazing at their tank from all angles.

On the downside, acrylic scratches easily and it is more expensive than glass. If price is not an issue, give strong consideration to an acrylic tank. You won't have to worry about the tank being broken by an errant baseball or other flying object.

Decorations
Children and teenagers often want brightly colored gravel and decorations. However, such decor is not a natural setting for the fish, and can be stressful for them. Rather than take the choice away from your child, ask them what they think the fish's home in nature is like. Point out that where fish live there probably isn't red gravel or bright blue plants.

Suggest that and the fish might feel more comfortable with something like their natural home, and then let them make their own choice. Odds are they will opt for something other than bright red.

Buying Fish
Now comes your biggest challenge, as new aquarium owners, young and old alike, want to get lots of fish as soon as possible. Fish should never be purchased the same day as the fish. Adding too many fish too soon, and overfeeding are the biggest mistakes new owners make.

It's critical to set up the tank, let it run for a few days to stabilize the water temperature and ensure everything is functioning properly before fish are added. Note: This initial waiting period is not the startup-cycle, that doesn't begin until fish are added. During the time you allow the tank to stabilize, sharing some basic facts about aquarium wastes will help eager children wait for their new fish.

Educate and Plan
Don't mince words; elementary age children should be told that fish go to the bathroom in the water they live in, and wastes can harm the fish. Then explain that special bacteria get rid of those wastes, but the bacteria take several weeks to grow enough to do the job. While they are growing it is important to only have a few fish in the tank, and change the water often to get rid of the wastes.

Middle school and high school students are capable of understanding the nitrogen cycle as it occurs in an aquarium; so take this opportunity to teach them about it. If you aren't familiar with it yourself, print the articles I have on the topic. Too many aquarium owners are unaware of this critical process, and as a result, they lose fish.

Once your tank is ready for fish, sit down with your children and talk about fish choices. Avoid large, aggressive, or difficult to care for fish. Select a couple of hardy starter fish before going to the store, that way your children are less likely to insist on unsuitable fish.

Good luck - you are about to have a great family experience!