Tank for a 3 year old

[captaincaveman9]

I have to agree with Ms Jinks. I disagree with the gourami simply because they can be pretty skittish without live plants and with noise and such (at least the gourami I have had were)

 

[excuzzzeme]

My 3 y.o. Grandson has 1 Betta and 4 whiteclouds in a 10 gallon tank. Daddy "helps" him clean the tank weekly. He is very protective of them and very aware about feeding them. It is shocking to think a 3yo can have that much understanding. He is absolutely devoted to them! Says "Good morning" to them everyday and "Good night" as well!!!

 

[briggadane]

I say use the glass ornament floating fish for a while, and get a couple empty snail shells. Pretend all are real, help child clean and feed the fish.
When you can go a couple monthes and all the ornaments and shells stay in the tank, then I would get fish too small and too quick for a 3-4 year old to catch. My older toddler brought me a very dry apple snail the other day, that had been missing 4 days.

Fortunately it was still alive. I have moved all snails to one tank and now keep tabs everyday. The idea of a rotting snail stuffed in the leather couch is NOT appealing.


I put child proof latches on the aquarium lids, the adhesive kind. There is no child proof tank though. As my daughter showed me today- she can still stick her hand in the water next to the back filter.

 

[chefjamesscott]

I'm none too keen on a the idea of a three year old with a tank, But if your going to, go with a betta. I'm sure it would survive, and no special requirements. Not to mention, I love bettas, lol.

i would say that a three year old so long as they are told that mom or dad has to help watch them would do fine but i would make sure they had to come get the food an stuff from me for feeding time

then i would have a good fifteen minute snuggle time so we could watch the fish eat

what better reason to get a tank for the little one free snuggles :silly:

 

[chefjamesscott]

My 3 y.o. Grandson has 1 Betta and 4 whiteclouds in a 10 gallon tank. Daddy "helps" him clean the tank weekly. He is very protective of them and very aware about feeding them. It is shocking to think a 3yo can have that much understanding. He is absolutely devoted to them! Says "Good morning" to them everyday and "Good night" as well!!!

and this is what im tryin to say

as a dad ive always taken the approach that my kids are little adults still kids but not stupid so sweet to hear of a 3 year old with his own tank :headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2::headbang2:

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Get the kid a 500g reef tank.

 

[THE V]

My son is 3 right now. He helps me take care of my tanks everyday including cleaning them. Personally I would stay away from any fish like a Betta that has a relatively short life span. Look for something that lives for more years so your not having a funeral in the back yard for his best friend anytime soon. It will happen eventually but give him a little time for that one if you can.

Just remember there is no child proof "ANYTHING". If they want to get into it they will find a way. I thought I had my Oreo's well hidden when I went on a business trip earlier this week. I came back 3 days later to an empty package in the cupboard... the little theif. I only got 2 cookies.

 

[bubbles42151]

if you really wanted too...

i think ONE fancy tail goldy in a 29 gal would be perfect for your son. They're very interactive fish especially when they're alone and they aren't shy at all! They get about 6in and not to mention they live a good long while! again-just a thought. have fun

 

[BigFishKeeper]

Try some snails and some sort of tetras!

 

[mr.key]

Get the kid a 500g reef tank.

That's what I'm saying.

Seriously though I would do a paradise fish, some java fern and moss, maybe some ramshorns. Think swamp.