Sharing Aquatics

[Fish Folk]

So, we're on vacation. First one in a L  O  N  G  time. Some snaps at the beach below. It's a bit cold, but a wonderful time for birding!

Back at home, we've left our fish in the care of one of the 5th graders whose classroom we've set up the 33 gal long breeding for profit tank in (see photo below).

We made a chart showing all of our tanks in the basement, and walked through how to feed everything. She'll come by once a day with her family to feed the ca. 17 tanks. We prepared pill-containers with food for each tank. This girl could not be more excited!

Which is a point worth seriously considering: It is important to pass on a love for this hobby. I am guessing that this 5th grader is going to know far more about fish keeping after watching 26 species of freshwater fish feed for two full weeks than most kids ever learn. It's fun to take a break, leave the fish in someone else's care, and get outta dodge city. But even more delightful to share the aquarist hobby while away!

[Dawn T]

Beautiful tank setup for the classroom! Also, how cool that you were able to make feeding as easy as possible for your young pet sitter. 🙂

[Tanked]

Assuming the parents understand the details, I think it is a great idea to put the kid in charge of you fish room for a week.  It may clear the way for getting an aquarium of her own, or at least plant the seeds for a related activity later on.

[Fish Folk]

25 minutes ago, Tanked said:

Assuming the parents understand the details, I think it is a great idea to put the kid in charge of you fish room for a week.  It may clear the way for getting an aquarium of her own, or at least plant the seeds for a related activity later on.

Indeed! She’s already got a 20 gal of her own. We had the family over, and she fed all tanks last Sunday. The slightly tricky feedings are the Gourami fry and killifish fry, because she has to use Dean’s method of tapping a dry paintbrush dipped in New Life Spectrum fry growth starter powder.