A small tank for a child’s room, or perhaps a larger one for the family room, is an exciting new addition to a family’s home. It provides many opportunities for learning and fun.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never kept an aquarium before, adequate planning is the key to success when it comes to introducing your child to aquarium maintenance and making sure it’s childproof.
This guide is intended to provide information and practical advice to anyone interested in setting up a child-proof fish tank.
Have a look below!
- Prepare Yourself First
You’ll know what to look for and how to choose the correct equipment if you’re a seasoned aquarist.
But if you’re new to this or it’s been a while since you had your own aquarium, here’s what you’ll need for your child’s fish tank:
- Aquarium
- Gravel Net
- Light and Cover
- Decorations
- Scraper for Algae
- Stand
- Material for the Background
- Strips for testing
- Filter
- Conditioner for Water
- Gravel Vacuum/Siphon Hose
- Thermometer and Heater
- Food
- Dimensions and Form
2. Start Small Or Big?
When children are involved, there is a natural urge to begin small. For one thing, smaller aquariums are less expensive, and they’re easier to find a home for. Many beginners believe that a smaller tank will be easier and less complicated to maintain, however this is not the case.
Larger tanks are more steady, child safe, and rookie mistakes are more forgivable. When things go wrong in a tiny aquarium – which can happen at any moment – they usually happen quickly and frequently, with terrible repercussions.
Aquarium form is also crucial; long, wide aquariums can accommodate more fish and provide better gas exchange than short, narrow aquariums. Begin with the largest aquarium you can fit in your space and afford.
3. Choose A Glass Or Acrylic Fish Tank?
Another thing to think about is whether you want a glass or acrylic aquarium; both have advantages and disadvantages when it comes to childproofing.
Glass tanks are less likely to distort or scrape, are less expensive, and last longer. However, they are more prone to breakage.
Acrylic tanks are lighter, but they are more expensive. They are more resistant to toys and other objects flying across the room and crashing into them. This is very normal when children are busy in their playpens by top playpen manufacturer and ignore the delicate stuff around.
However, unlike glass, an acrylic tank’s entire bottom must be supported, not just the corners.
4. Choose Freshwater Or Saltwater?
Most people instantly choose freshwater since it is easier and less expensive, but depending on your child’s age and your budget, this may be a valid question.
If your youngster has the talent and is old enough to take on some of the tasks of keeping a marine aquarium, don’t count saltwater out.
Saltwater aquariums are far easier to maintain than they were a few years ago, and like with most things in life, there are various levels of complexity and costs. You can simply use quality foam aquarium filters to clean saltwater on a regular basis.
5. The Best Place To Store It Safely
Decide where your new aquarium will go before going to the local fish store. How much room do you have available? Is there a power outlet close by? Do you have a solid foundation to place it on? Do you have dim led strip wholesale nearby?
Keep in mind that a gallon of aquarium water weighs around 10 pounds. Aquariums of fewer than 10 gallons can be put on durable furniture, but bigger tanks should be placed on a factory-built aquarium stand.
For youngsters, the aquarium should be placed at eye level but not within their reach, and away from drafts or doors that may bump it when they open.
6. The Best Fish
There are two ways to go about this. If you’ve already bought a children’s fish tank, ask a local fish store specialist to help you choose the right fish once it’s set up. If you haven’t decided on a size yet, go to your local aquarium store and browse the aisles.
Ask the staff for recommendations for suitable beginner fish for youngsters, and then let your child pick the fish he or she wants. Then have the employees at the store assist you in selecting the suitable tank size and shape to fit them.
Active fish, for example, thrive in large aquariums with plenty of room to swim, whereas inactive fish will thrive in a smaller aquarium, such as a hexagon.
7. Safe Aquarium Decorations
Fish require a lot of structure in order to feel safe and locate a home. Brightly colored stones and decorations will naturally appeal to children. However, these items do not always reflect what fish encounter in nature, and certain decorations may even be stressful to them.
Instead of making the decision for your child, talk to them about what’s best for the fish and what their natural environment is like.
Decorating a fish tank for kids doesn’t have to be boring; instead, assist them in selecting decorations that are both beneficial to the fish and appealing to them.
Conclusion
Getting children involved in aquarium care has numerous advantages, and ensuring that they are set up for success from the outset will make it more enjoyable for everyone.
You can assist them begin a lifelong commitment in one of the most fascinating activities in the world with adequate planning!