Someone I know just turned 16, very responsible and into fish, the only tanks she has had are tropical and under 10 gallons. She has $2000 saved up, do you think she could handle a saltwater tank? She has done a lot of research and has read a lot of books, she is thinking of a 55 gallon w/ either a just fish or live rocks and fish, no coral. Should she be allowed to get a tank?
2007-01-09 11:41:39 · 29 answers · asked by ? 4 in Pets ➔ Fish
I'll tell you something. My stepfather has a 50/55 gallon Salt Water tank that I used to have to clean when I was younger. I despised cleaning that thing all the time. The question is: Is she willing to spend a good 2 hours cleaning it every 2or3 weeks?
Depending on the quality of the filter system you purchase, the algae will grow slower or faster. Also, the chemicals you choose to purify the water plays a factor in algae growth as well. And cleaning the algae off the glass is a big pain, but with good tools, it's easier. It requires some muscle. There's also cleaning the gravel out, changing the pump filter, cleaning rocks (if you have any), cleaning the plants that are in it, etc. etc.
If she understands the up-keep, then yeah, go for it. She might really enjoy taking care of her tank. Just a forewarning of what might lie ahead.
2007-01-09 11:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by lstnto311 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say "Yes". If she is very responsible as you say, has had some experience with raising fish, and has done alot of research, then it sounds like she would do pretty well.
One tip to help her. Find a very good local pet shop that has salt water tanks, and ask the person who cares for them if they have any tips, suggestions, or helpful pointers. She may also want to have a few places listed in her "phone book" to call in case there are any questions or complications she may have. She may also want to check out any local aquariums that may be in the city she lives and ask the experts.
Caring for fish is a very gratifying hobby, and alot of fun as well. I wish her the best.
2007-01-09 12:10:57 · answer #2 · answered by Ray Ray 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saltwater is really hard. I was raising cuddlefish once. You have to be right on top of the whole situation. It's not a matter od responsability, but of time. A 16 year old has limited time.
Anyways, I'd say she should get it if she wants it. Worst that could happen is she kills some fish that would have died sooner or later anyway. Just don't start out with anything overly expensive.
2007-01-09 11:46:18 · answer #3 · answered by Sammer (Jim W) 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think just any 16 year old could handle it it takes a lot of time and responsibility. It sounds like they have taken really good care of the fish they already own and if they have done the research and are willing to spend their own money on it, I don't see why not?
2007-01-09 11:45:15 · answer #4 · answered by Becky R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If she has the money to pay for it herself, she has already demonstrated both patience and responsibility.
If she has already done the research, she has demonstrated interest and knowledgeability.
I know a lot of adults who shouldn't have a betta, let alone a saltwater tank. But this girl sounds like she's ready to take on the project.
So, yes. Good for her; I hope she gets lots of enjoyment. It's a lot of work, but it's worth it.
2007-01-09 14:42:51 · answer #5 · answered by sparticle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if this person has proven herself with tropical tanks, done some serious research and is paying for it herself- i would say yes. one caution though. a 55 gallon tank-full- is some serious weight. placement is crucial. if it is a second floor the tank will be located on it ABSOLUTELY MUST be on a center support beam. same goes if its on a first fllor with a basement underneath. if the home is on a concrete slab-- no worries.
2007-01-09 11:47:51 · answer #6 · answered by shar71vette 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
salt water tanks are very hard to deal with their hard to clean and can be dangerous to clean depending on what fish u have there also supper sensitive to water changes so personally unless u have hours upon hours to clean and care for the tank and its inhabitants id stick to freshwater but i cant blame u for wanting one i love the sate water fish but I'm the same age and my parents wont let me get one for the same reasons I've listed
2007-01-09 16:47:47 · answer #7 · answered by Josey 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes because if she has been able to save the moeny & do all the reserch then she should be able to handle it. The only thing is the type of fish she wants.
2007-01-09 11:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by lilboricualoca 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sure they could. Stop by the Beginning SW chat tomorrow night at FishGeeks.
2007-01-09 16:37:40 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i can't answer if she should be allowed or not, but i am 31 and can't handle the 10 gallon FRESHwater tank i got for the kids for christmas
2007-01-09 11:48:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋