Quote:
Originally Posted by photon
If you remember my hypoallergenic cat thread, you know my son's been bugging mom and dad about pets.
So after explaining mom gets sick from smelling cats, he seems to be ok with that, and got enthusiastic with fish.
I was thinking of starting small with a bowl or a 5 gallon tank, but reading it seems the smaller the tank the harder they are to maintain, so I figured I might as well go with the basic 20 gallon tank.
So got a basic tank, filter, heater, etc.
Now I have to decide what fish to put in it.
Any suggestions as to something that will impress a preschooler but be hardy enough to withstand a beginner fish keeper (had some a loooong time ago)?
Maybe something small but a school of them? So they move together and he can watch them?
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African Cichlids are a good choice if you don't wan't to mix it up to much. You can get some very colorful varieties that will grow over time and thrive in a 20 gallon tank. The problem with fish in a 20 gallon tank is that they will pick on each other if there are too many. Buy a small number of fish and let them grow.
I also had a pair of Angel fish that breed and I was witness to the subsequent dinner party that that became.
In my opinion it is better for your little guy to see a small fish get bigger as he helps to feed it etc. than you having to explain why "flipper" isn't around for breakfast the next day.