My family absolutely loves our new aquarium!!

[phoenix]

When I was younger I had a small aquarium and tried to keep a fish alive but I didn't do any research and now I realize I did everything wrong. Then late last year we bought a MiniBow for our youngest son to keep in his room and I was hooked. I don't have to tell anyone here how relaxing it is to watch and care for my fish.

My 4 year old knows what type of fish we have and makes up crazy names for them, Swimmy, Birdy, Elizabeth the Fish, it goes on and on. He loves to 'help' with their care. He 'helps' me change water, feed the fish and test the water. It is also reinforcing his counting skills, he counts the drops as they go into the test tube, he counts the seconds he is supposed to shake the test tubes, he tries to count the number of fish but the guppies and danios move so fast it's nearly impossible.

Last night the boys were visiting my in-laws and my husaband and I ordered pizza and put in The Dark Knight (we hadn't gotten a chance to watch it yet. What a great movie!). When we got our pizza we lingered in front of the aquarium for at least 15 minutes just watching the fish. Then again when we went upstairs for seconds. And again when our dog decided he had to go outside. It happens all the time. Instead of watching TV or doing what I should be doing I end up staring at the aquarium.

The same happens for the boys (ages 4 and 2). They are less hyperactive and I often catch them sitting in front of the aquarium watching the fish. They always liked helping with the small tank but it was on top of a dresser so it wasn't as accessible. The new one is basically at their eye level. Although I do have to remind my youngest not to touch the tank overall it has been a wonderful experience for everyone

[Pris]

I understand completely. My biggest problem is that the 150g is located just inside the dining room - next to the door leading to the kitchen. Fish gazers are often in the line of traffic.

I'm glad you are enjoying the hobby!!

[andywoolloo]

yes, same experiences here. People drop in to sit and gaze at the tanks.

The sound of all the filters doesn't bother me, it's relaxing.

Glad you'e enjoying fishkeeping also!

[BeavisMom62]

How right you are, phoenix. I can't count how many times in a day as I walk by my tanks, I have to stop and watch them. We have a bar between the kitchen and dining room and one tank is on the bar and the other is on a stand in front of the bar. So of course, walking into the kitchen requires passing the tanks. And somehow you just can't walk into the kitchen without at least pausing at the tanks. Which is great, especially if you were heading to the kitchen for junk food but then after watching the fish a while, you forgot why you were going there! The only bad thing is, the tank on the stand isn't at eye level, so I always have to stoop a while to watch them, which isn't great for me since I have spinal problems! But even that makes me forget my problems for a while. Everything about them is soothing, the lighting, movement of the fish, sound of the water, flowing of the bubbles.... aaahhhh.....

[Gram]

I also love my tank and all of it's cute inhabitants. Today the grandsons are coming over to spend the night and we are going to do a partial water change and name two fish (the little pleico and a very fun angelfish). I have a community tank and the fish get along very well and the as yet unnamed angelfish and a ram are best buds. Isn't it amazing?

[phoenix]

I agree, very amazing

I am considering getting a pair of Ram. Do you have guppies or zebra danios? I wonder if Rams will tolerate them since they are so hyperactive.

[Gram]

Sorry, I don't have any guppies or zebra danios. I have serpae tetras, dwarf gouramis, angelfish, rams and corys and one pleco.

My pair of rams sometimes lingers among the plants with the gouramis and at other times swims in open water with the tetras and angelfish. They seem to be very curious and friendly. At times, they don't realize I have put food in the tank because they are busy visiting with me at the glass. This is my first time to have rams and I am really enjoying them. Good Luck!

[andywoolloo]

are you guys talking about German Blue Rams? I have some of those, great fish!!

[phoenix]

Yes! I also like the golden rams too. Do think they would work well with danios and guppies? I'm going to keep an eye out for them at the MCA expo this weekend. Which I guess means I should have a quarantine tank setting up right now just in case...But if they won't get along I guess I can wait.

[andywoolloo]

I had my rams in QT for a month before I added them to my bristlenose fry grow out tank. There are also panda cories in there.

So I know they can live with those two fish. I have had no problems so far.

Cept I may see some soon as they have paired off and chosen areas. One male and female are in a corner behind a cave , the male is digging a deep pit, and i think I know what comes next.