Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
How easy are fish tanks?
DS2 has asked repeatedly for a pet. When DS1 turned 9, he got a green anole (lizard) and did great with it until it died. The problem is, the big boys are gone 1/2 time now and any pet responsibility would fall to me. DH is also not thrilled with adopting a dog, though we almost ended up with one a year ago.
Their dad has had multiple dogs and gets rid of them after a while when it's no longer convenient. (Grrr.) DS gets upset about it, but I don't think he understands long-term views, and fully understands that an animal will be alive until after he goes to college. He also wants a hamster or gerbil in his (basement) room, but I've been told they can smell a lot, and it's already too stinky down there for me. So far, I've said no to his pet requests.
I thought about surprising him with a fish tank for Christmas, and letting him pick out a fish or two. I don't know much about fish though, other than I've heard freshwater tanks are easier & cheaper than salt water.
WDYT - good, low maintenance pet or is it a bad idea?
Re: How easy are fish tanks?
From what I have dealt with and what I hear from my other half, Fish = total PITA.
We have a 30 gallon freshwater tank that really isn't all that high maintenance (right now). However, the start up & getting the little "ecosystem" balanced in the tank initially can be REALLY difficult. Honestly, the larger the tank, the less difficult it is to maintain once a tank is up & running, but starting one can be really time and money intensive.
oh & to address your question re: fresh vs. salt water...Freshwater is DEFINITELY cheaper! The salt water tanks cost more to get up & running & can get really costly when fish die & you have to spend $$ on the fancy salt water fish!
I agree with previous posts...and I as much as your DS might want it, I think I'd skip it (esp. since he won't be around 100% of the time to maintain the tank...you don't want that job!)
lol