collecting unwanted/dead/dry LR for 2-year old boy's first aquarium

[islandfever]

hi fellow reefers,

I am collecting some items for a 2 year old boy whose first word is literally "ish" (fish). He just turned 2 in January & points to everything and keeps saying "ish ish ish" I'm looking to set up a fish only aquarium. Ideally, a tank and stand set up, nothing smaller than a 60G to keep the temp from drastic fluctuation. a basic refugium as a filtration system.

I'm not looking for a hand out. I have been a strong believer of preserving nature. i know that there is some "rubble" out there that i can collect and put together and make use of. I am donating my time and travel to do this. this is not my kid.

if anyone out there, has some items they are not using or collecting dust, i will take them and give them new life. anywhere between long beach and san gabriel area is preferred but i do go down to OC once in a while.

Thanks for looking & mucho reef karma for 'yall

 

[Botchmac77]

Hey Ian, I have some dry rocks to spare!!! Pm me

 

[xmas_one]

Ian, I can hook you up with dry rock too. I also have some live rock.

 

[SanClementeEric]

I have been a strong believer of preserving nature.

... this is not my kid.

Couple of things strike me as potential problems with these statements.

If it's not your kid, who's going to take care of the fish on a daily basis?

For the sake of preserving nature, setting up a fish tank should only be done when the caretaker is fully dedicated to the life of the fish and they understand what's involved with its care. This is the same reason, puppies shouldn't be given as gifts to people. We can't assume the receiver wants that responsibility.

I understand the intent and yes there are a lot of free tanks out there, every month on craigslist and here too, but just as much joy could be gotten from a 20 G and one fancy goldfish, which doesn't take as much regulation.

I literally got the bug at 2- or 3-years old, when my father took me to a fish store and picked out a black and a gold fan-tail for us to take home. So, I understand the desire to want to instill that in future generations. Just make sure the person ultimately responsible for their care is ready for that.

Your time and travel are a one-time investment. That doesn't guarantee the long-term commitment that should be invested will be there. Even a FOWLR has on-going costs.

 

[islandfever]

Eric, I completely agree with you. As I help set up the tank, I'm teaching the dad step by step about husbandry, water parameters, temp, feeding and care. the father will be the one taking care of the fowlr on a daily basis. I will always be available to answer any questions. im expecting to spend at least 2 months to finish the cycle and make sure the tank is well established. good looking out, Eric. it's a relief so see someone out there still doing the right thing.