Fish 101: A Fun, First Hobby for Children

Instead of collecting stamps or coins as a hobby, Petland suggests a more exciting beginner’s hobby for children – fishkeeping. Petland says that children in Iowa City can benefit from starting a fish hobby at a young age.

“Becoming an amateur fish hobbyist as a child serves as a wonderful learning experience,” said Ronald Solsrud, Operator of the Petland store in the Sycamore Mall, in Iowa City. “Not only is it a great opportunity for a child to learn responsibility, it also may turn into a lifelong interest or later lead the child to turn his or her passion for the hobby into a career.”

To be successful in their new hobby, Petland says that it is best for children to begin with tropical, or freshwater, fish because of the ease in maintaining the aquarium.
 
“Saltwater fish are intriguing to watch, but they often are difficult to raise and really are meant for more of an advanced hobbyist. Because of this, it is ideal for a child to start with freshwater fish and work their way to the next level,” said Solsrud, noting that pet counselors at Petland in Iowa City can offer children advice and recommendations on how to choose the right fish, what supplies will be needed and how to best maintain their new aquarium.

Benefits of starting a fish hobby
Not only does keeping fish teach children a sense of responsibility, there also are other benefits children can reap.

“Studying a variety of fish and aquatic life will help children learn about underwater habitats. The educational benefits are limitless,” said Solsrud. “Keeping an aquarium can even help children with their schoolwork. Science, chemistry and biology are all involved in the hobby of fishkeeping.”

According to studies conducted by the Delta Society, children’s positive self-esteem and cognitive development can be enhanced when they own a pet. In addition, other studies show that aquariums can be quite soothing and act as a natural tranquilizer.

“Aquariums have been shown to have calming effects. Just watching a tank full of fish, moving smoothly back and forth through the water, can lower a person’s blood pressure,” said Solsrud. “Petland’s motto is ‘Petland Pets Make Life Better.’ We truly believe that pets enrich people’s lives and that the human-animal bond promotes a healthier lifestyle.”

Education is key to children beginning a fish hobby
Parents can help turn their child’s new fish hobby into an educational pastime by encouraging the child to do research before picking out an array of colorful fish and setting up their new underwater oasis at home. Solsrudsays that a good first step is for the child to visit Petland in Iowa City to see what is available and talk with the store’s fish department manager or a pet counselor who can educate the child on important topics such as filtration, aeration, water quality and what type of aquarium will best suit his or her needs. The child also can visit his or her local library or surf the Internet for a wealth of information on the hobby.

"At Petland, we feel it is very important to provide people with the necessary tools to succeed as a responsible pet owner – whether they are adopting a puppy or kitten or they are taking home their first goldfish," said Solsrud. “There is a lot more to fishkeeping than meets the eye. Children are a very captive audience and they enjoy learning the intricate details of what is involved in starting a fish hobby and how they can build their skills and knowledge to take their hobby to a more advanced level.”

Tips for children to create their first aquarium

Solsrud says that when starting a freshwater aquarium, a child will need to consider the following:

• Placement of the aquarium is an important decision. Instead of putting the tank in the child’s room, make it a focal point in the main living area of the house so that the child can show off his or her accomplishments. Be sure to place the tank near an electrical outlet.
• Equipment required for starter tanks will include a tank, thermometer, heater, air pump, plastic tubing, cover, gravel, plants, decorations, net, water testing kit and cleaning tools. Petland in Iowa City suggests starting with a 10-gallon aquarium, which can be purchased separately or as a kit with supplies. Children’s-themed desktop aquariums which come in a variety of sizes and colors also are great starter options.
• Water is a necessary ingredient for the tank. A Petland Pet Counselor can help suggest a good water conditioner to balance the pH in the tank. The water will need to be cleaned every few weeks.
• After water is added to the tank, the proper temperature will need to be established by adjusting the heater. Tropical fish can be sensitive to changes in water temperature. Therefore, the water needs to be 76 degrees Fahrenheit for most species to thrive.