too late for a Christmas present?

[toomuchtooyoung]

dd just announced she would like some fish to replace our beloved cat who died earlier this year. but I've just been reading about recommended 60l tank size and a fishless cycle. we don't have room for a huge tank and now not enough time till the big day and how to keep it a surprise!

slightly concerned that 30 year's ago when I was her age my brother won a goldfish at the fair and we kept it and 5 additions in a very small tank feel very bad now, but how did they all live for over 10 years!

oooops, sorry for multiple posts. must be gremlins, or maybe guppies

get her some aquabots instead

she's 3, not very good at waiting

Do you know someone with a fish tank? If you can nick a bit of mature media from their filter then that will shorten the cycle. It still does take time though, and it's worth doing- putting fish in an uncycled tank can result in death (theirs, not yours).

60 litres isn't massive, it's a sensible size for a first tank. You could get away with 45 litres maybe but anything smaller than that is going to be difficult to maintain.

Christmas isn't the ideal time to get a fishtank really, the first few weeks need a lot of work and fish need to be kept calm and quiet because they can be skittish while they settle in. Also you're more likely to get a bargain on the tank in the January sales.

thanks for replying everyone. unfortunately I don't know anyone with a fish tank. will explain to dd and see if she's still interested....