You probably had a tiny little bowl with one little goldfish in it when you were a child. You begged your parents to pretty, pretty pleeeeeeease let you get the goldfish. You would take care of it all by yourself and they wouldn't have to help at all. Your parents reluctantly agreed, because they knew that you would forget to feed it and it would become their job. The first week or so, you waited til the same time every day to feed your fish and you were so excited to take care of it. But then you grew a little older, and you forgot the joy that having a little fish life to take care of. So when you get to college, and while you are there this semester, consider getting a fish, or a fish tank, for your room for these reasons.
1. Fish tanks brighten up a room.
My fish tank is 5.5 gallons and has a little world inside of it. There's a filter, coral structures, and a light to brighten up the tank. The tank itself is a bright spot in my room and gives my room more life. The bright colored red, orange, and green fish inside add color and the shimmering from the water makes my room a bright, happy place to be.
2. Fish tanks draw attention from potential new friends.
My advice? Set up your new tank near your door. Turn on the light in the tank and open your door. With your door open and a shiny, interesting centerpiece right inside your room, people walking by are going to be drawn in. That way, you can meet new people from campus, and make some new friends.
3. Fish tanks are easy to maintain.
If you get a fish bowl, you have one fish to feed and one small bowl to clean once every three or so weeks. Piece of cake! If you get a tank with a filter, the amount you'll have to clean will go up slightly, but not by a lot. For my 5.5 gallon tank that currently is housing 3 tetra glofish and two albino catfish, I need to vacuum the gravel about once a week. That's nothing! It takes about half an hour to clean my tank, and it's so worth it for my little guys.
4. Fish tanks aren't that expensive.
Like most things, there are start up and maintenance costs for keeping a fish tank, but the prices are very reasonable, and the things you need, like food, extra filters, and water purifier last a very long time.
5. Fish tanks teach responsibility....
.....Without being too difficult. You're responsible for keeping the fish alive and clean, but if something happens to them, it's okay. Fish aren't designed to live forever, but if you take care of them properly, they could live for a couple of years. You just need to make sure they live and are clean. Those are (theoretically) the same requirements you have for yourself. Not too bad!
If you are considering getting a fish tank, go for it! It is so worth the time and the small amount of money it takes to start a tank. Make sure to do your research on the best type of tank for you, whether it be fresh water or salt water. There are several different types of fish you can own, and there are definitely some fish better designed for beginners. (I'm partial to tetra glofish myself.) So get out there, pick out your fish, and become a fish lover like me! Your dorm room will thank you!
