Need some advise on possible new tank setup

[Hecsanch]

So here's were I'm at I've only had my tank setup for 4 months and everything going pretty good for being new to the hobby with one exception and she happens to be 11 yrs old ! Yes it my daughter and she can't seem to keep her hands out of the tank, always wants to be in the tank doing something(catch her in the tank without asking it's like talking to the wall) she love it . So heres the problem she now wants her own salt tank for her bedroom and I'm kinda on the fence because I know how much time my tank takes to maintain. I obviously have no issue helping her with it but I really don't wanna end up having to take care of 2 tanks by myself, so I was hoping maybe someone out there was possibly in the same situation where an 11 yr old was responsible enough to maintain a tank or if it's just a bad idea I will say she is a great helper and loves the fish. if I was to do this I was thinking about the 29 gal bio cube anyone that has experience with kids and there own tanks advise would be appreciated !!

 

[shifty51008]

Any chance on setting up a fw tank for her?

 

[Clownfish Chris]

Every one is different. I cant trust my 8 year old to feed a hamster. I seriously doubt he will be able to take care of a salt water tank at 11. On the other hand, I know a girl who set her first tank at 10 and did very well with it. I imagine the key is a true desire and proper guidance. May be allow her to take care of your tank as a trial run?

 

[thegrun]

If she has the interest and you can get her to understand that she would be responsible for the lives of whatever she puts in her tank I think it is a great idea. There is so much that she would learn from keeping her own tank that I think it is well worth the investment.

 

[rfurst]

You know your daughter better than any of us so use your best judgement on that. My personal bias is that if a kid has that much enthusism in a science-based hobby where their are so many oppotunities to learn ... both science and responsibility... I'd have a heard time saying no. I had small tanks set up for both of my pre-teen boys and it went fine. And really, who wouldn't take the opportunity to set up another tank, right?

If she'd accept a FW tank though that would be a less expensive way to go to get her started.