March 26: New Family Members

I think I mentioned in previous entries that my family inherited my Mom and Dad's fish tank upon their passing almost 2 years ago. I also wrote that we lost our biggest tank inhabitant, Stud, a short while ago, leaving us with 3 small fish in a rather large tank. We've gone back and forth about what we should do at this point - buy more fish, just wait for the three to pass and then give away the tank, or a number of other options. And, I'm torn. On one hand, the tank is a pain in the hind end to clean every month; at least to clean it the way my folks used to and the only way I now know how. But, on the other hand, I think about how many years my Mom and Dad continued that same routine and part of me feels like I owe it to them to maintain the tank until it's no longer usable (if that's even possible). Of course, the latter had a definite edge and, of course, won out in the end. So, tonight, the entire family went to Petsmart and, for the first time in my life, I bought more than just the usual dog food, cat food and litter. I bought some new fish! Yes, 6 new fish to be exact. First, we bought a little "Stud" to keep the memory of original big guy in the tank. However, the type of Pleco we bought is one that will grow no larger than 5" - a little different from the 1.5-footer that used to swim these waters. Secondly, we bought a pair of Black Mollies. And, finally, we bought a trio of Guppies, though I'm not sure of the specific kind. It was cool, as the kids were geeked about releasing the newbies from their travel bags into the confines of their new aquatic residence. Not me, I was stressed the little buggers were going to leap from the bag on to the floor where the cat would find itself an evening snack. Fortunately, everything went as planned and our newest family members are settling in nicely.