Dead Fish

Jaden received a fish tank for a Christmas present. We knew from the start that we would lose several fish before we got the tank up to snuff with the levels the fish needed to survive. The first three fish, Black Phantom Tetra, developed ick and eventually all died despite our effort of treating the water with a product called QuikCure. In the meantime we purchased two more fish, bright red-orange Platy. One of these fish died and the other appeared weak.

One night Jaden cried himself to sleep becuase of his fish dying. He has a large, compassionate heart, just like I remember being as a child. I recall crying over finding a dead bird on the far side of the garden one year and ended up giving it a proper burial in a shoe box and my favorite t-shirt. Anne and I both consoled with Jaden and reminding him that the specialist in the pet store mentioned that we would go through a few fish before they survived longer term. He seemed to remember that, but was still visible saddened.

Last night was the first time we had to clean the tank out. It was no easy chore. First off, the "tool" used to suck up the gunk and leave the rocks in place is more suitable to a larger tank. We nearly sucked all of the water out of the tank before we could clean a three-inch square surface of the floor. Another "oops" was not having the end of the siphoning tube in the bucket. It was intended to be there, but it was pointing toward the kids. When the water began pouring out they both jumped and we quickly aimed the hose in the direction of the bucket.

After deciding to remove the fish from the tank and clean the tank and the decorations first, we began filling the tank back up with the new treated water. When the tank was quarter full I then began replacing the fish, not realizing the water was too cold for the fish. The three larger Platy seemed shocked, but were still alive. The two baby Giant Danios had no chance of survival. They instantly changed their ways of swimming and went belly up. We replaced the rest of the original water into the tank and observed the three remaining Platy. They eventually came out of their slumber and began enjoying the clean tank.

Jaden was again upset, as was I—not so much saddened, but frustrated—about losing the additional fish. Total fish count to date: 3 Black Phantom Tetras, 1 Platy, 2 baby Giant Danios. Total tears: countless. Total flushes: five.

Speaking of flushes, Tegan gets this responsibility. She has found great enthusiasm in giving the fish their proper burial at which Jaden chooses not to attend the ceremonies. One ceremony included our whole family and two friends all scrunched into the bathroom, with Hailey Knee officiating.

The fish have been a good journey for us. They are calming to watch, have challenged our emotions and have given Jaden some more responsibility.