Oline Cogdill writes

Shirley MacLaine says that nothing ever dies. She obviously never had an aquarium.

My fish are pretty hearty, but sometimes you need to replace those that have passed on to the great aquarium in the sky. I often go for the feeders. Some pet stores will have tanks of goldfish or guppie feeders to be sold to, well, feed bigger fish.

There's nothing wrong with the feeders, it's just that goldfish and guppies breed so often....Sometimes you'll find fantail guppies, too. And the price is right. Goldfish feeders are about 5 for $1; guppies 10 for $1, at certain places.

Just make sure the tank looks clean and there are no floaters in the tank.

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Oline Cogdill with some good fish tips...

I've had aquariums ever since I was about 10 years old and I highly recommend this hobby as a way for parents to introduce pet care to their kids.

But, do not buy one of those giant oval fish bowls for a goldfish or two. First, you'll drive yourself crazy changing the water weekly; the bowl will never look clean and the kids — and you — come to hate it.

Instead, invest about $70 or so in a decent small aquarium with filtration system, etc. You can even get one of those hot new bi-orb aquariums that start at four gallons. They'll hold about 1 plant, 2 to 3 goldfish, or about 5 to 6 guppies, and a small castle.

These not only work for kids but also look nice in a small office.

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