Customer Reviews

Undersea Encounter Aquarium and Viewing Scope

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This is a very tiny aquarium that is made of molded plastic that scratches VERY easily. The cardboard background is history once it gets wet. You cant get out under the undergravel filter to clean out algae or feces that is suctioned under the plate causing the aquarium to smell horribly when emptied. Yes, I know the thing is very cool when it is first installed, but it has some hidden dangers. The manual it comes with says it is alright for "1 or 2 goldfish" WRONG. Goldfish are very large fish and produce tremendous amounts of waste thus rendering the inadequate filter useless. GOLDFISH NEED 10 gallons of water per fish MINIMUM, no questions asked. Let me ask you a question, have you ever saw a large pond with 12 inch fish darting around in it? They are either Goldfish (yes goldfish) or Koi (a relative). So that is what that 1 inch little fish in the aquarium SHOULD grow up to be yes 12 inches. So since goldfish are out of the question I'll tell you what's best to put in the aquarium (if you are still convinced to get one). A Betta (aka Simese Fighting fish) is great for that aquarium lets see, it produces less waste, grows to only 3 in., comes in stunning color combinations, has beautiful flowing fins, yep sounds good, so there you are. But remember to only keep 1 betta per aquarium, as 2/more will fight and kill each other.

My daughter received this item for Christmas of 2000 and it
has held up very well. It is just now getting a little bit worn
and we are thinkin that we should replace it soon. My daughter
is an aspiring marine biologist and has found observing her
very own fish absolutely fascinating. She started off with 2 goldfish, but 1 died within the first week. We then went back to the
pet store and got a good filter, which has done wonders as far
as keeping it clean and keeping our remaining goldfish happy and
healthy.He's been around for over 2 years with no problems!
I think that this is an excellent product and a great introduction
to having a first pet. So much more fun than an ordinary
goldfish bowl! It is only large enough for 1 or 2 small fish,
so keep that in mind before buying!

You are very limited to the kind of fish due to there being no heater, filtration system, or lights with this. In fact we were told at the pet store that we could only get goldfish or a betta.
We were a little disappointed at that especially since they don't last as long as other fish. We also were told to add 2" of stones to the bottom which covers up all the fancies at the bottom. Expect about a 15 - 20$ expense in food, fish, water chemicals, stones, etc.
Even so we are enjoying our fish and are inspired to get a "real" aquarium or when these fish are gone. We may take the bowl into the pet store and see if we can attach a heater and such.
We are learning a lot through observation and about pet care, responsibilty, and just plain fun. Exciting for any age but especially first time pet/fish owners.

This is a very very difficult toy to maintain. Gravel is extremely difficult to remove and clean without getting the cardboard background wet. After one cleaning the cardboard background gets wet and that's the end of that.

The plastic scratches very easily and pieces of the periscope broke off easily as well. Goldfish need lots of water and this doesn't lend itself to many types of fish.

I have never had such a difficult time trying to maintain the integrity of the toy while trying to keep fish alive and the tank clean as well.

NOT recommended at all. Save your money for a "real" tank.

Our family bought this tank and we went through plenty of goldfish with it. We stopped buying when our 10 year old was using the scope to look at the fish. She was pulling it up and down and turning it and when she was finished, she put it down and saw that she had put it down on the actual fish. The fish was bleeding and died. The kids were not very happy. I guess this is an okay tank but not great. You might want to put only beta's in it. I would suggest getting something with a filter and heater if you want any other kind of fish.

Ok got this on clearance for 5 dollars at target last christmas, gave it to my daughter for christmas. We had a real aquarium for years that we could not keep clean and our fish always die despite good care, well we get this just as a cheap gift. My daughter goes to walmart and buys a goldfish and sucker fish both way to big for this tank. sure death right? WRONG! Almost a year later... Both fish doing well despite her lack of attention and the little tank stays spottless! Who would of known! We did add a little air pump that blows in tiny bubbles, other than that she feeds them and adds a little water now and then. Little care and the fish are doing great! Well worth it!

"Customers who bought this item also bought ...". That's the bit that is easily overlooked when one orders that item. Once the toy arrives you will be surprised to know that a number of accessories are also needed.

It takes a lot of time to finding some, and a lot more creative thinking for others (gravel!). And then this compound starts getting highly educational as you have to teach the child to handle his/her birthday present the way a nurse would normally deal with patients under intensive care.

The whole thing is a little disappointing overall. An actual comment about this item was nothing les than "this package sure is nice". Maybe the idea is interesting, but will offer more headaches than fun to your family.

I have been an aquarium enthusiast for a while and whenever I see things like this it drives me crazy. Anything smaller than a 20 or 30 gal tank is a waste of money. Anything smaller than that is difficult to sustain. It would be very disappointing to your child in the long run to buy this. Go buy the real thing!

Purchased not one but two of these for Christmas gifts and they were a big hit. One family has twin seven year old boys and the second has a six year old boy and eight year old boy. I checked with the parents beforehand, because they would have to buy the fish, and the idea was well received. Good for a child who needs an increase in responsibilities, but might find the care of a dog too much.
I've yet to see anything else like it. A seabed of stones and an air pump will also need to be purchased seperately if desired, but they are not really needed for gold fish. I have a three year old son and a six year old daughter who will likely receive one too.

We bought this for our 4 year old. She loved it. Its small and light enough she could help take care of it. It worked wonderful for about an hour then it started leaking from the plastic bottom. I resealed it and it has worked great since. It has a small lense so she can view the fish and its filter is great at keeping it clean. All in all a great kids fish tank.