Our house goes down to 66-68 at night, and they are fine with that. I have used a mini heater in the past (it actually goes under the bowl, like a seedling heat mat). If you used a big plastic container (2+ gallons), you wouldn't need to worry about it being accidentally knocked off the counter. With less natural light than in my kitchen, algae probably wouldn't grow well, so you could do a water change every 2-3 weeks, maybe less often if you stuck a prayer plant in there (let the bare roots dangle into the water).

Give it a shot... if you change your mind, send it home with somebody!

Alternative idea... with room temperatures that cool, you've got an ideal situation for a couple of goldfish. They will need more water changes, though, since they are pretty messy. You can get a 5 or 10 gallon setup pretty cheaply, even new, and possibly free on Craig's list. If you have a light on top, you can add plants.

Fish to watch = happier people waiting in line.

Fish to watch = happier people on your side of the counter, too!

you make your case well

I can probably put together a 5 or 10 gallon setup for you at seed swap time, if you don't have one by then. Not sure what I have for heater (small, 5 watts) or light, so I can't guarantee it'll be complete, but I'll see what's there.

I've been thinking of decommissioning the saltwater tank in the kitchen... Joyanna is very sad to think of losing the clownfish we've had for 10+ years, but I'm just not doing right by them any more. They get fed, but they don't get water changes, and most of the time the glass is covered with algae (they don't care, but we don't really enjoy them if we can't see them). After a while, we'll probably set up a freshwater tank downstairs, but meanwhile we'll enjoy the bettas arrayed along the shelf on the back of our kitchen island.

Rick's, our local fish store, will re-home them for us, guy there said they do that sort of thing all the time. They may still have some good egg laying years... they haven't laid this past year, but that's likely more due to messy tank conditions than anything else.

They are pretty sweet together, and the girl will nibble food from your fingers (the boy would too, but she won't let him). Free to good home!

Your generosity is appreciated re the small tank, I can float (haha) the idea at work but have reservations. Water and books do NOT play well together.! I really can't think of a good place for a tank there.

Yeah, a small tank needs an outlet for plugging in lights, filter, heater.

I think you'd be better off sticking with a countertop betta or goldfish. If you put in a "real" fishtank, it might be better off as it's own thing, on a metal stand in front of an outlet.

Here's a photo of a big vase with a betta and a peace lily. With the addition of a plant, water changes go down to every 4-6 weeks, although you do have to top up the water as it evaporates / is used by the lily.



Again, if you do this with a big plastic container, one with a large sturdy bottom, it would take a very deliberate effort to push it off the counter. If Joyanna didn't manage to splash her computer or her homework in 3 years of having a box-shaped container on her desk, the library books are safe.

Costco has nice big containers of cheese balls, party mix, and pretzels (mostly Utz brand). The honey wheat pretzels even come in a fishbowl-shaped container!

Save the lid... poke holes in the lid and you also have a great tadpole aquarium.

sallyg said:

We are currently pet-less, and undecided about whether or when or what pet(s) to get next.

Oh you need a pet. Pets add so much joy to life.

Announcing our recent new pet. Neville. Yes named after Neville in Harry Potter ( not my idea but the name fit) He was with a friend being fostered and was too timid to cope with the rest of her crew. He is finally coming out of his shell, coming out from under the chair where he's hid for about five weeks

Handsome! His markings are like those of my favorite gray tabby.

OMG! His marking are like Blake's! What color are his eyes?

Blake & "his" fish, Mo

sallyg said:Announcing our recent new pet. Neville. Yes named after Neville in Harry Potter ( not my idea but the name fit) He was with a friend being fostered and was too timid to cope with the rest of her crew. He is finally coming out of his shell, coming out from under the chair where he's hid for about five weeks

He may be timid but he is really a handsome boy.

Thanks Rita.
Last night he came down the hallway and spied on us while we watched TV. So he is getting braver every day.
And how is your furry friend? Pets are nice comfort.

Is it just the perspective, or is Neville short-legged?

Still crushin' on his coat color. Glad he's getting braver!

Neville could be short, I dunno.. I guess he seems smaller than our other cats were. we think he's just under a year old. He does look like Blake. Neville has green eyes.

It might just be that he's short compared to Blake, who was exceptionally long-legged (he could reach up and turn lever-type door handles, or get a paw on the edge of the kitchen counter). Nice time for a nookitty, with everybody around to help him feel at home. I'm glad you could rescue him from a situation where he probably felt like prey!

sallyg said:Thanks Rita.
Last night he came down the hallway and spied on us while we watched TV. So he is getting braver every day.
And how is your furry friend? Pets are nice comfort.

He will get used to all the daily activities.

My Lily the Papillon dog is my best buddy. Most days we take long walks for exercise. Not in the rain though as neither of us like walking in the rain. Raining today so no long walk.

I hope everybody's pets are doing okay, nobody has posted for 4 months.
Just had to share this picture of Benny, could he be a more perfect circle?

This stray cat showed up in July 2017 when he still looked like a teenager. He got pretty close to us over the years. We feed him, give him treats daily, front line monthly, and a checkup at the vet each year. He still won't come inside. Guess he will never become a house cat.

Robin, he's perfect !

Donner, how handsome

Our Neville likes to watch ' front yard t v'


While Winston enjoys the frequent carryout meals that all come with a Cat toy