We’re a dog family…no we don’t look or act like dogs- but we’ve got one, a nine-year-old Shih Tzu, who is our “eldest” child. Of course my kids would prefer a menagerie of pets and animals and have been begging for a goldfish to which I’ve repeatedly stated, “Show me you can handle the responsibility of a pet by taking care of Mellie our dog,” and their answer in unison is always an enthusiastic, “Okay!” And for the first day, although they’re pretty good at playing with her, stroking her belly and making sure she’s fed, like most kids their interest quickly begins to wane and I’m the only one left holding the pooper scooper.
So when I received this Deluxe Triassic Triops kit my kids practically jumped out of their skins they were so eager to assemble it and “create” life. In fact my seven-year-old daughter confided in me… “Mom it feels like we’re playing G-d, I like it!”
So here’s a bit about our foray into the creation of life…
Here’s the breakdown: You are given all the ingredients to create life! Just add water! MUA HA HA! (Must be said in laughing, ghoulish tone) The kit comes complete with an 11″ x 6-1/4″x4-1/2″ tank, food, gravel and yes the eggs which hatch up to 30 live Triops’. Triops are tadpole shrimp, crustaceans with three eyes, hence the name tri-ops which can grow up to three inches.
How it works: After simple preparation of the tank which includes; adding water( spring or distilled is recommended) you’ll need to add the nutrients, gravel and providing a heat/light source you add the eggs which will hatch one to two days later. You (and your slightly inpatient brood) will soon see little swimming creatures.
Age: The product box states that it’s 8 and up, however, my three year-old checks these little guys everyday, and is fascinated by their growth, and their evolution!(not his words..exactly!)
Time required to complete: It takes less than an hour to set up but if you have a curious child you might want to spend more time explaining how this miracle of life occurs. Unfortunately it takes up to 2 days for the eggs to hatch into tiny critters.
Cost: $11.00- a BARGAIN!!
Best Features: The Deluxe Triassic Triops kit comes complete with everything you’ll need to create an environment that will sustain life. Dark beads, gravel, a nutrient pack, a fossil replica, food, a magnifying ruler, and a booklet full of potential experiments and diary to record the milestones of these crustaceans. But best of all, you’ll get live swimming pets to both tend to and watch with your kids as they develop each day.
Difficult Features: You must follow the set up instructions carefully to ensure you get do indeed create an environment which will yield some live hatchlings for you and your kiddies to lovingly gaze at. You also have to be careful to maintain a water temperature between 74 and 84 degrees (similar to tropical fish). And feeding also requires adult supervision.
To learn all about these nifty, resourceful, crustaceans and to nab your very own kit click here.
