Animates has good advice for fish and reptile fans

Luke Smith answers questions from the audience on pet care for fish and reptiles. Photo/Stuart Munro

Wicked weather did not stop young Whanganui fish and reptile enthusiasts attending a workshop at Animates on Thursday.

The school holiday event was hosted by resident expert Luke Smith who was instructing the capacity crowd of 40 children and parents on setting up a fish tank.

The group received instructions on the essential items for setting up an aquarium before moving on to maintenance.

"How long should you leave your fish tank lights on?" asked Mr Smith.

"Two minutes," answered one child.

Mr Smith said eight hours a day is the ideal time for running the lights.

Animates manager Jess Solly said the group was to meet a trio of red eared turtles when they would take some exercise outside their tank later in the session.