Price : $15.49
Sea-Monkeys in the City Mini-World - For more than forty-five years, Sea-Monkeys swam happily in their world famous, scientifically designed Zoo-Quariums with the magnifying portals. Now...add the redesigned and laboratory approved Mini-World salty simian habitats. The main difference? Zoo-Quarium Sea-Monkeys are best viewed through the sides of the tanks while Mini-World inhabitants look best when viewed from above.
Your Sea-Monkeys will be happy frolicking and diving in their new home in the metropolis. The "In the City" Mini-World tank sports a brand-new, city-themed design. Guaranteed to live two years, your salty pets will love their enriched new habitats...and so will you.
Mini-World features: water purifier, instant live eggs, growth food, calibrated feeding spoon, specially designed pipette to help refresh the watery home, a trilingual (English, Spanish, French) User Guide, a Sea-Monkey Insurance Form with a 2-Year Guarantee, a scientifically designed and tested Mini-World tank, and the exclusive multi-magnifying lid that allows proper air exchange and optimized viewing. Additional Sea-Monkeys Mini-Worlds sold separately.
Feature Sea-Monkeys in the City Mini-World
- A Sea-Monkey Insurance Form with a 2-Year Guarantee, a Mini-World Tank, and exclusive magnifying lid
- A Calibrated Feeding Spoon, pipette, a trilingual user guide
- Each mini world features #1 Water Purifier, #2 Instant Live Eggs, #3 Growth Food
- This mini world is a redesigned and laboratory approved new aquarium, whose inhabitants are best viewed from above
- Your Sea-Monkeys will be happy frolicking and diving in their new home in the metropolis
This review is from : Sea-Monkeys in the City Mini-World
More fun than a barrel full of sea monkeys!! . Let me start off by saying that when my girlfriend came home from Target with this sea monkey kit, I thought she'd lost her mind. But since the "City Mini World" was on sale for $2, I figured it was worth a shot. Fortunately, I read the reviews here and the FAQ at http://www.sea-monkeys.com, and got some valuable pointers.
The first thing I did was remove all the buildings, because I'd read that sometimes the sea monkeys get stuck between them and the side of the tank.
Second, I went to an aquarium store and got a horizontal stick-on thermometer (cost: $1.50), and an Elite battery powered air pump (it uses 2 size D batteries, not included), that came with the tubing and the air stone (cost: around $9.00). I then drilled one of the evaporation holes to make it big enough so that the tubing could snugly fit through. Once the tubing was through the hole, I attached the air stone inside the tank. This allows me to aerate the tank 5-6 times a day without taking the lid off.
I followed the directions as far as treating the water (we used bottled water) for 24 hours. Then I put in the eggs, stirred the water, aerated the tank 5-6 times a day, and waited.
As far as the lighting goes, I have the tank on a computer desk about 3 feet in front of a window with mini-blinds. I don't know if it's a Northern window or not. It gets sun in the morning and part of the afternoon. There's also a little clip-on desk light that I use to keep the temperature around 78 degrees F. The light has a goose neck, so I can shine it towards the tank, or away from it, giving a lot of control via a very simple solution.
We've had the kit for around 10 days, and we did see live babies after the first day or two. Now, I'd say there are about 10-15 adults (about 1/4" long) and about 5 babies, +/- (they move so fast, it's hard to get a completely accurate head count.)
The feeding instructions aren't that clear. The packet of food says feed every 2 days. The site says feed once a week, unless you have a "big colony", then feed more often. I also read somewhere else to feed them every 5 days. I think once or twice a week feedings are probably about right.
I can honestly say that I had NO expectations for these sea monkeys whatsoever. I have had 50 gal "real" fresh water aquariums, along with beta fish. All I can say is this: these things are COOL. The setup is minimum; and the fun factor is maximum. They grow pretty quickly, and are almost in constant motion. They have real billowy fins, or whatever it is that propels them.
They also poop a lot (the long strings trailing behind them are poop, and are sometimes twice as long as their bodies).
Also, because of the varying hatching times of the eggs, tiny new babies suddenly appear, seemingly out of nowhere. I don't think I had this much fun with my full 50 gal aquariums. These little critters are just great. They are low maintenance, and low anxiety (i.e. no worrying if the tank "cycled", no testing the H20 for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, ph, etc. No need to vacuum the gravel, do water changes, etc.). The square base of the tank is very stable, and the lid fits securely.
There are just no negatives at all, except that the City Mini World does not come with an aerating device. But the setup with the battery operated pump works like a charm. It's not necessary to run the pump all the time; just turn it on about 5-6 times a day, and that does the trick. The water so far is pretty clear, although it's normal and healthy for a reasonable amount of algae to develop. I can hardly wait til the adults reproduce, and the colony grows.
More fun than a barrel full of sea monkeys!! . Let me start off by saying that when my girlfriend came home from Target with this sea monkey kit, I thought she'd lost her mind. But since the "City Mini World" was on sale for $2, I figured it was worth a shot. Fortunately, I read the reviews here and the FAQ at http://www.sea-monkeys.com, and got some valuable pointers.
The first thing I did was remove all the buildings, because I'd read that sometimes the sea monkeys get stuck between them and the side of the tank.
Second, I went to an aquarium store and got a horizontal stick-on thermometer (cost: $1.50), and an Elite battery powered air pump (it uses 2 size D batteries, not included), that came with the tubing and the air stone (cost: around $9.00). I then drilled one of the evaporation holes to make it big enough so that the tubing could snugly fit through. Once the tubing was through the hole, I attached the air stone inside the tank. This allows me to aerate the tank 5-6 times a day without taking the lid off.
I followed the directions as far as treating the water (we used bottled water) for 24 hours. Then I put in the eggs, stirred the water, aerated the tank 5-6 times a day, and waited.
As far as the lighting goes, I have the tank on a computer desk about 3 feet in front of a window with mini-blinds. I don't know if it's a Northern window or not. It gets sun in the morning and part of the afternoon. There's also a little clip-on desk light that I use to keep the temperature around 78 degrees F. The light has a goose neck, so I can shine it towards the tank, or away from it, giving a lot of control via a very simple solution.
We've had the kit for around 10 days, and we did see live babies after the first day or two. Now, I'd say there are about 10-15 adults (about 1/4" long) and about 5 babies, +/- (they move so fast, it's hard to get a completely accurate head count.)
The feeding instructions aren't that clear. The packet of food says feed every 2 days. The site says feed once a week, unless you have a "big colony", then feed more often. I also read somewhere else to feed them every 5 days. I think once or twice a week feedings are probably about right.
I can honestly say that I had NO expectations for these sea monkeys whatsoever. I have had 50 gal "real" fresh water aquariums, along with beta fish. All I can say is this: these things are COOL. The setup is minimum; and the fun factor is maximum. They grow pretty quickly, and are almost in constant motion. They have real billowy fins, or whatever it is that propels them.
They also poop a lot (the long strings trailing behind them are poop, and are sometimes twice as long as their bodies).
Also, because of the varying hatching times of the eggs, tiny new babies suddenly appear, seemingly out of nowhere. I don't think I had this much fun with my full 50 gal aquariums. These little critters are just great. They are low maintenance, and low anxiety (i.e. no worrying if the tank "cycled", no testing the H20 for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, ph, etc. No need to vacuum the gravel, do water changes, etc.). The square base of the tank is very stable, and the lid fits securely.
There are just no negatives at all, except that the City Mini World does not come with an aerating device. But the setup with the battery operated pump works like a charm. It's not necessary to run the pump all the time; just turn it on about 5-6 times a day, and that does the trick. The water so far is pretty clear, although it's normal and healthy for a reasonable amount of algae to develop. I can hardly wait til the adults reproduce, and the colony grows.
Sea-Monkeys in the City Mini-World Reviews
Poorly planned . I am an avid fan of Sea Monkeys and am always excited to see the latest accessories designed by the great Sea Monkey Overlords. I was thrilled about the release of the City Mini World - it's just like a real city, only smaller, and instead of people, there are Sea Monkeys, and instead of air, there's water. But the similarities are uncanny.
My Sea Monkeys were just as excited as I was, so when I released them into their new metropolitan digs, I expected to see nothing but FUN. But, boy was I wrong! Turns out that the Sea Monkey Overlords were a little too thorough in recreating city life in a miniature form.
Here are my issues:
1. There is only one mini Sea Monkey Starbucks in the entire mini city, which leads to long lines, stressed out barista-monkeys, and frequent complains about line-jumpers and lack of seating. Furthermore, the Sea Monkey Overlords should have known better that caffeine and Sea Monkeys do not mix! Those little freaks are hyper enough with just water in their systems...add a venti mini caramel macchiato and they are freaking WIRED!
2. Sea Monkeys are notoriously bad drivers due to their limited cognitive functioning and motor skills. And yet, they are given cars! Due to the lack of a mini DMV, I don't even think the Sea Monkeys have bothered with any sort of drivers ed or licensing program. And recent statistics show that 75% of Sea Monkey drivers are uninsured! The Sea Monkey Mini City is plagued with accidents caused by negligent drivers, which is taxing both the mini hospital system AND the mini court system. Take the cars away!
3. Rising rent prices and overcrowding have also made the living situation for Sea Monkeys in the City difficult. Only about a third of all Sea Monkeys in my mini city can afford decent apartments, while the rest are reduced to living from their cars or out on the streets. Those lucky enough to find an apartment usually have to cramp an entire family of 6-8 Sea Monkeys into an apartment designed for 1 or 2.
4. Crime rates in the mini city are also out of control. 3 out of 5 Sea Monkeys in my mini city have been the victim of pickpockets or muggers. Because all Sea Monkeys look alike, it is nearly impossible to find and prosecute assailants. You try picking one out of a lineup!
5. Education is a huge problem in the mini city. Sea Monkeys are so busy waiting in line for a decent cup of coffee, securing a place to live, and dealing with traffic that they invest nearly no time in ensuring that their children are receiving a proper education. 99.9% of all adult Sea Monkeys who grew up in the mini city cannot read above a 2nd grade level, and none can do basic arithmetic. When asked to find the USA on a map, none of them could point it out.
Is this the kind of future we want for our Sea Monkeys?
Poorly planned . I am an avid fan of Sea Monkeys and am always excited to see the latest accessories designed by the great Sea Monkey Overlords. I was thrilled about the release of the City Mini World - it's just like a real city, only smaller, and instead of people, there are Sea Monkeys, and instead of air, there's water. But the similarities are uncanny.
My Sea Monkeys were just as excited as I was, so when I released them into their new metropolitan digs, I expected to see nothing but FUN. But, boy was I wrong! Turns out that the Sea Monkey Overlords were a little too thorough in recreating city life in a miniature form.
Here are my issues:
1. There is only one mini Sea Monkey Starbucks in the entire mini city, which leads to long lines, stressed out barista-monkeys, and frequent complains about line-jumpers and lack of seating. Furthermore, the Sea Monkey Overlords should have known better that caffeine and Sea Monkeys do not mix! Those little freaks are hyper enough with just water in their systems...add a venti mini caramel macchiato and they are freaking WIRED!
2. Sea Monkeys are notoriously bad drivers due to their limited cognitive functioning and motor skills. And yet, they are given cars! Due to the lack of a mini DMV, I don't even think the Sea Monkeys have bothered with any sort of drivers ed or licensing program. And recent statistics show that 75% of Sea Monkey drivers are uninsured! The Sea Monkey Mini City is plagued with accidents caused by negligent drivers, which is taxing both the mini hospital system AND the mini court system. Take the cars away!
3. Rising rent prices and overcrowding have also made the living situation for Sea Monkeys in the City difficult. Only about a third of all Sea Monkeys in my mini city can afford decent apartments, while the rest are reduced to living from their cars or out on the streets. Those lucky enough to find an apartment usually have to cramp an entire family of 6-8 Sea Monkeys into an apartment designed for 1 or 2.
4. Crime rates in the mini city are also out of control. 3 out of 5 Sea Monkeys in my mini city have been the victim of pickpockets or muggers. Because all Sea Monkeys look alike, it is nearly impossible to find and prosecute assailants. You try picking one out of a lineup!
5. Education is a huge problem in the mini city. Sea Monkeys are so busy waiting in line for a decent cup of coffee, securing a place to live, and dealing with traffic that they invest nearly no time in ensuring that their children are receiving a proper education. 99.9% of all adult Sea Monkeys who grew up in the mini city cannot read above a 2nd grade level, and none can do basic arithmetic. When asked to find the USA on a map, none of them could point it out.
Is this the kind of future we want for our Sea Monkeys?
Sea-Monkeys in the City Mini-World Opinions
A Great Change! . This design was a great change for the sea-monkey world! The square design makes it virtually tip proof. I had these sea critters when I was a kid and an unfortunate accident tipped the tank over, then I was at Toysrus and I saw the new design and I thought... why not, I'll be a kid again! As an adult it has been just as much fun as it was before! The kit comes with the water purifier, instant life eggs, growth food, and a small vaccuum sucker to clean the tank! Get it.. have fun!
A Great Change! . This design was a great change for the sea-monkey world! The square design makes it virtually tip proof. I had these sea critters when I was a kid and an unfortunate accident tipped the tank over, then I was at Toysrus and I saw the new design and I thought... why not, I'll be a kid again! As an adult it has been just as much fun as it was before! The kit comes with the water purifier, instant life eggs, growth food, and a small vaccuum sucker to clean the tank! Get it.. have fun!
Very cute idea not well thought out . I have had success with "growing" sea monkeys in this cute tank. However, a number of them have gotten stuck behind the buildings! On more than one occasion, I have had to apply slight pressure to help a sea monkey become unwedged. When they first hatched, I had probably 30 or so. Now, 2 months later, we only have 3, but one female is expecting. After the babies are born, I intend to find a more suitable container. My recommendation would be a different tank, unless mine was possibly a bit defective? Overall, the kids and I have had a lot of fun watching their funny antics. :)
WHEN WILL THEY DIE? . It is Jan of 2009, and my daughter got these sea monkeys one year ago. I thought they would live a little while, if we were lucky, then die off. Well it is one year later and they are thriving.
What we do to keep them happy, healthy, and pregnant:
LIGHT: They are near a south facing window but most of the aquarium city is in the shade-on cloudy days I move them closer to the window. Letting the sun hit the edge of the city has allowed the algae to thrive.
FOOD/ALGEA: Since the sea monkeys eat algae, we have not had to feed them for the last 8 months. At first I could not get the algae to grow, so I scooped a tiny bit of algae from a puddle from a leaking hose outside, and dropped it into the city. Within a week algae began spreading through the city.
WATER/OXEGENATION: I allow the water to evaporate until the tops of the buildings are exposed, then I take the water bottle and SLOWLY pour in water from a height of one and a half feet up. I pour slowly so as not to disturb the sea monkeys too much, but I pour from high above so as to oxygenate the water as much as possible, I do this about once a week.
Cleaning: I scoop out any large floating blob of algae but I am terrified and guilt ridden that they may have eggs or babies in the blob. I hope not, but I need to keep the water as clear as possible as the sea monkeys really seem to enjoy the wide open spaces of water.
Good luck with your sea monkeys--I'll try to remember to edit this and add a date when my sea monkeys stop reproducing and die off. They really are so cute and graceful (even with the long strings of poop trailing them) that I will miss them when they are gone.
UPDATE 12/2009 one year later, the sea monkeys are still doing well. For a while they dwindled down to only three monkeys but after a long time like two months, suddenly babies appeared. Now there are about ten large sea monkeys. They appear happy, they swim and flip, and chase each other, and do some synchonized swimming together (that is the polite term for making babies).
UPDATE 5/2010 The sea monkeys suddenly disappeared and we have not seen any life for over a month. I dont know what caused their demise, but they are finally gone, and I have to say I miss them.
What we do to keep them happy, healthy, and pregnant:
LIGHT: They are near a south facing window but most of the aquarium city is in the shade-on cloudy days I move them closer to the window. Letting the sun hit the edge of the city has allowed the algae to thrive.
FOOD/ALGEA: Since the sea monkeys eat algae, we have not had to feed them for the last 8 months. At first I could not get the algae to grow, so I scooped a tiny bit of algae from a puddle from a leaking hose outside, and dropped it into the city. Within a week algae began spreading through the city.
WATER/OXEGENATION: I allow the water to evaporate until the tops of the buildings are exposed, then I take the water bottle and SLOWLY pour in water from a height of one and a half feet up. I pour slowly so as not to disturb the sea monkeys too much, but I pour from high above so as to oxygenate the water as much as possible, I do this about once a week.
Cleaning: I scoop out any large floating blob of algae but I am terrified and guilt ridden that they may have eggs or babies in the blob. I hope not, but I need to keep the water as clear as possible as the sea monkeys really seem to enjoy the wide open spaces of water.
Good luck with your sea monkeys--I'll try to remember to edit this and add a date when my sea monkeys stop reproducing and die off. They really are so cute and graceful (even with the long strings of poop trailing them) that I will miss them when they are gone.
UPDATE 12/2009 one year later, the sea monkeys are still doing well. For a while they dwindled down to only three monkeys but after a long time like two months, suddenly babies appeared. Now there are about ten large sea monkeys. They appear happy, they swim and flip, and chase each other, and do some synchonized swimming together (that is the polite term for making babies).
UPDATE 5/2010 The sea monkeys suddenly disappeared and we have not seen any life for over a month. I dont know what caused their demise, but they are finally gone, and I have to say I miss them.
Welcome to the city of Death . The tank looks cool when you open the box but its got some problems. Many times, some sea-monkeys get stuck behind the buildings and other times they just die. You also have to change the water often because if you don't, the buildings will turn black.
Old product . I bought this for my 4 year old to relive the fun of my childhood. We were all excited to see Sea Monkeys grow, but the product in the various packages was clumped and crunchy and had a hard time dissolving in the water. I'm not sure how long our City had sat on a shelf, but we had no luck growing any Sea Monkeys, which was a great disappointment to everyone. We'll try again with a batch from someone else (with hopefully some fresher eggs).
Never worked! . I followed the instructions, which seems to be taken of a different product as the illustrations show a different aquarium. And it never worked. I have never seen a living organism. No sea monkeys. nothing!
And they try to force you to buy other items such as the aerator to pump air into the water!
And they try to force you to buy other items such as the aerator to pump air into the water!
Sea Monkeys are Cool! This Tank is a BUST. . I love Sea Monkeys. They are fun to watch grow. I've had the classic tall red tank and it was great. This tank is too squat and it makes it really hard to "air" them without the special tool that has to be bought separately. Maybe that was the plan....Anyway-I recommend the taller/thiner tank so it is easy to pour the water to "air" them. Be sure to follow ALL of the directions.
Great Fun . This is one of those really neat things that every kid should try a least once. The City Mini World is a great back drop to watch these amazing little creatures grow. We still have it in fact and now have a new generation living among our growing metropolis. We might have to purchase a little more advanced of a set because when the "Monkeys" get big they sometimes get stuck when you are trying to oxygenate the water. This is no big deal because I can't imagine very many kids wanting to keep them this long. My husband and I love the "sea monkeys" and want to see them thrive!
Product Image
Product Details
EAN : 0086002666215UPC : 086002666314
MPN : 6631
Brand : Educational Insights
Weight : 1 pounds
Height : 5 inches
Length : 8 inches
Width : 6 inches
Binding : Toy
Manufacturer : Educational Insights
Manufacturer Maximum Age : 10 years
Manufacturer Minimum Age : 6 years
Model : 000000006631
Publisher : Educational Insights
Release Date : 2006-06-12
Studio : Educational Insights
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Where To Buy
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