Fish Keeping as a Relaxation Technique

Often you will find an aquarium in a physician’s waiting room. It is a much preferred alternative to those radically outdated magazines that weren’t that interesting to begin with. The doctor cleverly added the aquarium to keep the patients from rebelling when they had to wait longer than expected. They may also “prescribe” that a stressed out patient take up fish keeping as a hobby. Studies conclude that watching a beautifully planted aquarium with the live plants and breed of fish of your own choice is a most relaxing way to spend time. Even the busiest person can devote maintenance once or twice a week to keep the fish happy and healthy.

There is much to know about keeping fish healthy and thriving. You don’t just buy a glass tank, fill it with tap water and add some fish and voila you are a fish keeper. Oh no it takes an investment of time and money to get started. First of all it’s wise to purchase the aquarium and any heavy necessities at a local pet shop. Other than that, you can save money and get free advice from an online pet supplies store. Often the owner is happy to answer your email and explain why a certain product is preferable over another. He is unlikely to sell you the product that simply makes the most profit. His success is derived from satisfied customers. Satisfied customers are return customers. Often a business type friendship is developed over time.

It is strongly suggested that you plant your aquarium with live plants rather than artificial ones. There are many benefits beyond the aesthetic ones. While plastic plants require no care, they provide no benefit to your fish. Some are actually harmful if the color leeches into the water. With live plants you can watch them sway in the water as the aerator pumps fresh oxygen into the underwater environment you create for your new pets. These live plants can also be ordered online and some stores explain which fish enjoy which plants. The little fellows not only like to swim among them, they often take a nibble now and then for a snack.

If you spend time researching online or reading a book on the subject you will learn that some fish uproot certain plants while they leave others alone. Another interesting fact is that some smaller fish like to live and swim at the bottom of the tank and the plants are like a refuge to them. There are also fish who mainly like to swim near the top and even some who can actually propel themselves out of the aquarium. For those breeds you will need to keep a screened cover on the tank at all times. These flying fish are sometimes referred to as “suicide fish.” That is simply a little fish keepers joke.

Basic supplies include an aerator, a heating unit, proper lighting for the breed of fish you buy and of course fish food. There will also be cleaning supplies needed. Ordering these lightweight supplies from an online store is cheap and convenient. Watch for a sale and stock up. Often you can take advantage of free shipping offers as well.

Finally for good advice and just good chat about your new hobby there are fish forums and chat groups who get together for the purpose of interacting with each other. They exchange tips and information they have learned either by research or trial and error methods. They are very helpful to one another and to newcomers to the hobby. Be creative when you set up and plant your first aquarium. Just keep in mind which plants are suitable for the breed of fish you want to keep.