Fish are an interesting hobby that provides entertainment, and watching fish swimming in their tanks has a calming effect. There are many types of fish from which to choose, all of which have specific requirements that must be met if they are to live long and flourish.
Some estimates indicate that keeping fish as a hobby is only surpassed by stamp collecting. Fish don’t require much room, they’re easy to obtain and for many, they fulfill a desire to care for something outside themselves. The availability of tropical fish for home aquariums has served to increase the interest in fish keeping. Tropical fish provide a wide array of brilliantly colored fish that add interest to any home.
Fish have been kept since ancient times for their beauty. The Chinese kept and bred the forerunners of modern goldfish since around the year 2000 BC. and the Romans kept decorative fish in large marble tanks. Freshwater fish and tropical varieties that require salty environments are now kept in homes worldwide.
The first fish tank was created by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1841 and was known as a Wardian case. A balanced eco-system of fish and plants was developed in the 1800s, but the term aquarium is attributed to English naturalist, Philip Henry Gosse. The concept was instantly popular and the first large scale aquarium was opened at the London Zoo in 1853. The first glass aquarium was made by Robert Warrington and hobbyists now have aquariums made of acrylic. Fish dwelled in cold, watery homes until the invention of electricity. The addition of heaters extended the number of fish varieties that could be kept.
Before purchasing a tank, it’s important to do sufficient research and decide what type of fish will be kept. Fresh and saltwater types are available, and both have specific needs for food, space, heat and the company they keep. Not all fish play well with others, and some need to school with a specific number of their peers. Some breed freely and quickly eat their young, while others require a sequestered existence to reproduce.
Start small and purchase inexpensive fish that don’t have needs that are difficult to meet. Goldfish are available from a wide range of sources and have more tolerance for a greater variety of conditions. Fish should be swimming vigorously and not appear ill. Avoid any fish that has what appears to be white patches growing on them, mangled fins or wounds.
The type of fish will govern the size of the tank and accessories. Fish from salty seas need exact salinity levels, requiring the addition of special salt to the water. A heater will be needed to accommodate warmth levels for different species. Aquariums are available in glass and acrylic models to suit a variety of preferences. A filter will
be needed to keep water clean between water changes. There are filters that hang on the side of the tank and those that are placed in the bottom of the tank, along with biological filtration methods. A tank hood with a light is advisable to keep fish from jumping out of the tank and for easy viewing.
An array of decorations can be added. Artificial plants and grass are available, along with miniature mountains and similar objects that provide fish with places to hide and rest. New fish fans should take care not to clutter the tank with too many accessories.
Fish add beauty and interest to any home, along with hours of entertainment and viewing pleasure. An aquarium provides a small glimpse into the lives of those that occupy an underwater domain full of wonder and delight.