DIVING INTO AQUASCAPING

During my birthday break, I jokingly told a friend that I would love to have clownfish as pets someday. Little did I know that she took my words seriously.

She secretly arranged for me to meet her friend, Ori, who happens to have a stunning saltwater tank. Ori's tank is adorned with various corals, vibrant clown fish, and graceful anemones, making it one of the most captivating tanks I've ever seen. It exudes a soothing ambience. Even more remarkable is that he built the tank from scratch, sourcing all the living organisms from the sea located just 15 minutes away from where I live. It's awe-inspiring to realize that I live in such a breathtaking marine environment. As a birthday gift, Ori kindly offered me a discounted price on the initial filter, LED light, and tank setup.

After meeting Ori, I found myself faced with a decision: should I build a freshwater tank or a saltwater tank? Initially, I leaned towards a saltwater tank since clown fish thrive in saltwater environments, and living by a tropical coastline meant easy access to clean and fresh saltwater. Additionally, obtaining live rock wouldn't be a challenge. However, I soon realized that maintaining a saltwater tank requires significant effort and additional equipment to ensure its successful setup and operation.

On the other hand, a freshwater tank demands less equipment and offers the convenience of using tap water for water changes, thanks to the presence of nearby dams and pristine rivers. After numerous attempts and learning experiences while trying to build and cycle my freshwater tank, I came to the realization that a freshwater tank might not be the ideal choice for me at this moment. Perhaps in the future, when I've gained more knowledge and experience with tanks, I will venture into the realm of freshwater setups.

My neighbour and dear friend, Tsubasa, provided further guidance on the advantages of starting with a freshwater tank. He is a scuba diver who studied marine biology at university. Interestingly, he used to maintain a saltwater tank filled with exquisite creatures until his wife requested its removal due to occasional spills of salt foam onto their floor. It seems that saltwater tanks can put some strain on relationships... Nevertheless, I took his advice to heart and proceeded to construct my freshwater tank.

Tsubasa recommended that I first acquire or build a sturdy stand or shelf specifically designed for fish tanks. Once that was in place, I delved into various videos on aquascaping. The work of the late Takashi Amano served as a tremendous inspiration, motivating me to create a truly immersive environment using authentic elements for the fish. This meant incorporating real wood, genuine stones, and live aquatic plants into my setup.

As autumn ushers in a new season, my freshwater tank stands as a testament to the wonders of aquascaping and the magic of bringing nature into our homes. With each day, I am captivated by the beauty and serenity of this underwater oasis. My journey has just begun, and I eagerly await the growth, discovery, and ever-evolving harmony within my aquatic haven.

Now, I invite you to share your own experiences with pet keeping. What kind of pets are you keeping, and what were your initial challenges and triumphs?

Let's celebrate the joy of sharing our lives with these beautiful creatures and the lessons they teach us.

Until next time :)