It really is a wonder why more people don’t have a freshwater fish tank in their homes. Indeed, few people actually understand the many benefits to be had. While there are those who enjoy their fish to such an extent that they have become part of the family, there are others who simply find that having fish adds something soothing to the home in some way. Whether you fall in column A, B or the sea, here are 7 IDEAL reasons to get a fish tank that may surprise you.
PETS WITH MINIMAL CARE
One of the reasons more people don’t have pets is because of the amount of care they require. Dogs, for instance, need daily walks. You can rest assured that your pet fish will never need to be exercised. While each species requires different diets and nutrients, most fish only need to be fed once daily. They’ll show you if they need more by eating all of the food on the surface within about 30 seconds. If they don’t, they’re full. You never want to feed fish more food than they can eat because it will necessitate cleaning the tank much more frequently.
ELEMENT OF DECOR
Most homes and apartments can accommodate a 100-litre fish tank quite nicely. Start with something like this tank – large enough to hold three 3-inch fish and still leave plenty of room for the elements of décor you want to add. From living (bubbling) rocks to aquatic plants, you can add lovely elements that can compliment and further accentuate the décor of any tank and room in tandem. While the living or dining areas are the most common places where you’ll find attractive fish tanks, some people prefer to have them in their bedrooms for the following reason…
BUBBLING WATER FOR SERENITY
After a long, hard day at work, what is more relaxing than the sound of bubbling water? As an element of serenity when all devices have been turned off, and as an aid to falling asleep when totally stressed, what is more effective than the sound of water? Not much, we think.
DIM & AMBIENT LIGHTING
When it comes to enjoying a fish tank, there are several ways to add ambient lighting to the room without creating hazards for your fish. For example, you really don’t want to place your fish tank where it will get the strongest rays of the afternoon sun because this promotes the growth of algae. Therefore if you keep your rooms darkened to avoid overworking your HVAC system, ambient lighting can benefit both the décor and the fish. Take time to research which of the colours in the spectrum are best suited to freshwater fish for best results.
APARTMENT LIVING WITH A ‘NO PET CLAUSE’
Unfortunately, many inner city apartments contain a “No Pet” which limits your options in terms of animal companionship. While some apartments allow anything but dogs, others may only allow birds and/or fish. The reason for this is obvious. Dogs and cats can be destructive but due to containment, birds and fish are much less likely to ruin floors and fixtures. Fish, on the other hand, do not. What a lovely way to have a pet that flies (not literally, of course!) under the radar.
FISH WATER FOR GARDENING
Did you know there is even a use for the water you drain from your tank when you clean it regularly? Water in your fish tank accumulates nutrients such as ammonia, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, as well as various microorganisms that help to process those nutrients. Because of this, fish water can be used on household plants as well as those outdoors, in your garden. Be wary though, there are times when you shouldn’t use the water for horticulture, so it is best to research what you can use the water from your tank for first.
DELIGHT IN THE ART OF TRAINING YOUR PET FISH
Some fish, believe it or not, are extremely trainable. You can wet your finger in the tank, place a flake of food on it, and hold it just above the water. Some fish will gladly jump up to grab the flake. It takes time and patience (and you never want to startle your fish or they won’t readily trust you to feed them in this way) but the rewards are pretty amusing.
Imagine that! There are so many benefits to having a fish tank in your home and some of those benefits you probably never knew about. Whether you are looking for an element of décor, an apartment-friendly pet, or simply the serenity that gurgling water provides, freshwater fish in a well-kept tank could be just what the doctor ordered.