What Are Your Favorite Things About Fishkeeping?

Let’s be positive!

I always see the ‘what are your fishkeeping regrets?’ Or ‘feel like giving up threads’ (been there!)

But what about all the good stuff? What don’t you regret? Why do you still keep fish after all those regrets? You must have favorite things about keeping fish or else you’d have stopped.

My favorite things are: the never-ending process of learning about so many natural cycles, fish, and bacterias (I wanted to be a vet, but this is as close as I’m gonna get in this lifetime) Underwater ‘gardening,’ and observing how fish actually have individual personalities and temperaments!

 

Kind of along the lines of what you like. I absolutely love the fact of maintaining a complex ecosystem, and fish keeping is also a way for me to have hands on experience with microbes. I have studied microbiology and fish keeping further allows me to practice the craft. Also, botany has always been quite the passion and planted tanks are really beautiful. Fish are such amazing creatures and I have always been a lover. Also, the awe in people's faces when I say I am an aquarist and explain what I do

 

I like to tinker with things, and aquariums have virtually unlimited room for that.

 

Kind of along the lines of what you like. I absolutely love the fact of maintaining a complex ecosystem, and fish keeping is also a way for me to have hands on experience with microbes. I have studied microbiology and fish keeping further allows me to practice the craft. Also, botany has always been quite the passion and planted tanks are really beautiful. Fish are such amazing creatures and I have always been a lover. Also, the awe in people's faces when I say I am an aquarist and explain what I do

Microbiology sounds fascinating! It is amazing how everything affects our tanks from the rocks we put in to the fish food we feed the residents. Thanks for sharing! By the way your profile pic paired with your status is awesome haha.

I like to tinker with things, and aquariums have virtually unlimited room for that.

Word! It’s crazy how much tinkering you wind up doing. Even without intending to.

 

Well, I’m really into animals, I have been ever since I was young. When I realized you could do such amazing things with aquariums I had to have a piece of the action. Once I started up my first aquarium I couldn’t turn back. What I love about the hobby, there’s so much. I love the prospect of new tanks, the idea that you can create new minI ecosystems fascinates me! I’m a huge fan of aquascaping as well, plus having a lot of biodiversity is always a goal of mine. I really just love the prospect of keeping different species together. That’s why I like community tanks so much. My mom is also an ecologist and used to take me with her out into the field to collect samples and such, so that kind of sparked my interest in biology even more. Aquariums have just been an outlet for my passion in animals.

 

Wanting to have big ol' mean monster fish and watching KingofDIY's 2,000 gallon tank videos got me to take a look into the hobby. Studied up more, got more interested on the fact that you create unique minI ecosystems and looking at fish grow. Also keeping a fish for long enough to the point where they recognize you like a dog almost. Still got that monster fish dream. Gonna realize that dream starting with a green terror!

Edit: also breeding fish! So interesting to see how fish change when they breed (stop eating, change colors, get meaner, start digging)

 

There are several things I enjoy in fishkeeping.

1.) Everyday I learn more. I am always constantly learning about new fish species. Compatibility, diet, natural habitat, and also conservation status. It also raises an awareness of endangered species.

2.) I like the feeling of being in control and enjoy tinkering around and creating a safe environment for my fish to thrive. Aquascaping is also fun to me.

3.) The hobby of fishkeeping also brings people together to learn from each other. I have learned and taken advice from other fellow hobbiests. I enjoy helping people learn about this hobby and I also enjoy learning from others.

4.) I enjoy watching my fish grow and thrive. I think that this is the most rewarding In my opinion. Seeing my fish thrive gives me a sense of pride.

There are other things I really enjoy about this hobby but these are my favorites.

 

By the way your profile pic paired with your status is awesome haha.

Haha thanks

 

Wanting to have big ol' mean monster fish and watching KingofDIY's 2,000 gallon tank videos got me to take a look into the hobby. Studied up more, got more interested on the fact that you create unique minI ecosystems and looking at fish grow. Also keeping a fish for long enough to the point where they recognize you like a dog almost. Still got that monster fish dream. Gonna realize that dream starting with a green terror!

Edit: also breeding fish! So interesting to see how fish change when they breed (stop eating, change colors, get meaner, start digging)

Congratulations on the green terror! I’ll admit I had to look that up. Impressive!

Also, I’ve never bred any fish (so far) so thanks for teaching me another new thing I didn’t know that they dig. Intriguing! I learned about a new species and fish behavior all in one post.

 

Congratulations on the green terror! I’ll admit I had to look that up. Impressive!

Also, I’ve never bred any fish (so far) so thanks for teaching me another new thing I didn’t know that they dig. Intriguing! I learned about a new species and fish behavior all in one post.

Thanks! Most cichlids dig a lot when they get ready to breed, my GT made the tank look like the moon with so many craters in the sand! Here she is just in case you want to know what mine looks like:

 

I love how relaxing they are. I have a five gallon on my nightstand and a twenty gallon in my room.
I also just love giving a good life to animals that most people view as "just fish". "Why put a fish in it's recommended conditions? It's just a fish." It feels good to give these small creatures a good home.
I'm ADD and it's nice to have something to stare at with the more active fish. And even when I'm in a sour mood, they cheer me up with their little personalities and make me smile.
It's so satisfying to get a baby and watch them grow. To start a tank and what the ecosystem grow.
In general fishkeeping for me is just something that makes me happy.

 

Part of it is the challenge of keeping an ever changing system running. Most of us started aquarium gravel and plastic plants. As you get more comfortable in the hobby then some live plants come into the mix as well as some type of sand substrate for the plants. Live plants are the way to go, they end up giving you an ever changing scene as they grow.

 

I love how relaxing they are. I have a five gallon on my nightstand and a twenty gallon in my room.
I also just love giving a good life to animals that most people view as "just fish". "Why put a fish in it's recommended conditions? It's just a fish." It feels good to give these small creatures a good home.
I'm ADD and it's nice to have something to stare at with the more active fish. And even when I'm in a sour mood, they cheer me up with their little personalities and make me smile.
It's so satisfying to get a baby and watch them grow. To start a tank and what the ecosystem grow.
In general fishkeeping for me is just something that makes me happy.

Ha! I guess that’s my favorite thing too is seeing all the funny look friends/family give me for all the work I put in to 10 gallon loner Betta tank! It does feel good to give them home. It also feels good to help friends to do the same! they really are relaxing.

Part of it is the challenge of keeping an ever changing system running. Most of us started aquarium gravel and plastic plants. As you get more comfortable in the hobby then some live plants come into the mix as well as some type of sand substrate for the plants. Live plants are the way to go, they end up giving you an ever changing scene as they grow.

I agree. I just broadened my horizons with plants and driftwood myself and I have to say I really wish I’d done it sooner. I’m starting to realize its tougher to keep up with cleaning plastic plants than it is to take care of real ones.

——— Thanks for the replies everyone. I’m really enjoying reading all of these. Keep em’ comin’!

 

I’ve also found that I really enjoy just watching my tanks. I get a feeling of pride whenever I see the work I’ve put into my 45 bow. I guess it just feels good when you know you’ve made a beautiful habitat for animals.

 

Mostly I enjoy coming home and having them greet me. I'd keep doing it just for that, the stress can fall away when you sit in front of a tank and see them happy to see you/ feed them lol. But a big part of my hobby has been building everything. I enjoy putting together a tank almost as much as watching it. I build tanks and sumps and of course, always hear of better more efficient ways to do so and I have to rebuild them to modernize or just to fit the aesthetics of a room. That to me is a fun challenge on its own. Sure everyone dreds or worse deals with all of the low ends but I've always taken them as a learning experience and used that to make everything better if only until new info or the next breakout happens. Life is a game that no-one wins. You can play and enjoy or get upset and deal but you're still in the game. This hobby really brings that out. I hope with enough knowledge more people play because for me at least the gains far outweigh the pains.

 

I used to love watching the fish. Whether just swimming around or interacting with their environment. Now it’s a whole new experience. I do believe they’re smarter than given credit for. My fish, I believe, could tell I couldn’t see them anymore. So they started splashing me, bumping my hand when I held the food out. Angel will nudge my hand until it’s just right to cradle her. She’ll just rest on my hand for a bit. KikkI tail splashes my face the whole time of course.
I worry constantly that something will happen because I can’t see it coming but I wouldn’t give them up. Monte, the biggest fish in the pond at 21 1/2”, is the pond mom. She keeps everyone in line.
All of my aquarium fish are rescues. People no longer wanted them. Petco had a columnaris breakout so I took what was left. The joy of knowing I made a tiny difference in someone’s world. Yes they’re in a tank. Yes they should be wild and free. But I do the best I can to make them happy.
Then there’s Jaax. My black orchid crowntail betta. Such a guy! Always telling me what to do. Attacking the gravel vac.
Yeah. They’ve got me right where they want me.

 

I just love going to fish stores and petstores!!! I used to go every week on friday at 4pm when they unboxed bettas. I love shareing my photos I take there on my Instagram too. I haven't been yelled at so far for that yet xD. Its just so fun to see all these bettas and more fun when you bring one... Or even two home .

 

I just love going to fish stores and petstores!!! I used to go every week on friday at 4pm when they unboxed bettas. I love shareing my photos I take there on my Instagram too. I haven't been yelled at so far for that yet xD. Its just so fun to see all these bettas and more fun when you bring one... Or even two home .

Exactly why I stopped going. I was ok with just the pond. If I’d just not had to go into Petco that day. But I do love my finbabies.

 

Microbiology sounds fascinating! It is amazing how everything affects our tanks from the rocks we put in to the fish food we feed the residents. Thanks for sharing! By the way your profile pic paired with your status is awesome haha.


Word! It’s crazy how much tinkering you wind up doing. Even without intending to.

LOL, that Phil Swift guy is so annoying.

To me, fishkeeping is a way of relaxing.

 

I used to love watching the fish. Whether just swimming around or interacting with their environment. Now it’s a whole new experience. I do believe they’re smarter than given credit for. My fish, I believe, could tell I couldn’t see them anymore. So they started splashing me, bumping my hand when I held the food out. Angel will nudge my hand until it’s just right to cradle her. She’ll just rest on my hand for a bit. KikkI tail splashes my face the whole time of course.
I worry constantly that something will happen because I can’t see it coming but I wouldn’t give them up. Monte, the biggest fish in the pond at 21 1/2”, is the pond mom. She keeps everyone in line.
All of my aquarium fish are rescues. People no longer wanted them. Petco had a columnaris breakout so I took what was left. The joy of knowing I made a tiny difference in someone’s world. Yes they’re in a tank. Yes they should be wild and free. But I do the best I can to make them happy.
Then there’s Jaax. My black orchid crowntail betta. Such a guy! Always telling me what to do. Attacking the gravel vac.
Yeah. They’ve got me right where they want me.

It made me smile reading this Gypsy13. I think many animals are smarter than we give them credit for. And they even teach us how to be better people. Lol I could learn a thing or two about courage from the Bettas in our tanks yours attacking siphons and mine bossing me with nips at my hands when I touch his favorite decorations.

I just love going to fish stores and petstores!!! I used to go every week on friday at 4pm when they unboxed bettas. I love shareing my photos I take there on my Instagram too. I haven't been yelled at so far for that yet xD. Its just so fun to see all these bettas and more fun when you bring one... Or even two home .

It is fun to see all those Bettas. I like look at them everytine I go. I’m always tempted bring one home too. I’m starting to realize why that MTS issue is a thing! Lol

LOL, that Phil Swift guy is so annoying.

To me, fishkeeping is a way of relaxing.

Lol. I must live a sheltered life because I had to look up who Phil Swift even is! Yup nothing like zoning out in front of the fish tank after a long work day with Phil Swift like sales people! XD

 

I enjoy the guppies coming to 'greet' me, and watching them forage and swim. I love the surprise of what the baby guppies look like as they grow up, plain or otherwise. I enjoy sharing this hobby with others and interested family members. It is also a nice touch when my aquarium filter happens to double as a water sound aesthetic.

 

I love having a piece of nature to look at. It is relaxing watching fishes, shrimps and snails go about their daily foraging and occasionally trying to squeeze through plants to get to food. I love it too when fishes get in the way while I plant the tank or do water change. Its so cute to have curious fishes though I have to be wary to avoid sucking them through the hose.