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Why?

AlecF

Member
Joined
15 Sep 2021
Messages
380
Location
Edinburgh
Having a chronic illness, being unable to move around the world, my aquarium is a world, a puzzling ecosystem of green and light, which I can care for and be part of. I returned to aquariums – not the perfection of aquascapes, for me, but a blend of natural elements in an approximation – after 30 years, a few months into Long Covid. They've bene sustaining and healing, if sometimes also infuriating and mildly tragic.
 

Ernesto

Member
Joined
2 Aug 2022
Messages
38
Location
Germany
I am an architect. Therefore i never had a hobby before in my life.
Last year my sister forced me to take over her old 80p (she upscaled to 120).
At first, the aquarium served as an additional illumination source, in a dark corner of my living room, a month or so.
Then came the day, i somehow typed in „nice aquarium“ in YT. Then my live changed.
Planted tank and fishkeeping is hard drug. 😊
 

goldscapes

Member
Joined
21 Aug 2018
Messages
245
Location
Surrey
My wife bought our kids a couple of fish and a tank from the local garden centre, which they soon outgrew. During my research into appropriate replacements I discovered Takashi Amano and heard @George Farmer talking on Gardener’s Question Time, this lead me to the UKAPS and a simple planted tank. I love the challenges and get a real sense of achievement when things go well - I couldn’t have done half of it without the community here and I try and give back a little when the opportunities arise.
 
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KirstyF

Member
Joined
25 Jul 2021
Messages
672
Location
Kidderminster
A simple and fluffy answer is because it brings me joy!

To create something beautiful.
To watch it grow and evolve.
To rejoice in life’s tiny miracles…..an uncurling spathe, a fish dancing, a shrimps perfect moult.
For the privilege of having a piece of art, and nature in your home and to be able to nurture it…..and to learn sooo much from all the challenges and the cursing and the intricacies of managing an ecosystem.

And finally to be part of a community of likewise passionate, enthused, knowledgeable and oft strongly opinionated folks who are on a similar journey.

What’s not to like. 😊
 

Leroy4bz

New Member
Joined
28 Feb 2022
Messages
18
Location
Hampshire
Because of you! I’d never heard of it till I came across your videos. I’m a paraplegic who’s body only works from the chest up. I started out over lockdown and I’m now hooked. I’ve managed kill hundreds of pounds worth of plants and battled through every algae out there. But thanks to the community, I now have a tank that i strived for.
Even though I sometimes struggle due to having to work one handed side on to the tank It’s done wonders for my mental health, but wreaked havoc on my bank account.
you may remember me calling you very personable😀
 

nanootje

Member
Joined
28 Oct 2022
Messages
33
Location
Nederland
I grew up with aquarium, fresh and saltwater. And i like art, nature and design....put everything together and whalla..... aquascaping. First experience were YouTube videos from Takashi Amano....the compleet package. I was hooked by that moment.😁
 

PARAGUAY

Member
Joined
13 Nov 2013
Messages
3,118
Location
Lancashire
For me it was l suppose a natural progression always been interested in nature. After being out of the hobby my son gave me a tank after a relationship break up. Ended up reading a set up done by George and Dan Crawford and reading PFK were George had articles (surprising)were you didn't need high end gear for sucess. Later watched Amano and joined UKAPS which has helpede through some tough times in life
 

Libba

Member
Joined
12 Jan 2021
Messages
237
Location
Australia
I just want to create beautiful and interesting homes for my fish and shrimp to explore and enjoy. A well maintained aquascape is also more pleasurable to observe when I'm spending time watching my fish go about their lives. Having live plants is also a huge benefit to the ecosystem which was the primary reason to use them for me. It was just a natural progression to then arrange them in a way that would be aesthetically pleasing. Those are the things that got me into aquascaping, and I say that with a great amount of humility because I don't think I have any skill as an aquascaper, but I do tend to fall in love my own creations.

The reason that I keep coming back to the hobby is that it is terrific for my mental health. I consider it one of the more healthy forms of escapism that I could indulge in when I feel the need. When I sit down to observe or maintain the tank I'm quite easily able to forget about everything else, which can be a welcome reprieve when life is hard. It brings me a sense of equanimity to a degree that I can only achieve through aquascaping and meditation, both of which are fundamental to my existence at this point.
 

GreggZ

Member
Joined
4 Mar 2022
Messages
308
Location
Novi, MI 48374
Hey George good question.

For me I just really enjoy the entire process. As long as I have been growing plants, I feel like I am constantly learning and evolving. It never ends. A planted tank is like a puzzle you can never solve, so it never gets boring. And when you do think you have it solved, it always comes back to humble you!

And what many consider "work" I actually look forward to . A good session of trimming/pruning and practicing horticulture is very calming and I consider it cheap therapy. I can spend a good couple of hours going at it sometimes and it soothes my mind.

I also enjoy the camaraderie of the community. Through the hobby I have met many outstanding people who I now consider friends.

Of course I also like seeing the results. Sitting back and admiring something that you have spent so much time creating is a great reward.

And it was a pleasure meeting you at the AGA Conference this year. It was a fantastic event and flew by too quickly.

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