Introduction

There are many different ways to classify an individual aquarium. We've seen (or at least heard of) some of the following: community tanks, biotope aquariums, dutch planted tanks, "fish-only" saltwater aquariums, species tanks, and a number of others. These clearly defined types of aquariums each come with their own set of rules and ideas about what should be kept in the aquarium. These types reflect the decisions behind what types of fish are kept in the tank and where they come from.

There is another, more encompassing way in which all aquariums can be classified: the reasons behind why and how they are kept. The rest of this article explores these two questions, and how they relate to being an owner of a Thoughtful Aquarium.

Why the Tank is Kept

A healthy tank is a happy tank.

The biggest reason why people keep fish is an obvious one. There is something inherently awesome in watching these animals swim about in a cube of water acting as they would in nature. It's basically like watching a real-life nature show happening in your own house! To have fishkeeping be one of the top hobbies of the country speaks volumes on how universally appealing it is to participate in it.

Although the enjoyment of fish is the main reason why fishkeeping is so popular, there are still problems with the motives of some fishkeepers. Some like to keep large aggressive fish in close quarters, and see which fish is the "toughest". Others like to pack as many fish as they can in a community tank because they don't like to see empty space in a tank. And still others keep only the "hardiest of species" because they require a lot less care than the other more delicate species.

How the Tank is Kept

While it is important to think about why you are keeping fish, it is even more important to think about how you are keeping fish. When it comes down to it, the health of your tank is a perfect indicator of how well you are keeping the fish that live within it.

There is a clear difference between a healthy tank and a sick tank. Having healthy fish is a by-product of keeping a healthy tank -- you can't have one without the other. This is all dependent on how the tank is kept. So what makes a healthy tank?

Some characteristics of a healthy tank are clean and clear water void of diseases or parasites, a stable stress-free environment. The active fish all grow to adult size, show off their coloration to the fullest extent, and have a good chance of breeding right in the tank. The use of medications are rarely needed, if ever, and the fish eventually die of natural causes (old age). Impossible, you say? It is definitely within anyone's ability to keep a Thoughtful Aquarium.

A true aquarist does not try to "get away" with whatever they can when keeping fish.

On the flip side, You have probably seen more examples of sick tanks than shining examples of healthy tanks. Maybe you went to a friend's house who kept several good sized goldfish in a 10 gallon tank. The water level was low due to evaporation and lack of water changes. The color of the water was yellow and the fish were gasping at the surface for air. "They've survived like this for over two years!" your friend proudly exclaims. A true aquarist does not try to "get away" with whatever they can when keeping fish. The main goal should be for the fishkeeper to take care of the fish to the best of their ability.

The Thoughtful Aquarium

There is a type of aquarium which keeps the intentions of the fishkeeper in mind. It is called The Thoughtful Aquarium. Thoughtful of the environment the fish are in, and of course thoughtful of the fish themselves. It isn't enough to just keep fish, a thoughtful aquarium must keep them in the best shape.

This is the point where keeping fish turns from an objective, somewhat interesting hobby, into a passionate one. Where the fishkeeper will spend $10 on medications to save a $1 fish. It isn't scientific, it isn't a "chore", it is an art. The fishkeeper will gather as many books around himself as possible and read up on all aspects of the hobby. Once this level of fishkeeping is attained there is no end to the joy you will receive from keeping fish.

In Summary

Here are the main points of a Thoughtful Aquarium.

Fish should be chosen based on the following criteria:

• Whether you have adequate tank space for them.
• Compatibility between the species you already have in your tank.
• Water chemistry found in your area.

Fish should be treated based on the following criteria:

• Environmental needs are provided (open space, hidey-holes, etc.)
• A varied and appropriate diet is offered to meet nutritional needs.
• High quality water should be maintained in the tank.

The characteristics of a Thoughtful Aquarist:

• The desire to learn more about the fish you have, and the fish you want to have.
• Caring for the fish, not just keeping them.