Sat at the breakfast table this morning, contemplating the day ahead, I found my eyes drawn to the tropical fish tank I have in my kitchen. For a few moments I found myself gazing at the tank and the fish within; the movement of the inhabitants was almost hypnotic and I felt a welcome sense of calm descend upon me (despite the rush around in the morning to get the kids up, breakfasted, dressed, ready for school and ready to leave by 7:30am).
As I have spent many happy moments watching the fish, I thought I’d write about the satisfaction that a fish tank can bring. Even if you’ve never had a tank of your own, maybe you’ve found yourself studying one in a restaurant or in a hotel lobby.
A fish tank is like a television in that, if the lights are on, your eyes are drawn towards it. A TV is often the focal point of a room but equally, if a fish tank is present, you won’t fail to notice it.
A fish tank is fascinating because there is always something going on, particularly if the tank is large and home to a variety of fish. Different fish, different sizes, different colours and different behaviours all make for a community that is delightful to observe (and much more interesting than the TV most of the time).
In my tank I have top feeders, middle feeders, bottom feeders, fish that are daytime activists and others that are nocturnal – there is always something to watch. When you get used to your fish, you’ll recognise unusual behaviour too because if a fish is stressed or ill, it will act erratically or will become lethargic.
Watching fish is genuinely relaxing and absorbing, try sitting in front of a tank and see if you can stay cross or stressed. Fish are serene and graceful, sometimes brightly coloured, and watching them is like watching an aquatic ballet. I have relaxed to the point of nodding off whilst gazing at my fish tank and that, to me, proves just how calming/restful a tank can be.
I am sure that is why fish tanks pop up in places of potential stress – in restaurants where people might get frustrated waiting for their food, or hotels where long queues form at receptions, in doctors' surgeries or hospital waiting rooms. The tank helps de-stress those environments and perhaps even makes for improved customer satisfaction.
A fish tank is a talking point and in the Baldwin house, there isn’t a child that has come around to play that hasn’t stopped to watch the fish. And in my experience as a parent, there isn’t much that will stop excited kids in their tracks for long.
The value of animals in the home is well known, people often think of cats or dogs in terms of companionship. It is my opinion that fish are as valuable in changing the mood or atmosphere of a place. You can’t stroke a fish, and one won’t sit on your lap, but fish will bring a certain peace and tranquillity to your home.
Fish keeping requires some skill/learning, will cost you some money, will take up some of your time and might result in the odd disaster! But let’s face it – the same can be said for keeping dogs or cats too.
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As I have spent many happy moments watching the fish, I thought I’d write about the satisfaction that a fish tank can bring. Even if you’ve never had a tank of your own, maybe you’ve found yourself studying one in a restaurant or in a hotel lobby.
A fish tank is like a television in that, if the lights are on, your eyes are drawn towards it. A TV is often the focal point of a room but equally, if a fish tank is present, you won’t fail to notice it.
A fish tank is fascinating because there is always something going on, particularly if the tank is large and home to a variety of fish. Different fish, different sizes, different colours and different behaviours all make for a community that is delightful to observe (and much more interesting than the TV most of the time).
In my tank I have top feeders, middle feeders, bottom feeders, fish that are daytime activists and others that are nocturnal – there is always something to watch. When you get used to your fish, you’ll recognise unusual behaviour too because if a fish is stressed or ill, it will act erratically or will become lethargic.
Watching fish is genuinely relaxing and absorbing, try sitting in front of a tank and see if you can stay cross or stressed. Fish are serene and graceful, sometimes brightly coloured, and watching them is like watching an aquatic ballet. I have relaxed to the point of nodding off whilst gazing at my fish tank and that, to me, proves just how calming/restful a tank can be.
I am sure that is why fish tanks pop up in places of potential stress – in restaurants where people might get frustrated waiting for their food, or hotels where long queues form at receptions, in doctors' surgeries or hospital waiting rooms. The tank helps de-stress those environments and perhaps even makes for improved customer satisfaction.
A fish tank is a talking point and in the Baldwin house, there isn’t a child that has come around to play that hasn’t stopped to watch the fish. And in my experience as a parent, there isn’t much that will stop excited kids in their tracks for long.
The value of animals in the home is well known, people often think of cats or dogs in terms of companionship. It is my opinion that fish are as valuable in changing the mood or atmosphere of a place. You can’t stroke a fish, and one won’t sit on your lap, but fish will bring a certain peace and tranquillity to your home.
Fish keeping requires some skill/learning, will cost you some money, will take up some of your time and might result in the odd disaster! But let’s face it – the same can be said for keeping dogs or cats too.
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