Does the word aquariophilia ring a bell? Yes, it has to do with aquariums and fish. In fact, It is a very interesting hobby that also brings us many benefits and that can be very accommodating. If you want to know more about this curious hobby, I recommend that you keep reading.
In this post we will discuss what is aquarium hobby, what are the benefits for our health and how this hobby originated. I hope this information is interesting to you. Who knows, you may decide to buy an aquarium after reading this article.
What is aquarium hobby?
Let's start by explaining what aquarium hobby is. It is basically a hobby related to maintenance and breeding of different aquatic species. This activity takes place in a pond, fish tank, or aquarium. The owner provides specific conditions for the fish to survive in that environment. It is a very entertaining and relaxing hobby.
In addition, it can be an extremely interesting activity. On second thought, what is really done is create a small natural habitat and take care of it. This is essential so that both the fish and the plants can grow and develop correctly, just as they would if they were in their natural environment.
If you are considering purchasing an aquarium, I will show you below the basic equipment that you will need. In addition, other elements, both decorative and practical, can be added. But let's go to the basics:
- Filter: An essential element for any aquarium is the filter. It will help maintain better water quality, which will improve the health of our fish, reduce the time we spend on cleaning, and save on water changes, as they will need to be done less frequently. There are many different filters on the market. They vary in both model and price. Therefore, it's important to choose one that suits our aquarium, that is, its liter capacity.
- Lighting: To this day, all aquariums usually have integrated lighting. However, it may not be enough, especially if we want to maintain certain plants. Therefore, it is advisable to change it to a lighting that has a higher power. It should be noted that, as a general rule, the ideal is to have the aquarium light on for about eight hours each day. If we leave it longer, unwanted algae could begin to develop.
- Thermo heater: In the event that we are going to have cold water fish, this equipment will not be strictly necessary, but it is recommended, at least in winter. However, if we are thinking of acquiring tropical species, it is vital for them that we can provide them with a suitable temperature. Normally, this is usually around 27 degrees Celsius.
Benefits
Did you know that aquarium hobby also has several benefits for us? That's how it is! It is not a hobby that only gives work and decorates the home a little. In our day to day, Aquariums help us calm our minds and relax, Something that doesn't hurt us at all in these hectic times we're living in. Let's see what the benefits are:
- Stress reduction: Both the sound of water and the bright, vibrant colors are stress-reducing. These same elements help people sleep better and maintain a good mood. Therefore, fishkeeping is highly recommended for families with children with behavioral problems and hyperactivity, as it reduces the stress these children experience.
- Contribution to pedagogy: Especially for children, having an aquarium at home provides a constant source of new knowledge and learning. Because it's a small, living habitat, you can observe fish behavior up close and personal, without having to resort to television or the internet. Without a doubt, it's a hobby that offers several advantages if you have young children, such as learning about the characteristics of fish.
- Relaxation: As we mentioned earlier, the sound of water has an anti-stress effect, so it relaxes us. Furthermore, many people report feeling more relaxed when they watch fish. In fact, some doctors even recommend aquaristics to patients who suffer from a lot of stress, for whatever reason.
- Feeling of company: Like other pets we may have, fish can also keep us company. Contrary to what many people believe, it is possible to create emotional bonds with these animals, very strong bonds. And why not? After all, they are living beings in our care, whom we look after and admire. Therefore, understanding their care is essential, as in the case of the care of some plants.
How did the aquarium hobby originate?
Now that we know what aquarium hobby is, let's see how this peculiar hobby was born. Well, this activity It originated from the breeding of fish, when the human being raised them to eat them. Over time, the maintenance of these animals for ornamental purposes evolved and improved methods considerably.
There are theories indicating that The first civilization to develop aquarium hobby were the Sumerians. They bred different types of fish in ponds for both ornamental and mystical reasons. In turn, the Sung Dynasty of China became fond of carp and goldfish farming, an activity that they perfected. On the other hand, the ancient Romans were probably the first to create saltwater aquariums. To do this, they supplied their ponds with seawater.
The first export of ornamental fish took place in 1500 from Japan. But it was not until the XNUMXth century when aquarium hobby arrived in Europe. There the hobby for the care and breeding of fish became popular. A century later, this hobby also reached American lands.
As you can see, aquarium hobby is an extremely interesting and beautiful hobby. If you like it, you will not only be well entertained, but you will also increase the ornamental value of your home. Now, if you are not willing to invest a little time in this hobby, you better not even start it, since an aquarium that is not maintained will harm the fish and may not be very pleasing to the eye.