Benefits of Keeping Freshwater Tropical Fish

Think keeping fish is just a boring hobby?

Think again. Here are 7 surprising benefits you never knew about owning a freshwater aquarium.

Owning a freshwater aquarium isn't just about having a pretty tank to look at. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned aquarist, the benefits can be truly remarkable. Let's dive into the 7 amazing perks that you might not have known about:

1. Stress Relief: Watching fish swim gracefully in their aquatic environment has been scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety. The calming effect of an aquarium can help you unwind after a long day at work.

2. Educational Value: For families, an aquarium can be a fantastic educational tool. It teaches kids about ecosystems, responsibility, and the natural world. Plus, it's a fun way for mothers to bond with their children over a shared interest.

3. Improved Focus and Creativity: Believe it or not, having an aquarium in your workspace can boost your focus and creativity. The gentle movement of fish and the soothing sound of water can create an ideal environment for brainstorming and problem-solving. 

4. Natural Beauty: Freshwater aquariums, filled with vibrant tropical fish and lush plants, bring a slice of nature into your home. They can enhance your interior decor and create a beautiful focal point in any room. 

5. Health Benefits: Studies have shown that aquariums can lower blood pressure and heart rate. The tranquil environment promotes a sense of well-being and can even improve sleep quality. 

6. Social Interaction: Whether you're sharing tips with fellow aquarists or explaining the intricacies of your tank to guests, owning an aquarium can be a great conversation starter. It brings people together and fosters a sense of community. 

7. Therapeutic Effects: For individuals with conditions like ADHD, autism, or PTSD, aquariums can have therapeutic benefits. The repetitive, fluid movements of fish can be incredibly soothing and help in managing symptoms. 

Understanding Filtration: Part 1 - Overview

There are three basic ways the water can be conditioned to prevent ot from becoming dangeros to the fish.  

Mechanical filtration - here the water in the aquarium is physically passed over a screen of some form and any particulate matter is removed from the water flow.  There are many rtypes of screen and materials used to create them. This will be covered in the next issue of the newletter when this column returns

Biological filtration - here active bacteria and other lifeforms are used to eliminate the toxic effects of digestion and respiration of fish and other life in the tank.  The actual compound, ammonia is genrated all the time and requires the establishment of the nitrogen cycle to detoxify it through a number of steps.  That wil be the topic of this column in a coule of weeks.

Chemical filtration - here the various inorganic compounds in an aquarium must be neutralized. The most commonly accomplished, althiogh not often mentioned is the removal of chlorine from minicipal tap water, but other chemical removals or chelating is often require whne there are heavy metals included with new water from thwe tap.  This wil be discussed in this column in paert four.  

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