Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

Design an aquarium

According to Rema Sundar, aquariums have many takers in the city

HEALTH BENEFITS Watching fish swim helps one relax

Fascinated by the wondrous hues of a gold fish or a guppy? Does observing fish lazily swimming around leave you refreshed? If yes, a fish tank/aquarium at your place could be an ideal way to relax. And, setting up an aquarium is all too easy with several shops in the city offering you a wide range of aquariums.

Rising interest

Says P. Kesavan Nair, owner, Pretty Pets Centre, Manjalikulam Road, "International shows and films have contributed to the increase in interest for aquariums. Homes, hotels and clinics, especially dental clinics in the city are opting for these." While agreeing that the market is picking up, Balachandran P.K., owner, Uthradam Aquarium, also at Manjalikulam Road, adds, "The business is poor compared to other parts of Kerala like Thrissur or Kottayam." Speaking on the business, Kiran Nath S., manager, Marvel Aqua Systems, Eenchakkal, says that the "presence of small-time agencies that sell low-cost items leads to problems like leaky tanks and death of fishes are a deterrent."

Other than the fancy factor associated with the fish tank, the rising interest is also contributed by its claimed usefulness as a stress buster. Says Balachandran, "Observing the fish for 10 minutes a day is good for the eyes." Agrees Kiran, "Watching fishes helps one to relax and keep the mind free. It is especially helpful for people working long hours on the computer."

Says Kesavan, "With free time becoming lesser, people are finding it useful in reducing tension."

There are fish tanks of numerous sizes, which can also be customised to suit the need and budget of the customer. Says Kesavan, "The setting of the tank depends on the fishes chosen." The common tanks generally are rectangular in shape, though `globe tanks' are also available. Says Balachandran, "The chances of fish mortality in a globe tank are greater because of the lack of aeration." The glass tanks come supported with a stand and a roof. "The levelling of the tank has to be correct or it will break," says Kesavan. A `biological filter' is laid at the bottom above which a layer of gravel (a filter material) is added. Plants like Vallisneria and Cabomba, filters and aquarium lamps to provide UV rays are used to create an ecosystem for the fish. The look of the tanks can be enhanced through the use of attractive pebbles and background scenery.

The quality of water is significant for the survival of the fishes. Explains Kesavan, "Different varieties of fishes thrive in water with different pH values." He recommends the use of well water or bore water after checking its pH level. Adds Balachandran, "Where water is chlorinated, `dechlorinators' can be used." Small sized tanks need not require changing the water for six to eight months while large sized tanks can go without water change for over a year.

Placing the tank at the appropriate place also bears merit. Says Kiran, "The tank can be kept at a place where `maximum view' is possible. It can be placed where at least three sides of the tank are visible from any corner." Suggests Kesavan, "The place below the staircase can be used to place the fish tank" and adds that architects now earmark a place for keeping fish tanks in new houses.

Selection and maintenance

The compatibility factor of the fishes weighs importance. Care should be taken to see that gentle and quarrelsome varieties are not put together in a tank to prevent mortality through aggression and overpowering. Kiran recommends looking out for attributes like active swimming, movement of the fins, response to disturbance and quality of the eyes when buying fishes and adds that it is best to start with two or three pairs. On the feeding pattern of the fishes, says Kesavan, "While less amounts are not a problem, over feeding can cause harm." Says Kiran, "It is best to observe and arrive at the suitable feeding pattern." In the event of disease to any fish, Kesavan and Kiran recommend keeping the fish in a separate tank to prevent the spread of disease to the other fishes. Kiran advises buying the feed and medicines from "genuine dealers."

Designer Aquariums

"Designer aquariums are catching up on popularity these days," says Kesavan whose exhibit was selected as the `Best Designer Aquarium' at the India International Aqua Show 2006, Kochi. Aquariums that can double as TV stands, corner stands, dining tables and as front desk in offices are some of the designer varieties. Marvel Aqua Systems is soon to introduce the `hanging aquariums', which is suitable for flats and city homes that have space shortage. Other aquariums to watch out for are `planted aquariums' and `marine aquariums.'

Aquariums can be set up anywhere from Rs.250 to Rs.1 lakh.

Popular fishes

Appealing Pisces

The splash of colours and brilliant designs in underwater forms has always intrigued humans. With the advancement in science, it is now possible to enjoy this dazzling palette of Nature with the help of aquariums.

Lucky Fishes

From tiny mollies in different colours like orange and black to the bigger Piranhas, there are local as well as exotic fishes at the pet shops in the city. A variety much in demand is the gold fish, of which there are nearly 100 varieties like `lion head' and `butterfly tail.' The cost of gold fish ranges from Rs.150 to Rs.1,000 for a fish. The Arowana is considered a lucky fish and has become popular in the city. An Arowana can cost anywhere up to Rs.1,20,000 depending on its size and quality. The `Flower horn' belonging to Cichlid family was selected as the lucky fish for the year 2005 and the price ranges from Rs.25 to Rs.15,000.

The orange-yellow parrot fish is another popular variety and costs between Rs.500 and Rs.3,000. The silver shark is available for prices between Rs.180 and Rs.1200. Other varieties include the guppies and the red tailed cat fish.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail