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Fish and fortune
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Acquiring an aquarium seems to be the latest fad. With pet lovers realising that fish are as delightful as cats and dogs and Vastu and Feng Shui experts recommending their presence for prosperity too, you can bet on them, writes PADMINI B. PATELL.
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AT SEA: The treasures of the deep on display.
DO PEOPLE these days feel a sudden fondness for fish or is it yet another passing fad? Either way no one in the aquarium business is complaining! A glass bowl with a lone goldfish used to be added to the household as a result of an obstinate demand, but today there is more than just that one explanation. If you follow the mesmerising gaze of a pair of human eyes, it normally leads to the sight of fascinating fish at play - creatures of the ocean doing their graceful dance to a rhythmic inaudible music. Nature has been partial to the finned family with perfectly streamlined bodies, clothed in vibrant colours coupled with speed and agility.
Walk into a home, restaurant or corporate office and the fish tank is the common factor. Aquariums are positioned at waiting areas with the intention of keeping clientele busy and at several airports to help passengers lose track of time, an advantage when flights are delayed. Yeshwant Ramamurthy well-known architect of our city is of the opinion that, "All through the ages, the fish has been considered auspicious by most eastern cultures. However, over the last three to four years, the Vastu and Feng Shui aspect has people going to great lengths to incorporate the water-fish concept at any price into private homes and business environments alike.'' The ancient science of Vastu considers a water body in the northeast corner a must for wealth and prosperity. According to the Chinese Feng Shui, a water body with healthy fish and a bubbling aerator stimulates positive "Chi'' meaning "breath'' or "energy'' which in turn enriches the lives of the residents. Normally, an aquarium with an odd number of goldfish including one that is black is considered lucky. However, there is a specific direction where the aquarium is to be placed for results in different areas of one's life, be it career, wealth, relationship etc. "if a goldfish dies, we recommend that one should not fret, but simply replace it because it is believed that the dead fish has absorbed some bad luck that was meant for a resident of the household or the office in which it was placed,'' says Feng Shui expert Acharya Sanjaya Kumar of The Cosmic Paradise. He adds, "Besides just keeping an aquarium for various reasons, one has to develop a liking for the fish and personally clean the tank regularly. Watching the fish with concentration is a meditation in itself.''
``Although many people were keen on an aquarium the space constraint was a major deterrent. We developed the centrepiece and coffee table models which combines utility and aesthetics,'' says Prem Kumar of Fishland which is more than two decades old. They specialise in making aquariums, undertake annual maintenance contracts, breed and source fish, besides dealing with the A to Z for both tropical and marine aquariums. And if you really want to surprise your children, you can hire these tables for the evening. One finds a row of aquarium dealers in the busy Regimental Bazar. It is a common sight to see children clad in school uniforms window shopping here, some hoping to convince a reluctant parent to take home a new pet!
If you are dining at new Blue Fox restaurant at Ameerpet you cannot miss their marine aquarium, one of the first in the city. Some rare specimens like the Dragon fish, carpet and tentacle Anemones and Squirrelfish are a feast for the eyes. Marine aquariums are expensive to set up, need a lot more care and equipment but remain clean for a year or two. Although most people believe that human beings have the privilege of preferences, once an aquarium owner you will learn otherwise. Fish are as intelligent as other house pets and will surprise you with their preferences for food, water temperature and lighting.
TABLE TOP: Writing on water. - Photos: K. Ramesh Babu
There is a variety of fish food available including the frozen dried worms. Understanding exactly how much food the fish require could be the secret of good fish rearing. There are numerous aquarium accessories and new ones constantly make their appearance. Abbas Ali, a businessman started with a small 2ft aquarium, within months he gave into the temptation of a 5ft aquarium. "I return home late at night after a tiring day and I spend time in front of my fish tank; this instantly helps me forget all my problems.There is no limit to the joy you can derive from this hobby which I recommend to every family.''
If that prestigious contract was whisked away from under your nose, if your bank balance needs a couple of more zeroes or floral extravagance did not get you anywhere this Valentines, fish could be your next best bet.
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