I'm looking for some creative ideas - I haven't kept fish in about five years - I was getting too caught up in it - Getting that "need to get more all the time" phase, and because having excellent living conditions is very important to me, it was quickly becoming very expensive and space consuming. I decided to stop where I was, keep everyone happy, and let my collection die down over time so I could take a nice long break and re-evaluate how I want to do things.
About a year ago, I got settled in to a new house, scored a pretty nice job, and found myself with a lot of free time when I wasn't at work. I thought about it, and decided that I'd like to take up my hobby again, but do it a bit differently. I'm looking for ideas and opinions.
Before, it wasn't about looks - It was about what was best for the fish. I still want it to be about what's best for the fish, but I also want to focus on looks. For once, I want something that is both a stunning display of art and beauty, and a healthy and excellent habitat for a betta.
I only want to have one tank, and one fish, and focus all my time and energy on that instead of expanding. Before, I would purchase the healthy albeit hideous bettas that I was pretty sure would be stuck at the store did I not come for them. I adored them, but just this once, I want to actually look for a betta that I think is beautiful.
I also want a unique tank, somewhere in the eight gallon range. I was thinking of converting one of those old colorful iMacs in to a tank, since our home is already full of apple products, but was considering something a bit classier instead. I'm fairly crafty.
Ease of cleaning isn't too big a deal, since I will only have one tank - I don't mind a long and painful cleaning process.
I was also throwing around the idea of using plants that are found locally in the region, but I wouldn't trust taken them directly from outside, so I'll have to do some research as to what plants are available here (NW Ohio) and whether I can find a place which cultivated them in a healthy environment. If that idea falls through the window, I think I will try to find some plants that come in interesting colors or shapes.
I'm also throwing around the idea of tinting the water, but I'm not sure if there are any 100% safe dying techniques I can use, and the health of the fish is still my top priority. If I could find a way to do it and be completely assured it would have no negative effects on the fish, I would aim to tint the water a slight blue-green.
Before, all my tanks were based on looking completely natural. If it comes down to it, I'd still rather have a natural tank and a happy fish than have something unusual and have my fish at any risks, but I don't see why I can't aim for both!
So, I'm in the planning stages - I'm looking for any ideas for ways to come up with a creative off-the-wall tank, and if anyone knows if there are any safe ways to tint water. If anyone knows any sites or threads on the forum with some interesting ideas, point me to them please! Once I start my project I'll keep you updated with pictures and progress
About a year ago, I got settled in to a new house, scored a pretty nice job, and found myself with a lot of free time when I wasn't at work. I thought about it, and decided that I'd like to take up my hobby again, but do it a bit differently. I'm looking for ideas and opinions.
Before, it wasn't about looks - It was about what was best for the fish. I still want it to be about what's best for the fish, but I also want to focus on looks. For once, I want something that is both a stunning display of art and beauty, and a healthy and excellent habitat for a betta.
I only want to have one tank, and one fish, and focus all my time and energy on that instead of expanding. Before, I would purchase the healthy albeit hideous bettas that I was pretty sure would be stuck at the store did I not come for them. I adored them, but just this once, I want to actually look for a betta that I think is beautiful.
I also want a unique tank, somewhere in the eight gallon range. I was thinking of converting one of those old colorful iMacs in to a tank, since our home is already full of apple products, but was considering something a bit classier instead. I'm fairly crafty.
Ease of cleaning isn't too big a deal, since I will only have one tank - I don't mind a long and painful cleaning process.
I was also throwing around the idea of using plants that are found locally in the region, but I wouldn't trust taken them directly from outside, so I'll have to do some research as to what plants are available here (NW Ohio) and whether I can find a place which cultivated them in a healthy environment. If that idea falls through the window, I think I will try to find some plants that come in interesting colors or shapes.
I'm also throwing around the idea of tinting the water, but I'm not sure if there are any 100% safe dying techniques I can use, and the health of the fish is still my top priority. If I could find a way to do it and be completely assured it would have no negative effects on the fish, I would aim to tint the water a slight blue-green.
Before, all my tanks were based on looking completely natural. If it comes down to it, I'd still rather have a natural tank and a happy fish than have something unusual and have my fish at any risks, but I don't see why I can't aim for both!
So, I'm in the planning stages - I'm looking for any ideas for ways to come up with a creative off-the-wall tank, and if anyone knows if there are any safe ways to tint water. If anyone knows any sites or threads on the forum with some interesting ideas, point me to them please! Once I start my project I'll keep you updated with pictures and progress
