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Walking through my own large terrarium perusing the neighborhood gardens, breathing air instead of water, I came to realize a few things about life and my endless pursuit of eco-creativity in aquariums.
Really what I am trying to accomplish in these bio-boxes is the establishment of a functioning ecosystem complete in its every facet. I am building a world in there. I have observed the almost perfect balance in this small glass space, which is why I keep doing it year after year. I say almost, because I do believe that the creation of perfect cycles and balance is something that only nature is capable of.
We humans (or whatever you may be reading this article) can only hope to emulate its grace and complexity. I often stare at a tank for an hour without realizing it, just drifting in the current with the Java Moss that covers my pagoda rocks like a carpet. Or watching Chocolate Gouramis establish their pecking order amongst the Hygrophilia in the back of my Southeast Asian tank.
This to me truly is escapism. Maybe the correct term isn't aquascapism, but aquarealization. Not the unhealthy denial and occlusion of stress, but the resolution thereof. This begs the question, however, from what do I seek escape?
Perhaps it is most essential that we examine our interest in aquariums and what they can really offer us. I am transported in the confines of these glass boxes, they offer me a view of a world hidden from our eyes. Not only this, but the process and pursuit of keeping a living, breathing thing alive and healthy is a most disciplined one.
Inside of the functioning aquarium all is well with the world. For the record, I enjoy my work, I abhor the commute, but I take pride in what I accomplish everyday. The approach to keeping an aquarium is the same as everything else I seek to establish in daily life.
That is why the health of my aquarium is of such importance to me. It is an indicator of the health of my life. Because an aquarium is a luxury item, I can only see it as being a great indicator of how I am. If I have time to maintain and keep beautiful this small space, then most likely the rest is being taken care of as well.
I also work on my car every weekend, and there is absolutely no difference in the spirit with which I engage in the work. Be it my job, my car, or my aquarium, I seek to achieve perfect functionality. I have spent so much time, money, and effort, on all of my hobbies, and aquariums have always rewarded me ten-fold for my diligence.
I can say the same for tuning cars. Have any of us gone to South America to net marbled hatchetfish or cardinal tetras directly from a river, or traveled to a mountain stream in Vietnam to observe the local flora and fauna? I am sure some of us have. I have not yet, but if I let go of the walls that enclose me, I see them in my living room.
Have you ever walked outside and seen a beautiful tree or bush and had the sensation that you are seeing what your fish see? This biosphere that contains us is the same as the glass walls that contain our fish and plants.
The only difference is in the size and species. Look closely and you will find the macro in the micro, and vice versa. Life exists on infinite levels, and inside of each aquarium is the key to enjoying the fruit we harvest each day for ourselves, our families, and for our friends. You needn't look past the back edge of your tank to find it, it will come as you lose yourself with your school of pristella tetras, or fall into a trance watching the motions of Sri Lankan guppies as they dance for their females.
I wish everyone the best fortune in finding the rhyme and reason to why we do the things we do, but sometimes it's enough just to accept the realization that it makes you utterly happy in the simplest way life has to offer.
Enjoy!!!
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