Caution! Extremely Opinionated Posting!

Status
Not open for further replies.
Oh and Dee, if I didn't make it clear, I'm sorry - but none of those things were how I felt, just how I saw things. I *really* don't think you are arrogant or haughty, in fact you have been very humble throughout and expressed your apology in oh so many ways already, so that anyone who accuses you of being a Simon Cowell of aquariums at this point is really obviously not reading the subsequent posts ;) In fact, if I weren't pooped after a day full of hours upon hours of blistering and sweaty yard work, I would go back and count how many times you already have apologized...I might even need to use my toes! :rolleyes:

In many ways, this thread has been great. It has entertained many and provoked thought in many more. Isn't that all we can really ask the internet to do for us? I do think this thread should die a natural death, though...so this is absolutely the last time I am contributing to it, I swear :thud: Anyone who has further thoughts knows where to find me...(via PM, that is)

I leave you now with some lolcat wisdom:
siwoti-cat.png

Carry on, ladies and gents! Even though I think this thread needs to be reincarnated.
 
She's jonesing for a Tiki Guy to go with the volcano !!!!!!
 
ROFL! You guys win. No need for a contest now. That is exactly what I had in mind, but she needs an RC submarine!
 
Lovin the wifes decor Jim ! I dont see how anyone could not appericate the whimsy and colorful decor. I have the tiki god but no volcano ---> yet. :)
 
RodInCALIFORNIA said:
Lovin the wifes decor Jim ! I dont see how anyone could not appericate the whimsy and colorful decor. I have the tiki god but no volcano ---> yet. :)
Click to expand...

Well, someday I am going to give up this shallow and non-green life. The tacky ornaments and trinkets I and the wife find at flea markets and yard sales. That day will come; and when it does, me an the wife are moving to San Francisco and feeding the fish only tofu and organic vegetables. I asked the wife if she wanted to start today, she said no. :nilly:

Ah, well, perhaps tomorrow?
 
Volcano ftw!!!
 
I wanted to post a few things to help you see another side of the conversation. I am in no way trying to be mean or overly critical of your post.

I personally don't think a tank should have to be asthetically pleasing. I think it should look as much like a natural habitat as possible. Not every fish is happy in a pretty tank. Some fish like overgrown tanks. Some fish like tall tanks. Some fish like algae to cover every surface possible. I like to observe fish they way they would act if they were at home. That is art to me.

I have been keeping fish for more than half my life. I started like everyone does, making mistakes and shoving plastic plants into epoxy gravel. The more I got into it the more I wanted to see how fish behave in nature. That's why I switched over to biotope tanks. I research a habitat as thoroughly as possible and make the tank look and act as much like that habitat as I can. But that's just me.

Some people prefer abnormally manicured planted tanks, like the Dutch and Amano style aquariums that look so nice and perfect. However, I've never seen a fish in nature swimming around such a pretty landscape. I have seen quite a few fish gasping at the surface of one of those tanks to escape the wash of CO2 or cowering in the corner because there is way too much open water for them to feel safe.

My main point is that you can never have the definitive answer on anything in this hobby. Everyone has a different opinion on everything. Even well respected researchers like Walstad who write nothing but scientific facts have their critics. You can never tell anyone they're doing it "wrong." Even if they see and understand your point they won't change because they're doing it "wrong" for a reason. Criticizing a person for the way they keep their aquariums is about the same as telling them their religion is stupid. No matter your intentions, they will be offended.
 
Oh...my...God! The above tank is so tacky it's giving my elitist heart severe palpitations! Off with her head!:lol: (in case anyone didn't get the drift, I am joking, hmmmm?)

Here's my critique: If she put that tank together with intention, whatever kind of intention hardly matters, and the finished aquarium fulfills those intentions then it is a success. If it was just put together without much thought going into the selection and arrangement of the contents, I have nothing to say about whether it is a success full aquarium because there is no measure except the fish health and stress levels. It's cute and cheerful and I suspect the fish are not overcrowded or otherwise distressed so I'm sure it's a positive contribution to whatever area it is placed in. It is certainly not high art and is a bit kitschy but seems more celebratory or tongue-in-cheek than true, naive kitsch-art. It is a most individual expression.

Personally, though I find it cheerful, it is not to my taste. My nerves feel a bit jangled by the riotous colors, shapes, and the seeming (again just my personal perceptions and opinions) absence of formal structure or balance in the design. Still, I'd far prefer that aquarium over not having any aquarium or a poorly maintained or overcrowded aquarium.

--------------------------------

My deal is that a good aquarium is set up with certain goals in mind and achieves those goals - the one goal which I am pretty insistent upon is to provide a decent habitat for the fish and inverts. One has intentions and purpose hopefully when they're choosing the tank, filtration, substrate, decor and/or plants, fish, etc. Being mindful of the role each element will play and how they will contribute to your aim in putting it all together will result in better selections and developing a clear, personal style. The more experience you have, the easier it is to be clear about your intentions and focus and sharpen your mindfulness. The sharper your mindfulness, the better you can select and place elements of the aquarium and the better your personal style or your handling of a formal style (Dutch, Iwagumi, El Naturelle, etc.) will be expressed.

I mention fish overcrowding and other forms of distress because I believe that cruelty whether accidental due to ignorance or mistake or because the aquarist doesn't care about the fishes' wellbeing as much as having lots of pretty fish or big fish or whatever detracts heavily from the overall spirit of the aquarium.

And MY goals, focus, attention, taste, what-have-you are concerned with composition, balance, design, ecological balance by integrating natural with artificial elements, the relationship between our internal states and what we create and how the act of creation effects our internal states physiologically or psychologically or spiritually, how aquarium keeping can foster personal development and growth. I believe aesthetics crosses paths with spirituality and psychology.

I've be commented on as "Remarkable, dumb, but remarkable," I believe for my expression of touchy-feely stuff. That's funny and I can understand how far what I'm interested in may be from most people's experience, especially since I haven't got all my concepts and thoughts in order thus having trouble articulating them.

Writing so much, debating so much, defending or revising my positions, and especially reading well thought out posts teaches me a lot and helps my understandings and beliefs to evolve and become better clarified. It is amazingly fulfilling to try so hard and learn so much; fortunately my lifestyle leaves a lot of time for writing and reading while still "having a life."
 
DeeDeeK said:
I've be commented on as "Remarkable, dumb, but remarkable," I believe for my expression of touchy-feely stuff. That's funny and I can understand how far what I'm interested in may be from most people's experience, especially since I haven't got all my concepts and thoughts in order thus having trouble articulating them.
Click to expand...

Dear, me and the wife love you. Hey, a bit of 'friendly adversary behavior' is all meant in fun and games. I want you to have tanks you love and enjoy, the wife wants you to have tanks you love and enjoy. My fish want you to have tanks you love and enjoy. Please, don't read more into my 'fun' comment than was meant. I do value tanks set up with a 'natural theme.' They are quite often very beautiful. I kinda like the fun tacky tanks too, so shoot me!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom