Re: goals
This is definately a big part of it, but I'd also like to add some of my additional reasons. I don't want to sound preachy, but want to answer the question you asked honestly.
I have found that I have been learning quite a bit of patience from dealing with plants, and to my dismay, algae. I enjoy personal growth in this kind of way. It can be frustrating when you seem to solve one problem, only to start another, or have another spring up. In learning about this symbiotic balance between plants, fish, water, ferts, light, etc. I have learned quite a bit about my relationship with Jesus. Being a Christian, I like to find real-life (or practical) views of how I should be operating.
For instance, think of how we (the CREATORS of our aquatic environments) do everything we can to set all aspects of the tank together to work out to the best advantage of the tank inhabitants, while still pleasing ourselves with it's design! How many times do we provide "good" things for our fish, only to watch them react "poorly". I know that right now I'm going through great pains to get one of my fish to eat regularly. I've had him over a month now, and he only sporadically eats anything! I have added more than 10 different types of food to the aquarium in an attempt to get him to "do what's right", but he just isn't responding to my attempts to help him! I know that in his eyes, I'm probably bothering him (or not doing things his way!)....get the idea of the spiritual lessons?
I also get to see how seemingly small, insignificant things can completely alter an environment.......sometimes over a great deal of time, sometimes immediately! It's awesome to me how involved you can get into this hobby, including chemistry, artistic abilities, anatomy, disease treatment, a plethora of knowledge about fish and plants, and much more. To think I used to think that aquariums were boring!
I also just enjoy the challenge, which is something that is sometimes hard to admit. If it were too easy, I would have already quit and moved on to something else! This is much more challenging than first impressions give.
My goals are summed up with personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth, overcoming new/different challenges, and the four that Anonapersona named. I also enjoy the ability to sit back and enjoy creation!
This is definately a big part of it, but I'd also like to add some of my additional reasons. I don't want to sound preachy, but want to answer the question you asked honestly.
I have found that I have been learning quite a bit of patience from dealing with plants, and to my dismay, algae. I enjoy personal growth in this kind of way. It can be frustrating when you seem to solve one problem, only to start another, or have another spring up. In learning about this symbiotic balance between plants, fish, water, ferts, light, etc. I have learned quite a bit about my relationship with Jesus. Being a Christian, I like to find real-life (or practical) views of how I should be operating.
For instance, think of how we (the CREATORS of our aquatic environments) do everything we can to set all aspects of the tank together to work out to the best advantage of the tank inhabitants, while still pleasing ourselves with it's design! How many times do we provide "good" things for our fish, only to watch them react "poorly". I know that right now I'm going through great pains to get one of my fish to eat regularly. I've had him over a month now, and he only sporadically eats anything! I have added more than 10 different types of food to the aquarium in an attempt to get him to "do what's right", but he just isn't responding to my attempts to help him! I know that in his eyes, I'm probably bothering him (or not doing things his way!)....get the idea of the spiritual lessons?
I also get to see how seemingly small, insignificant things can completely alter an environment.......sometimes over a great deal of time, sometimes immediately! It's awesome to me how involved you can get into this hobby, including chemistry, artistic abilities, anatomy, disease treatment, a plethora of knowledge about fish and plants, and much more. To think I used to think that aquariums were boring!
I also just enjoy the challenge, which is something that is sometimes hard to admit. If it were too easy, I would have already quit and moved on to something else! This is much more challenging than first impressions give.
My goals are summed up with personal, spiritual, and intellectual growth, overcoming new/different challenges, and the four that Anonapersona named. I also enjoy the ability to sit back and enjoy creation!
