| Most of us remember the days when the | | | | control. That was quickly overcome by the lack |
| average fresh water home aquarium was geared | | | | of commercials so to speak. Turning a fairly |
| towards the fish hobbyist. Plain looking affairs, the | | | | simple fish tank into a conversation piece appeals |
| setup usually consisted of a rectangular tank, a | | | | too many of us and is part of what drives the |
| heater, a pump, lighting and some aggregate | | | | interest in these fun fish tanks. |
| material. By aggregate material, I mean that | | | | Just as with any aquarium setup, it is important to |
| ubiquitous colored gravel and my favorite color as | | | | consider what mix of fish is right for the habitat. |
| a kid was day glow blue. | | | | Many species of tropical fish need the extra |
| I became a bit of hobbyist and was surprised | | | | space available in a larger tank. As for the smaller |
| how much knowledge I gained about caring for | | | | novelty aquariums, there are many species that |
| my aquatic friends. Still there was a great deal of | | | | are well suited for life in a smaller environment. |
| maintenance required to keep a large tank clean, | | | | Small fish such as guppies, mollies and gold fish |
| the water properly balanced, and the fish healthy | | | | are good choices for the novice fish enthusiast. If |
| and happy. | | | | you chose to setup a novelty fish tank, be |
| While many aquatic hobbyists are sticking with the | | | | mindful about the fish you select. Be sure to avoid |
| standard, there is new line of small aquariums that | | | | overstocking, that is putting too many fish into |
| make life easy for the novice fish owner. New | | | | too small a habitat. Just as important is to avoid |
| novelty aquariums are a decorative and fun | | | | fish species that are simply too large. |
| alternative to larger tanks. Smaller and easy to | | | | Many of these small aquariums are available at |
| maintain, novelty aquariums often reflect a certain | | | | larger retail stores, some of which have modest |
| theme that can cater to novices and fish | | | | pet departments. Some big box retail stores do |
| hobbyists alike. Once found only in specialty shops, | | | | sell fish, though that would not be my first choice. |
| mass retailing has brought novelty aquariums in | | | | Not to disparage the folks who work at large |
| reach of most consumers. | | | | department stores, but the level of training and |
| Most novelty tanks are small, averaging between | | | | knowledge may be lacking. Buying fish from a |
| two and five gallons. These unique aquariums | | | | department store is pretty much of a buyer |
| come complete with everything you need with | | | | beware situation. |
| the exception of the fish. Small enough to fit on a | | | | A local pet shop or aquarium dealer may be a |
| table top, these fun habitats are perfect for your | | | | better place to shop for fish. Local shops will be |
| home or office. The trend stated with hexagonal | | | | happy to give you solid advice, even if you did |
| shaped tanks that were often made of glass. The | | | | not buy an aquarium there. A reputable retailer will |
| tanks can now be found in many different shapes | | | | want your business for the long haul. |
| with tanks made of plastic. | | | | Whether you are six or sixty, novelty aquariums |
| The novelty fish tank is not a new concept. | | | | can be a lot of fun. They are great way to bring |
| Some creative hobbyists would often modify | | | | the beauty of tropical fish into your home without |
| items of furniture and even appliances such as old | | | | the expense of establishing a larger environment |
| televisions. At first, I found it hard to imagine the | | | | for your new aquatic friends. |
| frustration of not being able to use my remote | | | | |