Today I am reflecting more on ichthyology than anthropology. Our big event last weekend was setting up an aquarium--10 gallon, freshwater tank. Did a bit of research beforehand, mostly consisting of asking people with some existing knowledge what we should do, but arguably, not very much prior investigations, other than when I was a kid we had several aquaria in the house (not to mention dogs, turtles, birds, snakes--we were pretty well supplied with pets).
So, a week ago Saturday we got the tank, set it up, got the water in. Next day went to get fish, relying on the guy at the Petco who assured us our choices were OK for a starter tank. Get home, introduce them to the tank, Kurt decides to read up some more on our new friends. Learn one is in fact not such a friendly species and might torment the others--so back to the pet store for a fish exchange.
At that point, we did more web research, which I have to say is more confusing than anything else--a case of too much information and some of it conflicting. Main thing I took away--some people out there are way more into fish than I think I will ever be.
Everything is happy for a couple of days, until the first fish fatality. I know that this happens when a tank is starting, but I was truly somewhat upset--was a going to be a failure at being an adoptive fish parent? By the second fatality later in the week I was a bit less concerned, though since then every time I go downstairs I check to see if the last fish is still alive.
Anyway, the last fish was still swimming around this morning...maybe he will get more friends soon.
So, a week ago Saturday we got the tank, set it up, got the water in. Next day went to get fish, relying on the guy at the Petco who assured us our choices were OK for a starter tank. Get home, introduce them to the tank, Kurt decides to read up some more on our new friends. Learn one is in fact not such a friendly species and might torment the others--so back to the pet store for a fish exchange.
At that point, we did more web research, which I have to say is more confusing than anything else--a case of too much information and some of it conflicting. Main thing I took away--some people out there are way more into fish than I think I will ever be.
Everything is happy for a couple of days, until the first fish fatality. I know that this happens when a tank is starting, but I was truly somewhat upset--was a going to be a failure at being an adoptive fish parent? By the second fatality later in the week I was a bit less concerned, though since then every time I go downstairs I check to see if the last fish is still alive.
Anyway, the last fish was still swimming around this morning...maybe he will get more friends soon.
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