Maintaining a fish tank is a fun, rewarding hobby, and having your own aquarium is a great opportunity to study a marine ecosystem in action. Over the years, our home has hosted many aquariums, each bustling with vibrant life. We’ve enjoyed watching countless fish dance and swim in our mini and nano tanks, and recently, we embarked on an exciting project to revamp these aquatic havens.

Before the Revamp

With the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, my dad has been staying with us since the end of March. We saw this as a perfect opportunity to enhance the beauty of our aquariums and make their residents even happier. After some extensive online research and a few visits to the local markets in Ranchi, we gathered the necessary supplies. We emptied our tanks and began remodelling, aiming to create a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing environment.

The Large Tank

Our first task was to transform the large tank. We opted for a hardscape design, incorporating sands, stones, driftwood, and a few decorative pieces. The outcome was nothing short of amazing. The fish seemed to glow brighter and appear more cheerful in their newly revamped habitat. The interplay of natural elements created a serene and dynamic underwater scene.

The Small Tank

Next, we turned our attention to the small tank. This time, we chose a softscape approach, planting live green plants on substrate soil. We decided to let the plants take root for a fortnight before introducing some colourful, plant-friendly fish. The greenery added a refreshing and vibrant touch, promising a lush, thriving environment once the fish were introduced.

The Glass Bubble Bowl

Inspired by our success with the tanks, we decided to try something new—a glass bubble bowl. We planted bamboo that we had been growing separately for a fortnight. This unique bowl quickly became a charming bamboo and fish aquarium. The combination of slender bamboo stalks and darting fish created a striking visual contrast, adding an elegant touch to our collection.

An Ongoing Adventure

Our new project is still a work in progress. Each day brings new ideas and additions, each bringing me unparalleled joy. This journey into the underwater world is a continuous adventure, a dive into the unknown. The complexity and beauty of these mini-ecosystems reveal themselves in surprising and delightful ways, much like a mystic revelation unfolding before my eyes.

A Surprising Discovery

Just a few days after transferring the fish from the small tank to the glass bubble bowl, I noticed something astonishing—fish larvae swimming in the tank! Unexpected fish breeding in my aquarium! The sight of these tiny new lives was a thrilling surprise, adding another layer of wonder to our aquatic journey.

In revamping our aquariums, we’ve not only created beautiful spaces but also discovered the deep sense of fulfilment that comes with nurturing and exploring these miniature worlds. Each tank, each bowl, is a portal to an enchanting underwater realm, filled with mysteries and marvels waiting to be uncovered.