exploring local fishkeeping communities

[graye]

I had an online chat with someone earlier and stumbled upon a Sgt Peppered Cory Lonely Hearts Club band - who knew? It got me thinking, since many of us here are passionate about fish and fishkeeping. But how many of you have local buddies who share your enthusiasm?

I used to live in a city with two aquarium clubs, so I'd attend presentations and discussions twice a month. I had fellow fish enthusiasts around me, and we'd geek out over the latest fish trends. Now, in a smaller city, the local club is barely functional, and the few fishkeepers I've met are 30 years younger and mostly into basic fish. To find people who share my interests, I'd have to drive for hours.

The online world is great for connecting with like-minded folks, and I feel lucky to have friends in the fishkeeping community across several continents. But I'm curious - how many of you have local fish buddies you hang out with occasionally?

[infold]

Those days are long gone, I'm afraid. I do miss the camaraderie, though - it was a blast while it lasted. My old buddy and I would often hit up every fish shop in town, then grab lunch and a beer together. He's been gone for seven years now, and all I'm left with are fond memories of those carefree times.

[willie32]

I'm really envious of those YouTubers who've formed lasting friendships with fellow aquarium enthusiasts, like MD Fishtanks and Fish Shop Matt, or George Farmer and Tai Streetman - it's amazing to see how they've connected over their shared passion. Unfortunately, there aren't any aquarium clubs in my city, but I do know of a few in nearby areas. I did attend an auction once, many years ago, but I wasn't too fond of the setup and didn't really get a chance to interact with others, so I never went back. Having a local aquarium friend to share experiences and knowledge with would be fantastic.

[BadgersSong]

You're referring to me and my daughter, I presume. We're pretty much it for the local fish scene, although I'm aware of a few others in the area. However, I've yet to meet anyone who shares my passion for aquascaping and biotopes. I do have a few acquaintances who are less experienced fish keepers and they often express admiration for my tanks, which I find somewhat gratifying.

What I find disheartening about fish keeping, and something that a local fish club might help alleviate, is the lack of appreciation for the time and effort I invest in creating these underwater worlds. I spend months nurturing each habitat, carefully selecting every plant, animal, and decorative element to create a harmonious balance. When I finally achieve that perfect blend, I'm eager to share it with others who might appreciate its beauty. But more often than not, guests will give my tanks a cursory glance, utter a brief "Wow," and then quickly move on to something else. It's a feeling I've grown accustomed to over the years, but it still occasionally gets to me.

[barnicle]

You're referring to me and my daughter, I presume. We're pretty much it for the local fish scene, although I'm aware of a few others in the area. However, I've yet to meet anyone who shares my passion for aquascaping and biotopes. I do have a few acquaintances who are less experienced fish keepers and they often express admiration for my tanks, which I find somewhat gratifying.

What I find disheartening about fish keeping, and something that a local fish club might help alleviate, is the lack of appreciation for the time and effort I invest in creating these underwater worlds. I spend months nurturing each habitat, carefully selecting every plant, animal, and decorative element to create a harmonious balance. When I finally achieve that perfect blend, I'm eager to share it with others who might appreciate its beauty. But more often than not, guests will give my tanks a cursory glance, utter a brief "Wow," and then quickly move on to something else. It's a feeling I've grown accustomed to over the years, but it still occasionally gets to me.

I'm right there with you, it's like we're speaking the same language. I've had people over and they don't even give my tank a second glance anymore, no comments, nothing. It's like it's just become part of the furniture.

[Lexat]

You're referring to me and my daughter, I presume. We're pretty much it for the local fish scene, although I'm aware of a few others in the area. However, I've yet to meet anyone who shares my passion for aquascaping and biotopes. I do have a few acquaintances who are less experienced fish keepers and they often express admiration for my tanks, which I find somewhat gratifying.

What I find disheartening about fish keeping, and something that a local fish club might help alleviate, is the lack of appreciation for the time and effort I invest in creating these underwater worlds. I spend months nurturing each habitat, carefully selecting every plant, animal, and decorative element to create a harmonious balance. When I finally achieve that perfect blend, I'm eager to share it with others who might appreciate its beauty. But more often than not, guests will give my tanks a cursory glance, utter a brief "Wow," and then quickly move on to something else. It's a feeling I've grown accustomed to over the years, but it still occasionally gets to me.

I'm right there with you, it's like we're speaking the same language. I've had people over and they don't even give my tank a second glance anymore, no comments, nothing. It's like it's just become part of the furniture.

I'd definitely show up, sounds like a plan to me.

[bettaMagenta]

I used to be super into fish 20 years ago, and I'd drive 150 miles to this amazing fish shop with friends. We'd chat excitedly about what new fish they might have. I still have one buddy from back then who keeps tanks, but we don't hang out as much anymore. Now that I've started up again, my tanks are all in the basement, so nobody really sees them. I don't know anyone else locally who's into fishkeeping. Not having local fish stores doesn't help - I used to feel like I was keeping the local shop in business, and you'd always see regulars on new fish days. Now, without those shops, you don't get to meet fellow fish enthusiasts.

[infold]

You're referring to me and my daughter, I presume. We're pretty much it for the local fish scene, although I'm aware of a few others in the area. However, I've yet to meet anyone who shares my passion for aquascaping and biotopes. I do have a few acquaintances who are less experienced fish keepers and they often express admiration for my tanks, which I find somewhat gratifying.

What I find disheartening about fish keeping, and something that a local fish club might help alleviate, is the lack of appreciation for the time and effort I invest in creating these underwater worlds. I spend months nurturing each habitat, carefully selecting every plant, animal, and decorative element to create a harmonious balance. When I finally achieve that perfect blend, I'm eager to share it with others who might appreciate its beauty. But more often than not, guests will give my tanks a cursory glance, utter a brief "Wow," and then quickly move on to something else. It's a feeling I've grown accustomed to over the years, but it still occasionally gets to me.

I'm not a fan of non-enthusiasts checking out my aquariums. They always ask the same questions - "what's that fish?" - and when I respond with the actual species name, I get a look of confusion or even disdain. They're expecting something more familiar, like guppies or angelfish. Then come the inevitable follow-up questions: "why no fancy lights?", "why the algae on the glass?", or "why not more fish?". It's like they think I'm running a pet store, not a carefully curated ecosystem. I crave conversations with fellow aquarists who understand the nuances of this hobby. Anyone else just doesn't get it, and I'm not here to educate them.

[BadgersSong]

Those days are long gone, I'm afraid. I do miss the camaraderie, though - it was a blast while it lasted. My old buddy and I would often hit up every fish shop in town, then grab lunch and a beer together. He's been gone for seven years now, and all I'm left with are fond memories of those carefree times.

You sound like the stereotypical grumpy old fishkeeper. I'd be stoked if people asked me about my tanks like that, even if they might not be prepared for the lengthy response that follows.

[infold]

You're referring to me and my daughter, I presume. We're pretty much it for the local fish scene, although I'm aware of a few others in the area. However, I've yet to meet anyone who shares my passion for aquascaping and biotopes. I do have a few acquaintances who are less experienced fish keepers and they often express admiration for my tanks, which I find somewhat gratifying.

What I find disheartening about fish keeping, and something that a local fish club might help alleviate, is the lack of appreciation for the time and effort I invest in creating these underwater worlds. I spend months nurturing each habitat, carefully selecting every plant, animal, and decorative element to create a harmonious balance. When I finally achieve that perfect blend, I'm eager to share it with others who might appreciate its beauty. But more often than not, guests will give my tanks a cursory glance, utter a brief "Wow," and then quickly move on to something else. It's a feeling I've grown accustomed to over the years, but it still occasionally gets to me.

Particular, yes. Discriminating, definitely. I know what I'm doing, and I don't need unsolicited advice from non-enthusiasts.