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Re: exploring local fishkeeping communities

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 7:12 am
by geniusOfSalt
graye wrote: Tue Apr 01, 2025 9:45 pm 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?
It's a blessing to have a local club with a sizable following of around 300 active members. We manage to stay connected through online monthly meetings that are open to all, even non-members. But what I appreciate most are the in-person gatherings - auctions, swaps, and our annual summer barbecue. We also have specialized sub-groups, such as the breeders and horticulturalists, who organize their own events, awards, and tank tours. If I'm being honest, I could easily find myself consumed by fish-related activities, but I think I'll pass on that.

Re: exploring local fishkeeping communities

Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2025 7:42 am
by tetraTim
Our local scene's pretty good, we've got a Facebook group and it's always been active. You get to meet the same faces, but that's not a bad thing. If I ever post asking for advice or help, there's always someone willing to lend a hand. I've got a big tank coming in a couple of weeks and one of the younger lads, about 25, messaged me offering to help me carry it in with his mate. It's that kind of community that's really helpful.