Fishkeeping offers an unexpected lesson in patience and joy

Being a fish parent has been a rewarding and interesting endeavor thus far. It has introduced me to a hobby that has been enjoyable to learn. Little did I know when I purchased my 10-gallon tank and supplies that there would be water testing involved, such as nitrate, nitrite, ammonia and pH levels. But when your tank buddies look at you with their bulging eyes and adorable underbites, testing and water changes are all worth it.

A few varieties of tetras are my beginning fish of choice, and I have had them for around three months. They now know me and others who have been around them for longer periods of time. They will follow my finger around the tank and nip at the top of the water when it is feeding time every morning. I have researched that they can learn faces and learn who feeds them. Sometimes they can be too smart for their own good, especially when it comes to the treat pellets they get every other day. The treats must taste much better than the flakes because some will just wait toward the bottom where the treats sink even on non-treat days. They still eat well but don’t shoot to the top as much because they are hoping for treats.

They had their first water change — or one-third water change — because the tests have been good. Vacuuming the waste from the tank simultaneously drains the water into a bucket, so they need fast, efficient cleaning so as to not drain too much water. This is not as bad as it sounds, especially with a 10-gallon tank and modern fish tank filters, which do a lot of work.

I have to give a big thank-you and shoutout to Sheree Butler and the Tropical Paradise Pet Shop staff in Minerva for their kind assistance and knowledge throughout this entire endeavor.

If you would like to kick off the new year with a new pet, as strange as it might sound to some, fish make relaxing, quiet and easy-to-care-for pets. Just keep in mind they are living things and require the best care just like any dog or cat.

There is joy to be found in choosing their substrate and tank accessories such as barrels, caves, plants and other items while remaining mostly inexpensive. Several studies have shown that watching fish reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood and can lower blood pressure, heart rate and other factors.

I am just glad that fish is my least favorite food.

Thomas Clapper is a current staff writer for The Free Press Standard and has previously worked for the former The News Leader, The Press-News and Carroll County Messenger. This summer will be his full 14th year in the local newspaper industry.