Life Lessons My Aquarium Teaches Me

Do you have a fish aquarium? My fish aquarium teaches me life lessons. I am an animal and therefore their animal needs apply to me. You may never view an aquarium the same in the future. Let me tell you why.

There must be water

Fish cannot live without water. It is the basic ingredient for their survival. I must have water as it hydrates the body and flushes waste from the system. I will die without water.

There must be oxygen

All life forms require oxygen. They may manufacture their own (which I cannot do) however, it is essential for life.

There must be light

I need light. My body gets vitamin D from light. Light makes things grow through photosynthesis; therefore we have food to eat. The plants in the aquarium are the same. I remember as a child, touring caves where the fish in the pools lived in complete darkness. They had no need for eyes.

There must be refuge

Fish are frightened easily and if given a place of refuge, they will flee to the safe place. In the aquarium there are rocks, hollow objects and foliage. I need a refuge! Whether it is the Omnipotence of God, a home, a shelter, we all need a safe place.

There must be moderation

If fish are fed too much too often they will die or if fed too little, they may eat one another. Their consumption must be monitored carefully. I am the same. Too much food, too often will eventually lead to complications or possible death. Moderation in all areas of my life is called for. I read once where the 24 hours of my day should consist of 1/3 rest, 1/3 work and 1/3 play. I never have achieved that balance.

There must be compromise and tolerance

In my aquarium today are 5 red tetras and 2 miniature puffer fish. The puffers are quiet swimmers, mostly near the bottom of the tank. The tetras are middle of the tank swimmers and very active. Each species compromises the small space they share and tolerate their tank mates. They show no animosity toward each other. (As long as I keep the puffers fed - they will not eat the tetras.)

There must be responsibility (on my part)

For the fish to stay healthy and possibly happy, a clean aquarium is necessary. I do not know if fish have emotions - they do seem to show exuberance at times. The health of the entire aquarium depends on this also. A "balanced" aquarium is little effort to maintain. Changing the filter, vacuuming silt from the bottom and adding fresh water regularly adds to the overall health and balance. The same principle applies to my home. If my housework is maintained on a regular basis and cleanliness is observed then the health of the occupants is enhanced. Mostly, following the rule of avoiding overcrowding is essential! I think of Chicago with its 7+ million people - that's overcrowding. I live in the country on acreage. I like that space and I do not overcrowd my aquarium.

Lastly, there must be playtime

The little puffers slowly move around the tank together. They seem to enjoy one another's company and they remind me of two older people strolling in the park. The tetras continuously "mess with one another". They will play chase, back and forth across the tank, occasionally reversing directions and leads. Sometimes they are like a little red train going around and around and around. They are fun to watch. It makes me smile.

Over the years, I have had various sizes of tanks with different species of fish. Matching the tank mates is mostly trial and error. The match I have today is working. In the past I have had species that do not get along with their tank mates. I do not enjoy watching "war" within 5 gallons of water, so the aggressive ones had to leave.

When I arise each morning, I will turn on the tank light and say a gentle "good morning" and watch the world wake up to a new day. Life is good. Amen