The case for being a poor fish keeper

[Stanzzzz7]

Life in a fish tank vs life in the wild? Can't really compare,I except that much.The hobby is a selfish one I guess.
I like to do my best by my own morals and empathy for living things. After research that is all we really have to guide us.
My morals and empathy are tested when I see these over stocked tanks.
Imagine a life where you can't even yawn without swallowing the guy in fronts fart.
Or constantly rubbing against your neighbour (not so bad if she's pretty I guess)
All the filtration in the world won't have an effect on mental factors. And it has been well documented that fish can suffer psychological issues.
It's funny how the jdm guys in the last thread can bash the little planted tank guys but you can't have an opinion on these friction burn tanks.
I'm all for live and let live but not at the expense of my morals. If we all sat on the fence we would get nowhere.
Yes,you could say keeping fish is not the same as the wild.
I could say keeping fish rammed in a tank like sardines in a tin is absolutely nothing like the wild.
I don't ever recall being challenged over the way I keep fish. Can you overstocked guys say that? No? I wonder why.

 

[Grinch]

...another crap thread wasting bandwidth

Following the logic I've outlined, it makes no sense to help anyone with anything. This forum is a detriment to the hobby from the perspective of the skilled fish keeper (not that I include you in this group, it just seems convenient). The worse the other keeper is at keeping their fish, the better off you are. And I do mean you, not your fish. The fish are tangential and really meaningless to this exercise. But then again, they are the reason, purportedly, we are here.

 

[Grinch]

double post

 

[Galantspeedz]

A picture speaks a thousand words

Disclaimer: I got this off the internet



*munches popcorn*

 

[dan518]

Why in alot of these arguments is "the wild" made to sound like a tranquil utopia. The fact is fish live on the brink of starvation with the threat of predation and disease. Even your apex predators don't have it easy, there only one injury away from starvation, you can be the biggest baddest lion on the planet as soon as your past your peak generally a violent brutal death awaits.
Who's to say what a fish will prefer, life imprisoned in a glass box or the threat of being ripped apart alive by an eagle. At the moment no one knows the answer all we can do is provide the best for the fish we keep with the knowledge we have.

 

[J. H.]

Why in alot of these arguments is "the wild" made to sound like a tranquil utopia. The fact is fish live on the brink of starvation with the threat of predation and disease. Even your apex predators don't have it easy, there only one injury away from starvation, you can be the biggest baddest lion on the planet as soon as your past your peak generally a violent brutal death awaits.
Who's to say what a fish will prefer, life imprisoned in a glass box or the threat of being ripped apart alive by an eagle. At the moment no one knows the answer all we can do is provide the best for the fish we keep with the knowledge we have.

This is 1/2 my fishkeeping philosophy right here

 

[RD.]

“The fish hobby is dying”. We be-moan the loss of the LFS at the hands of the chain stores. The chain stores have the advantage because they know the secret. You are more profitable as a beginner. Skilled fish keepers don’t buy much medicine, they don’t serially buy bigger and “better” HOB’s and filter cartridges, they don’t use algaecide, and they rarely buy fish from a chain-store. That LFS that had friendly, knowledgeable and helpful employees… those employees put it out of business.

No they didn't. What put many of those stores out of business was not being willing or for whatever reason able, to adapt. Adapt to the internet, adapt to the increase in chain stores, adapt to their customer mentality and needs, and then meet those demands. That's what put many mom & pop stores out of business. The rest are still flourishing, or at least still keeping their head above water which is really all most retail stores are doing in these times. As a wholesale distributor I used to supply numerous LFS's across Canada, so my view might be a bit more reality based than some.

 

[B. Hizzle]

Following the logic I've outlined, it makes no sense to help anyone with anything. QUOTE]

perhaps you should stop posting on the forum then

 

[BIG-G]

A picture speaks a thousand words

Disclaimer: I got this off the internet



*munches popcorn*

View attachment 1274036

So what are you trying to say? The fish look healthy but, how long have they been kept like this? For a week or a lifetime?
Is this how they would prefer to be kept?
Now I know we can't ask them these things.
But I don't think they are truly enjoying life being constantly banged into bumping around the tank 24/7.
Aros are a cruzing fish they like to swim and jump even. Yeah if there were only one in the tank he would have to turn at both ends but like this another fish would constantly be in front of it.
Would you like to spend your entire life in a crowded room being bumped into be someone day and night?
Call it whatever you wish. Myself I care more for my animals than this.
I try to put my wants aside. These are living creatures they have needs and feelings.
I don't know to what extent but if they are even minor should we not as decent pet owners strive to provide the best care possible?
In the end it's up to the individuals own moral convictions on this subject. I've said enough

 

[J. H.]

A picture speaks a thousand words

Disclaimer: I got this off the internet



*munches popcorn*

View attachment 1274036

Come on, let's see the left side of the tank