I was 8 years old when I received my first aquarium setup; it was passed down from my elders. Like most beginners, I absolutely knew nothing about caring for an aquarium with fish and plants. I will admit that I have made my fair share of mistakes and loosing many fish and plants during the early stages of this hobby. Due to my inexperience with aquariums, I began to research online on how to properly care for them.
My research quickly became an everyday thing and my enthusiasm for keeping aquariums sky rocketed. This is when I realized that it was no longer just trying to care for an aquarium, but became and evolved into a passion for this hobby. As I continued to expand my knowledge and expertise with keeping aquariums, I’ve also attempted to try breeding fish along the way. I’ve had success with fish like livebearers (Guppies, mollies, swordtails, etc.) which didn’t require much effort and also more difficult fish like Betta splendens and Corydoras catfish. However, due to the amount of time, work, and dedication involved, I could no longer keep up with the responsibilities.
It was not until 2004 when I began my adventure in the planted aquarium hobby. I decided that aquarium plants were a great addition to my aquariums as it provided some kind of shelter and comfort for the fish. I continued my research and this time, it was on planted aquariums and aquascaping. Yet again, my enthusiasm sparked, although to a higher extent this time. I discovered the work of a great master, Mr. Takashi Amano. I purchased my first aquarium related book, Nature Aquarium World: How You Can Make A Most Beautiful Aquarium by Takashi Amano and was completely inspired by his work. Unbeknownst to myself that 4 years later, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Mr. Takashi Amano at the 2008 Aquatic Gardeners Association Convention. Mr. Takashi Amano has done a great job lifting the aquarium hobby with his amazing work and inspiring many others, including myself, to do the same.
The planted aquarium hobby and the aquascaping aspect of it has been my main focus since my attending the convention. I strive to advance the art of aquascaping and aquatic gardening and hope to someday create beautiful, breathtaking, and inspiring aquascapes with my own planted aquariums. Along the way, I have built lasting friendships and connections with other planted aquarium enthusiasts who also share a passion for this hobby. Through online social interactions and attending events like the AGA Convention or local group events, I learned more about aquascaping and the planted aquarium hobby.
More About AquaScapist
AquaScapist will serve as an online planted aquarium blog and resource mostly encompassing aquarium plants, the art of aquatic gardening also known as “aquascaping”, how-to’s and do it yourself tutorials, industry news, tips and techniques for keeping a healthy planted aquarium. The information provided on AquaScapist are based solely on my own personal experiences and opinions. As a planted aquarium enthusiast, I find that there are quite a few challenging aspects to those are just beginning this hobby. I hope to cover many of these aspects so that the difficulty does not become a burden on your decision whether keeping a planted aquarium is right for you. Whether you agree or disagree with the content posted on AquaScapist, my intentions are to educate and inform planted aquarium enthusiasts with information related to the planted aquarium hobby.
