June 19, 2008
An Aquarium Is A Cool Summer Hobby For The Entire Family
Do outdoor activities seem a bit less appealing now that the summer heat has arrived? Maybe it’s time to try a new hobby everyone can enjoy indoors. Why not set up an aquarium for a family summer project? An aquarium has the potential to provide the cool serenity everyone is seeking just by enjoying the flow of the water and the graceful movements of aquatic plants and fish.
An aquarium filled with fish is not only a beautiful sight but can also be beneficial to your health. In addition to serving as a recreational and educational pastime, an aquarium helps relieve stress. The soothing colors, motions and sounds of an aquarium are therapy for the nerves. Studies have contributed aquarium ownership as a factor in reducing blood pressure, pain and emotional disorders.
An aquarium can also be a learning tool for children. Observing the fish and plants and caring for the tank are valuable resources to teaching responsibility, as well as ecology and biology. Owning an aquarium makes learning about plants and animals fun by observing their natural environments, needs, life cycles, and idiosyncrasies. It is a great way to gain an appreciation for the beauty, complexity and diversity of nature.
Raising fish for enjoyment began with the Sumerians over 4,500 years ago. In 1853, the first aquarium exhibit opened in London’s Regent Park. Currently, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s National Pet Owners Survey, there are more than 15 million U. S. households with fish as pets.
You can design an individualized aquarium to suit your lifestyle and personality preferences because there are many varieties, colors and sizes of aquatic fish and plants available. Florida is the top producer of aquarium fish in the country. In fact, aquarium fish account for more than 40 percent of Florida’s total aquaculture sales. According to the U.S. Census of Aquaculture, Florida’s aquarium fish sales were over $32 million in 2005. In that same year there were 133 aquarium fish producers in the state.
Visit www.FL-Seafood.com -- the web site of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing -- to find out more about aquariums. You will find information about Florida’s tropical fish and plants and a step-by-step guide for setting up an aquarium. You will also find activities for the children including free online games and coloring pages to print out.
Find Information About Setting Up an Aquarium
For more information:
Phyllis McCranie
(850) 488-0163
mccranp@doacs.state.fl.us
