5 Controversies In The Aquarium-Keeping Hobby

[00:00:00] Welcome to this episode of The Aquarist's Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you. Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips to give your aquarium the edge. And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston. Like any other hobby, there are practices and ideas that are controversial in the aquarium-keeping hobby. Many times these will be discussed and debated in online forums.

[00:00:28] They'll appear in YouTube comments spats. And at the end of the day, a lot of this boils down to people's personal experience. It boils down to what the science tells us and what people's individual preferences are. It's interesting to watch how sometimes in online spaces people become so hot under the collar when somebody suggests a practice or an idea that they are not familiar with or strongly disagree with.

[00:00:57] And unfortunately, we live in a world that is very polarized by opinion. And we find it difficult to consider another person's point of view and even consider that they, in fact, may be correct and that we may be wrong. But in many of these things, it's not about being right or wrong. It's about discovering what works best in your context, what works best for your fish and your setup.

[00:01:23] And it's often through practice that we discover what it is that works best. There are some times, however, where science will tell us that a particular viewpoint probably should be reconsidered. And there are other times when it really doesn't. It's a matter of opinion. It's not a matter of fact. And so in this episode, I'm going to cover five controversies or five areas of discussion or disagreement in the aquarium fishkeeping hobby.

[00:01:52] Now, there are others, and I'm quite sure you could think of several. But for the sake of time and the usual length of this podcast, I'm only going to cover five. And for each one, I'm going to state what the controversy is. I'm going to give you an idea of what it entails. I'm going to talk about what the controversy is. I might give a moment to think about something for those of us who keep aquariums, maybe a point to pond if you like.

[00:02:19] And then I'm going to press back it up with some science that will tell us something more about this particular issue. So one that I have spoken about on this podcast before is the tank size issue. And there's an ongoing debate about appropriate tank size for fish. Which we know that tank size has become an issue because you'll often hear people say, and I have also said it, that it's far better to go with a larger tank. Get the biggest tank you can afford.

[00:02:48] It's much easier to manage water parameters when your tank is a bit smaller. And this idea of a minimum tank size has actually evolved over decades. With many of the early recommendations, if you go back and look at books from 50, 60, 70 years ago, it was based on anecdotal evidence rather than scientific research. As an example, there are many pet stores that continue to promote the idea that a small tank can suffice for certain species

[00:03:15] without considering their natural behaviours and their natural need for space. Now, there are many aquarium enthusiasts who advocate for larger tanks to mimic natural habitats and provide ample swimming space. And the critics argue that smaller tanks can lead to stress, stunted growth and increased aggression amongst fish. Now, this disagreement has been around for a while.

[00:03:42] And I think it's maybe time to take a moment and consider what is the aquarium setup you have? Are you researching the needs of the fish that you have in your tank? Are you adhering to minimum size guidelines for your fish species? Or are you so eager to have certain species in a tank that you just throw them in and hope for the best as they grow? I was listening to a podcast the other day where the host and his guests were talking about clown loatches.

[00:04:08] And they were saying that pet stores will often sell small, young clown loatches. But not realizing and certainly not telling the buyer that these are going to become really big fish in their tank over time. Now, what does the science tell us? Well, the science says that larger tanks provide better water quality and reduce stress among fish. So even though there will be those who will tell you, it doesn't matter, just put your fish into a tank and it'll cope as it gets bigger.

[00:04:38] There certainly are studies that have been published that show that fish kept in larger environments show fewer signs of stress and have lower mortality rates compared to those in smaller tanks. And this really does suggest to us that tank size should be a priority for responsible fish keeping. So what are you doing? Are you keeping fish in a tank that is just the right size or perhaps a bit bigger for them? Or have you been tempted to take a fish, buy it when it's very small, stick it into an aquarium at home

[00:05:07] and hope that it just manages to survive, actually, as it becomes larger? Did you do your research? Do your research? Do your research? Do your research? Find out what the needs of the fish are before you go and put them into a tank of any size in your home. The next controversy I want to talk about is one that you'll often see aquarium importers talk about.

[00:05:34] And that is, do you want a wild caught fish or a captive bred fish? So this is about sourcing of aquarium fish. It has created a bit of a divide in the hobby. On one hand, wild caught fish are praised for their genetic diversity and natural behaviours. While on the other hand, captive bred fish are seen as a more ethical choice that reduces pressure on wild populations. And the practice of capturing wild fish goes back centuries and has been a staple in the aquarium trade for decades.

[00:06:04] However, as awareness of conservation has grown, so too has the debate surrounding this practice. Now, those who are keen on wild caught fish who advocate for this argue that they represent true aquatic biodiversity. And in fact, they will tell you that those fish often display more vibrant colours and behaviours compared to their captive bred counterparts. The opponents of wild caught fish highlight the ecological impact of overfishing and habitat destruction caused by this wild capture practice.

[00:06:33] And they note that certain species are becoming endangered due to unsustainable fishing methods. So again, a moment to consider what you are doing in your aquarium hobby. Do you know where your fish are coming from? Do you prioritise ethical sourcing? Do you support local breeders? Or do you support organisations that are focused on sustainable practice? If you're importing from a local importer, have a look at their list.

[00:07:03] Many times the people from whom they are importing will state whether a fish is wild caught or whether it is captive bred. There are studies in the US that reveal that over 11 million reef fish are removed from oceans annually for aquariums in the US alone, leading to significant declines in certain species. Now clearly that's in the marine setup, but we also know that this is also happening in freshwater environments as well.

[00:07:33] Conservationists will emphasise supporting captive breeding initiatives to protect natural ecosystems, while still providing aquarists with healthy stock. Speaking of stock, what about the practice of overstocking? Now, I'm sure you've seen this before. Maybe you are guilty of it as well. Well, you'll see an aquarium beautifully set up, but it is stocked to the brim with fish. Many times beautiful fish, many times amazing animals, but it's certainly overstocked.

[00:08:03] And this trend of overstocking likely comes from a lack of knowledge about proper stocking levels and water quality management. Where it becomes controversial is when a commercial store will sell an excess number of fish to an unknowing customer, who will then go home, set up their tank, uncycled, overstock the tank, and then experience major issues with fish death and fish stress.

[00:08:30] Of course, those people then come back to the store and want to buy more, so maybe there's something in that. But it really isn't ethical. Some hobbyists will tell you that they can manage high stocking levels because they've got advanced filtration. And others will warn that this approach compromises fish health and leads to poor water quality. Overstocking your tank can cause increased competition for resources, which can lead to stress and aggression amongst the tank mates. So think about it for a moment. What are your stocking levels?

[00:09:00] Do they align with best practice? Are you prioritising the health of your aquatic community over aesthetics? Make sure that you've researched proper stocking ratios for your species. You've heard me say this a couple of times. Nothing replaces doing your own research. Do the reading. Take the time. Figure it out. We don't want to be stocking our aquariums full of fish or other animals. Research will tell us that overstocking can lead to increased stress levels among fish and deteriorating water conditions.

[00:09:29] There was a study published a few years ago that found that higher stocking densities correlated with increased stress hormones in fish, which affected their immune system and their overall health in a negative way. This emphasises the need for proper education on stocking practices and maintaining balanced ecosystems within aquariums. Now what about something we've heard about for a long time, and that is aquarium cycling.

[00:09:56] So cycling in aquarium refers to establishing a stable environment where beneficial bacteria can thrive, and where they can convert toxic ammonia from fish waste into less harmful nitrates. This is a critical process for maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The cycling process has been recognised since the 1980s, when aquarists began to understand the nitrogen cycle's importance in maintaining water quality. And initially, many hobbyists relied on trial and error methods, which led to significant fish loss during this critical phase of learning.

[00:10:26] And so the debate centres around whether to cycle an aquarium using fish, that's called fish in-cycling, or without them, or fishless cycling. Fish in-cycling involves adding hardy fish to provide ammonia through waste production, but poses risks due to potential spikes in ammonia and nitrite levels that can harm or kill the fish. On the other hand, fishless cycling uses ammonia sources without any fish present, allowing beneficial bacteria to establish themselves safely. So what do you do?

[00:10:57] How do you cycle your aquarium? Do you cycle your aquarium? And are you using methods that prioritise animal welfare? Perhaps reflect on whether you've experienced losses during cycling phases, as you set up a tank, has it been difficult to keep your animals alive? And how you might improve your approach moving forward? The research tells us that fishless cycling is the best option. It's certainly regarded as the more humane method for establishing beneficial bacteria in an aquarium,

[00:11:26] because it reduces stress on the fish, but also ensures that there's a stable environment for them to be placed into once it is fully cycled. So, the last controversial thing I want to talk about is the use of carbon in filtration. I'm sure you've seen on the shelves of pet stores or aquarium shops, boxes of activated carbon or bags of activated carbon. It's used in aquarium filtration.

[00:11:55] And those who are keen on it will tell you that it maintains water clarity and removes odours, while those against it will tell you it's completely unnecessary if regular water changes are performed. So, when did people start adding carbon into water in an aquarium? Well, it originated when fish keepers believed that old water was better than new water, leading them to minimise water changes because they were relying on carbon filtration for clarity.

[00:12:23] Those who are keen on this will tell you that carbon enhances water quality beyond what water changes alone can achieve, because it absorbs impurities and toxins from the water column. However, those who are against it will tell you that it introduces phosphates that can promote algae growth and may not be necessary if proper maintenance practices are followed. So, do you use activated carbon? And current best practices suggest that regular water changes are essential for maintaining healthy aquariums,

[00:12:50] and therefore, many experts question the necessity of carbon usage altogether. And studies have shown that while activated carbon can effectively remove certain contaminants, its role may be overstated when compared to regular maintenance routines involving water changes. So, as we wrap up this episode, I think it's important to note that these are complex topics. They are controversial. They are complex.

[00:13:17] And it does remind us that keeping fish in a box is not always an easy thing. It also tells us that as fish keepers we have a multitude of opinions. It also tells us that we've got to be careful and do our research. We've got to know what the science tells us. We can't just take for granted that we can buy a fish from a fish shop, plop it into a bag, chuck it into our tank, and all will be well. There are way too many things that can go wrong. There's a lot of information we need to take on board, and we need to be learning.

[00:13:47] You're going to notice that there will be practices that are common to you, that perhaps others might find difficult to understand or completely disagree with, and you may find the same thing with others. My only ask is that we continue to be respectful of each other, that we recognize that each of us is learning, that we realize that nobody has the complete monopoly on all the right answers for everything about fish keeping, or shrimp keeping, or aquarium keeping. We're all learning together.

[00:14:17] Let's support one another. Let's learn together. It is certainly my wish and my hope that this podcast will be something that people use to discover new ideas, to question their practice, to learn from others, and to think about how best to look after the animals in their care. Keeping an aquarium is an incredible privilege. We have a slice of nature that we are overseeing, that we have responsibility for. We have a responsibility to the inhabitants of our aquariums

[00:14:46] to make sure that we are doing the very best we can to be considerate and ethical in the way that we manage these natural ecosystems. So folks, that really is the end of this episode, during which we've looked at five interesting ideas, controversies, disagreements that happen from time to time in the hobby. I hope that you would have had a moment to reflect on your own practice. And can I ask once more, as I always do, that if you have enjoyed this episode,

[00:15:14] and if you are gaining value from these podcast episodes, won't you please do me a favor and drop a review, either on Apple Podcasts or on the actual podcast webpage? The link to that will be in the show notes. If you do use YouTube as the means to enjoy this podcast, please go ahead and subscribe to the channel. And also, won't you please leave a comment or two that helps to drive the algorithm and bring more people to the podcast. So folks, thank you for being with me again.

[00:15:42] I look forward to sharing some more ideas in the week ahead. All the very best to you all. Keep learning, keep growing, keep discovering new things about this incredible hobby that we're all part of. Take care. Bye for now. That's it for this episode of the Aquarius Sedge. Please consider subscribing to this podcast so that you don't miss further episodes. We would love it if you would also rate and review the podcast, as this helps make it visible to others. Until next time, keep learning and discovering,

[00:16:08] and keep finding your Aquarius Sedge in this captivating and fascinating hobby.