Are You Curious Enough?

[00:00:00] Welcome to this episode of The Aquarists Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you.

[00:00:06] Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips to give your aquarium the edge.

[00:00:12] And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston.

[00:00:18] Whether your tank is a sparkling underwater paradise, or like most of us, a bit of a, let's call it a work in progress, this is the episode for you.

[00:00:29] Simply because today we're speaking about what keeps this hobby endlessly fascinating.

[00:00:35] Curiosity and discovery.

[00:00:38] And these are the forces that turn, why is my water cloudy, into I just discovered the nitrogen cycle.

[00:00:45] And takes little setbacks and turns them into big learning moments.

[00:00:49] So whether you're just starting out or whether you've been doing this for years,

[00:00:53] Join me today as we unpack how a curious mind and a willingness to explore can make all the difference in your aquarium journey.

[00:01:04] Have you ever found yourself stumped in this hobby?

[00:01:07] Where something's happened in your aquarium, or something's gone on with some of your livestock,

[00:01:12] and you've wondered what the heck has gone on here?

[00:01:14] What's happening with that?

[00:01:15] I don't know the answers.

[00:01:18] And you felt that perhaps, here's a critical moment.

[00:01:21] Am I going to give it up?

[00:01:23] Am I going to stop with this hobby?

[00:01:25] Am I going to get rid of that fish?

[00:01:26] Am I going to break down that tank?

[00:01:29] Or am I going to find out more about what has gone on?

[00:01:33] Why have these things happened?

[00:01:34] How can it be fixed?

[00:01:36] And what can I learn from it?

[00:01:38] And I really do believe that that is the difference between somebody who is curious,

[00:01:43] and who wants to discover and to learn,

[00:01:46] and someone who's looking for an easy route,

[00:01:48] and just wants to find the shortest shortcut available,

[00:01:51] and will give up very easily.

[00:01:52] And this topic came up in a recent conversation I had with Tristan from Simply Aquatic Cape Town.

[00:02:00] Many of you will know him from his YouTube videos.

[00:02:03] And we were just talking about how important curiosity is as we grow and learn in this hobby.

[00:02:10] And it gave me the idea of using this topic as a podcast

[00:02:14] to explore why curiosity and discovery are so important in the aquarium hobby.

[00:02:21] What is the role of curiosity?

[00:02:23] What is its power?

[00:02:25] So that's what we're going to get into today.

[00:02:27] Of course for me, as a professional educator,

[00:02:31] this is something that really speaks to both my mind and my heart.

[00:02:36] I really do believe that it's not so much about knowing what the answers are,

[00:02:41] but more about discovering what the right questions are to ask,

[00:02:45] and where do we go to find answers to the questions that we're asking.

[00:02:49] So what is it about curiosity that is so important?

[00:02:53] Well, let's be clear about this.

[00:02:55] Curiosity is a driving force behind exploration and innovation.

[00:02:59] And in the context of the home aquarium hobby,

[00:03:02] it encourages us to seek out new information,

[00:03:06] to experiment with different setups,

[00:03:07] to discover the needs and the lives and the habits of the creatures we keep in our tanks.

[00:03:13] This inquisitive mindset not only enhances our personal enjoyment,

[00:03:18] but also contributes significantly to the overall growth of the hobby.

[00:03:23] So why then does curiosity matter?

[00:03:25] Well, firstly, it enhances learning.

[00:03:28] When you approach your aquarium with curiosity,

[00:03:31] you naturally are going to look for answers to questions such as,

[00:03:34] how do fish breathe underwater?

[00:03:36] Or what is the nitrogen cycle?

[00:03:38] This desire and quest for knowledge

[00:03:41] fosters a deeper understanding of biology and ecology,

[00:03:44] and really turns your aquarium into a place where you can learn

[00:03:48] and discover so much more about the natural world.

[00:03:51] For example, understanding the nitrogen cycle

[00:03:53] is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquarium.

[00:03:56] It involves the beneficial bacteria that convert toxic ammonia from fish waste

[00:04:00] into less harmful substances.

[00:04:01] This process is not just a technical detail,

[00:04:05] it's a fundamental aspect of creating a balanced ecosystem in your tank.

[00:04:09] Curiosity can also lead you to explore related topics

[00:04:12] such as water chemistry, plant care,

[00:04:15] and possibly even the history of keeping aquariums.

[00:04:19] The more you learn, the more equipped you become

[00:04:21] to make informed decisions about your own aquarium.

[00:04:26] Curiosity also encourages experimentation.

[00:04:30] Mistakes are part of any learning process.

[00:04:33] A curious aquarist is more likely to try new techniques or species,

[00:04:37] even if it means facing challenges along the way.

[00:04:40] Every setback that we encounter provides valuable lessons

[00:04:44] that contribute to our growth as aquarists.

[00:04:47] Imagine trying to set up a planted tank for the first time.

[00:04:49] You might choose the wrong substrate,

[00:04:51] or the lighting conditions may be incorrect,

[00:04:53] and this might lead to algae blooms or unhappy plants.

[00:04:57] Instead of feeling discouraged,

[00:04:59] we need to view these experiences as opportunities

[00:05:02] to learn about plant care and the dynamics of our tank.

[00:05:08] Experimentation can also extend to breeding fish,

[00:05:10] or creating biotope tanks that mimic specific natural habitats.

[00:05:14] Every new project will teach you about different species needs and behaviours,

[00:05:18] and at the same time enhance your skills as an aquarium keeper.

[00:05:24] Something that I have discovered in spades

[00:05:27] is that curiosity leads to conversations with other hobbyists.

[00:05:31] Engaging with people who are more experienced than yourself

[00:05:33] can provide insights that books and online resources may not cover.

[00:05:38] Don't be afraid to ask questions.

[00:05:40] Most people in the hobby who've been around for a while

[00:05:42] are more than happy to share their knowledge.

[00:05:44] And to be quite honest,

[00:05:46] if they don't want to share that knowledge

[00:05:47] or would rather keep everything to themselves,

[00:05:49] they're not the kind of people I would encourage you to engage with in the first place.

[00:05:52] Because this is not about our egos,

[00:05:54] this is not about putting our name on a platform,

[00:05:57] this is about growing the hobby,

[00:05:59] encouraging others to get involved in this incredible adventure of keeping aquariums.

[00:06:06] Get involved in online discussions,

[00:06:08] get on the WhatsApp groups,

[00:06:09] get on the Facebook groups,

[00:06:11] discover and learn.

[00:06:12] Just one little caveat,

[00:06:14] it is possible that in some of the online forums,

[00:06:16] the online groups,

[00:06:17] you might find that there's some people who are very quick to criticize,

[00:06:21] they're very quick to make fun of people who are beginners.

[00:06:25] This is very unfortunate.

[00:06:26] And that kind of attitude really doesn't belong in those spaces.

[00:06:30] And in many cases,

[00:06:31] the admins will call those people to account.

[00:06:35] But I would encourage you to persevere.

[00:06:37] If you come across that negativity,

[00:06:39] move on.

[00:06:40] The Facebook groups,

[00:06:41] the WhatsApp groups,

[00:06:42] can be amazing places of learning and growth.

[00:06:45] So don't be discouraged if somebody is unkind,

[00:06:48] or if somebody makes fun of your particular question.

[00:06:51] There's also a desire for many people to connect in person.

[00:06:54] Find those people with whom you can talk aquariums,

[00:06:57] you can talk about fish,

[00:06:59] you can share your passion for the hobby,

[00:07:01] connect together,

[00:07:02] learn together,

[00:07:03] grow connections,

[00:07:04] grow friendships.

[00:07:05] It's amazing how this hobby can bring people together.

[00:07:08] Mistakes are often seen as failures,

[00:07:10] but in the aquarium hobby,

[00:07:12] they are stepping stones towards mastery.

[00:07:14] Every mistake we make offers an opportunity for discovery.

[00:07:19] If a fish doesn't thrive or algae overtakes your tank,

[00:07:22] these situations prompt you to investigate the cause

[00:07:26] and to find a solution.

[00:07:28] And this trial and error process

[00:07:30] builds resilience and expertise.

[00:07:33] For example,

[00:07:34] if you notice that your fish are exhibiting signs of stress,

[00:07:37] such as hiding or swimming in an erratic,

[00:07:40] unusual pattern,

[00:07:41] it's really important to investigate water parameters,

[00:07:45] such as pH,

[00:07:46] ammonia levels and temperature.

[00:07:47] And every time you troubleshoot an issue,

[00:07:49] you deepen your understanding.

[00:07:51] You learn from that experience.

[00:07:54] Then you take what you've learned

[00:07:55] and you share it with others.

[00:07:57] And sharing your experiences with people

[00:08:00] not only helps them avoid similar pitfalls,

[00:08:02] but also strengthens community bonds.

[00:08:05] The aquarium community thrives on shared knowledge and collective growth.

[00:08:09] Maybe you've faced issues with overfeeding your fish,

[00:08:12] which has led to water quality problems.

[00:08:14] By sharing this experience in a forum,

[00:08:17] on a social media group,

[00:08:19] you can help others learn what not to do,

[00:08:21] while also receiving feedback on how to improve what you do.

[00:08:26] When you write articles or create video content,

[00:08:29] when you put out there in a public space,

[00:08:31] what you've been doing,

[00:08:32] not only your successes,

[00:08:34] but your mistakes as well.

[00:08:35] This reinforces your own learning

[00:08:37] and contributes a valuable resource for others in the hobby.

[00:08:40] The aquarium world is rich with diverse voices and experiences.

[00:08:44] So engage with people,

[00:08:46] connect with people,

[00:08:47] whether you're troubleshooting or looking for new recommendations,

[00:08:50] ask people in your community.

[00:08:52] The cumulative knowledge of experienced home aquarists

[00:08:54] can guide everybody,

[00:08:57] newcomers and the more experienced,

[00:08:59] through common pitfalls and best practice.

[00:09:01] I certainly connect with people

[00:09:03] who are more knowledgeable than I am on a regular basis.

[00:09:05] I can learn and grow from them.

[00:09:06] I've learned so much from reaching out to people

[00:09:09] who I know have got more experience in a particular fish

[00:09:12] or particular style of aquarium

[00:09:14] or in a breeding practice.

[00:09:15] So I can learn.

[00:09:17] And hopefully I get better at what I do.

[00:09:19] Shared wisdom accelerates learning.

[00:09:21] And fosters a culture of curiosity.

[00:09:24] Many aquarists,

[00:09:25] both local and international,

[00:09:28] write blogs or produce YouTube videos

[00:09:30] that detail their journeys through various aspects of fish keeping.

[00:09:34] When you follow these resources,

[00:09:35] you expand your knowledge base

[00:09:37] and it keeps you engaged in the hobby.

[00:09:39] We were,

[00:09:40] as Tristan and I were chatting,

[00:09:42] we realized that collectively

[00:09:44] we've watched literally hundreds of hours of YouTube videos.

[00:09:47] Now that doesn't mean that everything we've watched

[00:09:50] or everything we've read

[00:09:51] has been accurate,

[00:09:53] has been particularly helpful.

[00:09:55] But everything we take in

[00:09:56] helps to build our own knowledge base.

[00:09:59] It helps to set the tone for what we do.

[00:10:01] It helps us to discover what others are doing,

[00:10:03] where their successes lie

[00:10:05] and where their mistakes have happened.

[00:10:07] And that doesn't mean that everything we see online

[00:10:09] is applicable in our context.

[00:10:11] Sometimes it just isn't.

[00:10:13] But again,

[00:10:14] it contributes to a body of knowledge

[00:10:15] and helps us to grow in the hobby.

[00:10:17] I want to encourage all of you listeners,

[00:10:20] all of you who are home aquarists,

[00:10:23] embrace your curiosity.

[00:10:25] Here are some things you can do.

[00:10:28] Firstly,

[00:10:28] ask questions.

[00:10:29] Don't be afraid to reach out.

[00:10:32] No question is too easy

[00:10:34] or too basic.

[00:10:35] Every single person

[00:10:37] started out from scratch at some point.

[00:10:39] Ask about something as simple

[00:10:41] as a feeding schedule.

[00:10:42] And that can lead you down a path

[00:10:44] of discovering nutritional needs

[00:10:46] related to specific species.

[00:10:48] You never know where your question may go.

[00:10:51] Experiment.

[00:10:51] Try new setups.

[00:10:53] Try keeping new species that intrigue you.

[00:10:55] Maybe even document your observations.

[00:10:58] For instance,

[00:10:59] if you're interested in breeding fish,

[00:11:00] research what conditions are necessary

[00:11:02] for specific species

[00:11:03] and set up a breeding tank accordingly.

[00:11:06] Again,

[00:11:07] maybe document that

[00:11:08] so you can help others down the line.

[00:11:09] You could also experiment

[00:11:11] with different types of filtration

[00:11:12] or lighting setups.

[00:11:14] Every change you make

[00:11:15] could create fascinating results.

[00:11:18] And again,

[00:11:18] document that.

[00:11:19] Blog it,

[00:11:20] vlog it,

[00:11:21] write it down,

[00:11:22] share it with people.

[00:11:24] Reflect on your mistakes.

[00:11:26] View your setbacks

[00:11:27] as opportunities for growth,

[00:11:28] not failure.

[00:11:30] Analyze what went wrong

[00:11:31] and how you can improve next time.

[00:11:33] You might even consider

[00:11:34] sharing those mistakes with others.

[00:11:35] You'd be surprised

[00:11:37] how many people,

[00:11:38] all of us,

[00:11:39] have made mistakes along the way.

[00:11:41] Sometimes we've had

[00:11:42] a moment

[00:11:42] where we've just done something

[00:11:44] that on reflection

[00:11:45] was a bit silly

[00:11:47] but at the time

[00:11:48] we thought it was right.

[00:11:49] Share that story.

[00:11:50] We learn from those experiences.

[00:11:52] It's always nice

[00:11:53] to celebrate the achievements.

[00:11:54] It's always good

[00:11:54] to put out there

[00:11:55] in the public space

[00:11:56] the things we've done well.

[00:11:57] But it's also very authentic

[00:11:58] when we share things

[00:11:59] that haven't gone well.

[00:12:00] When we share times

[00:12:02] when we've made errors,

[00:12:03] when fish have died

[00:12:04] because we've not

[00:12:05] kept them correctly.

[00:12:08] These aren't moments

[00:12:09] that we're particularly proud of

[00:12:10] to be sure.

[00:12:11] But what it does do

[00:12:12] is it helps us

[00:12:12] to get better for the next time

[00:12:13] and helps others

[00:12:14] avoid the mistakes

[00:12:15] in the future

[00:12:15] when we share it.

[00:12:18] So,

[00:12:18] consider sharing your story.

[00:12:20] Maybe start a blog.

[00:12:22] Set up a YouTube channel.

[00:12:24] This will serve

[00:12:25] as a personal record

[00:12:26] of your progress

[00:12:26] but certainly

[00:12:27] can inspire others.

[00:12:30] Be active on forums.

[00:12:32] Let your voice be heard.

[00:12:34] Ask questions

[00:12:35] and engage.

[00:12:36] And as we come

[00:12:37] to the end of this episode,

[00:12:38] I want to remind us

[00:12:39] that curiosity

[00:12:40] fuels discovery.

[00:12:42] I'll say that again.

[00:12:43] Curiosity

[00:12:45] fuels discovery.

[00:12:46] And when you embrace

[00:12:47] this mindset,

[00:12:48] you not only enhance

[00:12:48] your own experience

[00:12:49] but also contribute

[00:12:51] to the vibrant community

[00:12:52] of home aquarium keepers

[00:12:53] around you.

[00:12:54] So,

[00:12:55] get in there.

[00:12:55] Ask questions.

[00:12:56] Explore new cherry trees

[00:12:57] in your aquarium journey

[00:12:58] and remember

[00:12:59] that every person

[00:13:00] you now look up to

[00:13:01] as an experienced aquarist

[00:13:03] started where you are now.

[00:13:05] So,

[00:13:06] thank you for tuning in

[00:13:07] to this episode.

[00:13:08] Keep curious,

[00:13:10] keep exploring,

[00:13:11] happy fish keeping

[00:13:12] and I will see you

[00:13:13] on the next one.

[00:13:14] Bye for now.

[00:13:16] That's it

[00:13:17] for this episode

[00:13:18] of the Aquarist Sedge.

[00:13:19] Please consider subscribing

[00:13:20] to this podcast

[00:13:21] so that you don't miss

[00:13:22] further episodes.

[00:13:23] We would love it

[00:13:24] if you would also

[00:13:25] rate and review the podcast

[00:13:26] as this helps make it

[00:13:27] visible to others.

[00:13:28] Until next time,

[00:13:30] keep learning and discovering

[00:13:31] and keep finding

[00:13:32] your Aquarist Sedge

[00:13:33] in this captivating

[00:13:35] and fascinating hobby.