Jane in Upton

So I'm wondering WHERE folks keep their aquariums. I'll post my theories after the poll.
-Jane

Jane in Upton

So in seeing the way folks keep their aquariums, I've noticed a few trends, which may or may not be correct, but are simply based on what I've had the opportunity to see or notice. Its purely anecdotal, but an interesting spectrum, nonetheless. By all means, let us know if the trends YOU've seen are different or contradictory! There might even be a whole different trend depending on what region of the country (or the world) we're talking about!

In general, what I've observed is -

Folks who are serious fish keepers (and often fish BREEDERS), and only have a few plants, are most likely to have a dedicated Fish Room, often in a basement. This allows them to keep the room quite warm, and by location, the aquariums, rather than have individual heaters in each tank. These folks also tend to be Male, although that may simply be because the hobby overall has more men than women. Most often, they're married, and the fish room seems to double as a personal retreat of sorts. If they have kids who are getting interested in the hobby, the child has an aquarium in their own personal space (their bedroom).

Folks who have fish-oriented, moderately planted tanks are the most likely to keep them at work, or in a home office. I don't know how linked this is to the desire to display one's success, but there seems to be something there. This group seems to be of more mixed gender than the fish-room folks.

Folks who have heavily planted aquariums tend to go for the Common Areas of their household, in places of display or prominance. I've seen more planted tanks in living rooms, and more fish-oriented tanks in home offices. This group seems to be of mixed gender, but contains the bulk of women who are in the hobby. This group also seems to contain more of the "low tech" crowd. In various forums, I've also noticed a larger proportion of women in the low tech, common-area group than high tech, common-area group.

Then, in the heavily planted, fish-are-there-to-enhance-the-plants group, there seems to be a trend back to the dedicated aquarium room. Perhaps this is a function of equipment and electricity or plumbing needs, but it is interesting. The attitude towards this room tends to be more of a showcase, much like that of a wine afficionado who invites you to tour his wine cellar.

So what have YOU all noticed in the Focus, Location and Methodology trends of people and their aquariums?
-Jane

Simpte 27

Can I vote for all of the above?

John P.

My wife thinks aquariums belong in frat houses, bachelor pads, and dorm rooms. Hence, mine's in the garage.

John N.

Hehe, that's where I fit in. I voted Bedroom. I have two there, a 10 gallon on a dresser and a 29 gallon on a table that's fits perfectly for it.

My other nano tanks are on the kitchen bar, and then my 28 gallon is in the living room. Yes, the place looks like a fish store.

-John N.

trenac

All four of mine tanks are in the living room area. I keep them there because that way I can enjoy them all the time, because that is where I spend most of my time.

Cavan Allen

One is in my bedroom and the rest in an unused bedroom.

I know a guy who has a tank in front of the toilet in the bathroom.

freydo

it's in my living room because that's where i spend the most time when i'm home. it's also where i have the most room when doing maintenance and the like.

it's just more practical... just like a guy huh?

Jimbo205

Do you think your results would be any different if you asked about Nanos?
I think your theories are very interesting. Very cool.

I wonder if there any theories related to chaos & harmony in the presence of either type of aquarium. I know for myself the sound of the water from BIO-Wheel filter and aquarium is one of the reasons I keep that filter. I just love the peaceful sound of water. Like a waterfall, but with life inside of it. And with all the technology we live with today, I like having nature nearby to me to keep it all in perspective.

I suppose someone could go even deeper into the ideas about husbands & husbandry (LOL). What do you ladies think? Jane - all very interesting. Great thread!

Jimbo205

JanS

For me it's dining room, kitchen, living room, basement living room (or whatever you would call a room with a TV, couch, computer, excersise equipment, etc., dominated by aquariums), the bottom of the steps by the bathroom in the basement, and the guest room downstairs.