FLUVAL BACK TO SCHOOL GIVEAWAY

[@fluval]

Thank you for participating in the Fluval Back to School giveaway! We loved reading about everything the fishkeeping hobby has taught you. The winners have been selected - congratulations to @mountainhobbit1971, @victoriamccrimmon3678 and @VoltTheRedacted! Stay tuned for more exciting giveaways in the future! 😎

[@Brazuken]

Learned that having a fish tank isn't just about keeping fish but more about keeping water. It's amazing the level of organisms that live in our water that make the ecosystem what it is.

[@tombrookes2786]

Joining the hobby have help with my depression and it keeps me busy on weekend when doing maintenance

[@thepogguys]

Over the years, I have learned that fishkeeping is not just about the end result of your tank or aquascape, it's about the process and the natural life and death that occurs along the way, and that's what makes the hobby fun.

[@noworries2047]

Fish keeping is a popular hobby that offers a unique combination of relaxation, entertainment, and educational value.

[@jhestradag]

He sido un apasionado de los acuarios desde que era niño; varios de mis equipos son FLUVAL por la calidad y confianza se estos, para mantener en las mejores condiciones a mis peces. Gracias

[@victoriamccrimmon3678]

The most important thing I’ve learned about fish keeping is the fish love plants and rocks that make them feel safe. My 45 gallon community tank is a pure joy to watch. My fish are happy and thankfully they all get along. It has been great to watch them grow into mature adults.

[@fluval]

Congratulations - you've won a copy of Amazon Below Water! 🎉 Please send an email to [e-mail] to claim your prize.

[@MichelleWhittaker-n9k]

Being a fish keeper for too many year's to mention & keeping so many different varieties of fish & all sorts of set ups I can honestly say it has been & still is a beautiful hobby & gives me so much enjoyment in watching the fish. My faviourite all time are Rift Lake chichlids of which I'm returning back too at present. Thumbs up to the videos & to fluval of which my tank is that I own🐠🐟🐡🐟🐠

[@skepticalaquatics]

the most notable thing i have learned about the fishkeeping hobby is to always remember each aquarium, each fish, each plant, is an individual experience, that is unpredictable and uncontrollable.

[@omarosbourne3694]

Having gone through depression, family issues, and even deaths within .....fishkeeping has helped me to triumph over them all. Not only is it having another life or lives to take care of .....owning an aquarium and mini ponds have enabled me to have a look into the underwater world and just lose myself in the process....allowing that peace of mind I so needed.

[@owlcroft_ct]

I've learned that I am more productive in my office filled with aquariums. The peaceful tanks just provide a sense of tranquility that really helps me focus!

[@Keithmeister9]

I have kept fish for over 40 years and one thing I have learned the most is to always "Over filter" the more bacterial media, the more stable the aquarium. I love my FX4 and Aqua clear in my 75 gallon South American setup with Angels, Discus, and Corydoras. 3:07 👍 and planning to get an FX2.

[@beanpocalypse]

The most important thing I learned from fishkeeping is that the small scaley babies I keep give me a reason to keep going no matter what, the love and happiness from these little stinkies are truly unique

[@zeninsyt]

Tip: Joining an aquarium club is a great way to gain from other fish keeper's experience ... also allows you to talk about your hobby to people who care about what you have to say :)

[@Nathan-iv5zw]

Over the years I have learned about how vulnerable a lot of freshwater fish habitats really are. It makes me wonder about all the species we have lost over the centuries.

[@VoltTheRedacted]

The biggest thing I learned from the fishkeeping hobby is just how much personality fish really have! I always thought they were simple and boring, but my first betta completely changed the way I view fish. Now I can't believe I never appreciated them before! Fish are amazing!

[@fluval]

Congratulations - you've won a copy of Xingu Below Water! 🎉 Please send an email to [e-mail] to claim your prize.

[@Redagaze]

For a cheap source of tannins you can use fallen leaves from outside, though you should wash them first. Great thing to be looking out for this time of year.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

I am teaching a middle school, 'Being A Naturalist' class and what I find most important is nurturing students innate love of nature. Keeping aquariums since childhood has fueled my love of nature and my plan is to have a (Fluval?) aquarium in my class room, having these books would be perfect for our class, we can still explore nature indoors!

[@fluval]

Congratulations - you're the grand prize winner! 🎉 Please send an email to [e-mail] to claim your prize.

[@oscarmoreira2379]

One of the main lessons I learned is how powerful nature is, even within a small tank, all the rules are applied. Give the plants time to grow, give the fish time to stabilize and recognize all the space, give yourself time to know the ecosystem of your tank. And you'll like it really!!!

[@ericthemantis]

I have learned so many different ways to start up a new tank - but I think the most valuable has been how to do a "fishless-cycle". I picked up a bottle of industrial ammonia from Ace Hardware 5 years ago, and each time I've started up a new tank, I can either start with bacteria in a bottle + ammonia, or borrow some decor or substrate from another tank + ammonia. It has totally changed my perspective on fish husbandry practices.

[@bradleyakridge1357]

I have learned many things in my 40 plus years as an aquarist, but the thing that I put first above all is patience. You can't rush anything and expect it to be done right.

[@jeffcarsello1725]

What I've learned is that the best aquarium is a heavily planted aquarium. The fish are healthier and it is much more enjoyable viewing them in a more natural environment. It is also easier to maintain the tank ,so when I start a new tank, I always plant heavy with a lot of light. I've never had problems with algae.

[@frankmyka1733]

Fish keeping has always been a big part of my life and at the times when I haven't had them I find myself missing that peaceful tranquility they bring to my everyday!

[@stevevivian8174]

I've learned that the fish keeper community are excellent, there's always someone that is willing to give you good advice ,no matter what problems or how daft the question is.

[@kathibaker9218]

The biggest thing I’ve learned and often share with newbies is the science of making the water safe for fish. It is t as simple as dumping tap water in a tank and putting the fish in!

[@YourfellowChristfollower]

I’m a new fish keeper and throughout this journey it has taught me that mistakes are okay and persevere and the end results will be worth it!

[@invaderzim133]

I learned that even a novice at something can have excellent results if you just put the time and effort into researching a topic before jumping in.

[@Lyozen2428]

I learned through fishkeeping that the water changes are great for my mom's outdoor vegetable garden as a free fertilizer liquid

[@coreynellos]

I love my tanks, I learned through my mom and she has been keeping tanks for the last 35? Years. I love the natural tanks. Driftwood. Plants. I just love how it helps me relax.

[@HelderKeyla]

For me, the most fascinating thing I learned was being able to learn how important each ecosystem is and the original Biotope of each species. For many it is very easy to go to animal stores and make a mix of everyone and everything inside the aquarium without previously knowing or investigating the needs of each species, both biological and chemical. I think that over the years I learned to respect the original habitat and know how to take care of our pets so that they last as long as possible with all the ideal living conditions.

[@jerrytheplater]

I've been exposed to this hobby since I was a young boy at my doctor's waiting room and my home. The Innes Book was my first book and I devoured it. Through it I learned a lot about Geography in looking at the places the fish I kept lived. I learned how to calculate volumes, which ended up being very useful in my career. I learned some basics in plumbing and water flow, again very useful in my career. I learned how to observe the fish and notice how they signal and react. Growing living aquatic plants taught a lot about light and chemistry. This hobby interacts with life in so many ways. It has been very rewarding throughout my life no matter how active I've been in it at the time.

[@johnhowell6258]

Like many Aquatic Hobbiest, I have kept a lot of different species over the years. One of the most satisfying was the year a bred Electric Blue Jack Dempsey. Learning the genetics to achieve the electric blue traits, learning the spawning and rearing habits of Dempsey and watching them grow was probably my most valued learning experience in the hobby.

[@jeffcurts4712]

I have learned that having an aquarium in the nursery is a good way to help babies to go to sleep and sleep through the night. The gentle bubbling sound and the movement of the fish helps relax and sooth them.

[@Ern920]

I have learned that having extra sponge filters running on all my tanks allows me to jump start cycling on future projects. It also helps my friends who are just starting out.

[@snailsshrimpandmore5640]

I've learned that live plants actually make it much easier to keep healthy tanks! I was intimidated by keeping plants when I started out but I'd never go back. I FINALLY cured an awful case of algae & cyanobacteria in a tank I adopted by throwing in a ton of anacharis! Now the tank just needs the glass cleaned every now and then because the nutrient levels & light are in balance. If anyone hasn't tried live plants yet, this is your sign!

[@robertgebhardt8936]

For 32 years I concentrated on large tanks. Now that I’m retired I love Fluval’s Edge aquarium. It’s just the right size, easy to maintain AND …. the design of the tank fascinates my friends.

[@Marcyb-k2q]

What i've learned in the fishkeeping hobby is that fish will always keep you on your toes in terms of compatibility. The combination of fish worked prior may not work or co-exist this time around. Ive learned that they also have amazing personalities and do remember things and recognize their favorite people. They really are the best pets! :)

[@nicoru1248]

The most important thing I’ve learned is that balance rules everything. Balance keeps fish alive, keeps them happy, keeps them healthy. And that applies throughout life, always try to seek the balance.

[@paulgardner4957]

Knowledge is a game changer either sharing information, passing on tips with each other makes my hobby a joy. But most importantly each tank we keep is a cross section of our environment and reminds us why we should cherrish our world.

[@kmbsjb]

I learned through fishkeeping that you can not only enjoy watching your beautiful fish grow into colorful giants but if you are lucky you can even create new species of fish as they will breed amongst the different varieties.

[@charlesmosley2202]

I have been keeping fish since I was six years I am now sixty-seven the hobby has change so much for the better I learn the no filter method with using plants. I now do quite a bit of aqua scaping as opposed to just keeping fish in a glass box I now create a eco system for them.

[@ebinom8112]

Over the years, I've learnt that the fishkeeping hobby is accessible to all, even without fancy products. Local fish in a simple tank can thrive like those in nature.

[@JackiePaynter]

I have learned how to keep my tanks clear and healthy fish. Changing tank water is the first priority. They make me happy. Truly amazing to have eggs and watch them grow.

[@sharlotteadams3367]

I always thought that Alien Bettas were just a type of Wild Betta, but since my son is wanting a Betta Rack full of Wild Type Bettas and Alien Betta for Christmas, I did a lot of research and learned that Alien Bettas are a mix of 3 three different types of Wild Betta, Imbellis, Smaragdina and Mahachai, gaining different traits and attributes from each type. There is always something new to learn in the hobby and we absolutely love learning about all types of fish and their habitats.

[@Amara1324]

I've learned that fishkeeping can be great at reducing stress.

[@aarmstrong538]

I've learned with fish keeping is always have a spare filter or tank. I've also learned watching my fish is very calming for my anxiety.

[@theretroduck777]

I was recently learning about 3D printing aquarium decorations. PETG is a non-toxic material you can use and printing at a 100% infill will keep the decorations from floating. There are a bunch of cool free designs you can choose from online.

[@sonofgod375]

I started 2 years ago and I learned that these fish babied show love in their own special ways.

[@odebtsadventures3731]

Never stop learning! I have learned so much more than just aquarium keeping through the hobby. Biodiversity, bio-systems, constant new discoveries of different fishes, the importance of conservation, and so much more!

[@VitRav]

Long long ago back in 1995 I got my first aqua clear mini filter that came with a 10 gallon aquarium kit. I have never stopped the hobby since then.

[@jeandaneau4751]

I never expected to enjoy this hobby so much I can spend hours watching the life in my tank nothing better 👌

[@navarroedwards8031]

I’ve been keeping aquariums since I was 8 years old and now I’m 74 . The only problem I have ever seen is that I never have enough space to add another one. This is a wonderful hobby that has been more of a life style me and my family.

[@lisagenereux9897]

Hello everyone 😊 I learned to be very patient & research EVERYTHING that either goes inside or outside the aquarium. Research is the key to this hobby! -Most importantly-Remember to be mindful and respectful of others opinions. I’ll also share what I enjoy the most; teaching my 7 year old son, an listening to him either rehearse back or share new knowledge on other fish spieces , capabilities + (whole shabang lol) inquiring or seeking advice/feedback or clarity on others. Honestly,.. it dawns on me how much he shows interest ❤

[@gracelarsh6352]

I got my first tank in March of this year; I now have 2-10 gal one for my Betta (George) who I adopted and 3 mystery snails. The other is for the Ramshorn and bubble snails who hitched a ride on the plants I purchased. I even belong to Grand Valley Aquarium Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have a meeting tonight for anyone in the area, by the way I'm 69 and so enjoying the friends I've made.

[@jeffbohme4146]

I've learned that you can keep many different species of fish together as long as the small ones have places to retreat to and the big ones are distracted by other big ones. I've had Lake Malawie Eye biters with Mollies and had no casualties.

[@frankhach]

I actually learn how to meditate while fishkeeping. I Dim the lights .. Leave the aquarium lights on .. Put Soft Music .. incense sticks and i connect with my fish. Since i started Fishkeeping and analyzing my fishes .. i started to admire how calm they are all day floating around and one day .. i wanted to try to be calm like my fishies. Since then it's a ritual. Our lifes is often chaotic, full of static and noize and in constant state of moving .. Being able to fully emerge in a state of relaxation now became a must in my life. Can't see myself living without a daily dose of Fish Meditation. It's beautiful, All that thanks to my original Fishies (RIP)

[@MissBuilderBear]

I've learned that Fish keeping & everything related to Aquarium keeping is not always only about the end result as it is the lessons learned along the way & how they have taught me the most. Aquascaping has helped me still be able to express myself Artistically where I can't outdoor Garden anymore, but I'm at least able to put much of my outdoor Gardening knowledge to use now indoors, with Aquascaping. My physical disabilities aren't limited with Aquascaping & Fishkeeping, and I can put my Greenthumb to use in Aquatic setups being able to Aquascape & create beautiful indoor, underwater gardens with amazing ECOSYSTEMS I have created & am able to appreciate whenever I look around at my different Aquariums around the house now.

[@craigcargill8897]

Something interesting you learned about the fishkeeping hobby? Reading about the natural habitats has helped me set up pleasing to look at and happier fish as I try my best to recreate their original home :)

[@dragon2knight]

I've been a lifelong fish keeper, my older sister got me started and 60 years later I've all but got an aquarium in my house, lol. This is a great giveaway, you can't have too many books about our fine hobby 🙂

[@mariasunbury4788]

I’ve learned that Fishkeeping is essentially managing an underwater soap opera. You carefully pick out tank mates, thinking they'll get along, but there's always that one fish who turns into the tank’s drama queen, chasing everyone else around like it’s auditioning for the next season of *Real Fish of the Aquarium* Jokes aside, I’ve learned that Fishkeeping can offer a fascinating glimpse into the balance of ecosystems. A well-maintained aquarium is like a tiny, self-contained world where each organism-fish, plants, bacteria-plays a role in keeping things stable. It teaches us that even balance is key, and small changes, like a single fish or plant addition, can ripple out and affect everything. 💙🌍💙

[@edwardwibberley339]

Watching your fish is the best way to get to know them and pick up on any minor issues before they become significant

[@nileshchauhan8238]

I’ve learned that using high quality equipment is essential. Cheaper alternatives just don’t work as well and will fail. I’ve always used Fluval equipment, from tank, filter, air pump, heater, lighting and accessories. It just works very well together. When I’ve purchased random brands they always have a missing feature or just are poor quality which will need replacing.

[@rhondafitzpatrick1646]

I've learned that aquascaping is as much of an art form as any other type of art, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, lol. my family thinks my tanks are beautiful, I always see room for improvement! my fish seem happy healthy and content. 😊

[@jacobmetzner]

I’ve learned so much from Oliver about fish in their natural environment, these books would be amazing to have in my library!

[@DeFreeseAquariums]

I learned years ago that research is key. When you think you've learned enough, research more!

[@Gastronomer2024]

I’ve only recently started my fishtank journey. This hobby has made me learn to accept mistakes and persevere. The end results from doing so can be a beautiful thing.

[@josephfiorentino845]

Something new I have learned about the fishkeeping hobby is that some of the neon-coloured fish available in the trade are no longer dyed but genetically modified by introducing DNA from certain jelly fish into the fish's DNA. I remember when fish were dyed back in the 80s; it was the coolest thing! But now, as I understand it, fish produce offspring with this genetic change. That's pretty cool too!

[@Dankbadge420]

Keeping fish has taught me alot, way more then could ever be written in a comment. But I would say the biggest thing the fish keeping hobby has taught me is that a simple tank can do so much more then we think. We all know a fish tank can bring a sense of happiness to people but it can and does so much more. I'm not talking about how it teaches us good cleaning habits or how to care for fish (witch is super important) but also how it can calm one's soul. My 10 yr old daughter has autism, adhd, ect and so do the majority her friends and when ever they have seen one of my many tanks from a 10g betta tank to a 55g cherry shrimp tank, they discover a sense of calmness to there soul and are able to slow down time and actually take in what's going on by watching the fish swim and dart around, the snails slowly making there way up the glass and across the Driftwood. Even adults like myself who may be on the spectrum or just busy with life love to stop and look at the beauty of something that can do some healing. I've learned that this hobby is SSOOOO much more then it seems and can actually heal the mind, body and soul. That's why I'll always have a tank near by, a positive outlook and the fish keeping community because we know the power of the hobby, but few know the healing benefits!!!

[@Itsbrian_333]

Over the years of fish keeping I have learned enough to run some of the largest fish keeping groups online currently. FLUVAL is one of my main sponsors! I'm proud to say that have I not only learned much about multiple aspects of this hobby, but better yet - how to pass along my knowledge to help thousands of other fish keepers succeed in the hobby! I am truly blessed with my groups, followers, and sponsors such as FLUVAL USA. 😊😊😊

[@clayt101]

I have learned that keeping wild fish actually helps the environment as it gives local people an option to make money without otherwise destroying the environment.

[@owentong-of6fd]

The greatest lesson I received from fishkeeping is that a fish tank is not an elaborate ornamate but in fact an organism that breathes, produces, and eventually dies (unless relentlessly maintained).

[@mcgowinmatt]

I've learned so much just by being part of the fish community its hard to just say one, and beyond that fish keeping has taught me a lot about myself

[@paulgardner4957]

Knowledge is everything. I have been lucky enough to have learned so much online, and it helped me out of my lowest point of my life and it's time to pass on my Knowledge

[@2666990]

I am always learning new things in this hobby. Most recently the importance of feeding live foods, like brine shrimp. Wow, does it make a difference in fish colors!

[@MujtabaSharif]

Well fish keeping has given me many life lessons apart from keeping my mind calm and fouced. Attention to minute details in fish behavior gives a heads up to provide best environment to them.

[@jerrodcole1981]

I've found that lots of plants and just giving a hands off time for a tank to season and balance fixes almost any problem.

[@plecocicho]

I learned listen to your fish (behaviour, colour, pose) and you will detect a problem sooner, than your test a disease symptoms show. I also learned the huge diversity of intraspecies communication like when wild discus gnaw their jaws, when are they really angry.

[@prettystevie]

I learned a lot over the years especially now that I work at a pet store. I didn't know about cycling before. I also now know you need a huge tank for just a few goldfish.

[@pigskinaddicted]

I have learned over the years, the cycle of life. From birth from eggs hatching to live birth. And also death. I have been in this hobby for most of my life and it never gets old.

[@thefisher6273]

I have been going through some tough times and I learned how therapeutic fish keeping can be. I started small with the AIO Fluval Betta and then added a Fluval Flex 15. I also started out with painted gravel and fake plants and now have converted to planted tanks. My fish and shrimp are so happy. I enjoy waking up and turning on the lights and watching them come out of their hiding places in thd morning.

[@goderea]

I've learn to let things balance themselves out especially with plants. Sometimes less is better.

[@bobirwin1028]

I really appreciate the Fluval Aquatics channel. I have been out of the hobby for over 20 years. Your videos really help. I think my next tank may be all Fluval.

[@angelvapors882]

I have found that several small tanks compared to a large statement tank in a room can make it a lot more intimate and “homely”.

[@kenji.23]

I have been a fish keeper for many years it has helped me through difficult parts of my life. It is a wonderful hobby that I continue to learn from. I love Geophagus and South American fish. I will have aquariums for the rest of my life.

[@frankpyrtle9844]

I learned that in the fish keeping hobby there exists a great variety of member backgrounds. As varied as the number of fish species, are the professional careers of the hobbyists.

[@petertrigiani3129]

Absolutely enjoy the video productions. Eager to learn more on aquascaping! So relaxing.

[@loumickie]

Received a 29 gallon tank for Father's Day; really enjoying getting back into the fish keeping hobby. Had a bit of a rough start and lost some fish, but things are settling down know. Just received the new Fluval HOB filter and really liking it.

[@ericteneyck8691]

I have learned that fish keeping can be as easy or as complicated as you want it to be. I have learned that a dedicated breeding attempt might not work, but those same fish will breed in my office aquarium that isn't even set up for them.

[@juliea6791]

For me it’s the watching my beautiful aquarium makes me feel relaxed , while learning and researching the natural habitats, the nature from the area , and it’s addictive 🌿💚🌿

[@gabevandenborn2012]

I've learned that when breeding tetras the more time you spend worrying about them the less they breed lol. Sometimes you have to let nature take its course so to speak.

[@prolude006]

Always plan ahead. The more you set your tank and leave it alone, the better it will be. Fluval team, come to the catfish convention in Vermont Nov 1st, Oliver is a speaker, going to be amazing. 😊

[@bern585]

Order of filter media. mechanical >biological> chemical, also fluval polishing pads helps keep my water crystal clear! ❤

[@JonathonPickelmann]

Learned about the importance of habitat - I have two aquariums in my classroom and use FX4's in each. The one we are raising trout eggs in this year! Learning all about water testing and keeping proper levels for the trout eggs...

[@frhaber]

I learned a long time ago, that if i feel a migraine coming on, doing maintenance on my tanks stops it in it's tracks.

[@ashltyler]

The most important thing I have learned is how important water parameters and filtration are. I remember growing up having a goldfish in a bowl. “Just feed it and go on” was my thought. Boy was I wrong lol. But I love the hobby!

[@MrFufoow]

I learned how a little piece of nature can relax you and take you out of the stressed life, I love being in front of my aquariums and just admire

[@rebecca222]

The most important thing I learned in this hobby is that expensive isn’t always the best, you can do a lot with just a sponge filter! 😂

[@danhassler6585]

The aquarium hobby offers a way to bring nature and zen into your own home. Aquascaping is an art that I've often found peace and tranquility in.

[@michellepinet686]

I've learned that what works for one person might not work for another. Also to know your city water as I have to put more dechlorinator than is stated and it's really helped since then.

[@mikedonati6196]

Plants, plants are the best water filtration. Plus they make your tank look amazing.