Visiting a friend this past summer I ran across an amazing fish tank; as he’s a Marine Biologist. However, instead of looking at this breathtaking 300 gallon aquarium, I looked at it differently. What I saw was more than a few species of fish and coral, what I saw was an amazing living, breathing piece of art.
This art is unlike any other, it’s something nature paints but masterfully put together by Doug Drysdale. When Drysdale puts together his eco art, he must consider so many things such as: what species go together, what climate its going to endure, the care the owner wants to provide, and color scheme. If Drysdale doesn’t consider each element, the tank and all that inhabit it could perish.
His art is so unique, that every tank is completely different, yet the depth of the art is shown when one takes the time to really study each element separately. For instance, if you really want to wow your viewers, place a black light over the tank to see an amazing color change in the sea urchins and most fish. Step back and see the grandure that is the mighty coral, yet so fragile in its own right; but still provide shelter to the fish that live in the small glass contained eco-system.
After sitting down and talking with Drysdale I walked away with a new understanding to this living art. I discovered things I had never known before, for instance, Coral is a living organism despite its rocky bone like appearance. Prior to talking with Drysdale, I always thought Coral was dead just living things grew off it. Coral is also very fragile, despite its strong exterior. It can crumble from various things like toxins in the water to climate changes and light.
According to Drysdale, different coral and other anomalies live at different depths of the ocean. At these depths certain rays of light are able to penetrate, if that light is too strong inside the tank, those deep living coral can become in a sense ‘sunburnt’.
Additionally, Coral has many ways to defend itself. As other coral grows and spreads, a piece of coral may defend its territory by omitting a toxin. Some of these toxins cause slime, shock, and other reactions. Looking at it, would you have any idea coral did this?
Going further in the conversation, I found out that toxins in the air can affect the tank and the life it contains. Those toxins can come from you simply cleaning your house or office. For instance, if you were to spray Windex or something of this nature on the tank, the glass can absorb that acid and affect the water or the overspray can land in the water. Air freshener and other sprayable household cleaners can get into the water by air transfer. These toxins can offset the pH in the water; depending on the level it rises to, it could kill some or all of the tanks inhabitants.
Drysdale suggests using natural items to clean around your tank, and the tank itself such as vinegar. Vinegar is 100% natural, and it doesn’t contain other caustic chemicals. The worst that will happen is it rises the pH in the system which must be counteracted by a base. Household chemicals have other ingredients which may not be easily fixed if it contaminates the tank.
What’s really amazing is the colors one can add to these fish tanks. I was amazed with the brilliant yellows, reds and oranges these anomalies came in. The fish too can add brilliant colors for a perfect blend of color and accents to the tank.
If you’re one of those who needs to be exotic, you can add some Lion fish or maybe an Octopus into the equation. The possibilities are endless, yet it provides a piece of art that’s forever changing, and art that you can look at over and over again and never see the same thing twice.
Drysdale sells pieces for your aquarium out of his home based business in Lutz, FL. He’s open Saturday and Sunday for you to come and see his inventory of fish, coral and anomalies. You can find Drysdale by visiting his website at http://www.DrysdaleAquarium.com
About Doug Drysdale of Drysdale Aquarium
As a biologist (Tufts ’95), I take the time to educate my customers who wish to develop their skills and knowledge as hobbyists and encourage active participation with regular operations.
Conservation, continuing education, promotion of aquaculture and ethical ecological practices are cornerstones of my business philosophy.
I am proud to say that the majority of the corals I provide to my customers are grown in my other systems, minimizing impact on the world’s reefs. As more and more fish species become available to us, I am delighted to provide tank raised clownfish, blennies, basslets and cardinal fishes and a growing number of species whenever they are available. Kudos to the pioneers of marine fish breeding and rearing! -DD
Social Networks