Has this hobby affected anyone else?

Ever since I got into this hobby, I've developed a more profound feeling towards nature. I think it's due to the fact that we actually have a slice of one of the world's greatest treasures in our tanks. I'm not saying I've become like a tree-hugger or anything, just whenever a show like Life or Planet Earth is on, I enjoy it not only for the great photography but for the beauty of nature it shows. Idk this is kind of hard to explain but I'm just wondering if you guys feel the same way.

 

yeah i know exactly what your talking about.

 

Those shows always amaze me. I feel like I know a decent amount about aquatic life, yet I can watch an hour of those shows and not see a single thing I recognize. Very humbling.

 

One of the most amazing things about reef tanks that I think may go along with what you are saying, is how vital even the smallest things can be to every ones survival. It blows me away how the copepods, amphipods, corals, crabs, fish, algaes and every thing else need one another to survive and flourish. All these things make you kind of appreciate the little things in our big world. Thanks for the thoughtful post.

 

I feel the same way you do. I remember watching one of those shows about the mandarin dragonet. It was beautiful.

 

Absolutely! I think within all of us we feel the same. I have always been amazed at the beauty of the ecosystem that rests under the water. Just incredible. I saw a program not too long ago on the science channel and it showed life 3,000 feet down. It blew my mind to see how many fish and organisms that have built in light systems so they can see down there because it is pitch black. Scary actually.

 

it has make me realize how fragile the earths eco-systems are. not quite tree hugger, but the thought of the delicate food chain that can get thrown off balance..

 

That's good to know I'm not the only one that feels this way.

 

totally agree with all the responses above. I've always loved those Discovery shows long before I started my aquarium....and now that I have a running ecosystem that I'm responsible for only strengthens my fascination and love of all things natural. Mother Nature can be truly humbling in you witness it with the right frame of mind.

the day I actually scuba-dive a tropical reef should blow my mind right off;D

 

I'm the farthest you can get from a tree hugger but I've always been involved with wildlife preservation. I belong to Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. I want to do my part to ensure these animals and habitats are still around when my sons grow. After getting into SW I began reading more and more about life under the surface and now I do my little part to help preserve those ecosystems as well.