akvarist

An akvarist is a person who keeps and studies aquatic life in artificial tanks, typically at home or in public facilities. The term is used in several Nordic languages and English as aquarist. Akvarists may collect freshwater or marine species, and they often specialize in particular subfields such as plant tanks, reef tanks, or biotope setups. The hobby emphasizes understanding aquatic ecology, water chemistry, and animal welfare.

Practice involves selecting an appropriate tank size, equipment and substrate, establishing a stable environment through filtration and a nitrogen-cycle, and monitoring water parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and, in marine systems, salinity. Regular maintenance includes water changes, cleaning, and careful feeding to avoid excess nutrients that fuel algal growth. Quarantine of new stock and observation for disease are common practices.

Aquaria can be freshwater, brackish, or marine. Freshwater setups range from community tanks with tropical fish to heavily planted or dedicated species tanks. Marine aquariums may be fish-only, reef, or mixed biotope tanks with invertebrates and corals. Equipment choices vary with goals, from simple glass tanks with basic filtration to advanced systems with high-output lighting, protein skimmers, and sumps.

History and community: The hobby emerged in the 19th century alongside the development of modern filtration and glass tank production. Today, akvarists participate in clubs, magazines, and online communities, sharing stock lists, care guides, and breeding reports, and many maintain accounts in public aquariums.

Ethics and welfare: Responsible akvarists consider sustainable sourcing, avoid over-collection, quarantine new animals, and provide appropriate environmental enrichment, hiding spaces, and compatible companions. The field blends hobby with science, encouraging observation, experimentation, and ongoing learning.