Any of you feel this way ??

[hellohefalump]

I personally like the natural look. I don't have kids because I'm still young - 20, but I know when I have kids they're going to want neon ornaments and castles and things. When that happens, I think the best thing is to compromise. I will provide nice natural places so the poor cats won't have to 'camoflage' themselves hot pink, but I will let my kids put in wierd and wonderful neon stuff. I have an eight year old sister who tells me off whenever she visits because she thinks my tanks would be better if they were mini atlantis cities... the type with the LED lights... oh dear.

 

[Nospherith]

It takes time to evolve. The media (blame the media, right?) often portrays "fish tanks" like the fake stuff: you know the bubbly treasure chest, goldfish in a bowl, ect. so people's perceptions of what an aquarium really is may be distorted when they first start out.

I've always gone natural, but i now regret not having spent more time with live plants.

 

[smb7676]

One of the things *I* personally wanted when I started this hobby was a way to include my kiddos.

Ok I get it different strokes for different folks. It still drives me crazy but I'll stop b***hing about the decor. But I will still be pissy about the lack of hiding areas for the fish as well as the lack of light for 80 %of the day and night.
I do however compliment those of you that use this in my opinion tacky stuff to include your kids.I think its wonderful that your kids are so into the hobby (stacey). And as many of you pointed out as long as you are meeting the fish needs then what ever.
I'll still sit and stare all day at a natural tank and only glance at the really tacky ones but I won't feel the need to slip the fish in my pocket and run it to a more natural place.
S