Aquariums that help connect with nature

In a chat with DT Next, the 40-year-old talks about his love for the aquatic world and more. It all began when he was eight years old. “I started growing guppies in PET bottles and began collecting many varieties of fish. It became an obsession by the time I turned 15. I had around 32 fish tanks at home. After a point, my mother even wondered why she introduced me to the aquatic world!” Ashwin says. 

His passion continued for many years and today, along with his friend, he successfully runs a centre for natural aquariums called Aquaria in Adyar. They design and maintain aquariums and terrariums. “While setting up an aquarium, many don’t pay much attention to the kind of plants or rocks they place inside. Our aim is to develop a good environment in an aquarium for the fish to lead a healthy, happy life,” he explains.

In order to keep them thriving, the environment they live in should be designed accordingly. “We bring in elements like colours and shapes of a particular plant — this craft of arranging aquatic plants, rocks and stones is called aquascaping,” he says and adds, “It’s similar to the principles of photography in terms of placement of focal point, composition of the frame, etc. We’ve also borrowed certain Japanese aesthetic concepts.” 

Fishkeeping knowledge and expertise are something Ashwin and his team have gained over the years. He feels, “It’s important to preserve the fragile ecosystems like these. We need to provide most suitable habitats for fish in order to keep them happy. Also, if you are looking to spruce up your home, a well-crafted underwater aquascape could be the best addition. It will add a splash of natural colour and vibrancy to any space and provide a sense of relaxation.”