Dive In! Aquarium Fish Program

A partnership of the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Aquatic Industry Companies

From new houses to renovated older ones, homeowners are opting for state-ofthe-art features to increase their family's quality of life. Incorporating an aquarium, as part of the structure and design of a house, is a fun and creative way to bring peace, harmony and relaxation back into your home. Young and old, today's generations are looking for more ways to relax and de-stress their lives. After a hard day's work, plopping down in front of a beautiful aquarium versus a TV is just what the doctor ordered. Watching the gentle, graceful movement of the fish washes away the tension built-up by everyday-life.

The excitement of planning home aquariums is letting the imagination run wild. Aquariums are therapeutic, they're should designed into rooms where they'll be enjoyed by family and friends. The busiest rooms in the house are the kitchen and family room. Incorporate an aquarium filled with colorful community fish as a partition wall between these two areas.

If part of your house design includes a space that is your own peaceful corner of the world, plan for an aquarium to be part of its structure. Is your bathroom your place to escape? Choose an octagonal 20-gallon tank filled with gold and marble angelfish and aquatic plants to gaze at while soaking in a warm bubble bath. Instead of using tile to separate the bathtub from the shower stall, use an aquarium and it becomes part of the bathing experience.

Many people have televisions in their bedrooms, which can keep them from the resfful sleep their body requires to function throughout the day. An aquarium can be a great way to calm down and lull you into a deep sleep. Your builder can construct an entertainment center into a bedroom wall. Place a large rectangular aquarium where the TV would reside, snuggle under your covers and you're sure to have sweet dreams.

Kids today feel overworked and rushed from over-stimulating activities - sports practices, music practices, recitals, tutoring, tests, clubs - to name a few. Studies have shown that most kids today are looking for some time to simply "chill out." Whether it's incorporating a floor-to-ceiling aquarium as part of the room's structure or placing an aquarium on your child's desk or nightstand, your child will reap the academic and health benefits of aquarium fish ownership. In addition to the calming effect the aquarium fish will have on your child, it will also enhance their grades. Students who own fish score higher on both math and verbal SATs, with a combined score of 200 points over their counterparts who do not have pets. High-schoolers who keep fish have an average GPA of 3.5, versus non-pet owners at 3.2.

Research shows the effects aquariums have on people are a healthy mind, body and spirit. With all of the modern conveniences of today's world, families are still faced with a leisure deficit. People are just now beginning to understand the effects stress has on health and how important it is to wind-down. Dive into the world of aquarium fish to find rest, relaxation, tranquility and harmony that will reduce your stress and increase your health. Include a tropical fish aquarium into your house's structure and feel the permanent longterm benefits it has on you and your family.

For builder information, contact your local builders association. For information on tropical fish and aquarium setup, maintenance and general information, visit the Dive In! Aquarium Fish website at www.DivelntoFish.com.