Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Aquariums

Things are moving along with the new aquarium we're setting up at my school. Thanks to the pandemic, some supplies that we were hoping to get (for the aquascaping) are hard to find right now. Before heading to the school yesterday, Gregg scooped up every last bit of "dragonstone" that he had at the pet store to see if it would be enough. Although we didn't have as many big pieces as we were hoping for, I think we'll be able to squeak by with it. A small pile of rocks (rocks!) was $150 worth and we could definitely use more.

I snapped a picture of the empty tank to show you all after we put it in position in the lobby.


Of course, more photos will be forthcoming as soon as it's up and running.

Gregg also had to clean the planted aquarium in the school library. He's been maintaining that one for at least 8 years now, and it's his favorite of all the tanks he services. The plants are healthy and thriving, and the fish are gorgeous. Here's a picture I took of one of them, a Diamond Tetra. It's hard to get a good picture of a fish, but it's not too bad.



The library is getting new carpet this week. The principal had to fight with the head of maintenance to convince them that having Gregg move this tank to put carpet underneath it was a bad idea. They finally saw reason and decided to put the carpet down around it, much to Gregg's relief. He says the tank might never be the same again if he had to break it all down and then set it back up anew. We were so grateful to Mr. Oates for going to bat for us on that issue! Not only would it ruin years worth of extraordinary aquatic plant growth, but everything (including the wet substrate) would have to come out to make the tank light enough to pick up and move. Talk about a work intensive process! So that was great news. It had been weighing on Gregg's mind.

Also, while Gregg and Mr. Oates were talking, I walked up in time to hear Mr. O saying really nice things about me. Something about I was a blessing to the school and "I don't know what we'd do without her." Now, wasn't that nice?! I was taken off guard and I could feel myself blushing. It made me feel so good, though! That's been the highlight of my summer so far.

More aquarium updates to come!



39 comments:

  1. That is so cool. That aquarium you have in the above picture is a gorgeous one. I bet the kids love the fish, I remember being enthralled by fish and aquariums when I was a wee one. My father had a big one like you show. I loved it. I can also remember him having a separate attachment for when there were babies to keep them from getting eaten. And the Japanese fighting fish? were in another tank. I have no idea what kind of fish we had, except the usual goldfish and the fighting fish whatever it's called. To much work for me now, but I do miss watching them. It always upsets me when I see those real pretty fish in the little bowls. What kind of life to be in such a small bowl your life. That can't be good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Could the fighting fish be Bettas? They're pretty bjt males will fight to the death!

      Delete
    2. Yes!!!!! That's it Bettas. I remember my dad had to keep them separated.

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  2. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww! it's always nice to receive praise. AND YOU ARE WORTH IT, GIRL! fish soothe the worried soul.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the new aquarium and the fact that it is in the school lobby. I keep meaning to ask you, what grade levels are in this school? You probably mentioned but my memory can be bad. I'm so glad Gregg does not have to move the aquarium in the library. I can see how that would be a huge job. Your picture of the Diamond Tetra is beautiful and I'm sure the kids love that tank and will be thrilled with a second one!

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  4. That's a nice aquarium! Actually both are. AM's right. Fish are very, very calming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The aquarium was expensive in its day. It was custom made for a doctor. He gave it to Gregg when he got tired of it and we gave it to the school.

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  5. I don't know what we'd do without you, either. The aquarium is beautiful, and you got a great photo of the one with plants.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Janie! Good photos of fish are hard to get, but the plants are a little easier (they hold still!).

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  6. And I was just thinking of you yesterday, and hoping to hear how the new tank is settling in. Well done carpeting around the old. As a way former keeper of tanks, I know the weight. and I didn't deal with more than ten or fifteen gallons.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, between the weight, the wood, the live plants, the animals, the thoroughly "cycled" water....moving it would be awful on many levels, and no good would come of it!

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  7. The aquarium shot with the fish is just beautiful. Glad you could hear that complement. Hearing that you do indeed make a difference helps you to continue making that difference! It is nice to be appreciated.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It IS nice to be appreciated, especially after my last job!

      Delete
  8. I've always loved going into places with children that have aquariums because the children are mesmerized and, actually, so am I.
    I can't imagine a sweeter tribute than to overhear someone praising you. Wow! A true and honest compliment to cherish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This new tank will get much more attention than the planted one. The planted tank is tucked away in the back of the library, but this one will be out in the lobby at the front of the school!

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  9. It's often hard to find out what others really think of us. In a work context, there should be other ways of receiving honest appraisals - not via accidentally overheard judgements. Nonetheless, I suspect that Mr Oates's assessment is accurate and well-deserved. He is on your side so if you are ever overwhelmed at the front desk again, he would listen to your pleas for built-in time away from the frontline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He's actually pretty good at expressing and showing appreciation. This was a private conversation between him and my husband that I happened upon. Right now, I'll simply be thrilled if school can resume in the fall and I won't complain about overwhelming front desk duties!

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  10. How wonderful that you happened to hear this praising comment about you, and in my opinion, totally well deserved!
    I am looking forward to seeing pictures of the aquarium once it is stocked, and I am sure everyone at the school will love it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's going to be really nice, I think! I'll be sure and post plenty of pictures.

      Delete
  11. What a wonderful thing to overhear. We all need to feel our worth and have it verified by others every now and then. We, in Blogland, also know what a lovely and capable person you are.

    ReplyDelete
  12. The new tank is stunning. Can't wait to see what Gregg does with it! And your photo of the library tank is beautiful. I'd love to have tropical fish, but not with these cats! We were awakened from a dead sleep in the wee hours to what we thought was an earthquake. It was Dudo jumping against the shower doors trying to catch a moth in mid-air!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Before I came along, Gregg had a large saltwater fish called a Queen Trigger that used to race from one end of the tank to the other while the cat ran alongside on the top of the couch. They played with each other! :)

      Delete
  13. That is a nice looking tank. I can't wait to see it finished. I hope the kids will be able to enjoy it soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our students are supposed to come back to school September 8th, depending on what happens with the pandemic of course. But the tank will be up and running and stocked with fish by then.

      Delete
  14. I'm delighted to hear you are appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. I was a little embarrassed when I walked up and realized what my boss and my husband were talking about. :)

      Delete
  15. How great to hear you're appreciated! It's kind of a shame you had to overhear it, though -- shouldn't they say these things to your face?

    And yes, thank goodness Gregg doesn't have to move that aquarium. My dad used to keep aquariums and I remember how hard he worked on them. I wonder why aquarium rocks are so expensive. Maybe they treat them to neutralize their Ph or remove hazardous minerals or something?

    ReplyDelete
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