For example, I have a tank in my daughters’ room with a dinosaur theme, another in the hallway that has a “Moonscape” (and also brilliantly has triple action: Tankscape, Humidifier and Night Light for late ... Read More »]]>

If you’re considering trying your hand at fishkeeping, there are a few simple steps to getting started. There are several schools of thought, my advice is coming from my own successes and (unfortunate!) failures. Planning the health of your future aquarium is the first step, the second step is deciding on the theme that will match your personality and your decor!

For example, I have a tank in my daughters’ room with a dinosaur theme, another in the hallway that has a “Moonscape” (and also brilliantly has triple action: Tankscape, Humidifier and Night Light for late night potty trips!)

There are lots of different backgrounds and gravel available at pet stores. However, if you’re crafty and have an idea, why just stick to what the pet stores have to offer? You can make your own backgrounds if you can find a waterproof medium. For the “Moonscape” tank, I turned the background around to the black side and made stars with a silver sharpie marker). Also, I’ve noticed through the years that the decorations that are sold as waterproof chip and fade and release paint chips in the water anyway, so I even recommend adding objects from your local craft or toy shop, as long as the paint is not lead-based.

When choosing a tank, I always recommend glass as opposed to acrylic. One rule of thumb that I have learned over the years and in selling to customers in my own store, that it is always better to pay a few dollars more initially than buy cheaper equipment and have to replace it someday. In other words, save up and do it right the first time, you will save money and headaches!

Next, decide where you are going to place your tank and set it up. Here is a quick list of what you will need:

Tank, Base and Light/Hood, Filter (“Hang On Back” or “Under-gravel”, it’s just a matter of preference.), Air Bubbler/Hosing/Airstone, Heater, Gravel, Decorations, Algae Scraper, Syphon Vacuum, Fish Food.

Also, as tempting as it is, please do not purchase fish the same day you buy the tank. The water needs to be cycled before you put fish into it: this is very important, I will explain Tank Cycling 101 in my next article. It still looks nice to set everything up in the tank, fill it with water and turn the light on!

If you have never had an aquarium before, you will delight in the enjoyment it will bring you, your family and guests, perhaps even in your office! Fishtanks are a great way to relax and enjoy a micro-cosm of nature, so I encourage you to try it! You’ll like it!

Amy Lynne Bate is the mother of two young girls, an animal lover, singer, songwriter & bass player of the band “Pam Goes Postal”, a cartoonist and social media maven. She lives with her boyfriend, daughters, her dog Cujo (a sweet little Jack Russell), little cat Pumpkin and a menagerie of fish, including Barbara (a huge tinfoil barb) and Bubbles the Amazing goldfish. She has 5 fishtanks and too many Betta bowls to count.

For a fun activity, I created “Betta Buddies”, which is a 4 page coloring activity where children could pick their fish, name it and add decorations to the bowl. Then, they can plan ... Read More »]]>

Many people would love to have an aquarium or a fish as a pet, however sometimes it can seem daunting knowing how to set up an aquarium or fishbowl and properly take care of it. Don’t let that hold you back, fishkeeping can be a great hobby as well as a part of your decor – even as a gift for a friend, child or teacher!

For a fun activity, I created “Betta Buddies”, which is a 4 page coloring activity where children could pick their fish, name it and add decorations to the bowl. Then, they can plan out not only a home for their new pet, but something whimsical or a theme that would compliment their personality.

Over the years I have had a love for “tankscaping”, which I am very excited to share with Chic Galleria readers. First and foremost, I will explain in my next article the ideas, setup and care of your very own aquarium! Stay tuned for more fishy fun!

Just click the image and you can then select print on your computer.

Amy Lynne Bate is the mother of two young girls, an animal lover, singer, songwriter & bass player of the band “Pam Goes Postal”, a cartoonist and social media maven. She lives with her boyfriend, daughters, her dog Cujo (a sweet little Jack Russell), little cat Pumpkin and a menagerie of fish, including Barbara (a huge tinfoil barb) and Bubbles the Amazing goldfish. She has 5 fishtanks and too many Betta bowls to count. She is currently working on a graphic cartoon novel for young girls about important life lessons in dealing with people and situations. She is also the Director of Artist, Venue and Fan relations for a media group during the day, and manager of an exclusive country club boardwalk restaurant at night. She also makes youtube tutorials on fishtank maintenance. A “Jill of All Trades”, she somehow juggles it all with ease and positivity (in between anxiety attacks and random outbursts). She also thinks she is pretty funny, in her own mind……..

The newly renovated interior is spectacular, decorated in a tasteful speakeasy style.  The tables are one of the best features, they include old pictures and band passes and flyers from years of ... Read More »]]>

I remember being very excited when I heard the Stanhope House (the Last Great American Roadhouse) was under new ownership, renovated and open for business again after years of having its doors closed.  Then when I heard that the same cooks from Hot Rod’s in Wharton, NJ were also cooking for Stanhope House, I couldn’t wait to gather up some friends and try some soup, ribs, brisket and cornbread!

The newly renovated interior is spectacular, decorated in a tasteful speakeasy style.  The tables are one of the best features, they include old pictures and band passes and flyers from years of events, all sealed on the tabletops with glass (or some acrylic-type substance…)

The Stanhope House has 200 years of history, with many a big-name blues cats (or kittens) to grace its stage.  Paired with a generous dance floor and bar area with a view of the stage, and a more private lounge area for talking, musicians warming up and late-evening diners, it makes Stanhope House my favorite restaurant in New Jersey! http://www.stanhopehousenj.com/

Amy Lynne Bate was born and raised in New Jersey. From a young age, she had a love of writing, reading and cartooning. She graduated college Phi Theta Kappa in Liberal Arts & Music, with a minor in Art & Design. Amy also works for an internet media group promoting original artists/bands and trying to create a local music scene. She currently lives in NJ with her partner, two young daughters, Pumpkin the cat, 4 parakeets and 5 fishtanks.