Fish tanks: questions and Band 8 answers

No, I don't actually. I live in a fairly small flat in Manchester, so I just don't have the room for one. Plus, to be honest, I think they take quite a bit of effort to clean and maintain properly, which doesn't really fit my busy routine.

Yes, I did, actually. When I was about eight or nine, my parents bought me a small tank with two goldfish. I named them Bubble and Squeak, and I remember being completely fascinated by watching them swim around after school every afternoon.

I suppose it's mainly because it creates a really calming atmosphere. Watching colourful fish glide around can be surprisingly therapeutic after a stressful day. Also, some people view a well-lit tank as a stylish decorative feature for their living room.

I think it's much harder than people assume. It’s not just about feeding them once a day; you have to balance the water chemistry, clean the filter, and keep the temperature steady. If you neglect those things, the fish won't survive for long.

Probably not, to be realistic. Although I really appreciate how peaceful they look, I'd worry about accidentally neglecting them when I travel for holidays. I'd much rather just visit a public aquarium whenever I fancy looking at exotic marine life.