3D masterpieces for fish
FISH will never be the same again thanks to a new trend sweeping the underwater world of pets – aquascaping.
The craft takes keeping fish to another dimension as green thumbs arrange aquatic plants, rocks, stones, cavework and driftwood in visually spectacular fashion to create underwater paradises for their pets.
The underwater bonsaistyle trend will be on front and centre today and tomorrow at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre when one of the champions of the brave new underwater world, Japanese master Takayuki Fukada, shows off his expertise as part of AusPet 2018.
Organised by the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA), AusPet is being held on the Coast for the first time.
PIAA CEO Mark Fraser said the expo was not just for human-kind, with visitors encouraged to bring their fourlegged family members for a $2 donation to The Sanctuary Women’s Refuge.
“The PIAA are advocates and a voice for responsible pet ownership,” he said.
“Being able to pat, touch and learn about our animal friends will be a huge drawcard. We’re thrilled to give visitors the opportunity to meet experts in their fields and learn more about life with pets.”
Pet owners of everything from cats and dogs to fish, reptiles and miniature goats will be able to shop for the latest in pet products and services and participate in grooming competitions and workshops, reptile introductions and pet first aid classes, meet police dogs, watch dog agility, reptile and snake shows or ride a pony.
Visitors can also find out how to get aquascaping and set up the perfect fish tank.
Trickier than your average tropical aquarium set-up, aquascapes usually involve aquatic plants that need higher lighting and richer nutrients. including ferns, moss crypts and anubias.