My name is Monique, and welcome to my blog, Faith and Fishes.
In June 2026, I decided to dive into a brand-new hobby: fishkeeping.
But I didn’t just start with any aquarium. I chose to create a blackwater aquarium. If you are new to the hobby like me, blackwater means the water is naturally tinted a dark, tea-like color by wood and leaves. It looks mysterious, calm, and incredibly beautiful.
A lot to learn and a lot of patience
I quickly noticed how much patience you need to start an aquarium from scratch. You don’t get a well-functioning aquarium at the snap of your fingers. It starts slowly and with a lot of work. And reading, don’t forget the reading and watching YouTube videos.
The hardest part was filtering the right information from the upright BS. That is why I am so glad that my husband and I can rely on the almost endless knowledge of the employees at our regular pet shop in our village.
So: kudos to Minouk, Sjaak, and Jasper!
We are just humble humans
It was at the moment that I almost lost patience that I realise that we are just humble humans. Where God created Earth and Heavens in seven days, we had to wait 14 days before the aquarium was ready for the first fishes!
Join me on the journey
As you could read, I am completely new to this hobby. I am going to make mistakes, I want to learn new things, and I want to discover more about fishkeeping. But more importantly, I want to share the spiritual lessons I find beneath the surface.
Whether you love aquariums, want to grow in your faith, or just like a good story, you are welcome here.
What about you?
Do you have an aquarium?
Let me know in the comments below!
If you want, you can leave a comment.