Fish‑Keeping Differences From the ‘80s to the Digital Age.

Keeping tropical fish in the mid-1980s was noticeably different from today—less high-tech, less information-rich, and often more trial-and-error. Here’s how it compares:

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1) Equipment & Technology

Then (around the 1980s)

• Basic filtration: Undergravel filters and simple hang-on-back filters were common.

• Limited lighting: Standard fluorescent tubes; plant growth was harder without specialised bulbs.

• Manual control: Heaters were less precise; no smart thermostats or controllers.

• Few testing tools: Basic pH and ammonia kits; liquid kits were slower and less accurate.

Now

• Advanced filtration: Canister filters, sponge filters for breeding, and powerful bio-media.

• LED lighting: Customizable spectrum and intensity—great for planted tanks.

• Automation: Digital heaters, timers, auto-top-off systems, even app-controlled setups.

• Accurate testing: Quick, reliable liquid kits and digital monitors for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, GH, KH, etc.

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2) Knowledge & Information

Then

• Information came from

  • Local fish stores

  • Printed books (e.g., works by authors like Innes)

  • Hobbyist clubs

• The nitrogen cycle was known, but not always well explained to beginners.

• Many fish were sold without much guidance—cycling mistakes were common.

Now

• Instant access to:

  • YouTube tutorials

  • Aquarium forums

  • Scientific care sheets

• Better understanding of:

  • Fishless cycling

  • Species-specific water chemistry

  • Stress, disease prevention, and enrichment

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3) Fish Availability & Breeding

Then

• More fish were wild-caught.

• Fewer selectively bred colour morphs.

• Limited availability of delicate species.

• Breeding success required deeper hobby knowledge and patience.

Now

• Many species are tank-bred, hardier, and adapted to aquarium life.

• Huge variety of colour strains (e.g., guppies, bettas).

• Easier access to rare species via speciality breeders.

• Better live/frozen food options.

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4) Aquascaping & Plants

Then

• Plastic plants and gravel dominated.

• True aquascaping was niche.

• CO₂ systems were rare and DIY.

Now

• Nature-style aquascaping inspired by figures like Takashi Amano.

• Pressurised CO₂ systems are common.

• Specialised substrates for plant growth.

• High-end aquascaping competitions worldwide.

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5) Fish Welfare

Then

• Smaller tanks were often considered fine for species we now know need more space.

• Overstocking was common.

• Less awareness of enrichment and social needs.

Now

• Stronger emphasis on:

  • Proper tank size

  • Species compatibility

  • Ethical sourcing

  • Quarantine procedures

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6) Cost & Accessibility

Then

• Equipment was simpler but proportionally expensive.

• Fewer budget brands.

• More DIY solutions.

Now

• Wide price range from budget to premium.

• Online ordering of fish and supplies.

• More beginner-friendly starter kits.

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The Overall Difference

40 years ago, keeping tropical fish was more hands-on and experiential—you learned by doing (and sometimes losing fish). Today, it’s more science-based, accessible, and welfare-focused, with technology making success much easier for beginners.

If you’ve kept fish before, I’m curious—are you thinking of getting back into it after a long break?