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Words of wisdom
~ Desiderata ~
(with humble apologies to the original author)
Go placidly amid the substrate and trace elements and remember what
growth there may be with CO2 injection. As far as possible without
surrender, be on good terms with your water company. Speak your
opinons quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and
ignorant; they too have their misinformation. Avoid loud and flaming
persons, they are vexatious to the ecosystem. If you compare your
aquarium to others you will become vain and bitter; for always there
will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your
achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own
aquascaping, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing
fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your trace element selection;
for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what
virtue there is; many formulas strive for high ideals and everywhere
is full of chelated iron. Be yourself. Especially do not feign
knowledge. Neither be cynical about water changes for in the face of
all claims and chemical potions they are as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of the years, gracefully surrendering the
misconceptions of youth. Nurture strength of adequate filtration to
shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with
imaginings. Many bad ideas are born of penury and ignorance. Beyond a
wholesome discipline, be gentle with your plants. You are a gardener
of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars; you have a
right to prune vigorously. And whether or not it is clear to you, no
doubt the ecosystem is balancing as it should. Therefore be at peace
with your local fish store, whatever you perceive it to be, and
whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life
keep peace with your mailorder company. With all its sham, drudgery
and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful hobby. Be careful. Strive
to be happy.