Fishy Business

For a deep sense of tranquility, forget yoga or meditation. Jacob Huss says Riptide Aquatics may do the trick.Located at the corner of Sierra College and Douglas Boulevard in Granite Bay, Huss said the tropical fish store is perfect for the hobbyist who enjoys the calming sensation of viewing these graceful creatures floating through the water."Having a fish tank is like having living art for your home," said Huss, the manager of Riptide. "Fish tanks help beautify any home."Since its opening at the beginning of the year, Riptide Aquatics offers more than 92 tanks filled with salt and fresh-water fish, living rock, coral, eels, urchins, crabs and the latest addition, a blue claw prawn. For the beginning enthusiasts new to the hobby, Riptide also offers small glass bowls perfect for a few goldfish, as well as a basic 10-gallon tank and kit that can be purchased for $59. The Bacharach family of Newcastle recently visited the store in search of a tank for their son Brett's 11th birthday."I want to get a tank because fish are fun to watch," Bacharach said. For the more serious fish lover, custom tanks of all sizes, shapes and prices are available. Huss said the most expensive set-up he knows of was approximately $16,000 and holds 500 gallons of water. Custom tanks can also be built to match the furniture style of a room and can include pillars, raised panels, crown molding, drawers and fluting. "We're currently working on a custom installation out in Los Lagos that is inset into the wall, and is 8 feet long and 3 feet tall," Huss said.When first getting into fish as a hobby, Huss recommends going slow with just a few fish to make sure all the chemical levels and temperatures are right."Many people want to jump into this hobby full force," Huss said. "But that could be a set-up for failure. Conditions have to be just right in order for the fish to survive."Huss warns newcomers that having a fish tank is more than just purchasing a tank. Tank owners need to understand fish and their environment in order to sustain a healthy tank, he said. "Our clients come here to get knowledge," Huss said. "We're interested in kindling a relationship and helping people put it all together."Several years ago Granite Bay resident Patrick Mann owned four to five salt-water tanks in his home. He felt the need to refresh his memory before starting a reef tank for his daughter. Before buying anything Mann sought advice of the people at Riptide."They spent an extraordinary amount of time with me," Mann recalls. "They are always willing to test the tank water. They all want to do a good job."In addition to selling all species of salt and fresh water fish and seeking design and installation of custom tanks, Riptide also provides fish tank maintenance for residential and commercial customers."We also want to be a good community partner and reach out to local schools, including home schools," Huss said. "Having a fish tank is very educational. You can learn about biology, chemistry, ecosystems and the relationships fish have with each other."Riptide Aquatics is located at 4120 Douglas Blvd. in Granite Bay. For more information, call 791-7708.- Susan Belknap can be reached at sbelknap@surewest.net.