I’ve been an aquarium hobbyist for many years. I still remember my first “aquarium”, and I put that in quotation marks because neither the dimensions were adequate for a real tank, nor was the tiny filter capable of supporting aquatic life with even a shred of dignity. Back then, I didn’t have the slightest idea about aquarium keeping, water parameters, types of filtration, and so on. It’s a truly complex world that takes years of practice and experience to master.
Although I first got into the hobby drawn by the charm of colorful little fish, over the years my focus shifted to the point that today, I no longer keep any fish in my tank. What truly fascinates me now is the recreation of an ecosystem, a self-sustaining aquatic landscape that remains in balance and functions perfectly. The only inhabitants are tiny shrimp that help keep the aquatic plants clean, which are the real stars of the show. And although it may seem simple, achieving that balance is incredibly difficult. Even the slightest imbalance can cause an algae outbreak, and restoring equilibrium after that is a serious challenge.
That’s why, the day I passed by the Embalse de la Barca on the Narcea River and saw all the plant life thriving in its waters, I was captivated. As I crossed the bridge near the dam, the overhead perspective revealed all that vegetation shaped by the river’s current, creating incredible textures that looked like an abstract painting. It was a mesmerizing image that I stood admiring for quite a while. Clearly, the river is in good health, and its waters are full of life. In times when pollution is a constant concern, finding these small pockets of healthy nature offers a breath of relief, and a reason for optimism.
