One of the most natural and easy ways to relax is to pull up a chair in front of an aquarium, and watch fish swim and socialize.
“There’s something incredibly soothing and peaceful about a fish tank,” said Wayne Scott, co-owner of What’s In Your Tank, a new aquarium store in Land O’ Lake that is celebrating its grand opening on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Research shows that keeping a fish tank helps people relax, and can even re-channel someone’s pain,” he continued. “It also has a calming affect on kids with autism and hyperactivity, and eases the anxiety and agitation often found in dementia patients.”
Wayne speaks from personal experience. A U.S. Army veteran, he was injured in Iraqi when the armored vehicle he was traveling in was blasted by a roadside bomb. He underwent two surgeries to fuse his vertebras back in place, and was medically retired in 2006 after 17 years of service.
The accident and surgeries left Wayne in constant pain, and he moved to the Tampa area to receive care at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. After becoming dependent on prescription pain pills, Wayne began to look for alternative treatments to ease his pain.
After reading about the positive affects other vets reported after setting up aquariums, Wayne started his first marine fish tank in 2009. He soon discovered that his fish tank was emotionally soothing and helped take his mind off his pain.
“My first tank was 125 gallons – I called it my basic training tank,” said Wayne. “And soon I was on to my second tank at 225 gallons, and then a third tank at 500 gallons.”
As he immersed himself in his new hobby, Wayne met many people who helped him learn about fish and aquariums, and began assisting friends and family set up their own up aquariums.
Today, Wayne shares his knowledge with customers at What’s In Your Tank, a unique specialty store that sells both fresh and saltwater fish, aquariums and tank accessories. The store is co-owned by Susan Ingold, owner of S & R Clown Fish, a clown fish breeder and Land O’ Lakes resident who Wayne met through the Tampa Bay Reef Club.
“Susan found our location here off of Bell Lake Road, and we opened our shop in March,” said Wayne.
The store has 800 gallons of water for saltwater fish, including a live marine tank, and 400 gallons for tropical freshwater fish. “People are often stunned to walk into our store and find such a wide variety of beautiful, healthy fish,” said Wayne. “It’s unusual to find both tropical and marine fish in a specialty store like ours.”
About 70 percent of the store’s customers set up freshwater tanks because they are less expensive to set up and maintain than saltwater tanks. “However, many local families begin with tropical fish and move on to marine fish,” said Wayne.
Wayne works with every customer to guide them through setting up their tank, maintaining a healthy environment and water supply, and recommends fish best suited for a customer’s tank. The store receives new fish three days a week, which keeps its inventory large and fish healthy.
“We give lots of hands-on education — helping people who are just starting out, to advising experienced, serious hobbyists,” said Wayne.
The store’s grand opening on June 10 will include raffles, giveaways, food and refreshments. There also will be storewide sales, free beta fish (while supplies last), and T-shirts to the first 15 paying customers.
“Please stop by — I’d love to show you our fish tanks and introduce you to our fascinating hobby,” said Wayne.
What’s In Your Tank is located just east of U.S. 41 on Bell Lake Road, tucked into Bell Lake Plaza, next to Advantage Realty.
3940 Lake Padgett Dr.• Land O’Lakes
813-388-9772
Sun 12-5, Mon-Wed & Fri 11-7,• Sat 10-7, Closed Thurs
