There was a time when an old, leaky aquarium tank could be found in virtually any garage sale. Once a popular hobby, most people soon discovered that owning fish required a lot of time consuming work. Not anymore! Thanks to new technology and such things as refined water testing, owning an aquarium has never been easier. In fact, aquariums can now be found in more than 11 million households across the United States.^*

Across America, people are re-discovering the beauty of aquariums. Whether prominently displayed as in-the-wall units, or tucked into the corner of a room, they make colorful, tranquil style statements that can suit any home décor while also serving as great conversation pieces that reflect the personality of the homeowner.

According to Todd Brooks, owner of Sea Dreams in Savage, MN, aquariums appeal to people from all walks of life. "The demographics are across the board," he explains. "A lot of our customers are new home buyers or people who are remodeling. Some are families with small children who are just getting into fresh water aquariums. We also have the die-hard hobbyists who enjoy the coral reefs. Some families with larger incomes want aquariums as conversation pieces. And older adults often use them for heart smart relaxation."

Brooks explains that the trend is moving towards built-in, custom acrylic tanks. These are maintenance-friendly systems that can even come complete with automated water lines so that homeowners don't have to worry about re-filling the tanks. Brooks will display many of these systems at the upcoming Womens Home Expo™, November 12-14, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

And, there seems to be a system to suit just about any décor. "There is a wide variety of stands," Brooks confirms. "We've actually done a few custom stands to match customers' homes." You can choose from flat, curved or even wavy front tanks in just about any size you may want.

"Aquariums say something about the creativity of the individual," says Brooks. "I've seen people create an aggressive tank with lion fish, eel or sharks. Or, they can have a plant tank, simple gold fish, or a full reef with all of the spectacular color. Whatever they do becomes the focal point of parties." Brooks adds that his personal preference is the coral reef tank not only for its colors but also because he says it can spawn new life almost daily.

While Sea Dreams offers aquarium maintenance, Brooks says that today's aquariums are easier to own than ever. "People are surprised. Salt water, for example, has a stigma that it is more difficult. But filtration and testing technology has come so far that it is not that difficult to keep salt water aquariums."

Ready to get started on your aquarium? The average homeowner can set up a fresh water system, including filtration, for under $500. Saltwater systems start about $750 to $1,000. Coral reefs start at about $1500. "The sky is the limit for some people," says Brooks, who adds that Sea Dreams can design and build acrylic wet/dry systems custom to customers' needs. This allows them to have tailored filtration at a lower cost.

Those interested in learning more about owning an aquarium can hear Sea Dream's presentation at the expo on Saturday at 4 p.m. on the Benjamin Moore Paints Creative Living Stage.

Benefiting Other Area Women
One dollar of every paid admission will be donated to WomenVenture, a nonprofit economic development agency for women. WomenVenture's mission is to assist women in securing their own economic success and prosperity. WomenVenture helps women start and grow their own businesses, change or develop careers, and train for well-paying jobs in non-traditional industries.

This year's Womens Home Expo™ is sponsored by FM 107, TLC's While You Were Out, KSTP TV, Sea Dreams, Benjamin Moore Paints, SimonDelivers, KSTC 45 TV, GolfGreens of Minnesota, Lincoln Mercury and Stressfree Living. Discount tickets are available at www.101expos.com.

Show hours are November 12 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., November 13 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and November 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 with the half price coupon available on the Web site (www.101expos.com), and free to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult.

The Womens Home Expo™ is produced by Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc. which also produces the Body Mind Life Expo™, the Seniors Spring Show™ and the Seniors Expo™.
^* Source: 1999 survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

Media note: For further information, contact Media Relations at 612-798-7220.

For Viewers or listeners: More information on the Womens Home Expo™ can be found at www.101expos.com or call the Expo hotline at 612-798-7256.