A Fish Tale

Ever had one of those “How did I end up here stories?”

It all began in 1998 while living in Califormia with my cousin and a friend. One evening we took in a local carnival in the park. On our way out, we decided to try the “Toss A Coin, Win Some Fish” game. As luck would have it we won 10 fish! Immediately we became concerned parents and and we would not hear of our new brood going home in some bag or small plastic container. So off we went to the booth selling plastic mini fish environments (located conveniently close to the actual game.)

Our Fish “Schooling”

The very next morning, like kids at Christmas, we rushed to check on our new family. To our dismay, not all of the little ones had made it. (I know a bit depressing but it picks up from here.) We decided education was the answer. We soon learned that our new family members were .06 feeder fish. This made no difference to us. We were bound and determined to save the rest, which we did.

Over the course of the next year or so my cousin, friend and their new families found homes of thier own. By this time I had gotten pretty dog gone good at this fish thing and had taken to changing the look of my tank every week. It soon became much more interesting to my friends than me.

The Birth of Tank Trinkets

My family still lives in my hometown in Texas, and I still live in California. I don't always make it home for the holidays. So, my traditional "orphan's Christmas" dinner is something my friends in the same position look forward to every year. I love to decorate the house front to back and top to bottom to help set the holiday mood. One year, I thought my fish should enjoy the same spirit, so I set out to dress the tank up the same way I dressed my house. Puzzling.... not a holiday decoration for fish could be found.

That was the day Tank Trinkets was born!

After months of testing, pouring, painting and learning more about ceramics that I ever thought I'd know, Tank Trinkets finally launched in September of 2005. I couldn't have done it without the help of a team of people who really believed in the project and helped me move it forward. Not to mention my wonderful fish which I have subjected to constant change and holiday cheer!

"Tanks" for listening to our story and we hope that Tank Trinkets brings you, your family and friends, and your fish some happiness.

Shane Hoggard
President and Founder