Planted Tank Gender demographic

[Dollface]

Originally Posted by mistergreen

Of course you can my sister.

Sweet.

[C2C]

Originally Posted by CL

Still, gardening is normally considered something a woman would do as opposed to a man, but why are men more numerous on these forums?
One of the great mysteries of life.

i work in the yard...i do plumerias and cacti...mostly aloe though...cause at my house between my parents, siblings, our girlfriends and a pool there are A LOT of sunburns even with sunscreen
darn socal sun
oh i grow the cacti for my sulcata tortoise as well

here is what i think is the reason forums are male dominated....at least at my house...the guys go on the forums cause we like researching and trying to find something else to better our tank or whatever we are into
the girls when they go on the computer its chatting with friends or shopping

but i know a few women who go onto forums and they are usually the most influential of all of the members...mostly high post count or mods

[londonloco]

Ten years ago, there were many times I was the only female at the PVAS auctions. The past 6 years I've been into saltwater/reef tanks. Recently decided to convert back to planted tanks. I joined PVAS again, and was pleasantly surprised to find out they have a female president and many woman members now.

I think many woman shy away from fishkeeping because it can be so technical. Back in the late 80's, there were no forums to go to, books were the only way to obtain knowledge on setting up and maintaining aquariums. Since computers have entered our lives, forums like this one take away the mystery of the plumbing and electrical aspect of setting up a tank. It’s easier to be successful.

[Wilder]

Originally Posted by C2C

here is what i think is the reason forums are male dominated....at least at my house...the guys go on the forums cause we like researching and trying to find something else to better our tank or whatever we are into
the girls when they go on the computer its chatting with friends or shopping

Ah. Yes. Because your coming to this forum and posting messages with others is not chatting. Nor is your browsing and purchasing from Big Al's or similar shopping. Gotcha.

Really, I don't see the allure of handbags and shoes myself, but I also don't see a woman having a collection of them any different than a man collecting expensive ADA stuff for his tank, or parts for his car, or even stamps and coins. We're all of us shopping for and spending money on something at some point in time. And seriously, shouting for joy because you can order that new rimless tank, or because your new drop checker arrived? Sorry guys, you lose on that one. Hobbies is hobbies, even if we don't always understand another's choice obsession.

If you really do feel there is a large divide, well, do something about it. Inspire your little sister, or daughter, or niece to take part in the hobby and mentor them along. Lots of little girls hear they 'can't' do something because it's too hard/boys do that/it's too messy/etc. Show them otherwise! Having a successful fish tank does not mean tons of money and expensive high-tech hardware. A small low-tech tank with a betta or some guppies is more than enough for most children AND adults, so why waste time with stereotypes?

[lauraleellbp]

Originally Posted by whickerda

I'm old-school and have actually have purchased about 10 aquarium books. "Dynamic Aquaria, Building Living Ecosystems" by Walter H. Adey and Karen Loveland is one of the best ever published. However, I also have a new-school side that just wants to find answers in seconds online. The "google" side of me???

Only 10 books? Lightweight!!

I'm a book addict, though... and I've been collecting aquarium and fish books since I was a little kid... still, I've probably bought more than 10 fish/aquarium/pond books just this year! LOL

[belladee]

I think what Wilder said is dead on... its the same, chatting, shopping.. there is even status in brand name (ADA... Coach)

So the big question is why is this hobby not more appealing to women. Someone once told me the his wife doesnt like the fish poopy water.

To me (and in case you didnt know it from my screen name and sexy avatar ... im a girl )
Working in a garden sweating and getting dirt all over my hands is gross and sitting in doors peacefully trimming my plants while the fishys play with me is much more appealing.

I know a lot of women and they really dont seem interested in my tank

I really think it has to do with the tech side of the tank.. equipment, setting up, DIY, ferts, water parameters.. girls typically arent into techy stuff except maybe a cell phone.. Im sure the though of setting up a Co2 system doesnt appeal in the least to many girls. Its about as pretty as a NOS system.... which IS completely beautiful

same with video games, techy.. i dont see a lot of girls playing video games, except maybe me and dollface

I think girls are more attracted to "form with function" or simply "form". I for one find ADA equipment, drop checkers have "form" but heh thats me.. i'm not typical.

[londonloco]

Originally Posted by belladee

same with video games, techy.. i dont see a lot of girls playing video games, except maybe me and dollface

Hey, me too! Zelda and I are old friends!

[skabooya]

I dunno, Im a girl and I like games and all that techy stuff. I would be hardcore into it if my hubby would let me. Hes more into the games though and im more into my fishy and animal stuff. Mind you I like the science behind it and I do have a degree in science AND i teach a science class. LOL Wanted to be a vet when I grew up.
It just depends on the person.
Us hobbiests i find tend to have similar personalities but im not saying that we are the same we do vary. In some aspects we are the same however.

[mistergreen]

well, thanks for the votes guys. It's interesting to see the numbers but I'm getting a little uncomfortable with the "explanations" of females vs. males.

so, I'm closing it.