Hong Kong's Road of Plants

Southeast Asian aquarists have a strong interest in live planted tanks. Hobbyists are quite familiar with the contributions of Japanese aquarists to their growing popularity in the United States. Much closer to the islands of Japan, Hong Kong and mainland China have received the benefits of Japanese plant products and influences for many years. The result in Hong Kong is Tung Choi Street. Originally known as "Goldfish Street" this road is lined on both sides by about 60 aquarium shops! Today it is changing as stores are offering more plant products and live plants than they are goldfish.

All the tanks were using the ADA Amano substrate system.

Tanks are laid out in the Japanese style of aquarist Takashi Amano and his products are found in most shops.

Glass plumbing components were common and almost always used on aquariums of various sizes.

This trip to Hong Kong took place in June, 2006. Although it was very hot and humid (winter months are more comfortable) there was a great variety of plants available in the many shops.

It is common to see aquarium shops extend out onto the sidewalk. The stores are usually long, narrow corridors allowing for little space inside to accommodate customers. Street side, products are lined up to attract potential buyers. Plants can be seen pre-bagged with the price written on the side.