About Fishtivities
Dive into the magical world of aquatic arts. Freshwater aquariums create an ecosystem of mesmerizing activity and stunning beauty to any room in your house or office. Our aquarium located in Northern Virginia is a boutique breeder of rare tropical fish from Central and South America and can be delivered or shipped directly to their new home.
Introduction to Fishkeeping by Steven Lawson
My name is Steven Lawson, and I am the owner of Northern Virginia Fishivities. With over 30 years of experience, I have been dedicated to keeping freshwater fish, with a brief hiatus from 2008 to 2020. My passion for aquariums began in childhood, inspired by my father’s love for the hobby. I started with a 40-gallon freshwater community tank, housing livebearers, live plants, and snails. The distinct personalities and behaviors of each species fascinated me and drew me deeper into the world of fishkeeping. I also learned that my grandfather, on my father’s side, bred betta fish in the 1940s and sold them to department stores—proving that breeding runs in the family.
In 2020, after the global pandemic prompted widespread lockdowns, I rediscovered my passion for the aquarium hobby. I resumed with a 55-gallon tank purchased from a local store, accompanied by a few baby cichlids. Since then, my collection has expanded to over 2,000 gallons of water in more than 20 tanks (not including those for clients).
Aquascaping, the art of designing beautiful environments for fish, is another crucial aspect of the hobby. From choosing the right substrate, décor, driftwood, and plants, to selecting the perfect lighting for each tank, the process of creating a thriving ecosystem is exciting and rewarding. This has led me to my second passion: collecting driftwood and cultivating plants. Today, my focus is on boutique breeding, rare plants, driftwood, and all things related to freshwater aquariums.