In the heart of Kolkata, where concrete towers now loom over what were once tree-lined streets, a quiet revolution is taking place — not in the streets, but inside living rooms. At the center of this movement is Ritam Ganguly, a passionate aquarist and entrepreneur, whose venture, That Fish Place, is redefining how city-dwellers connect with nature.
Founded in 2011, That Fish Place has grown into one of the region’s most recognized aquarium shops. Known for its remarkable collection of freshwater fish and complete aquarium ecosystems, it serves as a sanctuary for both seasoned aquarists and those just beginning their journey into the underwater world. But for Ritam, it’s more than just a business — it’s a lifelong passion that started in an ordinary classroom.
“I began my journey in Class 2,” Ritam recalls. “While other kids were busy collecting cricket cards, I was fascinated by the elegance of a guppy swimming in a jar. That fascination never left me.”
From that early fascination bloomed a full-blown calling. Today, alongside That Fish Place, Ritam also runs Aquarium World, a well-loved retail outlet in Tollygunge Mahabirtola, where aquarium enthusiasts come for expert guidance, supplies, and setup services. But the jewel in the crown of his vision is a concept he calls “Nature Tanks.”
“Living in a city like Kolkata, you’re surrounded by noise, dust, and concrete. The green has been pushed to the margins,” says Ritam. “I wanted to bring it back — not just with plants, but with full ecosystems. That’s where Nature Tanks come in.”
What Is a Nature Tank?
A Nature Tank is not your average aquarium. Inspired by the art of aquascaping and the principles of underwater gardening, it blends natural rock, driftwood, live aquatic plants, and freshwater fish to replicate miniature landscapes — from serene mountain valleys to wild jungle streams — all within a glass box.
“No plastic. No artificial decorations. Just natural elements and your imagination,” Ritam explains. “Each tank is a unique work of art and ecology. It’s not just about fish anymore; it’s about creating a balanced, self-sustaining slice of nature.”
The Nature Tank concept aligns with a growing global movement around biophilic design — integrating elements of nature into urban environments to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and boost mental clarity. Ritam’s tanks do all that and more, offering customers a portal to tranquility right in their living spaces.
Crafting Tranquility, One Tank at a Time
What sets Ritam apart isn’t just his technical knowledge, but his artistic vision. His tanks are meticulously planned — from the layout of stones to the flow of water and the placement of every plant. Customers don’t just buy a fish tank from him; they receive a full consultation, custom design, and long-term care advice.
Each setup is customized to the space and preferences of the client. Want a dense Amazonian jungle? A minimalist Zen garden underwater? Or perhaps a replica of a Himalayan river stream? Ritam brings it to life, often spending hours arranging rocks and driftwood until the perfect balance is achieved.
“You don’t need a sprawling garden to feel nature anymore. Even a 2-foot tank can become your personal green escape,” he says. “And in a city where people barely have balconies, this becomes more than decoration — it’s therapy.”
The Vision Ahead
Ritam sees his work as more than just a business — it’s an ecological statement. With every Nature Tank he installs, he believes he’s helping to fight the rising mental fatigue and environmental disconnect of urban life.
“I like to say, it’s a green revolution, one tank at a time,” he smiles.
He’s also passionate about spreading awareness. Ritam regularly conducts workshops, trains budding aquarists, and encourages families — especially children — to embrace the hobby. In his view, aquarium keeping teaches patience, observation, and responsibility — qualities that are increasingly rare in a screen-dominated world.
With over a decade of experience, two retail outlets, and a growing army of loyal customers, Ritam Ganguly is doing something extraordinary. In the middle of a bustling, chaotic city, he’s making room for quiet, for beauty, and for life — in glass tanks that tell stories of rivers, forests, and the wild unknown.
As the world speeds up, perhaps what we need is to slow down — and gaze, even for a moment, into a window of calm. With Nature Tanks, Ritam is making that possible.