I thought it was about my turn to throw up one of these types of thread...

But I'll leave it open for the moment, to see what you think.

i dont so much as class myself as a fishkeeper more as someone who looks after water that fish just happen to live in as long as i keep the water right the fish look after themselfs

Someone who will do anyting to make sure their fish are okay. Even if it means spending a whole day cleaning the tank instead of going to their friend's house. Or getting up during their favorite movie to feed the fish. Even refusing to go on vacation because nobody will be watching the aquarium.

I like Clunksters answer. He's a Water-Keeper! So following that theme, I'd be a 'Plant-Keeper', as I spend a lot of time on my plants (which keep the water ok, that keep the fish ok...that lived in the house that Jack built!).

I had one key word in mind, 'Observation'.

well i observe my fish daily so as to help me tell the quality of the water then i test the water every week aint quite sure how to test the fish every week

Somebody who does their research before making an impulse buy (or at least learns from their newbie mistakes, as everyone makes newbie mistakes).

Someone who resists buying fish at a time when they shouldn't, due to cycling a tank, disease, or whatnot (I resisted buying some yoyos today although it was VERY hard, because I'd just bought some dojos a few days ago and I know my tank needs a water change before adding more fish).

Someone who tries to deal with tank problems such as disease, algae, snails, and water conditions with the well-being of their fish in mind, without just taking the easy way out and plonking a chemical into the water without regard to whether it will hurt their fish or plants. Or at least, trying every other option before resorting to something more drastic to the fish.

i agree with all of the above.

to add my tupence worth, my main aim now is to create a healthy and 'natural' enviroment for my fish.

i used to use the classic tank decor like castles, cannons, bridges etc, which is better than a bare tank but since i finaly got to grips with keeping plants aswell as adding real rocks and wood i have observed that my fish are happier and healthier. the main indicator of this apart from lack of illness is that almost all of my fish are now in breedng condition.

i still have my classic decor items which are handy when i occasionaly need a hospital tank but i'd never go back to using them in a proper tank. even if i didnt use plants i would use real rocks and wood and maybe silk plants if real ones weren't an option.

oh, i thought of one other important thing that qualifies for being a good fish keeper ... DON'T BUY DYED FISH and if u can boycot the fish shop and tell them why u r doing so.

That is SO right, Nick! I can't wait to get real plants in my tank - but it will have to be when I upgrade to a bigger tank, and after we move. I'm a big fan of natural rocks and driftwood too.

I avoid dyed fish like the plague! It's such an awful practice. Just like I avoid painted hermit crab shells. GRRRR

Ummm someone who researches thoroughly before buying a new species of fish so that theres no surprises or problems....properley quarantines to make sure existing fish dont catch nasties...
and has the time to put in to proper care....(one of the reasons I downsized from crazy number of tanks to just two time was no longer availble)