A clinic in Massachusetts emailed clients to announce upcoming renovations, noting that the waiting room’s fish tank would be permanently removed. In its place, staff suggested that parents bring toys, iPads, or other activities to keep their children entertained during visits. One parent who received the email, known as Definitelyalchemist on Reddit, was far from pleased with the update and criticized the doctor’s office for the decision. What they likely did not anticipate, however, was the backlash their post would receive.
“You’d expect a doctor’s office not to encourage brain rot,” remarked Definitelyalchemist, arguing that fish tanks are a “cherished” form of decor that help create a calming atmosphere in waiting rooms. “They could have simply acknowledged that a beloved, passive fish tank—one that benefits everyone from infants to adults—is gone, without micromanaging parents by suggesting they bring a screen and claiming it’s soothing and calming,” they wrote angrily. While some Reddit users agreed with this perspective, many others pushed back, criticizing the OP’s stance.
Reddit Weighs In
“This is framed as though patients are entitled to the fish tank. It’s very strange,” one commenter wrote. Others accused Definitelyalchemist of being irresponsible as a parent and dismissed their argument as unreasonable. “Entertain your kids. If you don’t like iPads, bring a coloring book or something,” another user added.
“It’s not really their job to manage your kids’ temperament or entertainment. They are just informing you that the tank is gone, and you need to plan accordingly,” a third commenter wrote. “Imagine thinking you have any right to decide what a doctor’s office keeps in its waiting room. The delusion is strong,” a fourth joked.
Many commenters on Definitelyalchemist’s post also raised concerns about the potential animal cruelty involved in keeping fish tanks in waiting rooms, noting that rowdy children can pose a serious risk to the fish. From repeatedly banging on the glass to potentially tampering with the water, several people speculated that the doctor’s office may have removed the tank after a specific incident.
On one hand, the parent isn’t wrong: a fish tank can create a calm, soothing atmosphere. On the other hand, as many Redditors pointed out, the Massachusetts doctor’s office was also within reason to remove it and offer alternative suggestions. After all, many parents already allow their children to use electronics and entertain themselves with smart devices on a regular basis.
