There’s something about watching fish swim lazily across a tank that relaxes and refreshes you. Studies have found that viewing aquarium displays actually reduces blood pressure to a measurable extent, taking the edge off stress levels and making people calmer and happier. There really is a scientific reason why so many dentists’ clinics have a fish tank in the waiting area!
And if you’d like to unwind and relax after a long, hard day, installing an aquarium in your home could just be the best idea you’ve ever had. The effect of watching fish swim about without any aim or intent is hypnotic—it’s an instant shot of serotonin, and is known to improve even the darkest mood! An aquarium offers a deep connection with the elements of nature, and the gentle splashes and gurgling sounds of water help to balance the energy in your room and enhance your wellbeing.
Looking for ideas on how to decorate your home with an aquarium? Read on!
Create a Focal Point
Quite the centre of attraction in this dining room, this beautifully decorated aquarium fits neatly into floor-to-ceiling cabinetry at one end of the dining table.
A Living Wall
Transform your living room into a Zen space with a custom-designed aquarium wall that is guaranteed to grab eyeballs. Clever blue lighting strips accentuate the underwater effect, and delicate coral and underwater greens recreate gorgeous tropical scenes. What a pretty way to add vibrant colour and life to an all-white minimalistic interior!
Conversation Starter
This lovely aquarium is an icebreaker that helps to get the conversation going at dinner parties! Prop it on the table next to your computer, and stimulate your mind as you work.
Wrap-around Aquarium
Cleverly inset into two walls of this seating area, this aquarium folds around the corner, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of the room.
An Oasis of Calm in Your Bathroom
Turn your bathroom into a soothing oasis of calm by installing an aquarium wall. Embrace your connection with nature, even as you soak in the luxury of rose-scented bathwater!
An Aquarium in Your Kitchen
Think that cooking is a tedious chore? Liven up your kitchen with a pretty aquarium inset into the wall, and watch your finned friends flit around as your stir-fry the veggies!
Transform the Staircase
A column of blue water right in the middle of your stairwell can turn your staircase from ordinary to spectacular in an instant! Add a skylight above for an all-natural feel.
How Can You Decorate Your Aquarium?
- Fish love to hide behind rocks and in hollows in the ground. Choose live rocks over fibreglass, as they contain micro-organisms that will add to the bio-diversity of your aquarium.
- Live plants are a must-have; they generate oxygen which your fish need to breathe.
- You can add some elements of coral, shells and bits of driftwood to mimic the underwater environment.
- Novelty items like tiny figurines of divers or mermaids, a small treasure chest and so on could be added if they suit your fancy. Always make sure they are made of organic materials that will not leach harmful toxins into the water.
- You can add a visual of an ocean background to the back surface of the tank, to make it look more interesting and add the perception of endless depth.
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s very important to keep your fish tank clean, so that the fish stay healthy. On a daily basis, do a quick check to ensure that the filter is not clogged, the lights are working well and there is no build-up of debris on the bottom of the tank. Any food that is uneaten and collecting on the bottom of the tank should be siphoned off before it starts to decay.
Your tank should be lightly cleaned at least once in two weeks with a partial water change whenever needed. Sponge the inside of the glass, wipe down the outside surfaces and remove dead leaves from plants. Live plants should be regularly fertilised if required, using non-toxic organic fertilisers that will not harm the fish.
Also, make sure that you check the air pump tubing and clean the filters with a brush. If you are using activated carbon, replace it regularly. It’s important to note that the water will contain biological colonies that are beneficial to the ecosystem, which is why a partial water change is always recommended, rather than completely renewing the entire contents of the tank.
If you have a tendency to be forgetful, it’s always a good idea to maintain a log book! Note down feeding and cleaning schedules, and the dates on which bulbs were replaced, pumps were changed and so on. The pH of the water should be tested every month; note these test results down as well in your log!
Important Points to Keep in Mind
- Try to match the décor of your room to the elements in your aquarium. For instance, if you have a lot of traditional wooden furniture, you can continue the theme with driftwood pieces inside your tank.
- The stand or cabinet you choose should be neutral, so that most attention is given to the fish and not its surroundings!
- Using VHO (Very High Output) lighting gives a warm glow to your fish tank and encourages the growth of underwater plants. Adding a blue filter colour the water, which would otherwise appear flat.
- Feng shui exponents believe that water represents wealth, and by placing an aquarium close to the front door you are inviting wealth into your home. It’s also said that a collection of eight goldfish with one black will attract an abundance of money.
Looking for home décor help? For design guidance, style tips and décor tricks, connect with a HomeLane designer today. We’ve got your back, whenever you need it!
