6 Fish Species that Are Perfect for an Aquarium in a Lobby

A freshwater or reef tank in the lobby of a commercial space can add a considerable touch of class to your business. In Asia, architects who design commercial spaces often place the lobby facing north. This is done so proprietors can follow the feng shui tradition of placing an aquarium oriented toward luck and prosperity. Coastal hotels and seafood restaurants are known to install tanks in their lobby areas to greet visitors, but many dental clinics have also taken up this practice as a means of easing the anxieties of patients in waiting rooms. Once you decide a nice aquarium is what your lobby needs to really come alive, you need to choose between a freshwater or reef tank. Here are six fish that are highly suitable to stock your lobby aquarium, recommended by the friendly staff at Aquatic Warehouse.

1. Common Clownfish

The entrance of a scuba diving shop is a place where you might expect to find saltwater aquariums, and stocking these tanks with ocellaris clownfish is a good move because they’re among the most resilient of coral reef species. It also helps that clownfish are attractive and moderately territorial. But, most of all, it’s their playful behaviors that endear these “Nemo” fish to everyone’s hearts.

2. Fancy Goldfish

As one of the heartiest freshwater aquarium species, goldfish can handle sudden temperature changes, algae bloom, and even sub-par water quality. The fancy variant of goldfish is not only more attractive but also smaller and friendlier. Plus, they’re known to show interest by wiggling toward people who come near the tank.

3. Neon Tetras

Business owners who can only dedicate a few hours a week to aquarium maintenance should consider installing a 20-gallon tank with plants and a school of about 10 to 15 neon tetras. These small fish are colorful, sparkling, and very active. Furthermore, they’re not messy eaters and will appreciate having a tank all to themselves.

4. Corydoras

Similar to neon tetras, these schooling species of catfish are very easy to care for, and they enjoy swimming in tanks where they’re the sole bottom-dwelling species. The advantage of Corydoras is that they’ll try to keep the substrate clean, thus reducing the amount of time you spend vacuuming and cleaning the bottom.

5. Oscars

Astronotus ocellatus is one of the smartest freshwater species you can keep in a large aquarium. If your lobby can accommodate a 100-gallon tank, a couple of Oscar fish will get the attention of visitors because the fish will acknowledge them.

6. Spotted Gobies

This saltwater species is one of the most colorful goby variants, and it puts on quite a show with its feeding habits, which consist of sucking up sand from the substrate as it separates live feed and debris. Unlike other goby fish, the orange-spotted kind isn’t aggressive or territorial. However, you should know that this carnivorous species requires a diet consisting of worms and brine.

No matter which species of fish you choose for your lobby’s aquarium, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary supplies on hand. Whether you need an aquarium dosing pump, LED lighting, filtration, a protein skimmer, or any other essential supply, you can find what you’re looking for at Aquatic Warehouse. Order what you need from our website, or stop by our store located in Kearny Mesa. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 858-467-9297.