8 Spots to Avoid Putting an Aquarium

On the popular Animal Planet television series Tanked, elaborate aquariums are often set up in the most unlikely places. Many of the tanks featured on the show are over the top and outrageous, but all of them have been strategically placed in spots where they’re secure, highly visible, and easy to maintain. These are the tenets of aquarium placement, and you won’t find them in the places listed herein. The fish keeping hobby is very dynamic, but there are certain spots where tanks don’t belong. The staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of saltwater and freshwater aquarium supplies, has put together a list of eight places you shouldn’t put a fish tank.

1. Too Far from Tap Water Sources

Unless you’re able to run a long water hose from the tap to the aquarium without making a mess, it’s better to place the tank in a spot that’s reasonably close to the water source. This doesn’t apply to very small tanks you can easily move around. Another option is to get a large heavy duty trash can on wheels and move the water this way. We use a submersible pump and 6 feet of ¾” clear tubing to pump water to and from a sink.

2.  Directly Under a Very Large Skylight

Tropical fish enjoy the sun. In fact, they’re supposed to get about between six and eight hours of sunlight each day, but direct exposure for longer periods can result in a pesky algae bloom. Some modern skylights that provide maximum daylight for energy efficiency may pose a problem for aquariums, particularly during the longer summer days. This tends to not be a problem if you have a low-nutrient aquarium though.

3. In the Middle of a Room

Cylindrical reef tanks can provide 360 degree views, but they tend to be custom-made by specialists who test the load bearing capacity of the floor, especially when they’re requested to be placed in the middle of a living space. Large tanks can be very heavy, and they’re better off being placed in spots that have good structural support. To this effect, floor sections closer to walls are preferred. The best looking aquarium, and very popular as of late, is the peninsula aquarium that keeps one end up against the wall. This allows for three viewing sides of the tank and more possibilities for decorating.

4. In a Hidden Spot

You want all members of your household to be able to see your aquarium, and not just for their enjoyment. Having many eyes on a tank is a good idea because others can report missing fish, a change in behavior, a crack, or a sudden change in the color of water.

5. Too Close to a Door

The opening and shutting of doors will produce sound and vibration waves that can make fish uncomfortable and stressed, thus compromising their immune systems.

6. Directly on the Floor

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning that placing a tank on the floor is a tripping hazard. Moreover, it makes cleaning and water changes uncomfortable.

7. On Flimsy Furniture

Some aquarists consider a 10-gallon tank to be small, but they’ll never describe it as a lightweight object. When you combine the weight of the water with the gravel and decorations, the aquarium becomes an object that requires a sturdy structure capable of supporting at least 100 pounds.

8. Near Audio Equipment or Television Sets

The problem with tanks being too close to speakers is that many aquarium dwellers won’t appreciate loud sounds. Angelfish and ghost shrimp are resilient in terms of overall health, but their hardiness diminishes when they get scared.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot to place your aquarium, your next step is to make sure to acquire all of the necessary supplies to maintain it properly. From aquarium monitors and controllers to filtration systems and protein skimmers, Aquatic Warehouse has everything you need. We’re located in Kearny Mesa, our website features all of the great products you need, and you can call us at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.