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  • Jaguar Cichlid – Everything You Need To Know About Care

    Jaguar Cichlid – Everything You Need To Know About Care

    Jaguar cichlids are one of the most aggressive freshwater fish you can keep. They will eat anything that fits in their mouth, attack fish twice their size, and outgrow most tanks within a year. I have seen experienced keepers underestimate this fish and pay for it with dead tank mates and cracked heaters. If you are not ready for a dedicated predator tank, this is not your fish.

    Having a pet is one of the best things, especially if that pet is a fish. A Jaguar Cichlid is a silent, beautiful fish, and some of them are great for pest control. Although it will seem like fish are easy to care for, there are a lot of species which require a lot of attention as well as special food or tanks.

    In this article, we are going to talk about an interesting fish species: the jaguar cichlid. Here you can find out everything you need to know about these species including its compatibility with other fish. It’s good to know that jaguar cichlids can’t be put in a tank with Tetra or Angel Fish. They are large and aggressive fish. They are known as “tank busters” among predator enthusiasts as they can crack smaller tanks with their aggressive antics.  

    ASD Difficulty Rating: Tier 3 – Advanced

    Jaguar cichlids are large, aggressive predators reaching 14-16 inches (35-40 cm). They need 125+ gallon tanks, robust filtration, and tank mates large enough to not be eaten. Not a community fish by any definition.

    An Overview on the Jaguar Cichlid

    Scientific NameParachromis managuensis
    Common NamesManaguense cichlid, managua cichlid, guaptoe tigre, Aztec cichlid
    FamilyCichlidae
    OriginCentral America
    DietCarnivore
    Care LevelModerate
    ActivityModerate
    Lifespan15 years
    TemperamentAggressive
    Tank LevelMiddle or bottom half
    Minimum Tank Size70 gallon
    Water Temperature Range73°- 82°F (23°- 28°C)
    Water Hardness10 to 15 dGH
    pH Range7.0. 8.2
    Filtration/Water FlowModerate to strong
    Water TypeFreshwater
    BreedingEgg-layer
    Difficulty to BreedModerate
    CompatibilityAggressive tanks only
    OK, for Planted Tanks?No, will dig up and damage most plants

    General Information about the Jaguar Cichlid

    The Jaguar Cichlid, scientifically known as parachromis managuesis (and also known as the Managuense cichlid), is a large species of Cichlid. They are originally from Central America and is found from Costa Rica to Honduras. Unlike most fish tropical fish, this species is bigger, and it can grow to up to 24 inches! These are highly predatory fish, and this is why it is difficult to find the right tank mate. The jaguar cichlid is very valuable for it’s looks. It is one of the more beautiful, larger, and aggressive Cichlids from Central America that you can purchase.

    The Reality of Keeping Jaguar Cichlid

    Size is the first reality check. Jaguar Cichlid grows fast and grows large. A tank that fits today will not fit in six months.

    Aggression is not optional. This fish is territorial by nature. Tank mates are selected around this fact or they become food.

    Filtration needs are extreme. Large predatory cichlids produce massive waste loads. Underfilter this tank and water quality crashes fast.

    Biggest Mistake New Jaguar Cichlid Owners Make

    Putting Jaguar Cichlid in a tank that is too small. This fish grows fast and gets aggressive in tight spaces. Start with the final tank size from day one or do not start at all.

    Expert Take (Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot)

    Jaguar Cichlid is a commitment fish. Start with a 70 gallon minimum, run heavy filtration, and stock only tank mates that hold their own. Half measures do not work with predatory cichlids.

    Size and Looks

    The Managuense jaguar cichlid is a big, elongated freshwater fish. It’s flat from sides and it has an oval body. Its appearance shows that it’s a raptorial feeder which has adapted to aggressive assaults. These fish have different sizes when they live in captivity. For instance, a wild jaguar cichlid can reach 60 cm and it can weigh about 7 kg. Here is a video by Mrlilchilly1 showing a full grown Jaguar Cichlid in action.

    Unlike the ones living in the wild, jaguar cichlids that lives in captivity grow to about 35 cm in length. The Parachromis managuensis females can only reach 30 cm and they weigh about 3 kg. These are some of the biggest fish which is put in a tank and kept as a pet.

    The color of the Jaguar Cichlid is silvery with spots of brown and black. Its color pattern resembles the one of a jaguar, as its name states. An interesting fact about their color pattern is that it’s almost impossible to find two jaguar cichlids with the same body spots. This species also presents a big head with a large mouth and big lips. They have pharyngeal teeth which help them hunt.

    Male vs. Female Differences

    A male Jaguar Cichlid is larger and will have more vertical broken bars when young. These bars will disappear once the male reaches maturity. A female Parachromis managuesis on the other hand, will have thinner vertical bars and will have a more pronounced dark bars and have more reddish coloration on their gill covers. Juvenile fish are readily available at fish stores and online. These Cichlids get more expensive and harder to find the larger they are.

    Hard Rule

    Jaguar cichlids are not community fish and will never be. A 125-gallon minimum is not a suggestion. Under-tanking a jaguar does not just stress the fish, it creates an aggression problem that no amount of hiding spots or tank mates will fix.

    Having Them in a tank

    Parachromis managuensis

    There are some important things to keep in mind when you want to purchase a jaguar cichlid as a pet. For instance, these fish can’t share a tank with a lot of species. In order to accommodate the cichlid and the other tankmates, you need to have a tank with aggressive fish. Also, you need to have large fish so that they won’t get hurt or eaten by the jaguar cichlid.

    It’s best to pair the jaguar cichlid with other cichlids like the Red Devil, Texas, or the Midas cichlid. These species are territorial to aggressive which means they are able to hold their own. Aggressiveness is best handled by additional tank space. Keeping your aggressive fish full will also curb aggressive. Hungry and cramped fish will get aggressive with their tank mates fighting for valuable territory. These large predatory fish mentioned will also enjoy the same foods. You will not have to worry about feeding them separately. Be sure to spread out food among each fish’s establish territory to avoid bricking and to ensure everyone gets fed. 

    Another important thing to consider before purchasing Parachromis managuensis is the tank. In this case, you will need an aquarium tank with a capacity of at least 100 gallons of water. The decorations of the tank should be big and bulky like rocks. Don’t put plants in their tank because this Cichlid will destroy them in no time. A good starter tank for a fish this size is a 125 gallon tank. This is a 6 foot long tank with enough width and depth to support a Cichlid of this size and still have room for other inhabitants.

    You will need to put a substrate for the bottom of the tank that is made of large grained gravel and add some middle-sized grains. Maintain the water in the tank at a temperature of 24-25 C. Also, the pH of the water should be around 7 for optimal results.

    Breeding

    The jaguar cichlids have been bred in tanks for a long time. However, there are a few rules to follow when it comes to this species. The best way to help them breed is to make sure that you put 2 or 3 pairs of jaguar cichlids together in a tank when they are juvenile. If you try to put a new female or a new male when you have adult fish. You will risk losing these additions due to the jaguar cichlid’s territorial nature. This is a bigger risk if you your fish is actively breeding. 

    If you have an actively breeding couple, consider moving them to a different tank so that the breeding process goes smoothly. This tank should have at least 50 gallons (or 200 liters of water). Cichlids in general are great parents and are a joy to watch their fry raising process. It is a real threat to share this experience with your family.

    Feeding

    As we mentioned earlier, this freshwater fish is a carnivore and a raptorial which means they enjoy various types of live fish. They can also eat cut up fish or crayfish and dry foods. The jaguar cichlid prefers food like earthworms, crickets and tadpoles. Remember to feed them only once a day because they eat too much. Frozen food is also a good food staple to provide, through can get expensive given how much these fish need to eat at their adult size. Also, experts recommend a fasting the jaguar cichlid once a week.

    These fish can also eat small reptiles, larva, or goldfish. However, it’s strictly prohibited to give these species warm-blooded meat like beef, pork or poultry. This type of meat has a lot of fat and it can affect the health of your cichlid.

    Care

    While it is a bit hard to find the right tankmates for this big and aggressive fish, it’s quite easy to care for them. These are hardy fish that will tolerate a variety of conditions.

    Saying that however, one of the most important things is to keep the tank water clean. Large tanks are necessary for these big species. Apart from the large tank you will need to have canister filter or a sump filter to help you clean the water.

    Remember to change about 30% of the water in the tank once or twice a week. Due to the fact that the aquariums are closed systems the phosphates and nitrates tend to build up in time. This makes the water hardness increase. Despite the fact that this species is aggressive, they are very sensitive to pH instability. If you oversize your filtration you may be able to get away with less water changes, but also monitor your nutrient levels with proper aquarium test kits.

    It’s also recommended to use external tank equipment that can clean the water. Because of their large size and aggressive style, the jaguar cichlid can damage any internal filter or heater. Titanium heaters are recommended when you house fish as large and aggressive as these. Titanium heaters can take a beating and not crack or break. You should also avoid any decorations that can easily be moved or tossed around. Apart from these minor problems, jaguar cichlids are easy to care for.

    Diseases that Affect Them

    Unfortunately, fish are prone to infections and disease, especially predatory fish like the cichlid. Infections are common with predatory fish due to fighting as wounded can get infect. For parasites, one of the most common diseases is Ich. This is treated by simply raising the temperature to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 days. In case this doesn’t work, you will need to treat the pet with copper. Remember to be careful when you add a new decoration or a new fish to the tank because it is infected with disease. Stress from aggression can also bring about disease if the fish is carrying the disease. Stress will compromises a fish’s immune system, which will lead to an outbreak.

    FAQs

    How Aggressive are they?

    Jaguar cichlids are very aggressive fish. They are territorial and will attempt to eat any fish they can fit in their mouths. Because of their territorial nature, they will attempt to fight any fish that comes near their territory. Due to their size and most aquariums sizes, this will mean they will fight any fish you place in your tank.

    How Big Do They Get?

    Jaguar cichlids can get up to 24 inches in length, but most will end up around 16-18 inches. Males will typically be larger than the females and they will get more aggressive as they get older and more established in a tank.

    What Fish Can Go With A This Type of Fish?

    The best tank mate for a Jaguar cichlid is another Jaguar cichlid — as a breeding pair. Note that a bonded pair will be very aggressive, especially once they start breeding. Other species you can consider if you have the space would be large cichlids like Red Devils, Green Terrors, and Oscars. You can also consider large catfish.

    Can They Live With an Oscar?

    Yes, they can be compatible if you have the space for them to work out their territory issues. It is best to attempt this pairing when you have more experience. If you are attempting to house them together, consider a single Jaguar with an Oscar. Preferably, try a female Jaguar over a male when pairing.

    Who Grows Most With This Fish

    Jaguar cichlids suit experienced keepers who have kept other large, aggressive cichlids and understand the commitment involved. If you have managed an Oscar tank successfully and want something with more aggression and more personality, the jaguar is a natural next step. This is not a beginner’s fish, not even a strong intermediate’s fish. It is a specimen fish for people who build the tank around one animal and accept the constraints that come with it.

    Is the Jaguar Cichlid Right for You?

    Good Fit If:

    • You have a 125-gallon or larger dedicated tank ready or in progress
    • You have kept large cichlids before and understand territory management
    • You want a single-specimen centerpiece fish with maximum personality
    • You are prepared to stock only fish large enough to hold their own

    Avoid If:

    • You are new to fishkeeping or have not kept cichlids before
    • Your largest available tank is under 100 gallons
    • You want a community tank with a variety of smaller species
    • You are not prepared for a fish that will be 14 inches and intensely territorial

    Conclusion

    A jaguar cichlid does not share a tank. It owns it.

    These are some of the most important things you should know about this amazing freshwater species. If you want to purchase a jaguar cichlid as a pet you need to be careful with the tank capacity and the pH of the water. Apart from that just feed them once a day with worms or dry food and they will be fine. Also, don’t put them in tanks with smaller fish because the jaguar can kill or eat them.

    Plan the tank around the fish, not the other way around. Give a jaguar cichlid the space, filtration, and respect it demands, and you get one of the most rewarding specimen fish in freshwater. Get it wrong and you get chaos. The fish does not compromise.

    Recommended Video

    📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. Your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • How to Set up an African Cichlid Tank: A Guide for Beginner Aquarists

    How to Set up an African Cichlid Tank: A Guide for Beginner Aquarists

    An African Cichlid Tank in my opinion has always been an underrated aquarium. Usually many hobby or pet owners will look to freshwater community or saltwater tanks, but an African Cichlid tank offer the great balance of the ease of freshwater tank along with the vivid colors of a saltwater aquarium.  One of the biggest differentiating factors, especially with Mbuna Cichlids is how incredibly active they are.  An African Cichlid tank is a great choice for a beginner and for those who like the color of saltwater fish, but may not feel ready for the cost and additional upkeep of a saltwater aquarium. In today’s blog post, I will provide an overview on:

    • What are African Cichlids?
    • Care Requirements 
    • Plants in an African Cichlid tank

    What are African Cichlids?

    Cichlids are a diverse group of freshwater fish from the biological family Cichlidae.  There are over a thousand official species and some scientist in the field believe there may be thousands more!  They are also known as secondary freshwater fish because their distant relatives originated from the ocean.  Cichlids are split into two groups: Central and South American Cichlids or New World Cichlids and African Cichlids.

    African Cichlids come from three lakes in Africa – Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria.  The most popular of these cichlids placed in African cichlid tanks come from Lake Malawi.  

    Lake Malawi

    Lake Malawi Cichlids are rock-dwellers and should live in a rock environment.  They are split into several species – Mbuna, Haps, and Peacocks.  Mbuna are the most active and aggressive of the three.  They are very colorful with the dominant male being the most colorful.  Aggression is typically curbed by overstocking, frequent feeding, and by not putting in fish groups with similar coloring.

    Haps are moderately aggressive fish with some Haps being very large. For some Haps, at least a 75 gallon tank would be needed to house them long-term.  They are piscivores, which means they prey on small fish – particularly smaller Cichlids.  Because of this, it is not a good idea to house these fish with anything small enough for it to swallow.

    Peacocks are the most peaceful of the three species.  They are most suited for a  community type of aquarium.  They are not compatible with Mbunas due to Mbunas more aggressive nature.  There are examples of success in mixed african cichlid tanks, but even if successful, the Peacock typically will not grow as fast, will end up being less colorful, and may not live as long.

    Mbuna Cichlid

    Lake Tanganyika

    Lake Tangayika Cichlids are broken down into three groups – shell dwelling lamprologus like Lemon Cichlids, rock dwelling cichlids like Calvus, and large cichlids like Frontosa.

    Shell dwelling Cichlids have a good number of positive features going for them.  They are small in size, peaceful behavior, hardy, breed easily, and are easy to keep.  Rock Dwelling Cichlids like Calvus are solitary hunters with slender large jaws used to suck smaller prey out from rock crevices.  Frontosas are the feature fish when it comes to Lake Tanganyika cichlids. They are usually known for being kept alone in an African cichlid tank, but have been known to be kept with large Tanganyika fish like Calvus and Compressiceps.

    Frontosa Cichlid

    Lake Victoria

    Lake Victoria Cichlids are the least known and popular of the three lake Cichlids.  There is a lack of hobbyist literature available which makes Victorian cichlids sometimes difficult to identify.  They are in general naturally aggressive fish.  Some can mix with Mbuna and Peacock cichlids.  Some of the most popular fish are Pundamilia Nyererei, the Zebra Obliquidens, and the Kyoga Flameback.  A lot of secondary research should be done with this species of fish given the lack of information in the hobby.      

    Lake Victoria Cichlid

    Care Requirements of Their Tank

    We are going to start going over care requirements. Check out our video below from our YouTube Channel. We go into more detail below so follow along.

    Tank Size

    When it comes to any freshwater fish species and aquarium setup, bigger is always better. You will have more water volume to make your tank stable and more room to curb aggression.  However, not everyone wants a massive tank.  Cichlids do get large and are territorial.  

    The minimum for most African cichlid species is going to be 55 gallons.  Longer tanks are better than tall as many cichlids are mid-level or bottom-level swimmers.  Always go for a wide vs taller aquarium.  

    Water Requirements

    All African Cichlids should be kept in water with a pH of 7.5-9.0, a water hardness from 10-20 dH, and a water temperature between 77-82°F.

    The actual ranges of the African Rift Lakes are:

    Lake Tanganyika. 7.8-9.0

    Lake Malawi.  7.4-8.4

    Lake Victoria. 7.2-8.6 

    Since all African Cichlids appreciate this higher pH, these are one of the few freshwater species whose aquariums may be decorated with marine coral, sand, and rock which will push the pH and buffer the water.  In some instances it may be necessary to buffer water to reach these higher pH levels.  There are various Cichlid Buffer additives available in stores that can be used or Cichlid Salts.

    Filtration Requirements

    A Cichlid aquarium needs to be well filtered.  Overfiltration is actually encouraged in an african cichlid tank as it is typical to purposely overstock them to curb aggression among tank mates.  In addition, Cichlids are messy eaters and even messier excreters.  Aeration is also very important since Cichlids require well oxygenated water.

    Because of the added demands of African Cichlids, dual filtration is recommend.  Dual canister filtration is commonplace for African Cichlid keepers.  In larger tanks, an overflow + sump + wet/dry setup is used to handle the bioload and flow requirements of the tank.  Your goal is to have 8-10 times gallon per hour flow filtered per hour.  So for a 55 gallon tank, you are looking at a goal of 550 filtered gallons per hour from your filtration system.

    You can be fine with less filtered per hour if you have a high capacity canister like a BioMaster Thermo or Eheim Professionals, but you may need to supplement flow with powerheads to keep the flow strong in the tank in order to prevent dead spots within the tank.

    Editor’s Choice!
    OASE Biomaster Thermo
    OASE Biomaster Thermo

    The Pro’s Choice

    The top choice among professional aquascapers. German engineering and equipped with an intregrated heater.

    Buy On Petco Buy On Amazon

    Rock Work

    Rock work is an important consideration and will vary depending on what species of African Cichlids you decide on.  For Mbunas and other rock dwelling Africans, you will want to have rocks with lots of holes and cevices.  Rocks will cover most of the bottom of the tank for these types of fish.  Texas Holey Rock and lava rock are two good examples of such rock. For Haps and Peacocks and other open swimmers, there should be more open water to mimic their environment.  Other rocks that you can consider would be slate, limestone, and even ocean rock. Making sure your rock is more smooth should be considered as rough rock can hurt your African cichlids.  

    Texas Holey Rock

    Substrates

    All Cichlid tanks should have a sand substrate in an african cichlid tank.  This most closely mimics their natural environment.  Many Cichlids naturally feed by grazing through the sand, others cleanse their gills, while others dive into it or build nests.  Some hobbyists have been known to acquire substrates from golf courses, pool shops, or home improvement stores. These can save you money when building an african cichlid tank, but do some research before placing in your tank to ensure you have an aquarium safe substrate.

    Within the aquarium industry, there are substrates available that will work with Cichlids, particularly aragonite sand used in marine tanks and Tahitian Moon Sand.

    Great For African Cichlids
    Carib Sea Aragamax Sand
    Carib Sea Aragamax Sand

    Boosts pH

    Aragamax is great for African setups as it keeps pH and hardness levels stable

    Buy On Amazon Click For Best Price

    Diet

    Diet for your African Cichlids will depend on the type of Cichlids you have. Africans can cross all the food groups (herbivore, carnivorous, omnivores, and micro predators) so it is critical that you know what group your fish belongs to.  Spirulina is a general good food to fish all fish since it has outstanding nutritional quality and is made up of 65-70% protein.

    Supplemental foods for herbivore fish would be peas, romaine lettuce, and spinach.  For fish carnivorous fish, brine shrimp, shrimp pellets, and krill would be good meat supplements.  Fish with yellow, orange, or red will need to be feed foods with lots of pigment so keep their colors optimal.  

    A stocked Cichlids tank need to be feed frequently, but not overfeed.  Maintaining this balance will curb aggression.  The recommended would be 3-4 times a day but only what they can eat within 20 seconds or less.  Overstocking and overfeeding are the primary reason why we recommended extra filtration for the tank back in the filtration section.  Overfeeding can lead to excessive nitrates or bloat for your herbivores.  Feed frequent, but do not overfeed.  A well feed Cichlid is a less aggressive Cichlid. 

    Food Recommendations

    Below are several recommended staple Cichlid foods

    New Life Spectrum Formula Pellets – The Benchmark in the Industry

    New Life has been doing top notch fish food for years with scientific research behind each of their formulated foods. You can’t go wrong with them and their color enhancing Cichlid pellet food.

    Great For Cichlids
    New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula
    New Life Spectrum Cichlid Formula

    New life is scientifically backed and designed exclusivity for Cichlids

    Buy On Amazon

    Cobalt Aquatics Probiotic Enhanced Flake Food – The Best Flake Food

    Cobalt Aquatics has really made some moves in the industry with probiotic enhanced foods. This flake food offered by them is arguably the best African Cichlid flake food available on the market. It’s a works great in combination with New Life’s pellet food.

    Best Flake Formula
    Cobalt Aquatics Cichlid Flakes
    Cobalt Aquatics Cichlid Flakes

    With probiotics and specially formulated for Cichlids, this is bar none the best flake formula available for your Africans

    Buy On Amazon Buy On Chewy

    Hikari Cichlid Excel Pellets – Specially Formula for Plant-Eating Types

    Cichlids eat a good amount of greens. The Hikari Cichlid Excel Pellets by Hikari focuses on spirulina with vitamins and materials to provide a highly nutritious pellet. Combining this pellet food with the other two, you should everything you need to provide a quality diet to your African Cichlid community.  

    For Added Variety
    Hikari Cichlid Excel
    Hikari Cichlid Excel

    A spirulina based pellet food. Loaded with vitamin and materials. Combine with the other two foods

    Buy On Amazon

    In the Tank

    Live plants can be kept successfully with African Cichlids.  You may have heard from others, from forums, or your local fish store that you cannot but it is very possible to keep plants.  There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to attempt to keep plants with African Cichlids.  First, not all plants will be able to tolerate the high pH of an African cichlid tank.  Second, not every plant will be compatible with the different types of African Cichlids available.

    Specialized freshwater lighting systems will need to be considered if you choose to have plants in your African cichlid tank. While lighting requirements will vary for different plants, the proper spectrum of light needs to be provided to them.  You will need lights that emit in the blue and red end of the light spectrum.  These are wavelengths of 450 and 680 nm.  Check out my post for planted LED systems, to see systems with the proper wavelengths.

    Wavelengths

    Plants have tighter requirements to prevent algae outbreaks as well.  Regular water changes to keep nitrates below 50 ppm and the use of bristlenose plecos will help with algae.  Keep in mind; however, that plecos will eat soft plants.

    You have to purchase the right african cichlids for your tank to ensure success with plants. You will have the greatest success with non plant eating african cichlids like peacocks and the hardest time with Mbunas.  

    The final factor is dealing with the digging of cichlids.  Plants can be uproots with the digging activities so plants need to be fastened to prevent uprooting.  Java fern should be tied to rock with fishing line and other plants should be potted or wedged in between rocks.  

    Planted Cichlid Tank

    Where to Purchase?

    Getting them at your local fish store would be the first step. I would highly recommend that you join a aquarium club to learn more about the quality local fish stores near you. Some people, however, do not live near a quality local fish store. In those cases, pushing African Cichlids online would be the best way to obtain them. There are a few out there that are worthwhile:

    Worldwide Tropicals
    Seller on Amazon who sells various African Cichlid livestock 

    Mike’s Cichlids
    Family owned breeding facility that specializes in high quality Cichlids

    Imperial Tropicals
    WYSIWYG African Cichlids

    Additional Reading and Resources

    As African Cichlids keeping has been around for many year, there are a wealth of resources and even books for you to enjoy and read. Here are several I would recommend and you learn more about them. All are easily found on Amazon:

    Closing Thoughts


    African cichlids are highly rewarding fish to keep. We hope this article was useful in planning your African Cichlid tank.   If you liked this post, check out the recap video from our YouTube Channel below. Subscribe if you like it. I hope to see you again.

    📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Freshwater Fish Guide. your ultimate resource for freshwater species, care tips, tank setup, and more.

  • 5 Modern Aquascaping Styles: What They Are and What They Actually Require

    5 Modern Aquascaping Styles: What They Are and What They Actually Require

    Aquascaping is where fishkeeping becomes an art form with actual rules. I’ve built planted tanks using CO2 injection, quality lighting, and liquid fertilizers on the high-tech end, and the Walstad/natural planted tank method on the low-tech end. Both can produce stunning results. But most beginners pick a style based on a photo they liked on Instagram and don’t realize until weeks in that the style they chose requires equipment they don’t have, maintenance they weren’t prepared for, or plants that won’t survive their water conditions. Know the style first. Then build toward it.

    The most common aquascaping failure isn’t bad technique. It’s choosing the wrong style for your actual skill level and setup.

    EXPERT TAKE | MARK VALDERRAMA

    I’ve kept planted tanks for over 25 years. The number one thing I’ve learned: the style you see in the photo is the end result of months of growth, maintenance, and often multiple failed attempts to hold that structure. Dutch tanks in particular require a level of plant knowledge and discipline that most people underestimate. Jungle style looks effortless but needs a large footprint to actually work. If you’re new to planted tanks, start with Natural/Iwagumi principles and scale from there. Don’t start with Dutch.

    What People Get Wrong

    Most beginners see a Dutch aquascape and think it’s just a matter of planting a lot of different plants. It’s not. Dutch style requires understanding plant placement by height, color contrast, species textures, and growth rates. Get that wrong and the tank looks like a messy planter, not a structured garden. Natural/Iwagumi style looks minimal but requires precise hardscape placement and carpeting plants that need CO2 injection to grow the way they look in photos. Jungle style looks easy but produces a cluttered mess if the wrong plants are combined. Each style has a specific learning curve that the photos don’t communicate.

    WHY THIS RANKING

    These 5 styles are ordered from highest structure/discipline requirement (Dutch) to most flexible execution (Paludarium). The ranking reflects difficulty of execution for a home aquarist, not visual impact. Dutch produces the most controlled, competition-level results. Paludarium allows the most creative freedom. Know where your skills sit before committing to a style that requires techniques you haven’t developed yet.

    Top 5 Modern Aquascaping Styles

    1. Dutch Style

    The oldest formal aquascaping style, dating to the 1930s in the Netherlands. Dutch aquascapes mimic a traditional flower garden: dense, structured, organized by height, color, and texture, with no hardscape. No rocks, no driftwood. Just plants. Around 80% of the substrate is covered, plants are grouped in defined rows or “streets,” and tall species are positioned at the back to frame the display and hide filtration.

    Plant choices for Dutch style include Saurus Cernuus, Lobelia Cardinalis, Hygrophila Corymbosa, Limnophila Aquatica, Java Moss, Tiger Lotus, Cryptocoryne, Ammannia, Alternanthera Reineckii, and Rotala.

    What it actually requires: CO2 injection is effectively mandatory for competition-level results. High-output lighting. Regular fertilization. Detailed knowledge of plant growth rates so the structure doesn’t collapse as plants outgrow their positions. This is the most technically demanding style on the list. If you’re asking whether Dutch is right for you as a beginner, the honest answer is no. Build your plant knowledge on simpler styles first.

    2. Natural Style (Iwagumi)

    Natural style, developed by Takashi Amano in the 1980s, mimics Japanese landscape painting principles: open space, a clear focal point, carefully arranged stone or wood hardscape, and a limited palette of small-leaved plants and moss. Unlike Dutch, the substrate is partially exposed. The goal is a miniature landscape, not a dense garden.

    Common plants for this style: dwarf hairgrass (Eleocharis parvula), Riccia, Staurogyne repens, Glossostigma elatinoides, and Echinodorus tenellus. Shade-tolerant mosses and ferns fill in around hardscape. The Cryptocoryne family works well planted in shadowed areas between stones.

    What it actually requires: The hardscape placement is everything. Iwagumi uses the rule of thirds and odd-numbered stone groupings. Get the stone placement wrong and no amount of plant growth fixes it. Carpeting species like hairgrass almost always need CO2 to form the dense carpet you see in photos. Without CO2, they grow slowly, algae outcompetes them, and the carpet never fills in. This style looks minimal but is not forgiving of technical shortcuts.

    3. Jungle Style

    Jungle style is intentionally wild: plants grow more freely, fill the entire tank, and overlap without strict organization. The aesthetic is lush and unstructured. Large, bold plants with varied leaf shapes create a canopy effect. Floating plants are often incorporated at the surface to block out direct light and create the shaded understory a jungle needs.

    Plants for this style include Microsorum pteropus (Java Fern), Aponogeton boevinianus, Bolbitis heudelotii, Crinum calamistratum, Vallisneria americana gigantea, Echinodorus ‘Ozelot’, Echinodorus ‘Rubin’, Crinum natans, Aponogeton crispus ‘Red’, Echinodorus quadricostatus, and Sagittaria.

    What it actually requires: A larger tank. A jungle in a 10-gallon looks like a mess. In a 55-gallon or larger, it becomes something genuinely impressive. The challenge is plant selection: growth rates vary wildly, and slow growers get choked out by fast-growing stems. You need to know which species will dominate and plan for regular pruning to keep the intentional wildness from becoming actual neglect. Low-tech friendly, but not low-maintenance.

    4. Biotope Style

    Biotope aquascaping recreates a specific, real-world aquatic habitat as accurately as possible. Not “inspired by” a habitat. An actual replication: correct substrate composition, correct water chemistry, correct plant species (if any), correct fish species from that exact geographic region. Amazon blackwater, African rift lake, Southeast Asian river, New World stream: the goal is scientific accuracy, not just visual appeal.

    What it actually requires: Research. Serious research. You need to know the water parameters, the substrate type, the species assemblage, and the seasonal variations of the specific habitat you’re replicating. This is the most intellectually demanding style on the list and often the least visually dramatic by traditional aquascape standards. But a well-executed biotope is one of the most impressive things you can show a serious hobbyist. It demonstrates a level of understanding most decorated tanks don’t.

    Biotope tanks are often entered in dedicated competitions judged on accuracy, not aesthetics. If that kind of challenge interests you, the aquascaping community has active biotope categories worth exploring.

    5. Paludarium Style

    A paludarium is part aquatic, part terrestrial: the tank is only partially filled with water, with substrate built up to create land areas. The result can simulate a riverbank, a jungle bog, a beach zone, or a rainforest streambed. Plants with roots in water but growth above it, like certain Anubias and Bromeliads, become the defining feature. Floating plants like Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes thrive in the water portion.

    Examples of plants that perform well in paludariums: Cyperus alternifolius, Spathiphyllum wallisii, Anubias varieties, and Bromeliads rooted at the waterline. The paludarium setup is ideal for amphibians rather than fish, and creates a display that’s genuinely unlike any standard aquarium.

    What it actually requires: A tank designed or modified to support the land/water split. Standard aquariums work but need waterproofing considerations for the land sections. Humidity management is critical: the land portion needs enough moisture without becoming a mold breeding ground. This is the most creative format on the list and allows the most departure from traditional aquarium design, but the technical requirements are different from anything else here.

    MARK’S TOP PICK

    Natural/Iwagumi style for most hobbyists who want a genuinely stunning planted tank without the full complexity of Dutch. The hardscape-focused design rewards patience and careful setup, and a well-executed Iwagumi is one of the cleanest, most striking looks in freshwater aquascaping. For experienced planted tank keepers who want the ultimate challenge, Dutch style is in a category of its own.

    Fish Selection for Aquascaped Tanks

    The fish you choose either reinforce or undermine the aquascape. Large herbivores like silver sharks and pacu will eat your plants. Fish sensitive to pH swings are a problem in CO2-injected tanks where pH drops during the photoperiod. Smaller schooling fish create the illusion of greater depth and movement without overwhelming the plant structure.

    Strong choices for planted aquascapes: Ember Tetras, Neon Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, and Cardinal Tetras. For something different, Dwarf Gouramis add color at the surface without disturbing plant structure. The Chili Rasbora is exceptional in a dark-substrate Natural style tank: the red coloration pops in a way that larger fish simply can’t achieve at that scale. Discus work in Dutch-style tanks with stable, warm, soft water conditions, but they’re not a starter fish.

    WHAT MOST PEOPLE MISS

    The photo you’re trying to recreate was probably taken right after a trim, under tuned lighting, with months of growth behind it. New tanks don’t look like that. The first 8 to 12 weeks of a planted tank are often ugly: plants are adjusting, algae is cycling through, and the hardscape looks bare. Most beginners quit during this phase. The ones who push through it end up with the tanks worth photographing.

    TRY OR SKIP?

    Try if: You’ve kept a basic planted tank successfully for at least 6 months, you’re willing to invest in quality lighting and substrate, and you can commit to the maintenance schedule the style requires. Natural/Iwagumi and Jungle styles are reasonable starting points. Dutch is for experienced planted tank keepers only. Lower priority if: You’re new to aquariums in general, you want a low-maintenance tank, or you have fish species that are incompatible with a heavily planted environment. Build your basic fishkeeping and plant skills first, then scale up to aquascaping.

    Should You Try Aquascaping?

    Good Fit If:

    • You already enjoy gardening and want to bring that interest into the aquarium
    • You have a stable tank and want to elevate the display beyond standard decor
    • You’re patient enough to let a tank develop over months before it reaches its potential
    • You’re willing to invest in proper lighting, substrate, and (for most styles) CO2 equipment

    Avoid If:

    • You want a low-maintenance tank (aquascaping is higher maintenance than a fish-only setup)
    • You keep large herbivorous fish or cichlids that will destroy plant structure
    • You’re expecting the finished look within the first month (it doesn’t work that way)
    • You’re not prepared for the algae phase that comes with most new planted tanks

    Closing Thoughts

    Aquascaping is one of the most rewarding directions you can take in this hobby. When a planted tank reaches full maturity with healthy plants, the right fish, and a layout that holds together, it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful things you can create in a living room. But that result takes time, the right style choice, and often more equipment investment than beginners expect.

    Start with Natural style if you want a manageable entry point. Use Jungle style if you want something dramatic without the structural discipline Dutch demands. And give the tank 12 weeks before you decide whether it’s working. Most aquascaping failures happen because people don’t wait long enough to see what the tank actually becomes.

    For quality aquatic plants and hardscape supplies, Dan’s Fish carries a solid selection of planted tank species worth checking before you start sourcing plants locally. Getting the right plant species from the start makes the difference between a style that works and one that struggles from day one.

    References

  • 10 Exotic Freshwater Fish Worth Keeping (My Honest Picks)

    10 Exotic Freshwater Fish Worth Keeping (My Honest Picks)

    After 25 years in this hobby, I still get excited by freshwater species that most people overlook. The assumption that you need a saltwater tank for exotic fish is flat-out wrong. some of the most unusual, beautiful animals I’ve kept have been freshwater. These are the ten I’d recommend to anyone ready to go beyond the basics.

    Most people assume you need a saltwater tank to keep truly exotic fish. I’d push back on that hard. In 25+ years I’ve come across freshwater species that stop people cold when they see them for the first time. The issue is that many of these fish are genuinely challenging: some are hyper-aggressive, some need massive tanks, and a few are outright scary to feed. That’s part of what makes them interesting. Here are my top 10 picks that I’ve either kept personally or studied closely enough to give you real guidance on.

    Expert Take (Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot)

    The word ‘exotic’ gets thrown around a lot in fishkeeping. After 25 years in the hobby and time running aquarium stores, my definition is simple: a fish that stops people cold when they first see it. Every fish on this list qualifies. Some are exotic because of their size, some because of their behavior, some because of the price tag or the commitment required. What they share is this: none of them are beginner fish, and several will define the entire tank they live in. Read each profile before you buy. The commitment level varies enormously from one species to the next.

    10 Most Exotic Freshwater Fish

    1. Wolf Cichlid

    Wolf Cichlid

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons 
    • Max Size – Around 28 inches
    • Temperament – VERY Aggressive
    • Lifespan – 30 years
    • Price – $20

    A relatively plain-looking fish as an adult so you may be wondering why this Cichlid makes our most exotic freshwater fish list. Well, it’s because this fish is hyper-aggressive. It is easily the most aggressive cichlid you can buy and arguably the most aggressive freshwater fish commonly available. 

    They are a total handful, they are usually best kept alone in a tank as they will harass any other fish in the aquarium and they are scary to feed. Just look at this video by Mbuna Marcus of his Wolf Cichlid. Several times in this video his Wolf Cichlid went right for his fingers while eating and splashes water over his floors! These fish do not mess around! 

    9. Vampire Tetra

    Vampire Tetra

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons 
    • Max Size – Around 12 inches
    • Temperament – Aggressive
    • Lifespan – 2 years in captivity
    • Price – $75+

    This is one crazy-looking exotic freshwater fish. They have giant front teeth which are where the name vampire comes from. They are very aggressive fish that require expert-level maintenance. Most of these fish usually will not live very long in captivity, unfortunately. They usually only eat live fish and will rarely accept frozen foods. They are best suited for a species-only aquarium with most aquarists who keep them only having a single fish in the tank.  

    8. Red Texas Cichlid

    Texas Red Cichlid

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons 
    • Max Size – Around 12 inches
    • Temperament – Aggressive
    • Lifespan – Around 5-10 years
    • Price – Usually around $150-200 at 6 inches

    This hybrid cichlid was created by breeding a Texas Cichlid and a Flowerhorn Cichlid. They are difficult to find and usually available seasonally from breeders. They command a high price tag since they are hard to find. 

    7. African Cichlids

    African Cichlid

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 40 gallons 
    • Max Size – Up to 24 inches though usually 6-7 inches
    • Temperament – Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive
    • Lifespan – Around 5-10 years
    • Most Expensive – Showcase African Varieties usually $120+

    There are so many African cichlid types we could list here. Since many of them are often confused as saltwater fish by many people who see them for the first time, I felt that it was best to include most of the African lake cichlids in one group. There are some Africans that you can get for cheap like assorted Mbunas from a local fish store. However, there are specific varieties of Africans that can command prices over $100. If you are interested in learning more about African Cichlid tanks and care, please be sure to check our earlier blog post.  

    6. Flowerhorn Cichlid

    Flowerhorn Cichlid

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 70 gallons 
    • Max Size – 15 inches
    • Temperament – Aggressive
    • Lifespan – Around 7 years
    • Most Expensive – Breeder Showcase Varieties $500+

    A very beautiful exotic freshwater fish that originates from Malaysia. In Asia, they are considered a bringer of good luck. Flowerhorn Cichlids come in a variety of colors including reds, blues, pinks, yellows, and oranges. They are an aggressive Cichlid species and prefer large tanks all to themselves.  

    5. Pleco

    L250 Pleco

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 70 gallons 
    • Max Size – 18 inches
    • Temperament – Peaceful
    • Lifespan – Around 20 years
    • Most Expensive – L250 Pleco $10,000+

    While most hobbyists will think a Pleco is a common freshwater fish, they really are a unique exotic freshwater fish. Many varieties like Snowball, Zebra, Golden Nugget and Royal Plecos are examples on how exotic-looking Plecos can be. There are common plecos which can get fairly large typically around 12-18 inches in length and there are smaller varieties like Bristle Nose Plecos which are suitable for smaller aquariums.  

    The most expensive Pleco to date was the L250 Pleco sold back in 2004 for over $10,000 in Japan; however, most Plecos do not sell anywhere near that. There are several types of Plecos that will sell for over $100 though.

    4. Discus

    Discus Fish

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons 
    • Max Size – 8 – 10 inches
    • Temperament – Peaceful
    • Lifespan – Around 10 years
    • Most Expensive – Mated Pair Discus $1,000+

    When one thinks of exotic freshwater fish, this is usually the fish most people think of. They can be expensive, have a variety of colors, are very delicate, and require excellent water parameters. Discus belong to the Cichlid genus and originate from South America. They are very social with members of their own species. They will also breed in the aquarium, which has created an industry of cichlid breeders where some top strains will sell for several hundred to thousands of dollars.

    They are considered very challenging where they even intimate advanced aquarium keepers! If you are considering Discus and are new to keeping them, starting with an easier to keep discus breeder varieties like Stendker Discus or purchasing only domestically breed discuss will increase your chances to succeed.

    3. Freshwater Stingrays

    Freshwater Stingray

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 180 gallons 
    • Max Size – Up to 3 feet
    • Temperament – Semi-Aggressive
    • Lifespan – Around 10 years
    • Most Expensive – Polka Dot Stingray $100,000

    When most of us think about stingrays, we think about the saltwater variety. There are freshwater varieties that originate from the Amazon. Beautiful, bold, and unique looking they are difficult to resist if you have a big enough aquarium. This exotic fresh fish is also venomous. While there are no known cases of a freshwater stingray causing a human fatality, they have been cases where the sting has caused numbness at the wound site several years later!

    The rarest stingrays also command high price tags. One such stingray at the Taiwan Expo featured a Polka Dot Stingray with an asking price of $100,000!

    2. Arowana

    Arowana

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 125 gallons
    • Max Size – 3 Feet
    • Temperament – Aggressive
    • Lifespan – Up to 50 years
    • Most Expensive – Platinum Arowana $300,000

    An extremely popular freshwater fish due to its prehistoric cosmetic appearance, the Arowana is well known exotic freshwater fish. They are known for jumping as high as 6 feet in the air for prey in the wild and have been known to jump out of aquariums. They get very large and are usually housed in an aquarium at least 125 gallons or larger. A common Arowana can be purchased for around $50 to a few hundred dollars.

    However, certain Arowanas can fetch extreme price tags. Prized Arowana like the Platinum Arowana can sell for over $300,000!. These Arowanas are considered so valuable that they have microchips implanted into them before they reach sexual maturity to help identify and authenticate it. 

    1. Japanese Koi

    Exotic Freshwater Fish - Japanese Koi

    Stats:

    • Minimum Tank Size – 1000 gallons
    • Max Size – 3 Feet
    • Temperament – Peaceful
    • Lifespan – Around to 30 years
    • Most Expensive – Golden Carp $2,000,000+

    In Japanese culture, the Koi fish is celebrated as a noble creature. It is said that Japanese Koi are able to climb large waterfalls bravely, which symbolizes that incredible achievement is possible with hard work. It is also said in Koi lore that if a Koi fish is caught, it will lie on the cutting board awaiting its death without fear, similar to the Samurai warriors. There are also legends stating that if a Koi climbed the waterfall on the Yellow River, it would be transformed to a Koi Dragon.

    With such great history, lore, long life spans, and respect for these fish, there is no question for this fish to be #1 on our most exotic freshwater fish list. In fact, the most expensive koi on the list demands a staggering price tag of over $2,000,000! You can see the prized fish in the video below: 

    Mark’s Pick

    For keepers who want exotic without the extreme commitment, I recommend the polypterus (bichir). It looks genuinely prehistoric, handles a range of water conditions better than most exotic species, and can be kept in a 55-gallon (208 L) setup. It’s carnivorous and will eat small tankmates, but it’s not actively aggressive the way a wolf cichlid or flowerhorn can be. Of everything on this list, it gives you the most ‘exotic’ experience for the least amount of specialized infrastructure.

    Exotic Freshwater Fish at a Glance

    FishMax SizeMin TankDifficultyTemperament
    Wolf Cichlid28 in (71 cm)200 gal (757 L)ExpertHyper-aggressive
    Flowerhorn16 in (41 cm)75 gal (284 L)IntermediateAggressive
    Polypterus (Bichir)24 in (61 cm)55 gal (208 L)IntermediateSemi-aggressive
    Freshwater Stingray18 in disc (46 cm)180 gal (681 L)ExpertPeaceful
    Arowana36 in (91 cm)250 gal (946 L)ExpertSemi-aggressive
    Arapaima120 in (305 cm)1000+ galExpert OnlyPredator
    Koi36 in (91 cm)1000+ gal pondModeratePeaceful

    Avoid If:

    • You have less than 3 years of fishkeeping experience: most exotic species require established husbandry skills
    • Your budget for equipment is under $1,000: large exotic fish need large tanks, powerful filtration, and reliable heating
    • You want a community tank: most exotic species are predators or highly territorial and cannot be kept with other fish
    • You can’t commit for the long term: arowana live 20+ years, koi can live 30+, and arapaima are essentially permanent

    Closing Thoughts

    Exotic freshwater fish are genuinely rewarding, but the cost of getting it wrong is high: failed fish, wasted money, and a tank you can’t maintain. Start with the commitment level, not the looks. If you’re ready for a species-only setup, a large tank, and a long-term plan, the fish on this list will give you something you can’t get from any standard community setup.

    What Has Been Your Experience With These Exotic Freshwater Fish?

    Have you kept any of these fish on this list? If so, share your experiences in the comments below. We would love you hear about your experiences. 

  • 5 Real Benefits of Keeping a Fish Tank at Home (Backed by Science)

    5 Real Benefits of Keeping a Fish Tank at Home (Backed by Science)

    I’ve had aquariums at home my entire adult life. and I genuinely believe keeping fish has made me calmer, more patient, and more observant. That’s not just anecdote. There’s real research backing up what hobbyists have known for decades: there are measurable mental and physical health benefits to keeping a home aquarium. After 25+ years in this hobby, here are the five benefits I’ve seen hold up consistently, both in the science and in my own experience.

    Thinking of keeping a fish tank at home? Not only is a home aquarium enjoyable, entertaining and a good hobby for any family member, it is also a proven benefit to your health. In a time where stress is at an all time high with pandemics, high work stress, and increased anxiety an aquarium can really help alleviate stress.

    And that’s not just me being bias about my 25 years in the hobby. My statements are backed up by various medical studies made over the years. It’s not secret that keeping a pet is great for your health, and aquarium fish are no exception. Let’s good though the various benefits in this post.

    An overview on the hobby

    According to a study made by the 2021 American Pet Products Association (APPA), fish are the third most popular pet behind dogs and cats and ahead from birds

    PetNumber (in Millions)
    Dog69.0
    Cat45.3
    Freshwater Fish11.8
    Bird9.9
    Small Animal6.2
    Reptile5.7
    Horse3.5
    Saltwater Fish2.9
    Source: American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey1

    Freshwater and saltwater fish are separated into two separate categories on this survey. Adding them both up, that is nearly 15 million aquarium owners in the US!

    The Top 5 Health Benefits of Home Aquariums

    1. Reduced levels of stress

    Do you have a stressful life, high blood pressure, insomnia? Studies have shown that aquarium may provide significant health benefits to you. Studies go back as far as the 80’s have shown that gazing at aquarium fish reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure.  It’s no wonder why it is a common site to see aquariums in doctors and dentist lobbies – they have known about the stress reliving benefits for years!

    The recent study by the University of Exeter Medical School showed that exposure to natural environments and highly managed settings can have calming and stress relieving effects.

    Furthermore, the study found that there was an increased stress relieving and calming effect on fish, in particular tropical and marine fish.  There was a strong correlation between more biodiversity (fish and aquatic plants/corals) and reduced levels of stress and blood pressure.

    Reduced stress and blood pressure are great benefits, but it goes much further than that. According to the Women’s Heart Foundation, a number of aliments have been associated with with high stress levels in daily life including heart attacks, sleep disorders, and some ulcers.

    2. Improvements in Sleep Quality

    According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Associate, 66 percent of stated that their aquarium help relieve them of stress. Lower blood pressure and lower stress contributes to better sleep. After all, there is a sleep condition linked to high blood pressure and stress called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OCA).

    We see even greater evidence in the hobby itself. I know of two such examples. The first is Travis from Fish of Hex. He was an ex-vet serving in the US Army who got deployed to Afghanistan from 2007-2008. He was diagnosed with PTSD after returning home and has stated on his about us page that keeping reef tanks has helped him cope ever since. He is so passionate about this, he created a Reef Tank for Veterans program where he builds reef tanks for sufferers of PTSD.

    3. Lowered blood pressure and heart rate

    Research has shown that keeping an aquarium can help lower blood pressure and heart rates. A study found that the presence of an aquarium reduced blood pressure and increased relaxation among patients of specialized dementia units.2

    4. Decreased pain and anxiety

    Ever wonder why so many dental offices have aquariums? It’s because the dentist know there are studies that show that dental patients viewing the aquariums in the waiting room experience less anxiety and need less pain medication3.

    In the linked study, the key factor was the living fish. Something about viewing fish swimming in an aquarium calms are minds down. It’s no wonder we see them everywhere at Dental offices.

    5. Calming effect for children and Alzheimer’s patients

    Another study made by Purdue University found that display tanks of brightly colored fish may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve the eating habits of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The study also revealed that the fish tanks stimulated cognitive thoughts in Alzheimer’s patients.

    Costs Of An Aquarium

    One of the biggest fears for beginners is the cost of keeping an aquarium. This fear comes from advanced hobbyists like reef tank owners or people who have made many mistakes in the past from their fish-keeping journey. Aquariums are not that expensive, especially if you go with a freshwater aquarium.

    Let’s compare the cost of keeping a fish to the two most popular pets in the US – cats and dogs. If we go to the ASPCA website, there is an article about annual costs for dogs and cats. According to their post, the annual cost of a dog is $1,391 while a cat is $1,149. Your initial one-time costs are $1,030 for dogs, and $455 for cats. This is before looking at grooming for a dog and dental for both pets. We total out to over $3,000 for the first year of ownership for a dog. See the summarized table below:

    TypeDogCatFreshwater Fish
    Annual Costs$1,391$1,149$100
    One-Time Cost$1,030$455$250
    Special Costs$800$300$25
    Total$3,221$1,904$375
    Source: ASPCA.org

    In the chart above, I’m comparing the cost of keeping a Dog or Cat vs. a 5-gallon freshwater fish tank. Here we can see that keeping a small freshwater fish tank can be nearly 10 times less than the cost of a Dog. Why did I pick a 5-gallon fish tank? Because in the freshwater hobby, the perfect fish for a 5-gallon fish tank is a betta fish. Betta fish are great individual pets, are highly rewarding, and you can bond with them as they are a single fish versus a community of fish.

    This setup listed is on the higher end, using a premium Fluval Spec V and accounting for a quality diet and a fancier Betta Type variety.

    Why Keep An Aquarium At Home?

    Betta in Planted Aquarium

    Now that we know the health benefits and the cost, let’s go into further detail why purchasing a fish tank and keeping is a good idea. Sure the health benefits are great, but what about the other reasons? They are a pet after all that requires responsibility. Let’s see what else they have to offer.

    Peace and Quiet

    One of the biggest downsides to keeping a dog that I have personally experienced is the noise factor. Some dogs can be loud with barking or particularly needy at times. Fish tanks can be noisy as well if you invest in cheap equipment.

    With the moderation of better filtration systems like canister filters, all-in-one fish tanks, and high-quality power filters an aquarium can be virtually silent.

    Education Opportunities for Kids

    it’s quite common in schools to have science projects involving aquatic animals. This is because a child can learn a lot about ecosystems, the nitrogen cycle, and identifying and treating aliments. It also can unfortunately a way to introduce kids to the concept of death.

    Perhaps I’m sounding morbid here, but I did remember the first time my youngest son Rhys had to see a yellow tang I quarantined that ended up passed away due to marine velvet. I did the right thing quarantining the fish since that disease didn’t go into my display tank. Still, I had to explain to my son what death was.

    Fish die in our hobby. Some fish live shorter lives than other pets and they can die for various reasons. The fact that I had to explain this to a pet first instead of a family member I felt was really helping in him understanding how the cycle of life worked.

    Small Footprint

    While it is true that aquariums can get very large and showy from shows like Tanked, we also know that smaller aquariums can fit on a desktop or countertop. With homes getting smaller from increased cost of living, it’s nice to have a pet option that doesn’t require a large backyard, a litter box, or a large bird cage.

    Most aquariums that people purchase in this hobby are going to be 2 feet in length or shorter. It’s when you jump into 3 foot + fish tanks where space can be an issue in the home. Stick to smaller fish tanks and you won’t have a space issue.

    Low Maintenance

    Dogs require a lot of attention. Larger breeds require to be walked several miles a day. Cat need a little box cleaned, which can get unslightly if not regularly kept up.

    I actually see a lot of similarities with cats and fish as both in general will be okay with an autonomous existence. The main difference is fish are in their own little world. They will be happy to see you feed them and are perfectly happy if you leave them alone. Many advanced hobbyist who perform aquascaping look at aquariums like living works of art.

    The maintenance of a simple setup is low with a smaller tank and sticking to freshwater systems. Water changes are fairly painless and cleaning the tank is less work than cleaning a little box.

    The Community

    The aquarium hobby is a huge community. There are regular tradeshows like Aquashella that celebrate the diversity of the hobby and local fish clubs are great for getting mentored and getting pro tips on advanced topics like fish breeding.

    Clubs are a great place to find friends and connect with other aquarium keepers. You can take the hobby further and enter competitions or learn to make money in the hobby by selling plants, baby fish, or even corals. The opportunities are endless in this hobby!

    Aesthetics

    If you are going for a large aquarium or more premium setup, the aesthetics of an aquarium have big benefits in a house. Large well designed home aquarium setups are centerpieces in rooms. Rimless aquariums really show well in homes. They can become a focal point, even a point of envy by some of your quests. Both the outside and inside of the aquarium can be show stoppers. Even the equipment is starting to look fancy!

    I’ve seen happy owners show off their aquariums to guest. They pop up their cabinet and show off their decked out sumps with an IPad display. It’s pretty crazy how some of the tools of our trade resemble tech toys now and as our hobby advances in technology we will see more smart tools being integrated in our aquariums.

    FAQs

    Do fish like being in tanks?

    In general, yes. In the freshwater side of the hobby, fish living in aquariums oftentimes live longer and healthier lives than their wild counterparts. Fish do not have the mental capacity like birds or dogs to like or dislike their situation, however, they will get stressed out of they are uncomfortable. If the fish are kept with a responsible owner, they have the potential to live long and healthy lives!

    Why is it good to have fish as a pet?

    Fish can be great to have as pets. Not only are they long-term cheaper than owning a cat and a dog, but they have also been proven in studies to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and have a calming effect.

    Is it good to have an aquarium in the house?

    It is a good idea to have an aquarium in the house. Studies from the University of Exeter Medical school showed that there was stress relief and a calming effect with keeping fish.

    Is it okay to have an aquarium in your bedroom?

    Yes, it is okay to have a fish tank in your bedroom. However, there are a few things to note. Having an aquarium will increase the humidity. There is also a noise factor if you have equipment that is loud. For bedroom or study areas, using higher-end equipment like canister filters will keep noise levels down.

    Closing Thoughts

    If you are looking for a stress management activity, you might consider maintaining a home aquarium or an aquarium in your workplace. Many people maintain a home aquarium as a stress management hobby.  Check out our blog about setting up a saltwater tank or check out our store and shop around for aquarium supplies and equipment.