Acrylic aquarium

Types

Acrylic aquariums are well-known as the highest quality fish tanks available on the global fish tank market. Acrylic aquarium manufacturers are found in every corner of the world. The popularity of acrylic fish tanks comes from its various styles and sizes manufactured to cater to any preference or need. Below are the types available:

Wall-Mounted Aquariums

This aquarium comes in a unique design allowing it to be mounted on walls, resembling a piece of art rather than a traditional aquarium.

• Modern Aquascape: This aquarium facilitates unique modern aquascape designs featuring sleek, minimalist layouts with bold geometric patterns. The aquarist can go with this layout because it is a departure from traditional soil and plant arrangements.
• Floating Aquatic Points: This aquarium can be used to create floating elements using hardy plants like ferns and Java moss, giving the appearance of floating greenery.
• Wall Art: This aquarium will look and feel like real wall art. Pointing it will add color and character to any room or hallway.

Hexagon Aquariums

Hexagon aquariums have multiple angled sides to provide unique viewing angles. The aquariums are usually placed on stands or tabletops. Below are some popular hexagon aquarium ideas:

• Corner of the Room: Available in different sizes, the hexagon fish tank can fit comfortably in the corner of a room, making it an ideal choice for those that do not have ample space and still want an aquarium.
• Tabletop Centerpiece: Smaller hexagonal aquariums can also be used as table centerpieces to create visually appealing conversation starters.
• Floor Standing: Larger hexagon aquariums are usually best placed on floors to transform a space into a stunning visual focal point.

Cube Aquariums

Cube aquariums are known for their equal dimensions on all sides, which provides a balanced swimming area for fish. They are simple, yet sleek aquariums that work well in any part of the house or institution. Popular ideas include:

• Stacked Cube Display: Multiple small cube aquariums are stacked on each other to create an eye-catching centerpiece. This style is popular among aquarists who prefer keeping betta fish or small tropical fish. It can also be a unique feature for the office or home.
• Corner Desk Cube: A single cube aquarium sits neatly on the corner of the desk. This style is mainly preferred by those who like having an aquarium close to their workspace.

Vertical Rectangular Aquariums

Vertical rectangular aquariums provide fish with ample swimming space. They also allow the aquarist to create tall, layered aquascapes that resemble underwater landscapes and are commonly used for:

• Living Room Centerpieces: These aquariums are usually large and therefore placed on stands or tables to act as centerpieces in living rooms.
• Office Spaces: This aquarium is compact and provides a pleasing vertical focus, which makes it ideal for office desks.
• Apartments: Vertical rectangular aquariums are also ideal for small fish or shrimp and are popular among those who live in apartments because they are easy to transport.

Design

A well-designed acrylic aquarium enhances any space, providing a harmonious balance between functionality and aesthetics. Below are some effective design considerations when selecting an acrylic aquarium. It creates visually appealing environments while ensuring the well-being of aquatic life:

Color Schemes

Apart from its crystal-clear quality, another thing that makes acrylic aquarium stands out is the availability of different colors. This characteristic enables the creation of colorful, vibrant aquascapes, which further improve overall appearance. This characteristic is especially useful for enhancing interiors with:

• Contemporary Interiors: This aquarium complements modern spaces using bold blues, greens, and reds.
• Neutral Backgrounds: A wide range of colors helps make aquatic plants and fish pop, adding life and dynamism to neutral spaces.

Minimalistic Design

The thin, streamlined acrylic panels, which make the thickness of most acrylic aquariums look like glass, create a visually light and minimalist structure. The aquarium should also have a clean, uncluttered look that emphasizes the beauty of its inhabitants rather than overwhelming the viewer, and this style works well with:

• Industrial Themes: Minimalistic styling is ideal for a contemporary or industrial theme where the focus is on form and function.

Live Plant Incorporation

The use of live plants in the acrylic aquarium design can enhance the natural beauty and bioactivity of the tank. The plants introduce colors, textures, and depth to the environment while providing essential filtration and hiding spaces for fish. Below are the live plants that are commonly used to improve aquarium design:

• Foreground Plants: Small plants like dwarf hairgrass and java fern are used to provide a soft, green carpet at the bottom of the aquarium.
• Background Plants: Taller plants like the Amazon sword and vals create a lush, green backdrop that helps the aquarium feel more expansive.
• Floating Plants: These kinds of plants, like water lettuce and duckweed, add depth to the aquarium by providing shade and surface cover.

How To Choose

Choosing the right acrylic aquarium involves several key factors, including size, shape, filtration, lighting, and compatibility with aquatic life, as discussed below:

Size

Stands available with small aquariums can be placed on tables, desks, or even the floor. Although a large aquarium looks visually superior, it consumes a lot of space, and because smalls with smalls are more compact, they should have an appropriate choice of fish or plants. Below are some of the ideal size considerations:

• Small Aquariums: With a capacity of up to 5 gallons, small or mini acrylic aquariums are ideal for spaces like desktop corners or small indoor spaces.
• Medium Aquariums: Between 5 to 20 gallons, medium-sized aquariums are suitable for fish like bettas and small schooling fish.
• Large Aquariums: Having a capacity that exceeds 20 gallons, large aquariums are ideal for species that require ample swimming space, such as cichlids and angelfish.

Filtration System

A good filtration system maintains water quality and provides a healthy environment for aquatic species. Ensure the tank has a quality filtration system and, if possible, go for those with multi-stage filters that combine mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.

Lighting

Good aquarium lighting enhances the colors of the fish and plants and promotes plant growth. LED lights are usually energy efficient and long-lasting. They also come in various color spectrums that can be adjusted based on the needs of the aquarium.

Shape

The shape of an aquarium can significantly impact the aquascaping potential and available swimming space for fish. Whether choosing a long, shallow, or tall tank, each shape offers unique advantages for both aesthetic and aquatic life needs. Below are the common shapes with their advantages:

• Long Rectangular Aquariums: This aquarium is ideal for schooling fish that need ample swimming space. It can also easily accommodate various filtration and lighting systems.
• Tall Cylindrical Aquariums: This shape is suited for fish that require deep swimming space and for growing tall aquatic plants. These aquariums look stunning but need regular maintenance due to their limited surface area.
• Wide Bowfront Aquariums: The front curved glass provides panoramic viewing and is ideal for smaller fish that don’t require much swimming space.

Scenarios

Acrylic aquariums can be used in various scenarios, from home decor to educational settings. Their versatility allows them to be integrated into different environments, enhancing both aesthetics and learning experiences. Below are situations where acrylic aquariums are especially beneficial:

Home Decor

Acrylic fish tanks are available in various designs and can even be personalized to complement interior styles ranging from traditional to modern. They are also lightweight and easy to move, making them suitable for changing decor styles or room layouts. Below are the ideas:

• Floating Wall-Mounted Unit: This aquarium is a sleek, rectangular tank mounted directly onto the wall. The design features minimalistic, stainless-steel brackets for support, with a hidden LED light strip along the top to brilliantly illuminate the water and its contents. This acrylic fish tank can be a home centerpiece displaying various colorful fish.
• Table Centerpiece: The smaller size of this aquarium means it can be placed on coffee tables or even in the middle of dining tables, allowing it to act as an eye-catching centerpiece during dining or events.
• Freestanding Floor Model: This model features a tall, rectangular tank mounted on a sturdy wooden base that blends easily into any modern room. The base also conceals all the filtration and lighting components to maintain a clean look.

Educational Environments

These aquariums are clear, which makes them easy to view, and are portable, meaning they can be used in different classrooms, libraries, or even science fairs. Below are some of the ideas:

• Live Ecosystem: This aquarium can be used to teach students about aquatic ecosystems, the nitrogen cycle, and the importance of water conservation. The visible interactions between fish and plants provide a real-world demonstration of ecological principles.
• Maintenance Responsibility: Students can be assigned different tasks related to caring for the aquarium, such as feeding the fish and monitoring water quality, helping them learn about responsibility and teamwork.

Corporate Environments

Corporate environments can incorporate acrylic aquarium stands to enhance employee creativity and well-being and impress clients. Below are some effective placement ideas:

• In Lobbies: Freestanding acrylic aquariums work well in corporate lobbies, where clients and visitors can sit and stare at them while waiting to be attended. This enables the aquarium to act as a stunning visual centerpiece that sets the ambiance for clients.
• In Break Rooms: Desks with smaller acrylic fish tanks in the break area help make a calm, relaxing environment for employees to take a break from work while enjoying and interacting with the fish.
• Aquarium as Art: Acrylic aquariums are known for their contemporary designs, allowing them to look like real pieces of art rather than standard fish tanks. The squarish tanks can be customized with unique lighting or background patterns.

Q & A

Q. Are acrylic aquariums easy to maintain?

Although an acrylic aquarium is easy to maintain, it requires regular cleaning to avoid scratches. It is also lightweight and easy to transport, making it a good choice for different room settings or for persons on the move.

Q. Are acrylic aquariums suitable for beginners?

Many acrylic aquariums are available in small sizes and simple filtration systems, making them ideal for the rush beginner who is testing the waters to see if they enjoy the hobby.

Q. Are acrylic aquariums durable?

An acrylic aquarium is highly durable and impact-resistant compared to glass aquariums. The only downside is that the surface can easily get scratched, but the owner can always polish it.

Q. What fish can be kept in an acrylic aquarium?

Fish to keep in an acrylic aquarium depend on the size of the tank. Small fish like betta fish or neocaridina shrimp can be in the small tank, while larger fish like angelfish or tiger barbs can be in larger tanks.