Many people dream of keeping in-home aquariums. Yet, there are many different aquariums for many different living situations. For example, hobbyists with plenty of space may choose aquariums with impressive gallonage and intricate filtration systems. Others with limited space in their apartments or offices may turn to more compact options, such as wall-mounted fish tanks. But like everything else, there are pros and cons.
In this guide, we’ll focus on wall-mounted fish tanks and share what to know before getting one.
Pro: Wall-mounted Fish Tanks Are Space-Efficient
Possibly the main benefit of keeping a wall-mounted fish tank is that you will save space. Attach it to a bracket and mount it where you want on the wall. This is great if you live in an apartment and have limited square footage. With these products, you will still be able to keep your floor area free. Hobbyists don’t need to add a confined cabinet for their tank, either. Ideally, you could mount a small tank in your bedroom and enjoy the visual effect that it creates. In many ways, wall-mounted fish tanks offer more flexibility with placement than larger set-ups.
Con: Not Suitable for Larger Fish
Wall-mounted fish tanks are not suitable for bigger fish. Usually, they’re about 10 gallons or fewer, meaning if you want to keep larger species, like angelfish or bristlenose pleco, you should get a freestanding option. Wall-mounted tanks just don’t have enough horizontal space for larger fish to swim comfortably. We recommend guppies, honey gouramis, and betta fish for a wall-mounted tank.
Another issue is that wall-mounted fish tanks must withstand a fair amount of weight when filled with water. With improper mounting, the tank could fall and shatter, threatening the safety of your fish (and creating a mess!).
Pro: Wall-mounted Tanks Offer a Unique Visual Aesthetic
There’s no doubt that wall-mounted fish tanks offer a striking aesthetic. As you can mount them higher than standard home aquariums, they can create an amazing focal point in a room. Many people are mindful of feng shui principles and include these tanks in their living spaces. They’re also available in different designs, unlike most traditional box-shaped tanks.
Some hobbyists even keep an aquarium instead of a television because of their many benefits. Free-standing fish tanks are also perfect for bedrooms because you don’t lose floor space and can situate them directly in view. Scientists have proven that aquariums improve their owners’ mood and can help reduce stress. They add an overall sense of tranquility that is impossible to quantify! This calming effect may even help their owners sleep better.
Con: There Are Potential Installation Issues
One of the main problems people have with wall-mounted fish tanks is finding an appropriate place to put them. They may have a specific area in mind, but then discover that the wall isn’t structurally sound enough to bear the tank. Finding a suitable spot could take some trial and error! When choosing a suitable area for a wall-mounted aquarium, consider the room’s humidity levels. Excessive moisture could weaken drywall and compromise the tank’s stability.
Pro: Smaller Tanks Are Easier to Clean
Another positive of keeping a wall-mounted fish tank is that they’re easy to handle and maintain. For example, owners can clean their surface areas without any issues. They’re also usually simpler in design because they don’t have filters or heating systems. While this also creates some limitations, it also means that there’s less for people to worry about. This can make it the best tank option for owners who don’t have much time. Keep in mind that even though it’s easier to clean a smaller tank, you’ll have to perform this task more often!
Con: Wall-mounted Tanks Can Pose Unique Challenges
Here are various reasons why some aquarists steer clear of wall-mounted aquariums:
- Many of these aquariums don’t have lids, so there’s a risk of fish jumping out of the water. Research your species’ behavior to avoid this problem. Note that a fish may try to escape its tank if it’s stressed or has an unsuitable environment.
- Meanwhile, many wall-mounted tanks don’t have built-in filters or are incompatible with them. Here, it can be trickier to maintain healthy water parameters, and this may lead to a contaminated tank. Filters are essential to maintaining a clean and healthy aquarium.
Furthermore, it’s impossible to heat some wall-mounted tanks, reducing the variety of species you can choose from. Owners will not be able to put tropical species in their home aquarium because the water will be too cold. There are some deluxe wall-mounted tanks on the market. However, the downside is that they’re very expensive.
Pro: Wall-mounted Aquariums Are Safe from Kids/Pets
Maybe you want to keep a fish, but you’re worried about your young children or other pets interfering with the aquarium. Cats are notorious for bothering fish in floor-mounted tanks. They will patiently gaze into the aquarium all day, plotting nefarious ways to get a tasty snack. Meanwhile, young children may not have any malicious intent but could accidentally change the tank parameters or knock it over. It could even be a health and safety hazard for them. A wall-mounted tank could be a good compromise. Sure, you can’t have all the species you might want, but at least you can still keep an aquarium.
Con: Depending on Location, Access Can Be Difficult
Sometimes, wall-mounted tanks can be difficult for their owners to access. If you’re lucky enough to have a filter or heater, you may never need a step ladder to reach them. This can make internal cleaning challenging. It’s even trickier if these items are behind the tank itself. Furthermore, it can be awkward to view the tank from certain angles.
Bottom line: choose the right aquarium for your needs. A floor-mounted tank is preferable for serious hobbyists, but wall-mounted options can be great if you carefully consider its location and your expectations.
