If you have ever seen an aquarium in a doctor’s office or in the lobby of a fancy hotel, you have probably noticed that aquariums can be as much for decoration as they can for the amusement of the hobbyist. Lately, home aquariums have increased in popularity as elements of décor in homes, restaurants and other establishments – one of the newest trends in novelty aquariums is the wall-mounted tank. A wall-mounted aquarium is very similar to a wall-mounted television in that it puts the aquarium at eye-level for optimal viewing. This type of tank is unique and beautiful in its own way, but it does come with its own set of unique challenges. If you are interested in keeping a wall-mounted aquarium, do yourself a favor by learning everything you can about them before you buy one.
Advantages of Wall-Mounted Tanks
One of the main advantages of a wall-mounted tank is, of course, its uniqueness. If you are interested in cultivating a tank that will serve as both a hobby and an entertainment piece, the wall-mounted aquarium is certainly something to consider. Another advantage of a wall-mounted tank is that it puts your fish at eye-level where you can easily view them and display them to your guests. A wall-mounted tank is a great option if you have limited floor space and do not want to take up any of that space with a cumbersome aquarium cabinet or stand. Furthermore, a wall-mounted aquarium can become part of the design of your home rather than simply an accessory.
Disadvantages of Wall-Mounted Tanks
Though wall-mounted aquariums are beautiful, they do come with certain challenges. One thing to consider is the task of actually mounting the aquarium to the wall. Most wall-mounted aquariums measure no more than 6 to 8 inches deep – if they were too much deeper, the wall might not be able to support them. Though they may not be as large as many traditional tanks (wall-mounted tanks are generally only 16 to 18 inches high and less than 24 inches long), they are still very heavy when filled with water, gravel and fish. This being the case, they must be attached directly to the wall studs for support. If you do not have sturdy, load-bearing studs available or limited wall space, a wall-mounted tank may not work for you.
You also have to think about the limited size of a wall-mounted tank. While a smaller tank may look just as attractive as a larger tank, you have to consider the well-being of your fish. Because these tanks have limited depth, you should not stock them with fish that grow to be any more than 4 inches long. The fact that the tank is mounted to the wall also limits your options in regard to equipment – you may need to invest in smaller filters and heaters to accommodate the smaller tank. Correlated to this subject is the fact that you may also need to buy custom lighting which might not be strong enough to support plant growth in the tank.
Tips for Maintenance
If you are looking for a new and exciting challenge in the aquarium hobby, a wall-mounted tank may be right for you. After reading this article, however, you may be nervous about some of the challenges that come with the territory. Keep in mind that any fish tank has its associated advantages and disadvantages – those for a wall-mounted tank are simply different. If you have decided that a wall-mounted tank is the right choice for you, there are a few things you can do to ensure that your tank stays properly maintained. Always replace your filter media in a timely fashion and keep up to date with weekly water tests. You will need to continue to perform weekly water changes to keep the water in your tank clean.
Another thing you might consider is using an EcoBio-Stone in your tank. EcoBio-Stones are made from porous volcanic stone and they are infused with beneficial bacteria. Beneficial bacteria are the key to establishing and maintaining the nitrogen cycle which serves to convert harmful toxins like ammonia into less harmful substances that won’t affect your fish.