Fish may not be America's most popular pet but it seems they are a source of visual pleasure and a welcome decorative element in around 7.2 million aquarium-owning households. Fish, most pet owners would agree, not only lend a calming, serene atmosphere to a home or office, but also make ideal pets for those who value the visual. If you have just bought a home and you are thinking of adding a few magical touches to the interiors, why not start with an aquarium?
A Peaceful Escape
Aquariums with beautiful tropical fish are often present in dentists' and doctors' clinics because they have been proven not only to lower stress but also to lower one's heart rate and blood pressure. Fish can also lend grace to your home design and prove to be great conversation starters with guests. If you think an aquarium would fit in your current décor set-up, think of placing it in the living room, entrance hall, or any place in which they can reveal their mood-lifting effect to your family and friends. If you love aquariums that are filled with fish, take note: fish thrive in groups so try to avoid buying just one or two.
Choosing Color
You can paint both the interior and exterior of your aquarium for dramatic effect. If you are painting your aquarium by yourself, ensure that you are using fish-friendly paint that does not contain toxins that can harm your fish's health. You will also need to follow instructions strictly. For instance, paint should be totally dried and rinsed before items are placed into the aquarium. When choosing color, pay heed to the effect it can have on mood. Blue and green shades, for instance, will enhance the peaceful effect of your aquarium while red and orange tones will have an energizing effect. Color can be used on decorative elements such as corals and 'fish houses' that you place in the aquarium.
Finding the Perfect Style
There are just about as many aquarium styles as there are décor styles so ensure that your fish tank matches the look of your living space. If, for instance, minimalism is your thing, then an aquarium with few interior décor items or one with all-white or all-black (or gray) corals, hiding spots, and rocks will blend in seamlessly with this style. For inspiration, check out Haruka Misawa's arty aquarium exhibit, which features a kind-of white cloud shape inside a simple square aquarium containing pure white sand. If your living room is colorful and inspired on marine or natural life, then feel free to use complementary and contrasting colors in your tank.
If you have bought a home and you think an aquarium would add a nice decorative touch, ensure that you have all it takes for your fish to thrive - an aquarium that is the right size, oxygen and purifiers if necessary, and anything recommended to you by a specialist. On the decorative side, make sure you use the right color, painting décor pieces yourself with non-toxic paint. Finally, remember that your aquarium should fit into your current space rather than stand out. Achieve this through the selection of an aquarium shape and style that will have long-lasting appeal.
