Fish tanks are often kept in living rooms to provide a calming atmosphere and add beauty to the home decor.
However, many aquarists place fish tanks in their dining room as it helps create a more relaxed atmosphere during meals.
So let’s learn more about the things to consider before installing a fish tank in the dining room.
Factors to Consider While Placing a Fish Tank in The Dining Room
Here are the top factors to consider before placing a fish tank in the dining room.
Adequate Space
The available space is the first and foremost factor to consider while placing a fish tank in the dining room.
A fish tank shouldn’t be cramped into a small space as it’s difficult to maintain and clean it.
Also, the fish tank should be kept away from the dining table because the constant movement and noise disturbs the fish.
Size of The Aquarium
The size of the fish tank should be appropriate for the size of the dining room.
A large tank may take up too much space and make the room look cluttered.
On the contrary, a small tank may not be able to accommodate the number of fish you want.
Hence, choosing the right tank size is crucial to ensure that it fits well in the room.
Direct Sunlight
The fish tank should be placed away from the window in the dining room.
Direct sunlight causes algae bloom which lowers the oxygen level in the tank.
Exposure to sunlight also results in the tank getting hot.
Sudden and drastic changes in the water temperature stresses the fish and cause them to fall ill.
A temperature rise also increases the evaporation of the water from the tank.
Evaporation causes the liquid volume to shrink and undesirable substances like ammonia and nitrates to rise, which is fatal to fish.
Noise
Fish don’t like loud noises.
The dining room should be quiet, and the fish tank should be placed away from the entryways and doors.
The noise of people entering and leaving the room is stressful for the fish.
Care should also be taken if the dining room is close to the living room, where the television set or other music systems are kept.
Fish are very sensitive to the vibration created by the loud noise from the TV or speakers.
They get scared and stressed due to the noise.
Flashing lights from the TV also disturb the fish as they aren’t used to frequent and rapid light changes in their natural environment.
Proper Lighting
Fish tanks should be placed in an area of the dining room which is well-lit. The light shouldn’t be too bright or too dim.
The light should provide enough illumination for the fish to see their food and other objects in the tank.
The light should also be adjustable so that it can be adjusted according to the needs of the fish.
Proper Ventilation
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Fish tanks should be placed in an area of the dining room which is well-ventilated. The air should circulate freely around the tank.
Good ventilation helps keep the water temperature stable and prevents foul odors from accumulating in the tank.
Ventilation is also essential to prevent mold or mildew from manifesting on the walls and other surfaces of the aquarium.
Safety
You definitely don’t want an accident that damages your aquarium or hurts the fish.
Hence, fish tanks should be placed in a safe place in the dining room.
The wiring for your fish tank filters, heaters, and lighting should be placed behind or beside the aquarium to avoid accidents.
It’s vital to ensure that the tank is secure and stable so that it doesn’t topple over or break due to external force.
It’s also essential to ensure that the tank is placed away from any sharp edges or corners of the furniture in the dining room.
This will help prevent accidental scratches or damage to the fish tank.
Easy Accessibility
Fish tanks should be placed in an area of the dining room which is easily accessible.
This will make it easier to clean and maintain the tank regularly.
The tank should also be placed at a height that allows easy access to the top of the tank for feeding, turning on/off the aquarium lights, and other maintenance activities.
It’s crucial to ensure that all necessary equipment, such as filters, pumps, heaters, and lighting, are easily accessible for maintenance.
Room Temperature
The temperature of the dining room should be comfortable for the fish.
Fish are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and fall ill if the temperature is too high or too low.
Special care must be taken if the dining room is close to the kitchen.
A kitchen usually has a high temperature compared to other rooms.
Hence, the temperature of the dining room should be monitored regularly to ensure that it’s suitable for the fish.
Visual Appearance
The visual appearance of the fish tank in the dining room is another factor to be considered.
The tank should be aesthetically pleasing and blend in with the room’s overall decor.
The fish tank’s size, shape, color, and design should complement the other furniture and accessories in the dining room.