The pros and cons of wall mounted aquariums

Fish aquariums can be a delightful addition to an interior space. Wall mounted aquariums are a compact solution to bulky floor mounted fish tanks and are increasingly used for their practical and aesthetic attributes. However, there are some disadvantages associated with their use. Read further for information on pros and cons of wall mounted aquariums.

Pros

Space-saving Wall mounted aquariums are a space-saving alternative to regular fish tanks since they do not consume any floor area. Wall mounted aquariums have a compact design. Their narrow widths ensure that the aquarium does not project much from the wall face. Safe location Floor mounted aquariums can create an obstacle to occupants’ circulation. They are also prone to accidental toppling over or being knocked down. This can cause injury to occupants and result in damage of tank. Wall mounting for aquariums is therefore recommended for busy areas such as offices and commercial buildings. Even at homes, wall mounted aquariums can be located at a safe height to ensure that they are out of reach of young children. Visibility Favourable location at eye level ensures better visibility. Floor mounted aquariums, on the other hand are best appreciated from close and often need one to crouch to see the contents. Installation
Wall mounted aquariums are a non-standard design and they are generally supplied as a complete set with all associated fittings. This simplifies installation. They also need less water volume due to their compact designs.

Cons

Cleaning access Since tank widths are narrow, one cannot reach the interior by hand. Cleaning is usually done with a siphon, access for which is provided at the top of the tank. Since tanks are mounted at eye-level height, cleaning usually entails getting on a stool or ladder. Contamination Smaller volumes of water mean that the tank gets contaminated quickly. Floor mounted aquariums have larger volumes which helps to dilute pollutants and prevents them from getting concentrated. Limited species The health of aquarium life depends on a healthy water to air exchange. This is compromised in a wall hanging aquarium due to restricted surface area. Larger fish species cannot be accommodated in wall fish tanks. Since tank widths are about four to six inches, fish chosen should be no more than four inches in size. High loads Heavy loads due to weight of the tank body and water require adequate support from wall studs or columns. Some partition walls may not be able to support the wall hanging fish tank depending on loading criteria. Cost Wall mounted aquariums are more costly than regular ones. Keep in mind the limitations of wall mounted aquariums when choosing them as an aesthetic and space-saving alternative.