What are the different types of aquariums?

Here’s a quick look at five different kinds of ornamental aquariums.

From little fishbowls to giant floor-to-ceiling installations, there are many different types of home aquariums, each with different subtypes of their own. 

At the most basic, tanks contain either freshwater or saltwater. Aquariums are either ornamental and decorative or for utility, like quarantine tanks for sick fish. But there’s so much more variety to it. 

There are nearly limitless ways to arrange an aquarium, based on its hardscaping (the rocks, wood, and other hard materials), whether it hosts plants and how heavily it’s planted, the level of technology that goes into its maintenance, and what type of creatures (called livestock) it houses. Here’s a quick look at five different kinds of ornamental aquariums, of either water type. 

1. The Species Tank

As its name suggests, this type of aquarium is meant to feature fish of a single species. It usually contains a schooling fish of small size, like Neon Tetras or Harlequin Rasboras. 

Such tanks are usually at least twenty gallons or 75 liters to allow for ample space, and are meant to showcase amazing displays of fish schooling and shoaling behavior. One or two other species are usually added to manage algae, like corydoras or shrimp. Hardscaping and planting may vary, or may not even be present at all.

2. The Aquascape

This type of aquarium uses artistic elements in its construction, balancing the use of rocks, driftwood, substrate, and plants. The point of an aquascape is often to construct a well-balanced and aesthetically-pleasing recreation of nature. 

More often than not, the plants are the focus of an aquascape, where it is used as an opportunity to show off rare and beautiful aquatic plants. Among aquariums, this can be the most challenging to maintain, as some aquatic plants need very specific water parameters (pH level, temperature, calcium level), fertilizer, and the injection of pure carbon dioxide into the water to thrive. 

3. The Reef Aquarium

This saltwater tank is usually a recreation of a coral reef, featuring actual corals and stones from the sea, and housing many different marine species: corals, anemones, fish, sea slugs, and whatever sea species you can think of (that’s legal to have in your area). 

Reef tanks are not recommended for beginners, as they require a very delicately maintained set of water parameters, a specialized filter and lights, and a steady supply of seawater for weekly water changes. 

4. The Paludarium

This type of aquarium tries to recreate instances in nature where land meets water, often employing only partial submersion in its design. This type of tank is often meant to house amphibians and reptiles, like frogs and turtles. 

In a paludarium, not only are there water parameters to contend with, but also the quality of the air above the water. Most reptiles and amphibians require a certain level of humidity to survive, so water mist-makers and foggers are often used to supply this humidity. This also adds a mystical feel to the paludarium.

There are so many other types of ornamental aquariums, but these are a few of the most common ones. And all the types of aquariums can overlap with each other in so many different ways! Whatever you end up choosing, make sure it’s something that will be pleasing to your eye for the years to come.