7 Benefits To Keeping An Aquarium (with Infographic)

Keeping an aquarium reduces stress, lowers blood pressure by up to 4%, and improves mental health — these are not anecdotal claims but findings from peer-reviewed research published in journals including Environment and Behavior and PLoS One. A 2019 systematic review analyzing 19 studies confirmed that interacting with fish in aquariums produces measurable physiological and psychological benefits.

Here are seven evidence-based reasons why keeping an aquarium can genuinely improve your life.

1. Aquariums Reduce Stress and Lower Blood Pressure

Aquariums reduce blood pressure and heart rate — and the calming effects scale with the number of fish present. Researchers at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University, and the University of Exeter published findings in the journal Environment and Behavior showing that watching fish produces measurable cardiovascular benefits.

Key findings from the National Marine Aquarium study:

• Observing a tank with only rocks and plants lowered heart rates by 3%
• Adding fish to the same tank reduced heart rates by 7%
• Blood pressure dropped by 4% when fish were present
• Benefits increased with higher numbers and greater variety of fish

The underwater environment is inherently calming. The gentle movement of fish, the soft sounds of water, and rhythmic swimming patterns trigger relaxation responses that measurably affect the cardiovascular system. Animal therapy is now widely accepted for mental health management, and aquariums represent one of the most accessible forms.

2. Alzheimer’s Patients Experience Measurable Health Benefits

Aquariums in care facilities help Alzheimer’s patients eat up to 21% more food, according to a Purdue University study that tracked 60 nursing home residents across three Indiana facilities. Researchers observed patient behavior before and after fish tanks were installed in dining areas — and the improvements extended far beyond nutrition:

The calming effect of aquariums helps Alzheimer’s patients focus, reduces agitation, and creates positive focal points for attention. Fish provide endless visual variety through different species, colors, and swimming patterns — holding attention in ways that static decorations cannot.

These improvements also had practical healthcare benefits: reduced need for nutritional supplements and lower medication requirements. Many care facilities now include aquariums specifically for these therapeutic effects.

3. Aquariums Calm Patients in Medical Settings

Aquariums in medical settings reduce patient anxiety before procedures — a benefit documented in clinical research dating to 1984. Aquarium therapy studies demonstrate that watching live fish produces measurable pain reduction and relaxation in patients awaiting treatment.

In one notable study, dental patients receiving either hypnosis or aquarium viewing before oral surgery experienced equal relaxation benefits. The aquarium group reported less pain during the procedure and required less pain medication afterward. Critically, patients who viewed aquarium posters did not experience the same benefits — the living, moving fish are essential to the calming effect.

“Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors’ surgeries and dental waiting rooms. This study has, for the first time, provided robust evidence that ‘doses’ of exposure to underwater settings could actually have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing.” — Deborah Cracknell, PhD Researcher, National Marine Aquarium

The hypnotic quality of watching live fish helps distract patients from anxiety and shifts attention away from upcoming procedures. If you’ve ever felt calmer in a waiting room with a fish tank, the science confirms you weren’t imagining it.

4. Aquariums Increase Workplace Productivity

Office aquariums make employees “happier, healthier, more motivated, creative, and productive,” according to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA). The APPMA survey found consistent positive health benefits among workers with aquariums in their offices:

The psychological mechanism is straightforward: fish appear to live tranquil, worry-free lives. Watching them creates a hypnotic effect that helps people mentally step away from problems. Rather than ruminating on stressful tasks, employees become briefly absorbed in visual observation — providing mental breaks that actually improve focus and output when they return to work.

5. Fish Require Less Daily Care Than Other Pets

Compared to dogs, cats, birds, and other common pets, aquarium fish are remarkably self-contained. Fish are ideal for people with limited time, small living spaces, pet allergies, landlord restrictions, or mobility limitations.

Aquarium maintenance is straightforward and predictable:

• Every 1-2 weeks: Partial water changes (10-25% of tank volume)
• During water changes: Vacuum sand or gravel substrate and clean aquarium glass
• Monthly: Test pH levels, correct any imbalances, and clean the filter
• As needed: Monitor fish health and adjust feeding

For busy people who want the therapeutic benefits of pet ownership without the intensive daily time commitment, aquarium fish offer a compelling option. Want to get started? Our freshwater aquarium setup guide walks through every step.

6. Aquariums Enhance Home Décor

A well-maintained aquarium serves as a living art piece that no static decoration can match. Unlike paintings or sculptures, aquariums are dynamic — the scene shifts constantly as fish swim, plants sway, and light plays through the water.

Popular aquarium design styles include:

• Tropical reef tanks — vibrant corals, anemones, and neon-colored marine fish creating an underwater paradise
• Planted freshwater tanks — natural stream or pond scenes with sandy substrate, waving plants, and silvery fish swimming through driftwood
• Minimalist aquascapes — dramatic hardscape with carefully placed plants and open swimming space
• Biotope tanks — faithful recreations of specific natural habitats from around the world
• Species-specific displays — showcasing the unique behaviors and beauty of particular fish or invertebrates

Modern aquariums come in countless form factors: sleek rimless designs, furniture-integrated tanks, wall-mounted displays, and dramatic peninsula setups. With thoughtful placement, an aquarium complements virtually any interior design style.

7. Fishkeeping Becomes an Engaging Lifelong Hobby

What starts as a simple fish tank often evolves into a deeply rewarding lifelong hobby. Over 25,000 fish species exist worldwide, with more than 2,000 suitable for home aquariums — meaning there’s always a new species to learn about, a new technique to master, or a new aquascape to design.

The typical fishkeeper’s journey follows a familiar pattern:

• It starts with a modest tank — maybe a 5-gallon setup with a betta fish
• Soon you’re researching exotic species and considering a second tank
• Before long, you’re discussing water chemistry in online forums at midnight
• Eventually, you’re running out of electrical outlets for all your filters and heaters

The Science Is Clear

Aquarium ownership offers a unique combination of benefits rarely found in a single hobby:

• Physical health improvements — lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, measurable cardiovascular benefits
• Mental health support — stress reduction, improved mood, therapeutic focus for patients with Alzheimer’s and anxiety
• Cognitive engagement — ongoing learning in biology, chemistry, ecology, and design
• Aesthetic value — living art that enhances any room and never looks the same twice
• Manageable commitment — lower daily maintenance than dogs, cats, or birds
• Scalable hobby — grows naturally with your interest, space, and budget

Whether you’re looking for stress relief, a new creative outlet, beautiful home décor, or all of the above, keeping an aquarium delivers benefits that extend far beyond watching pretty fish swim.