From a simple goldfish tank to a full-blown coral reef, aquariums can add a splash of vibrancy to any room. But did you know that owning a fish tank can make you healthier and happier? There are many benefits fish aquariums offer their human owners that may surprise you.
Here are five major life benefits of owning a fish aquarium:
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1. Mental health
With nearly one in five adults struggling with mental illness, caring for your mental health is an essential part of living a happy, fulfilling life. There are many unexpected ways that you can manage stress and anxiety. Have you ever walked through an aquarium in a zoo and felt a sense of calm come over you? Owning your own aquarium and caring for fish is an excellent way to give your mood a boost without leaving home! Watching fish swim around provides a sense of peace and tranquility to those who immerse themselves in the experience.
Studies show that caring for fish is both rewarding and soothing. Owning a fish tank can reduce feelings of discomfort, stress, and anxiety up to 12%! Aquariums can also alleviate depression and cause your brain to produce more serotonin and endorphins (aka “happy hormones”). Aquariums can even help you sleep, which is closely tied to mental health.
2. Increase productivity
With stress off your mind, you can free your brain up to think about other things. Cultivating nature within a workplace environment can have a positive impact on employees. A study conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that employees with an aquarium in their workplace were “happier, healthier, more motivated, creative, and productive”. Perhaps it is time to ask your boss to buy an aquarium for the office!
3. Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
Aquariums can ease the burden on your heart, not just figuratively, but physiologically! In a University of Plymouth study, they found that just looking at a tank decorated only with plants and rocks can reduce your heart rate by three percent. When fish are added to the tank, heart rate can drop by seven percent, and this effect is only increased by adding more fish. So go ahead and treat yourself to a new fish or an extra plant for your tank. It’s good for your heart, after all.
4. Enrichment for Family
Having a fish tank at home can benefit your whole family! Owning pets provides opportunities for important lessons about responsibility for children. Studies show children with pets have higher emotional intelligence. It also promotes nurturing, empathy, and family bonding. Fish in particular can inspire creativity and imagination or spark an interest in marine science. Aquariums also help children who have ADHD or autism calm themselves. Finally, aquariums can be an excellent opportunity to teach children about the life cycle as fish breed or pass away.
Aquariums can also benefit the elderly! As individuals age, they may no longer be able to give appropriate care to pets like dogs and cats. Fish, however, can be generally low-maintenance companions that will allow seniors to still experience the many benefits of owning a pet, such as lowered blood pressure, cholesterol, cortisol, and decreased feelings of loneliness. For those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, evidence shows that presence of a fish tank can also reduce aggression and disruptive behavior, and even help them focus at meal times!
5. Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the “ancient Chinese system of balancing our physical environment to promote harmony and a sense of well-being and flow”. Aquariums are a superb addition for anyone looking to practice feng shui in their home because, if properly placed, they are said to attract wealth and good fortune. Additionally, fish tanks represent a harmonious balance of the five feng shui elements – water, wood (plants), metal (the tank), earth (gravel), and fire (the colors of the fish and aquarium lighting). Who knows? Perhaps an aquarium could shift fortune in your favor!
Bonus: Fun!
While all of these are excellent reasons to buy a fish tank, it leaves out the most important benefit – fishkeeping is fun! Whether you are looking for a simple joy or if fishkeeping is your lifelong hobby, you will find delight in seeing your aquarium flourish under your care.
Come chat with us at the Ocean Floor about how to start your tank today! We would be happy to help you bring your dream tank to life with the best aquariums in Phoenix and a vast selection of both saltwater & freshwater fish.
