Wall mounted aquariums or fish tanks (sometimes called plasma aquariums), are a spectacular addition to any room. Though they require careful and precise installation, they can be well worth the time and expense when they are finished.
Some people choose to use this kind of aquarium as a divider between two rooms, as a sort of doorway where you can see through it from both sides. Others use it as a centerpiece or as a lovely piece of artwork which they design a rooms decor' around. Whatever type of mounting you choose there are a few things you will need to take into consideration before beginning this endeavor.
There are several advantages to having wall mounted aquariums. They are generally much easier to see and enjoy than other types of aquariums because they are hung at eye level. They take up no floor space so you still have room for whatever furniture you desire. You don't have to worry about children or visitors accidentally bumping, spilling or damaging them as they are out of the main stream of traffic. Aquariums are a great conversation piece. And finally they are relaxing and even therapeutic to watch when you need de-stressing.
Of course there are some disadvantages you will be dealing with as well. Aquariums are notoriously heavy simply because water, metal brackets and glass are heavy. This means you will need to be sure your wall and supporting studs are sufficient to hold the weight involved which can be anywhere from 70 to 350lbs. (Special supports can be added as well).
Your selection of fish may be limited to smaller ones which will fit this kind of tank and if you do not choose your design carefully, getting into and maintaining your aquarium can be a challenge. Also you must keep in mind that the expense of a wall mounted aquarium is considerably high, and unless you are skilled at this kind of work, you will have to pay for someone to install it.
Good wall mounted aquariums will come with complete instructions, brackets and hardware that you need for mounting. Some tools and equipment you may need on hand to carry out these instructions are:
1) A tape measure - The brackets for the tank have to be level so you’ll be measuring from the floor up to the point on the wall where the brackets are going to go. It’s also a good idea to measure from the ceiling down to the tank.
2) A “stud finder” - the stud finder locates the 2 X 4’s that are inside the frame of your wall. The brackets for the wall-mounted aquarium must be attached to the studs and not just the wallboard.
3) Screwdriver, hammer and other basic tools may also come in handy.
4) Your filter pump, aerator, light etc. all require power and unless there is an outlet near where you want to put your wall mounted aquarium, you will need to install one.
5) If you don't like the look of the cables running from your aquarium, you can get a strip of wiremold surface mounted conduit from your local hardware or home improvement store. Attach the wiremold to the wall. Run the cable through the wiremold, and close the wiremold. Paint the wiremold the same color as the wall and your unsightly power cable is gone.
Once your wall mounted aquarium is complete, it will truly be a living, breathing moving picture and will be enjoyed with wonder and amazement by all who enter your home
