CHANGES IN MARINE AQUARIUM DESIGN

Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
The only thing that doesn't change in the world is the fact that things change. In this article you will read about changes in marine aquarium trends.
A popular saying in the fashion industry is that “one day you are in, and the next day you are out.” While the time frame may not be this short, trends certainly do come and go in the aquarium hobby. If you have a chance to flip through some old aquarium hobby magazines, take a look at the pictures and think about the differences you see compared to pictures in recent issues. You might be surprised to see just how much the appearance of the “ideal” aquarium has changed in the past 10 years. This change is most apparent in the appearance of marine tanks, particularly reef tanks. Below you will find an explanation of what changes have occurred in marine aquarium trends and what is currently trending.


Sand Bed Depth

If you have ever seen a reef tank or a fish-only marine tank, you have probably noticed a difference in substrate between marine and freshwater tanks. Whereas freshwater tanks typically utilize gravel as the substrate of choice, marine tanks almost always use sand. There are several reasons for this, not just because it looks good in the aquarium. Many species of marine fish and invertebrates feed by sifting through substrate and sand is the type of substrate that would be found in their native habitat. Live sand also provides the benefit of stabilizing pH in a marine tank without the use of chemicals.

Ten years or so ago, deep sand beds were all the rage in the aquarium hobby. You might see a marine tank with a sand bed measuring 3 to 7 inches deep, giving fish and invertebrates much more depth than they need for sifting. The idea behind this trend was that a deeper sand bed aided denitrification in the aquarium. Recently, however, shallow sand beds and even bare-bottomed tanks are on the rise in popularity. A study conducted by Robert Toonen, Ph.D revealed that sand bed depth did not have a significant impact on chemical levels in the marine tank, thus suggesting that the previous trend was unfounded.


Live vs. Artificial Rock
 
Rocks and corals are a major part of the decoration scheme in most marine aquariums. Not only do these items provide decoration, they also provide fish and invertebrates with places to hide. In their natural habitat, reef-dwelling fish would be used to an environment full of nooks, crannies and cave. As an aquarium hobbyist, is your duty to provide your with an environment that simulates the natural habitat of your fish as nearly as possible. For many years, this meant harvesting live rock from the world’s reefs, causing a devastating decline in reef habitats. During the early 2000’s, there was a movement toward cultivating corals and live rock for aquarium use to cut down on the dangers of overharvesting. In recent years, marine hobbyists have hopped on board with a new trend – artificial rock. Several aquarium supply companies including CaribSea, CeramEco and Aquaroche have hand-crafted ceramic rocks that mimic live rock in appearance without damaging the environment.


Live Rock Proportions
 
Flipping through photos from aquarium magazines from the early 2000’s, you might notice that most of the tanks are nearly filled to the brim with live rock. Looking at a picture from a current aquarium magazine, however, you might notice a stark difference. The new trend in the marine aquarium hobby is toward a lower recommendation for live rock, leaving more open space in the tank. Whereas early recommendations for live rock were between 1.5 and 2 lbs. per gallon with an extra 2 lbs. thrown in for good measure, aquarium hobbyists today are recommending no more than 1.5 lbs. per gallon, ideally less. A more open display not only gives fish more room for swimming but it allows for better flow and filtration.
 
When it comes to maintaining a home aquarium, the way you decorate is really up to you. Some people prefer sparsely decorated tanks while others like to decorate each and every inch. You do not necessarily have to follow the trends, but you should be mindful of what is best for your fish and for the environment. The trends discussed in this article may have an impact on the appearance of the “ideal” marine tank, but they are founded in necessity and eco-friendliness. The switch from live to artificial rock has decreased the amount of live rock harvested from the world’s oceans and cutting back on the amount of live sand used to create sand beds may reduce the import of live sand. In the end, it is your choice what to do but you should be aware of the implications of your decision before you make it.
comments powered by Disqus
Trending:  Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Trending: Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Testing your aquarium water is a chore that no aquarium hobbyist likes.
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
Trends in the aquarium trade have an effect on more than just aquarium hobbyists -- they can affect the whole world.

MOST RECENT ARTICLES

Tips for Protecting Your Aquarium Against High Summer Temperatures
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOUR AQUARIUM AGAINST HIGH SUMMER TEMPERATURES
During the summer months, it may become more of a challenge to keep your aquarium temperature stable.
The Best Barbs for a Large Home Aquarium
THE BEST BARBS FOR A LARGE HOME AQUARIUM
There are many different species of barbs but some of them are better than others for the larger home aquarium.
How to Solve Common Saltwater Tank Problems
HOW TO SOLVE COMMON SALTWATER TANK PROBLEMS
Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank can be a challenge but it is also incredibly rewarding.

Rate This Tank:

AQUARIUM NEWS AND TRENDS

Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Smart tank technology is the future of the aquarium hobby
Modern advances in technology affect every industry - even the aquarium hobby.
The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
The Surprising Health Benefits of a Home Aquarium
In stressful times, having a home aquarium could be a benefit.
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning Your Tank Can Make You Sick
Cleaning your aquarium is a necessity in order to keep your fish healthy.
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
Self-Poisoning: A Damaging Defense Mechanism
If you have ever brought a group of corydoras catfish home from the store to find that they all died in transport, this article will be incredibly enlightening.
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
Species Spotlight: The Axolotl
If you are looking for a unique species around which to center your next tank, consider the axolotl.
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
The Science Behind Behavior: Fish Jumping Out of Tanks
Guppies are known, in particular, for jumping out of the tank.
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
Trending: Jellyfish in the Home Aquarium
You have probably seen your fair share of jellyfish in zoo aquariums, but did you know that it is possible to keep these creatures as pets?
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
Aquarium Hobbyists Help Save 30 Species from Extinction
The pet trade gets a bad rap for exploiting wild animals but sometimes the opposite is true.
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
Trending: Adding LED Moonlights to the Aquarium
With advances in aquarium lighting technology, you now have the option to add specialized nighttime lighting to your aquarium.
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
How Has Technology Changed the Aquarium Hobby?
Advances in modern technology have changed the world we live in, but how has it affected the aquarium hobby?
Trending:  Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Trending: Sophisticated Water Quality Monitoring Devices
Testing your aquarium water is a chore that no aquarium hobbyist likes.
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
Species Spotlight: New Corydoras Catfish Discovered
A species of Corydoras catfish that was discovered in the 1990s has finally been officially described and named.
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
The Oldest Aquarium Fish
Some fish are simply going to live longer than others, but what species have the longest lifespans?
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
Media Reactors - An Innovative Approach to Aquarium Filtration
When it comes to aquarium filtration there are many options to choose from.
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
Aquarium Fish News: Bill Introduced to Limit Aquarium Fish Collecting
The saltwater aquarium industry takes millions of fish from oceans around the world each year.
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
Cramped, Boring Environments Lead to Anger in Fish
A recent study conducted by a biology professor at Case Western Reserve University reveals that environment size and complexity has a direct impact on aggressive behavior in aquarium fish.
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
The Bright and Colorful Discus Fish: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Discus fish are some of the most brightly colored fish in the animal kingdom.
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
Betta Fish Trending Topics for January 2017
The betta fish is and will forever be one of the most popular types of aquarium fish.
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
New Discovery Key to Keeping Pinnatus Batfish
The Pinnatus Batfish is one of the most striking species of saltwater aquarium fish, but notoriously difficult to keep in the home aquarium.
Trending:  Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
Trending: Nano Tanks More Popular Than Ever
A nano tank is more than just a small fish tank -- it is a compact, self-contained ecosystem.
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
News: Unique Species to Hit the Market
The new year brings a new wave of unique species to add to your home aquarium.
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
Study Reveals that Fish May Have Individual Personalities
While some species like Oscars are known for exhibiting dog-like behaviors, a recent study shows that many fish are capable of developing individual personalities.
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Aquarium News: Five New Species of Dwarfgobies Discovered
Gobies are some of the smallest fish in the world and dwarfgobies are the smallest of those.
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Trending: Glow in the Dark Fish
Glow in the dark fish may not be a new trend but new additions to the market have recently been made -- glow in the dark convict cichlids and angelfish.
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
Changes in Marine Aquarium Design
The only thing that doesn't change in the world is the fact that things change.
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
Wireless Aquarium Lighting Solutions
One of the latest developments in aquarium lighting is wireless control of LED systems.
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
Trending: Compact Aquarium Equipment
One of the latest trends in aquarium equipment is compact upgrades.
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
How Aquarium Trends Affect the World
Trends in the aquarium trade have an effect on more than just aquarium hobbyists -- they can affect the whole world.
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
Cichlid Compatibility: February Week 2 Aquarium Trends
In the second week of February 2017, one of the highest trending topics in aquarium-related social media is in regard to cichlid compatibility.
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
Your Aquarium Might Not Be as Peaceful as You Think
For many aquarium hobbyists, the aquarium is a source of relaxation and serenity.
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
Aquascaping the Aquarium: March 2017 Aquarium Trends
The art of decorating a home aquarium is called "aquascaping" and it is a trending topic in aquarium social media this month.
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
Shrimp in the Home Aquarium: Spring 2017 Aquarium Trends
If you're looking for a unique way to stock your new tank, give freshwater shrimp a try.
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The Top New Coral Species of 2013
The saltwater aquarium hobby is ever-changing -- trends and even species come and go.
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Innovations in Marine Disease Treatments
Treating marine aquarium diseases is easier than ever with innovations like medicated frozen fish food.
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
Newly Discovered Fish Species of 2013
New species of plants and animals are being discovered every year.
North American Aquariums Go Green
North American Aquariums Go Green
From recycling and organic farming, sustainability and conservation are two hot trending topics.
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
News: Lionfish Invasion in the Atlantic
Lionfish are a very popular species in the marine aquarium hobby but they have begun to threaten native populations in the Atlantic as they spread from their native habitat in the Indo-Pacific.
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
News: Trade Continues Despite Threatened Conservation Status
A recent paper published by the Conservation Research Group and the IUCN shows that more than 30 threatened species endemic to India are still being regularly exported, despite their conservation status.
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Trending: Colorful Species for the Marine Tank
Color has always been a main component of the marine tank but these species are keeping the bar high.
Read more articles (39)

READ AQUARIUM ARTICLES