A painting or picture on a wall in your home can look good – but imagine if that painting was moving and constantly changing. A wall-mounted fish tank would do just that.
Now that would be amazing!
Well, you can actually get fish tanks that mount and fit onto your wall. It’s hard to believe it’s possible with the weight of the water and gravel but they can – and they look incredible.
You’re limited to the type of fish that you can keep in them due to the size and water volume but they can still look stunning. Let’s take a look at some of the Best wall mounted fish tanks available in 2019.
Table of Contents
Top 3 wall mounted aquariums – Quick peek
Why Would You Buy One?
Freestanding aquariums take up a lot of space and need careful planning when it comes to locating them.
Wall-mounted aquariums are suitable for smaller spaces which you can mount on most walls. These space-saving aquariums can add that extra special feature to any room.
You should consider buying a wall-mounted fish tank if you have small children. Fish tanks and smaller children sometimes don’t mix. They get toys bashed on the glass, even things dropped in the top of the aquarium. You will avoid these issues by mounting a fish tank on the wall.
These aquariums are also great for beginners. They come pre-installed with filters, heaters and lights in many cases. Just add water and allow to complete the natural water cycle and then add fish. It’s as easy as that.
Places of work are also a great place to have a wall-mounted aquarium. In an office or waiting room would be the perfect place to entertain people.
What To Consider When Buying One
Before buying one of these fish tanks – which by the way are not cheap – consider where you’ll be placing the aquarium and ensure the wall is strong enough to hold the weight.
We’ll go into that in more detail further in this article.
Then you need to consider what fish you want to keep. Wall-mounted aquariums hold a very small amount of water (5-7 Gallons) and therefore limits your choice of fish to keep in them.
Here are a few perfect fish for a smaller wall-mounted aquarium
Then you’ll need to consider the cost. Wall-mounted aquariums are not cheap with the average one costing $200. Yes, you can buy a smaller, cheaper fish tank but none will have the looks and get more attention than a wall-mounted fish tank.
Where and how will you power the aquarium is another consideration before purchasing one. They are cheap to run but can be tricky to connect to the mains supply.
Best Wall Mounted Aquarium Review
Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Wall Mounted Aquarium - Panoramic - Silver Stainless Steel
Features
- NEWLY REDESIGNED - Our 2.0 version has been completely re-constructed with better materials designed to last for years. Simple mounting brackets included to get you set up in under an hour.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN - Aussie Aquariums require very little maintenance compared to a traditional aquarium. Each aquarium is open at the top allowing you easy access to feed your fish and clean it.
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Includes all the mounting brackets and hardware you need along with a submersible multi-stage aquarium filter with bio-media and charcoal filtration, siphon cleaner, grabber tongs, fish net, multiple marine background, custom fit lid and energy efficient LED light fixture.
- VARIETY OF DESIGNS - Aussie Aquariums are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. The fascia is constructed of durable double panel aluminum which comes with either a brushed or smooth finish.
- QUALITY - Aussie Aquariums have a long standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship. They are designed for both home use and commercial use.
What we think….
This porthole wall-mounted aquarium by Aussie designs is one of the smallest we have featured and reviewed in this buyer’s guide. The contents will include all the basic necessities to set up and run your aquarium.
It features an innovative multi-function submersible water filter, custom fit lighting fixture, pre-cut custom lid, a variety of colorful marine backgrounds, mounting brackets with hardware and all the basics including a fish net, siphon cleaner and grabber tongs. The Porthole Aussie Aquarium measures 22″ x 22″ x 4.5″ and holds 2-3 gallons of water.
At only 3 Gallons it will only be suitable for 1 or 2 fish maximum and will need regular water changes to ensure the water conditions remain stable and perfect for your fish. Betta and Killifish would be a good choice of fish for this aquarium. Both are capable of living in low volume water levels.
This updated version 2.0 has a double panel aluminum fascia to resist water and includes a new energy-saving LED light fixture
Fitting and installing should not take longer than 1 hour and is the most simple wall mounted fish tank we tested.
Aussie Aquarium AA-VERTICALI-BSILVER 2.0 Wall Mounted Aquarium, Brushed Silver
Features
- NEWLY REDESIGNED - Our 2.0 version has been completely re-constructed with better materials designed to last for years. Simple mounting brackets included to get you set up in under an hour
- EASY TO MAINTAIN - Aussie Aquariums require very little maintenance compared to a traditional aquarium. Each aquarium is open at the top allowing you easy access to feed your fish and clean it
- ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - Includes all the mounting brackets and hardware you need along with a submersible multi-stage aquarium filter with bio-media and charcoal filtration, siphon cleaner, grabber tongs, fish net, multiple marine background, custom fit lid and energy efficient LED light fixture
- VARIETY OF DESIGNS - Aussie Aquariums are available in a variety of sizes and finishes. The fascia is constructed of durable double panel aluminum which comes with either a brushed or smooth finish
- QUALITY - Aussie Aquariums have a long standing reputation for quality and craftsmanship. They are designed for both home use and commercial use
What we think….
The Verticali is one of the most unique aquariums we have ever seen. This aquarium turns an everyday aquarium into a work of art. . . . literally.
The Verticali Aussie Aquarium measures 31.1″ tall by 15.4″ x 4.5″ and holds 4 gallons of water. Again, not a huge amount of water but most wall-mounted aquarium don’t hold lots of water for obvious reasons (weight), but this 4 Gallon aquarium is perfect for a little school of Guppies or a Betta fish or a single Goldfish.
This wall-mounted aquarium by Aussie designs includes a multi-function submersible water filter, custom fit lighting fixture, pre-cut custom lid, a variety of colorful underwater backgrounds, mounting brackets with hardware and all the basics including a fish net, siphon cleaner and grabber tongs.
Again even though this aquarium is slightly bigger, the setup time was still only 1-2 hours if you have all the correct tools ready to go.
We loved this and although we never recommend aquariums of less than 5 Gallons if you take care of the water conditions and do not overfeed your fish in this tank then you should be fine.
They are an amazing conversation piece and a great space-saving addition to any room.
Aussie Aquariums Wall Mounted Aquarium - Panoramic Black
Features
- Brushed aluminum frame
- Includes all mounting brackets
- Includes starter kit
- Light, lid and filtration included
- A real aquarium for your home or office
What we think….
This 5 Gallon aquarium is everything I think of when talking about a wall-mounted fish tank. It looks like a TV or painting on your wall and comes in lots of different colors to choose from. This makes it easy to fit into any design of room or office space.
I first spotted one of these in my Dentist’s waiting room and I was mesmerized for ages thinking how they got it to stay on the wall.
All the basics of your dream aquarium are in the package you receive. They include an innovative multi-function submersible water filter, custom fit lighting fixture, pre-cut custom lid, a variety of colorful marine backgrounds, mounting brackets with hardware and all the basics including a fish net, siphon cleaner and grabber tongs.
The Skyline Aussie Aquarium measures 35.4″ x 17.5″ x 4.5″ and holds 5 gallons of water. Their 2.0 design is now made with a double panel aluminum fascia to resist water and includes a new energy-saving LED light fixture.
This is our choice for anyone wanting a wall-mounted aquarium. 5 Gallons is fine for a small school of 1″ fish or a single species and is easier to maintain good water qualities. Perfect for the beginner or a kids bedroom aquarium.
How Heavy Is A Wall Mounted Fish Tank?
When considering where and how you’re going to mount your fish tank, consider the weight in total. The aquariums themselves are made from acrylic rather than glass which makes them much lighter.
However, when filled with gravel and ornaments then filled with water you can end up with a wall-mounted fish tank that weighs over 300 Lbs
WARNING: Always consult a builder or professional when installing one of these aquariums. They can weigh up to 300 lbs and need to be installed correctly for your safety. Fish Keeping Forever takes no responsibility for your installation.
Water itself weighs 8.345 pounds per gallon. Then you’ll need to consider the weight of the empty tank as well as gravel, rocks and plants. Thinking about the overall weight of an aquarium can be scary and often scares people off from owning one.
Just remember these aquariums are designed and made to be hung on the wall. Correct installation will ensure your safety and that it does fall off the wall or pull the wall down.
How Many Fish Can You Fit In One?
The amount of fish you can keep in a wall-mounted aquarium will depend on the amount of water your aquarium holds.
Many aquarists have different opinions about how many fish can be kept in 1 gallon of water.
The answer: one-inch of fish per one gallon of water is a safe rule to follow. Again there are many factors to consider. ie: A 5 Gallon aquarium should only hold a couple of 2-3 inch fish but we have seen these aquariums with more and all in good health. This will depend on how often you perform water changes and carry out maintenance.
Schools of fish like Neon Tetra are a good consideration. Catfish make for great wall mounted fish tank occupants like corydoras sterbai.
Betta fish are also a good option as you can successfully keep them in a smaller aquarium and still look amazing.
How To Install A Wall Mounted Fish Tank
So you’ve purchased your wall-mounted fish tank and chosen the location. Now it’s time to install your new tank onto the wall. You’ll need a few tools ready at hand to ensure the installation goes smoothly.
You’ll need:
- A Hammer Action Drill
- Screws
- Spirit Level
- Rawl Plugs (Heavy Duty)
- Tape measure
- Marker pen
Installation Guide:
Step-1: Depending on the size of your aquarium will depend on how many supporting brackets you’ll need. These will be provided by the aquarium company. Measure the width and height and decide on the center spot to install the tank.
From the floor up, measure where the first bracket will be going and mark the spot with a pen.
Drill the hole where the first bracket will be and fit the rawl plug or anchor device that comes with the aquarium.
Step-2: Once you’re happy that the first bracket is secure, you can now move onto the next two left and right brackets and put them in place using the same procedure that you did for the first one.
First, using the spirit level, trace a fine line across the wall, and mark the position for these brackets. Measure an equal distance from the middle bracket to determine the position of the brackets on the left and right. Mark the screw holes onto the wall and use a drill to attach bracket, similar to the how you have done in step-1.
Step-3: Your fish tank is now mounted onto these brackets, but it is yet to be secured in place. The three plastic clips on the tank will hold the top of the aquarium wall tight with the wall brackets. Clip these on and your tank is finally secured into the wall.
Step-4: The brackets below the tank must be screwed into the holes on the base to lock everything together. Now, you can safely add water into the tank and introduce fish when the time comes!
Installation credits to www.Fishtanknation.com
What Species Of Fish Can Be Housed In A Wall Mounted Aquarium?
Due to the low water volume, you are restricted with these aquariums there’s no getting away from it. However, thankfully there are hundreds of species of fish that don’t grow larger than one inch and many are stunning.
A small school of Cardinal Tetras will look amazing in a planted aquarium. Male Betta fish come in loads of colors and live fine in smaller aquariums.
Catfish and Shrimps are another alternative choice and add a different dimension to your fish tank.
6-7 smaller fish and a catfish like Corydoras Sterbai will be fine. Remember to perform partial water changes and don’t overfeed them and you’ll be fine.
How Easy Are They To Clean?
Apart from the height difference which makes it a little bit tricky, they are no harder to clean than any other fish tank.
Just be careful when changing water not to spill any on your wall and ruin your wallpaper.
These aquariums only hold 5 Gallons or less so performing maintenance is easy and quick. The hardest part is keeping the glass free from Algae, we use a magnetic glass cleaner. We reviewed them in another post recently. The link is provided above.
We highly recommend using a gravel cleaning siphon which will help you keep the gravel clean and make water changes easier. We suggest you change 25% of the water every 14 days.
F.A.Q
- How heavy are wall-mounted aquariums? The smallest ones can weigh 100 lbs and the larger 5 Gallon ones up to 300 lbs when filled with gravel, rocks and water
- Are wall mounted fish tanks made from glass? No, glass is too heavy to hang on the wall. Most wall-mounted aquariums are made from scratch-resistant acrylic.
- How much do they cost? On average the cost of a wall-mounted aquarium is around $150-$200
- Do they contain filters and lights? Yes, they come complete with built-in filters and lights. Simply add decoration, water – wait for the aquarium water to fully cycle then add fish
Conclusion: Best Wall Mounted Fish Tank Review 2019
Thanks for taking the time to read our wall-mounted fish tank buyers guide and we hope we have answered some of your questions.
If you have limited space in your home for an aquarium then these fish tanks are a viable option. We don’t like small fish tanks with less than 5 Gallons but feel these fish tanks can make a good option for people who live in small homes.
Never overstock the aquarium! This is the main problem we see with these fish tanks. It’s hard not to want to add more and more fish but you’ll regret it if you add more than 4-5 small fish.
Try aquascaping the aquarium rather than adding more fish. Plants and rocks can make the fish tank look amazing without putting fish lives at risk.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you seek professional advice before hanging the aquarium. The last thing you want is to wake up one morning and find the fish tank on the floor. 5 Gallons or not it will still make a horrible mess.
You have been warned LOL
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I have been working in the tropical fish industry for over 30 years now and I’m still learning. Everyday is a school day in this hobby. In my spare time I play golf very badly!