Fish Tanks: Bedroom Decor Or Disaster?

There are several reasons why having a fish tank in your bedroom might be a bad idea. Firstly, according to the principles of feng shui, a fish tank should never be placed in a bedroom as it is a yin (passive) area, while a fish tank is considered yang (aggressive). The constant swimming of the fish creates yang energy, which could cause restless sleep. Additionally, the noise from the aeration and filtration systems might keep you awake at night, although some people find the sound of water flowing from the filter soothing. Another concern is the potential for mould or mildew to grow due to increased humidity in the room, especially if there is insufficient ventilation. Furthermore, direct sunlight on the tank can stimulate algae growth, which may aggravate allergies. Lastly, some people believe that if a fish in the tank dies for no apparent reason, it has sacrificed itself to spare you from bad luck.

Fish tanks can cause moisture issues, leading to mould and mildew

To prevent moisture issues, it is recommended to use a lid on your fish tank. A lid will help to reduce evaporation and minimise condensation, thus lowering the risk of mould and mildew growth. Additionally, ensuring your bedroom is adequately ventilated will help to circulate the air and prevent moisture buildup. Opening windows or using a dehumidifier can also assist in keeping the humidity levels under control.

It is worth noting that the presence of fish tanks in bedrooms has been linked to increased humidity and subsequent mould issues by several individuals. However, many people also report having multiple fish tanks in their bedrooms without encountering any moisture or mould problems. Proper management of tank evaporation and room ventilation appears to be key in mitigating this issue.

While the potential for mould and mildew growth due to increased humidity is a valid concern, it is not an inevitable consequence of having a fish tank in your bedroom. With proper management and maintenance, you can enjoy the calming presence of a fish tank in your bedroom without compromising your health or the condition of your space.

The noise from the aeration and filtration system might keep you awake

The noise from an aeration and filtration system might keep you awake at night, which is arguably the strongest argument against keeping a fish tank in your bedroom. However, some people find the sound of running water or bubbles soothing and liken it to white noise, which helps them sleep.

The noise level of the aeration and filtration system depends on the type of filter and pump you use. For example, a hang-on-back filter is typically quieter than a sponge filter. If you are concerned about noise, you can research quiet filters and pumps before purchasing your equipment.

If the noise from your fish tank is keeping you awake, there are several things you can do to mitigate the sound. Firstly, you can try to soundproof the system by adding foam padding around the cabinet. You can also find instructions for do-it-yourself projects to reduce aquarium noise online. Additionally, you can try to keep the water level from dropping too low, as this can cause splashing and dripping noises that may be more disruptive than the constant hum of the filter.

It is worth noting that some people may get used to the noise of the aquarium over time, especially if they are heavy sleepers. However, if you are a light sleeper or easily disturbed by noise, it is essential to consider the potential impact on your sleep quality before setting up a fish tank in your bedroom.

The lighting from the tank may disrupt your sleep

The lighting from a fish tank may disrupt your sleep, depending on the placement of the tank and the lighting setup. If the tank is located near your bed or in direct line of sight when you're trying to sleep, the light from the tank may be distracting or stimulating, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Additionally, if the lighting in the tank is too bright or not on a consistent schedule, it may disrupt your sleep patterns and circadian rhythm.

To minimise the impact of lighting on your sleep, consider the following:

• Location: Place the tank away from your bed and in an area where the light will not shine directly on you while you sleep.
• Lighting type: Use dimmable or low-light LED lights that can be adjusted to a comfortable level. Avoid using bright lights, especially during the evening, as they may stimulate your brain and make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Lighting schedule: Maintain a consistent lighting schedule for your tank. Gradually dim the lights in the evening to simulate a natural sunset, which can help promote a healthy sleep cycle.
• Timer or controller: Consider investing in a timer or controller for your lighting system, allowing you to automate the lighting schedule and ensure it remains consistent.
• Room lighting: Maintain a comfortable level of ambient lighting in your bedroom. Avoid bright overhead lights before bed, and consider using a small lamp or night light if needed.
• Curtains or blinds: If your bedroom receives a lot of natural light in the morning, consider using curtains or blinds to block out the light and create a darker environment for better sleep.

By following these suggestions, you can minimise the impact of lighting from your fish tank on your sleep and create a more relaxing and sleep-friendly environment in your bedroom.

Fish tanks are inadvisable for those with lung diseases or compromised immune systems

Fish tanks can add moisture to the air, which can be beneficial for some people, but for those with lung diseases, it can exacerbate existing issues. If you have a lung disease, the extra moisture in the air can worsen infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and fungal or mould issues.

Additionally, the water in fish tanks can be a breeding ground for bacteria, such as pseudomonas, which can be particularly harmful to those with compromised immune systems. While it is difficult to prevent exposure to pseudomonas, as it is present in most watery or damp environments, it is still a risk to consider if you are immunocompromised.

Other potential health risks associated with fish tanks include mycobacterium marinum or "fish tuberculosis" skin infection, asthma and allergy exacerbations from mould, and shock/fire hazards from poor cable management.

Therefore, if you have a lung disease or a compromised immune system, it is advisable to avoid having a fish tank in your bedroom or any other enclosed space, to reduce the risk of these potential health issues.

According to feng shui, fish tanks in the bedroom cause restless sleep

Additionally, the water element in the fish tank can clash with the fire element, which is necessary for a sensual bedroom and honest communication between partners. The water's active presence can bring a sense of worry and grief, further disrupting the calm and relaxing energy desired in the bedroom.

Furthermore, the noise from the fish tank filters and pumps can cause sleep disturbances, leading to potential health issues such as hypertension, anxiety, and heart disease. The maintenance of a fish tank is also important, as poor upkeep can result in mould and algae, which can be harmful to one's health.

Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid placing a fish tank in the bedroom to maintain a harmonious and restful sleep environment, in alignment with feng shui principles.

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