{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums","path":"/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums","title":"Stress Reduction With Aquariums","family":"Library detail","description":"Discover the health and emotional benefits of owning an aquarium - freshwater or saltwater.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"public","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums","wordpressId":"5681","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz#person","name":"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.","url":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz"}],"dates":{"datePublished":"2012-04-12T04:00:00Z","dateModified":"2025-08-27T18:55:53Z"},"content":{"html":"<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\" class=\"breadcrumbs\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/emotional-health\">Emotional Health</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Stress Reduction With Aquariums</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard=\"\"><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>Stress Reduction With Aquariums</h1><p class=\"article-inline-credits\"><span class=\"credit-row\">Written by <a class=\"article-credit-person\" href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</a></span></p><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2012-04-12T04:00:00Z\">April 12, 2012</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-08-27T18:55:53Z\">August 27, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><p>Stress Reduction, Tropical Fish and Aquariums</p><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img alt=\"Two people stand back to back, each deep in thought.\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"800\" loading=\"eager\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/bb65ba6c11972f907927812c.webp\" width=\"1199\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/d8f4d6517f6a83def6bf5f9f.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/bb65ba6c11972f907927812c.webp 1199w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 1199px\"></figure><section aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"article-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Watching an aquarium can provide a calming combination of visual movement, color, and water sounds.</li><li>Aquariums bring elements of nature indoors and may help some people reduce stress and agitation.</li><li>Their benefits depend partly on the practical demands of setup and maintenance, which require ongoing attention.</li></ul></section><h2 id=\"overview\">The soothing appeal of water</h2><p>Although it is not discussed very much, there are health and emotional benefits that come from having an fish tank or aquarium. This is true whether its a fresh water or salt water tank. Why?</p><p>One of the environmental stimuli that people find very soothing is the sound of running water. There is a type of music than includes the sounds of ocean waves, rain storms and running streams that is mesmerizing as well as relaxing.</p><p>There is nothing more soothing than going to the beach and both watching the waves roll on shore and listening to the sound of the rolling surf pounding the beach.</p><p>Many of us intuitively know the benefits of flowing water. This is why many people go fishing in local streams and lakes. Many people have told me that, more than catching fish, the benefit they get from fishing is standing in a lake, taking in the sounds of nature and taking in the beauty of the lake and surrounding area.</p><h2 id=\"bringing-an-aquarium-into-the-home\">Bringing an aquarium into the home</h2><p>What owning and caring for an aquarium offers is the chance to bring the calming effects of nature right into the home. Once an aquarium is established and decorated with rocks and plants, watching fish swim back is stress and <a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/anxiety\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-context-link=\"355\">anxiety</a> reducing. </p><p>The gurgling sound of the bubbles add to the therapeutic effect of looking at the tank. Also relaxing are the colors of both the fish and background inside the tank. </p>\n<p>Studies show that it can reduce blood pressure and emotional agitation. That is why they are displayed in such diverse places as dentist offices to nursing homes, restaurants and doctor offices.</p><h2 id=\"setup-and-ongoing-care\">Setup and ongoing care</h2><p>If there is any stress connected with owning an aquarium it is on the initial set up. The chemistry of the water must be balanced and the temperature regulated. For the beginner there are manuals that provide easy to follow instructions for the establishment and maintenance of a fish tank. </p><p>With salt water aquariums the process is more complex but there are companies that will come to the house and set up the tank and even maintain it if that is what is wished for. However, many people find maintenance of either type of aquarium very relaxing.</p><p>In our hectic daily lives filled with work, family, paying bills it is important for all of us to have ways of relieving the pressure all of this creates. An aquarium provides a way for the entire family to participate in its benefits. Also, along with exercise, <a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/mindfulness-meditation\" class=\"article-inline-link\" data-context-link=\"355\">meditation</a> and yoga, fish tanks are a wonderful way to further reduce anxiety and stress.</p><p>An aquarium need not be large. There are now mini aqariums that sit on the desk top and have the same effect as the large ones. Also, this need not be expensive and, when you think about it, is a good investment in emtional well being.</p><p>Your comments and questions are encouraged.</p><p>\nAllan N. Schwartz, PhD\n</p><section aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" class=\"article-expert article-expert-inline\" data-expert-kind=\"related\" data-expert-layout=\"standard\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/buck-black\" class=\"card-identity-photo\" aria-label=\"Buck Black, LCSW\"><img alt=\"\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/94e04242697528fe04b83271.jpg\" width=\"64\" decoding=\"async\"></a><h2><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/buck-black\">Buck Black, LCSW</a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Anger and psychotherapy</p><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/buck-black\" class=\"quiet-button\">View profile</a></section></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"><section class=\"article-bio\"><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz\" class=\"card-identity-photo\" aria-label=\"Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.\"><img alt=\"\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/3f1145a76c69b3ca318ecb8b.jpg\" width=\"64\" decoding=\"async\"></a><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Author</p><h3 id=\"allan-schwartz-ph-d\"><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/people/allan-schwartz\">Allan Schwartz, Ph.D.</a></h3><p class=\"article-bio-credentials\">LCSW, Ph.D.</p><p>Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges.</p><dl><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2012-04-12T04:00:00Z\">April 12, 2012</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-08-27T18:55:53Z\">August 27, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></div></section></div></section><section aria-label=\"Related community\" class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-end\"><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/emotional-health\" class=\"card-identity-photo\" aria-label=\"Emotional Health\"><img alt=\"\" class=\"topic-community-banner\" height=\"600\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/assets/optimized/2fb1cba1bd2172792e933c1c.webp\" width=\"1200\" decoding=\"async\" srcset=\"/assets/responsive/da89e7e3a687003bfbb73c58.webp 800w, /assets/optimized/2fb1cba1bd2172792e933c1c.webp 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 961px) 236px, calc(100vw - 80px)\"></a><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related community</p><h2><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/community/emotional-health\">Emotional Health</a></h2><p>Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life.</p></section></div></div><aside aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\" class=\"article-sidebar\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" tabindex=\"0\"><details class=\"article-contents\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\" data-section-preview=\"3\" open=\"\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums#overview\" aria-label=\"The soothing appeal of water\" title=\"The soothing appeal of water\">The soothing appeal of water</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums#bringing-an-aquarium-into-the-home\" aria-label=\"Bringing an aquarium into the home\" title=\"Bringing an aquarium into the home\">Bringing an aquarium into the home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/stress-reduction-tropical-fish-and-aquariums#setup-and-ongoing-care\" aria-label=\"Setup and ongoing care\" title=\"Setup and ongoing care\">Setup and ongoing care</a></li></ol><button aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle=\"\" hidden=\"\" type=\"button\">View more</button></nav></details></aside></div></div></div>","text":"Home Library Emotional Health Stress Reduction With Aquariums Stress Reduction With Aquariums Written by Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. Published on April 12, 2012 · Updated on August 27, 2025 Stress Reduction, Tropical Fish and Aquariums Key takeaways Watching an aquarium can provide a calming combination of visual movement, color, and water sounds. Aquariums bring elements of nature indoors and may help some people reduce stress and agitation. Their benefits depend partly on the practical demands of setup and maintenance, which require ongoing attention. The soothing appeal of water Although it is not discussed very much, there are health and emotional benefits that come from having an fish tank or aquarium. This is true whether its a fresh water or salt water tank. Why? One of the environmental stimuli that people find very soothing is the sound of running water. There is a type of music than includes the sounds of ocean waves, rain storms and running streams that is mesmerizing as well as relaxing. There is nothing more soothing than going to the beach and both watching the waves roll on shore and listening to the sound of the rolling surf pounding the beach. Many of us intuitively know the benefits of flowing water. This is why many people go fishing in local streams and lakes. Many people have told me that, more than catching fish, the benefit they get from fishing is standing in a lake, taking in the sounds of nature and taking in the beauty of the lake and surrounding area. Bringing an aquarium into the home What owning and caring for an aquarium offers is the chance to bring the calming effects of nature right into the home. Once an aquarium is established and decorated with rocks and plants, watching fish swim back is stress and anxiety reducing. The gurgling sound of the bubbles add to the therapeutic effect of looking at the tank. Also relaxing are the colors of both the fish and background inside the tank. Studies show that it can reduce blood pressure and emotional agitation. That is why they are displayed in such diverse places as dentist offices to nursing homes, restaurants and doctor offices. Setup and ongoing care If there is any stress connected with owning an aquarium it is on the initial set up. The chemistry of the water must be balanced and the temperature regulated. For the beginner there are manuals that provide easy to follow instructions for the establishment and maintenance of a fish tank. With salt water aquariums the process is more complex but there are companies that will come to the house and set up the tank and even maintain it if that is what is wished for. However, many people find maintenance of either type of aquarium very relaxing. In our hectic daily lives filled with work, family, paying bills it is important for all of us to have ways of relieving the pressure all of this creates. An aquarium provides a way for the entire family to participate in its benefits. Also, along with exercise, meditation and yoga, fish tanks are a wonderful way to further reduce anxiety and stress. An aquarium need not be large. There are now mini aqariums that sit on the desk top and have the same effect as the large ones. Also, this need not be expensive and, when you think about it, is a good investment in emtional well being. Your comments and questions are encouraged. Allan N. Schwartz, PhD Subject matter expert Buck Black, LCSW Anger and psychotherapy View profile About MentalHealth.com MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life. Author Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. LCSW, Ph.D. Allan Schwartz, LCSW, Ph.D. is a medical writer with more than 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes on a wide range of mental health topics, including mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, abuse, stress, and relationship challenges. Published April 12, 2012 Updated August 27, 2025 Related community Emotional Health Explore feelings, self-awareness, and the emotional experiences that shape everyday life. 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