Aquariums immediately bring life to your home or office. Colorful saltwater fish, swaying plants and other tiny life (snails, shrimp, etc.) can enhance your mood and give you something to admire throughout the day. Underwater creatures are fascinating and to be able to capture a part of the sea gives you a chance to appreciate what the planet has to offer. However, large saltwater tanks can use anywhere from 230 to 800 kilowatt-hours per year, because they require pumps and powerheads to simulate ocean currents. But even a 55-gallon freshwater tank can use between 280 and 400 kilowatt-hours per year. So how can you create an eco-friendly aquarium?

First, you can be conservative with the size of tank you choose. Although a saltwater aquarium designed for your wall would provide an interesting focus for your room, smaller tanks require less water and electricity to maintain. In addition, you can use LED lights, energy-saving pumps and ballasts to reduce electricity usage.

Although you might desire a saltwater tank, freshwater fish are easier to maintain. Plus, the freshwater fish are often captive-raised as opposed to being traded all over the world. Fish-stunning cyanide is a common method to catch saltwater fish, and this puts other fish’s lives at risk and affects coral polyps too. The Reef Protection International is a helpful resource to reference when selecting sustainable fish. Or you can ask your local pet stores where they get their supply of fish and whether they are captive-bred, because they should be able to tell you. The store might even be Marine Aquarium Council certified.

Also, when it comes to fresh and saltwater fish, you should never dump the fish or other materials from the tank back into a lake, ocean, river, etc. You could be dumping species and microbes that don’t belong, which could disrupt the natural ecosystem of the area.

Taking care of fish is a big responsibility, because you have to maintain a delicate balance with the water, food and plants as well as the fish. Moderate sized freshwater tanks instead of a larger than life saltwater aquarium is the first step in owning an eco-friendly fish tank.