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Last update: November 2, 2022

How To Make A Diy Flying Or Floating Aquarium

Floating fish aquariums have become popular of late. These floating aquariums are usually designed inside Koi fish ponds by taking a cube of glass and attaching it to a filter mechanism.

Ultimately, this leads to a section of water floating into the fish tank where fish can swim into and ultimately gives you a better view of the fish in your pond. It also makes a great backyard water feature to improve the aesthetics of your existing outdoor space.

Creating a floating fish aquarium is easier than you may think. In the following article, we’ll take a look at just how to go about creating a floating fishing aquarium by yourself.

What is a Floating or Flying Aquarium?

rounded flying aquarium

Floating fish aquariums are observatory devices that you place in Koi ponds. They make a little above the waterline apartment for your fish.

They usually involve taking a cube of glass and attaching it to a floating mechanism so that a section of water floats into the tank and your fish can swim inside it.

Ultimately though, there are different types of floating fish tanks, and it all boils down to your personal preference. These floating aquariums are also available in different sizes. The smallest size holds at least 12 liters and is a little cheaper than the larger ones that can hold up to 25 liters of water and will be consequently more expensive. However, you can use any size of a fish tank that you prefer.

How Do I Make a Flying Aquarium?

man building flying aquarium

There are a few ways to create a  floating or flying fish aquarium. If you would like to completely DIY then here’s how to go about it.

Step 1

Gather a few hollow blocks and place them in your Koi pond. These blocks will be used to create a stand or base for the fish tank. So you’ll need an equal number on two sides. Depending on how shallow or deep your Koi pond is, simply use one, two, or three bricks or blocks on each side.

Step 2

The blocks should reach just below the water line and match the width or length of the fish tank base so that the fish tank can sit securely on top of the bricks.

Step 3

Grab your empty fish tank, and submerge it under the water until it is completely filled and then turn it upside down to create a vacuum seal before placing it on top of the bricks.

Step 4

Leave a little room for evaporation to ensure that the vacuum seal stays intact.

Step 5

finished flying aquarium

Once that is done, your fish will have their own little rooftop apartment to swim into as and when they please. The bonus is that you will get a better view of your fish when they are swimming in the floating fish aquarium.

Ready-Made Options

You may also choose to purchase a floating Koi pond fish observatory form a number of suppliers. They are made from real glass and will float independently around the pond, without the need for tedious installation. It is both water and weatherproof. These tanks can measure anywhere between 11.8 inches to 15.7 inches long.

So if you already have a Koi pond in your backyard and would just like to give it a facelift, this is one of the best ways to do so. You will also allow your guests to get a better view of your exotic fish as they swim into the floating fish aquarium.

If you’re not much of a handyman or DIYer, then this option takes the effort and guesswork out of creating a flying fish aquarium.

Floating Fish Dome

The floating fish dome is ideal for throwing into your fish pond and also allows you to easily see your fish at close range. One benefit of the fish dome is that it lets you spot diseased fish up close, and in order to get the fish to come into the bubble, simply slip some fish food into the bubble, and it will float to the top. After doing this a couple of times, your fish will be trained to come to the dome, so you don’t have to wait for them to come around.

Made from polystyrene float, fabric, and a perspex cast acrylic dome, it is recommended for use with ponds that are at least 32 inches deep.  The overall float is 30 inches in diameter, and the bubble measures 20 inches in circumference.

Is it Dangerous for the Fish?

tower for observation goldfishes in pond

Fish tanks can be found in every possible building, from doctor’s offices and corporate buildings to Chinese restaurants and millions of homes around the globe.

It is believed that fish tanks are therapeutic for humans and reduces stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. It also brings relief to Alzheimer’s sufferers and calms hyperactive children. Fish aquariums can be big or small, plain or fancy, and are available in every possible configuration.

However, the question is, is it dangerous to keep fish in tanks? Or can floating fish aquariums be dangerous for fish?

Well, the good news is that keeping a Koi pond or fish aquarium may be good for enjoyment, stress levels, and education, but there are some things that you may be doing that are not necessarily good for your fish. So let’s take a closer look at some of the things to avoid.

Don’t add too many fish to a new aquarium. The microbes that create balance and filter water in the fish tank are not established, and sudden overload or fish waste will cause toxic ammonia and nitrite levels to rise to dangerous or possibly lethal levels.

Don’t buy every fish you see. You may be tempted to buy every fish you see when you are new to fish keeping. But there should be a limit, especially since some fish are territorial and become aggressive when crowded with other fish.

This may seem fairly obvious, but we are going to mention it anyway. Do not overfeed your fish. Irrespective of whether you have fish in a tank, pond, or aquarium of any type, overfeeding is deadly to your fish. So moderation is key.

Also, while keeping your fish aquarium clean is important, try not to overdo it as you will upset the biological balance of the environment.

Don’t compromise quality for the price. While investing in high-quality equipment for our fish aquarium is going to cost you more, it is well worth the lives of your fish.

Conclusion

Fish aquarium owners will tell you that fish tanks reduce stress levels and improve the quality of sleep.

It also lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Lots of people experience a decrease in pain and anxiety and improved focus and creativity.

These are just some of the therapeutic advantages of having an aquarium or even a fish pond in your surroundings. So if you are thinking of creating your own floating fish aquarium, there’s no time like now to start.

Ian Sterling

Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.

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