Can You Install A Fish Tank In A Classroom?
Imagine the look on your students’ faces when they gather around a mini-ocean inside their classroom. From the colorful corals that come in every color imaginable to the graceful fish putting on a show - a fish tank is much more than an aquatic feature, it is an immersive educational tool that will have all the school talking about.
Installing a fish tank in a classroom as an educational tool is simple with proper planning and professional installations that we thrive on here at Reefco Aquariums.
What are the educational benefits of fish tanks?
A fish tank, or saltwater aquarium, is a living mini ocean that offers students hands-on experience in marine biology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, and husbandry skills.
Fish tanks also provide:
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Environmental awareness - connecting school students to nature and marine ecosystems
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Understanding of water chemistry
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Social development that enhances teamwork
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Responsibility for caring for animals and maintenance routines
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A calming effect that improves students’ focus and attention
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Multi-sensory learning
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Reduced stress and anxiety
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Increased attendance
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Improves aesthetics of classrooms making them a more engaging space for students to learn
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Visual demonstrations of life such as animal adaptation and symbiosis relationships
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Real-time observation of ecosystem connections
One study showed that interactive learning environments such as aquariums can significantly enhance student engagement and retention, particularly in higher education learning environments.
Overcoming challenges with installing aquariums in schools
Some teachers and school workers may hesitate to install a saltwater aquarium in a classroom due to perceived challenges. As saltwater aquariums require more precise water parameter management, many teachers are put off by the maintenance requirements. However, if saltwater aquariums are installed with automated equipment and have been set up professionally (like with the Reefco team), maintenance is super easy, even in the busiest of classrooms.
Size limitations may be a concern with teachers when installing aquariums in classrooms. However, aquariums come in all shapes and sizes, from compact nano aquariums to larger display tanks - at Reefco Aquariums, we can design and install aquariums that fit in any desired space.
Another factor that teachers often point out is the initial cost of setting up an aquarium. Even though the initial cost to install a saltwater aquarium is higher than freshwater tanks, saltwater aquariums nowadays use much more modern equipment, making them more affordable. Plus, as there are many benefits to saltwater aquariums in schools, PTA funding, science grants, and local businesses are often keen to fund such enrichment projects.
Finally, teachers may not have technical knowledge in setting up or maintaining a saltwater aquarium. This is where we come in! At Reefco Aquariums, our experienced team can offer professional expertise, so you don’t need to be a marine biologist to maintain a thriving aquarium in your classroom.
Creating the perfect aquarium for classrooms
When thinking about your dream classroom aquarium you should consider the following:
Professional aquarium design and installation
You should consider the size of the aquarium, the type of livestock, and your budget that meets the needs of your specific classroom. Our team will offer expert advice from where not to put a fish tank to what we suggest is the best aquarium for a classroom.
Livestock
Consider if you want a coral-only aquarium, a fish-only aquarium, or an aquarium with both corals and fish. Think about what you want the aquarium to look like, for example, do you want an epic aquascape with colorful corals or will a minimalistic aquarium best suit your classroom?
If this is your first aquarium experience, you may want to select aquarium fish for beginners. These include damselfish, clownfish, hawkfish, royal gramma, chromis, and cardinalfish - just to name a few!
Efficient aquarium equipment & maintenance support
Automated aquarium systems use sensors and software to maintain water parameters, so you don’t have to worry about leaving your aquarium at the end of the day, on weekends, and on school holidays. Some advanced automated systems can also self-feed fish and perform water changes. When installing efficient aquarium equipment such as automated aquarium systems, we only use the best industry-leading practices during maintenance support.
Why is proper aquarium installation important?
While experienced hobbyists commonly install DIY aquarium setups, classrooms have specific requirements that benefit from expert advice, like that of our team at Reefco Aquariums.
A professional aquarium installation ensures proper electrical setup and stable structures maximizing security, which is essential around children. With our expertise, you can also ensure that your classroom aquarium functions flawlessly both during school hours and on weekends.
By properly designing a classroom aquarium, the likelihood of experiencing system failures and livestock loss is reduced. Finally, while our team is busy installing your classroom aquarium, you can solely focus on educating students rather than worrying about troubleshooting common aquarium mistakes and potential issues.
Installing a saltwater aquarium with Reefco Aquariums
At Reefco Aquariums, we specialize in designing and installing saltwater aquariums that can enhance your learning space while minimizing disruption to teaching your classes. We can offer:
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Personalized consultations to suit your budget
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Custom aquarium design to fit your classroom space
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Educational training for teachers to understand the basics of aquarium maintenance
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Ongoing maintenance plans to ensure your classroom aquarium thrives
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A full range of aquarium equipment, supplies & livestock
Conclusion
Installing a fish tank in a classroom has many benefits such as creating a calming environment for learning and enhancing learning. The design and installation process doesn’t need to be complicated when a team of professionals can do all the hard work for you.
Are you ready to transform your classroom into an epic mini-ocean? Contact the Reefco Aquarium team for a consultation today and learn how we can help bring the wonders of the underwater world to your classroom for educational success.
