The Working Fishroom: Why Function Beats Gallery Style

You know that feeling. That moment when you’re staring down the barrel of another partial water change, wondering where it all went wrong. The endless cycle of testing, dosing, and hoping. It’s the you know it, I know it, everybody knows it moment of fishkeeping, and it’s why so many of us are drawn to solutions like aquaponics – a way to build a self-sustaining ecosystem that dramatically cuts down on those dreaded chores. It’s a path towards stewardship, towards honoring the fish we keep.

Recently, Corey McElroy from Aquarium Co-op, tackled the surprisingly complex topic of fishroom design on his Sunday Fish School podcast. He’s got a point. We’ve all seen those stunning, meticulously curated fishroom “galleries” online—the kind with perfectly arranged tanks, coordinated lighting, and a barista station. They’re beautiful, no doubt, but rarely practical.

McElroy argues, and I wholeheartedly agree, that for most of us, a working fishroom is far more valuable than a gallery. A space designed for efficiency and ease of maintenance is a sanctuary, not a showpiece.

He references Dean of Dean’s Aquatic Adventures and Daku Aquatics as examples of what he considers ideal: tanks and fish prioritized, with a small, functional workspace carved out. It’s a philosophy I embrace, especially as someone who appreciates the dedication it takes to truly excel in any fishkeeping niche – whether it’s striving for perfect tail type in Fancy Guppies (a craft the Utah Fancy Guppy Associates understand intimately), meticulously cultivating a thriving reef tank, or mastering the art of aquascaping with techniques like Iwagumi. Each requires a level of focus that’s best served by a well-organized environment.

McElroy points out that the truly impressive “galleries” you see – the ones with dedicated cleaning crews and climate control – are the result of significant investment and a team of professionals. For the rest of us, that’s not realistic. A cramped, functional fishroom, bursting with life, is a far greater achievement than an empty, sterile showcase.

The podcast really highlights the intentionality that goes into a truly impressive setup. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about lighting, humidity, sound, even the aroma – all carefully considered. He even touches on the importance of a clean bathroom, a surprising but telling detail about the level of commitment involved in maintaining a top-tier fishroom.

This conversation reinforces the idea that our fishkeeping endeavors should be rooted in a sense of responsibility and stewardship. We're entrusted with the care of these creatures, and that responsibility extends to creating an environment that is not only beautiful but also sustainable and conducive to their well-being. Aquaponics, with its ability to create a closed-loop system, is a beautiful extension of that principle.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of traditional fishkeeping, consider exploring the possibilities of aquaponics. It’s a path to reclaiming your time and energy, and creating a truly thriving ecosystem. And who knows, maybe you'll even have room for a 55-Gallon Tank Topper – perfect for showcasing your prize-winning guppies or creating a stunning aquascaped centerpiece.

Why not start planning your own Holy Rogue Network classroom-aquaponics chapter? Or maybe a Tank Tour is in order to share your progress!