Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : Fish / Aquarium Room

Designed for multiple aquariums, planted driftwood displays, and long-term sustainability

This room has been designed for someone who creates and sells planted driftwood.

Room Purpose & Design Intent

Primary Function

• House multiple aquariums safely

• Support planted tanks and driftwood features

• Centralize fish care, storage, and maintenance

• Contain sound, humidity, and electrical load

Secondary Function

• Calm, immersive viewing space

• Joyful display of living systems

• Cleaner-friendly reset (weekly/biweekly light service)

Design Philosophy
This room is designed to:

• Support many tanks, not just one showpiece

• Protect the rest of the house from moisture, noise, and light spill

• Make maintenance easy, predictable, and contained

• Feel intentional, not chaotic or industrial

ZONING & LAYOUT (FOUNDATIONAL)

☐ Main Aquarium Wall (primary tank display)
☐ Secondary Tank Wall or Shelving System
☐ Driftwood / Plant Display Zone
☐ Maintenance & Prep Zone
☐ Storage Zone (hidden, labeled)
☐ Viewing / Sitting Zone

Flow Rule:
All tank maintenance should happen inside this room. No carrying wet items through the house.

FLOORING, WALLS & STRUCTURE

(Aquarium-Safe Only)

Shopping List

• Waterproof flooring (LVP, sealed concrete, tile)

• Non-slip finish

• Floor drain or floor-grade waterproof mats

• Scrubbable wall paint or wall panels

• Moisture-resistant baseboards

• Corner guards (optional, for tank stands)

AQUARIUM STANDS & STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

Shopping List

• Heavy-duty aquarium stands (rated for tank size)

• Leveling feet or shims

• Anti-vibration pads under stands

• Wall anchors (if tall racks are used)

• Load-rated shelving units (if applicable)

☐ Floor load capacity confirmed
☐ All tanks level

AQUARIUM SYSTEMS (MULTI-TANK READY)

Core Equipment (Per Tank or Shared)

• Aquariums (various sizes as desired)

• Canister filters or sponge filters

• Heaters (with controllers)

• Thermometers

• LED plant lights (programmable)

• Light mounting arms or rails

• Timers or smart controllers

Shared Infrastructure

• Power strips with surge protection

• GFCI outlets

• Drip loops on all cords

• Cable raceways

• Labelled plugs per tank

PLANTED TANK & DRIFTWOOD SUPPORT

Shopping List

• Driftwood pieces (soaked/cured)

• Plant substrates (aquasoil, sand, gravel)

• Root tabs

• Fertilizers (liquid & tabs)

• CO₂ system (if used):

  • CO₂ tank

  • Regulator

  • Diffuser

• Plant weights / anchors

• Aquascaping tools (tweezers, scissors)

Display & Prep

• Driftwood soaking bin (lidded)

• Towels (aquarium-dedicated)

• Gloves

• Dedicated prep tray

MAINTENANCE & WATER MANAGEMENT ZONE

(Critical for sanity)

Shopping List

• Utility sink OR large water-change container

• Python / hose-based water change system

• Buckets (aquarium-only, labeled)

• Siphons

• Towels (multiple)

• Drying rack or towel hooks

• Spill absorbent mats

Cleaner Consideration

• Clear boundary: cleaners do NOT touch tanks

• Cleaner may wipe floors, counters, empty trash only

STORAGE (EXTENSIVE & LABELED)

Shopping List

• Closed cabinets (humidity-resistant)

• Drawer units

• Clear labeled bins:

  • Food

  • Medications

  • Filters & media

  • Nets & tools

  • Substrate

  • Fertilizers

• Food storage containers (airtight)

• Label maker + waterproof labels

LIGHTING (TANK + ROOM)

Aquarium Lighting

• Programmable LED grow lights

• Mounting rails or brackets

• Timers / controllers

Room Lighting

• Dimmable overhead light

• Task lighting (maintenance zone)

• Ambient lamps for viewing

• Fairy or pebble lights (warm only):

  • Behind shelving

  • Under cabinets

  • Driftwood display glow

Shopping List

• Warm bulbs (2700–3000K)

• Smart plugs

• Spare bulbs

• Adhesive cable clips

SOUND, HUMIDITY & AIR CONTROL

(Absolutely essential with many tanks)

Shopping List

• Dehumidifier (quiet, auto-drain if possible)

• Hygrometer

• Air purifier (carbon + HEPA)

• Sound-dampening panels or curtains

• Anti-vibration mats

• Door sweep / weather stripping

☐ Tank noise contained
☐ Humidity controlled
☐ No vibration bleed into living spaces

VIEWING & ENJOYMENT ZONE

Shopping List

• Comfortable chair or bench

• Side table

• Throw blanket

• Small rug + rug pad

• Notebook or journal

• Shelf for fish books

This is where the joy lives.

JOY & AESTHETIC INTEGRATION

(Yes, even here)

Shopping List

• Driftwood display shelf

• Plant stands or shelves

• Framed aquatic art or photography

• Decorative glass jars

• Seasonal accent (controlled)

• Fairy or pebble lights visible but soft

The room should feel immersive, not overwhelming.

ELECTRICAL, SAFETY & FINISHING

(DOWN TO THE SCREWS)

Shopping List

• GFCI outlets

• Surge protectors

• Extension cords (aquarium-rated)

• Cord raceways

• Drip loop hooks

• Light plate covers

• Plug-in plate covers

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

• Wall anchors

• Screw assortment

• Level

CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE

Shopping List

• Microfiber cloths

• Vinegar spray (tank-safe for room use)

• Mop or floor wipes

• Trash bin (lidded)

• Trash bags

• Lint roller

• Towels (rotation set)

CLEANER-SPECIFIC NOTES

• Cleaner does not touch tanks

• Cleaner may:

  • Mop floors

  • Wipe counters

  • Empty trash

  • Clean viewing glass (outside only)

Post a small sign inside the room if needed:

“Aquariums maintained by owner only.”

FINAL DESIGNER APPROVAL CHECKLIST

☐ Multiple tanks fit comfortably
☐ Electrical load safely distributed
☐ Humidity controlled
☐ Sound contained
☐ Maintenance stays in-room
☐ Driftwood has prep & display space
☐ Fairy/pebble lights add calm
☐ Room feels magical, not stressful

What Comes Next

If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here: