If you're seeking out all the ways to make your fish's life better, you're in the right place. The simplicity of fish is one of the best things about adopting them. So much so, they are one of the best low-maintenance pets.
And, more often than not, it’s their low-maintenance nature that often results in the reason we end up with them as our first pets. As long as you pair them with the right tank mates, provide them with the best fish food, and keep the water to the desired temperature, on the surface, their needs are easily met.
But, like with owning any pet, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive is a much greater task. Therefore, to take your fish from the centerpiece to the center of attention, keep reading to discover the easy ways to make your fish’s life better.
20 ways to make your fish’s life better
1. Upgrade their living space
The catalogue of aquariums can be overwhelming at best, and it’s only growing. From kids' colorful starter kits to aesthetically pleasing centerpieces, there is something for everyone, but few will actually serve your fish.
Therefore, to make your fish’s life better, start by understanding the type of fish you own (or plan to own). How big do they get? How much space do they need? And are you considering tank mates?
These questions are a great starting point for finding the best habitat for them. To help you whittle down your choice, we've created a handy guide to the best fish tanks to choose from.
2. Introduce new plant life
Yet to add some greenery to their tank? Plants are a fantastic way to add dimension to what is otherwise a very 2D space.
Whether you opt for the vibrant offerings of artificial plants or the real thing, they both add value to your fish’s habitat and life. For example, the introduction of reeds, moss, and grass allows for exploration and space to hide.
3. Tank-mates
It is easy to assume that company is the best answer for a lone fish. But always do your research before jumping into the deep end.
While some fish friends will benefit from having tank-mates as it can help them bust stress and increase their activity and curiosity, others would rather live life alone with the time and space to thrive.
4. Recreate a natural environment
As tempting as the artificial offers on the market can be, a submerged Spongebob Squarepants or Star Wars figurine can’t offer your fish the same thing a natural environment can.
Therefore, to really enrich your fish's world, introduce real plants, natural substrate, and water movement to simulate their natural habitat and enjoy watching your fish thrive.
5. Introduce hiding places
In the same way we retreat to a dark room after a hard day, fish find great comfort in a safe space to hide.
Ensuring they have various nooks to hide behind will reduce their stress and positively impact their quality of life. This is key for busier tanks, where more than one fish is present. Having space to retreat will reduce the likelihood of unwanted behaviors such as bullying, too.
6. Floating and sinking toys
Provide your fish with intellectual stimulation with the introduction of toys. From floating mirrors and ping-pong balls to low-lying rocks and logs, these easy additions to their tank can transform their life and entertainment levels.
Discover our expert-led guide to the best fish tank decorations for more inspiration on what's worth your money.
7. Lights, camera, action
The introduction of dynamic lighting enables you to further imitate your fish’s natural environment.
Whilst increasing the aesthetic appeal of your tank, you can support photosynthesis for plant life and recreate day and night cycles to ensure your fish get the rest they need to lead a happy and healthy underworld life.
8. Water movement
Instead of keeping the tank water stagnant, why not inject some movement into their world?
The movement of water promotes greater oxygenation and waste removal without overwhelming your fish and replicates the natural environment. Elevate your fish’s environment with a new filter, water pump, or wave maker. They'll feel right at home!
9. Keep things clean!
If you're wondering why your fish tank is cloudy, it's probably about time you learned how to clean a fish tank.
Tidy tank, tidy mind. A clean tank is critical for happy and healthy fish, so check out the best fish tank cleaners. Clean water promotes plant growth, improves water quality, reduces algae growth, and increases the beauty of the tank.
You can lighten the load by investing in a good quality filter, supportive planting, and avoiding overfeeding.
10. Live fish food
Feeding your fish live food offers nutritional benefits, enrichment, and simulation of natural behaviors.
Switching to live food occasionally adds variety to your fish’s diet, is particularly helpful for the fussier fish, and promotes greater health and growth. But before you add some live food to your basket, remember to research the best fish food.
11. Switch up your substrate
A change to your substrate not only creates an entirely new look and feel to the tank but also offers further opportunities for your fish to experience a more natural environment.
While it can lead to improved nutrients, greater anchoring for plants, and enrichment, planning this process is key to avoiding too much disruption.
12. Good quality water
Stay on top of your water quality to ensure a happy tank environment. This is best achieved with regular partial water changes supported by a good-quality filter. Gradual changes allow you to reset the tank's pH and mineral levels, replacing old dirty water with an equal measure of clean.
The general rule of thumb is once every two weeks to keep your finned friend’s under-the-water home in tip-top condition.
13. Maintain a good pH
Partial water changes help support the maintenance of your aquarium's pH levels (how acid or alkaline it is), but finding the sweet spot is your first and most crucial challenge.
A stable pH prevents stress, disease and supports species-specific needs. The good news is that this can be easily achieved with some filter research to find the right fit to ensure you stay away from any pH spikes throughout the daily fluctuations.
14. Live plants
The presence of live plants in your tank offers many aesthetic advantages while also having a very practical role in the maintenance of a healthy environment and the happiness of your fish.
Live plants offer a safe spot to hide and protection to your spawning fish, whilst naturally absorbing harmful substances, such as nitrates and ammonia.
15. Tame the temperature
It is a common misconception that tropical fish are the only ones with temperature requirements, but maintaining a stable water temperature is key to comfort, metabolic optimisation, and oxygen levels of all fish.
Any sudden spikes can be detrimental to their overall health and well-being. Therefore, before adopting your fish friends, do give lots of thought and consideration to whether you’ve got the right space, time, and set up to make sure they thrive.
16. Location, location, location
Aquariums make wonderful centerpieces in our homes, and while there is technically nothing wrong with this, it is important to consider where they are within our homes to positively impact the fish themselves.
To ensure your fish comes first, their location must be sturdy, shaded, and in a relatively quiet space. Preferably where you and the other members of your family aren't continuously walking past.
It's also worth keeping your tank away from direct sunlight.
17. Free-roaming fish
Amidst the array of aquariums on the market, you can also find systems that promote travel between two or more tanks. These are a fantastic source of enrichment, offering your fish further space to explore.
The interconnected aquariums support safe travel via tunnels and or tubes from one to another, creating a free-roaming effect. This can help widen their world and keep your fish entertained for days on end.
18. Be mindful of algae
Like all good things, algae is great in moderation. A natural food source, filter, and stimulant of beneficial bacteria, complete removal is detrimental to your fish and their environment.
Overgrowth, however, presents a risk to oxygen levels, plant growth, and water clarity. Strike the perfect balance with mindful planting, filters, and regular partial water changes.
19. Find the right filter
Along with the suitable cleaners to keep fish healthy and their tank sparkling, it’s well worth adding a filter.
As a general rule, the water in your tank needs to be able to pass through a filter at least four times an hour. Stuck between two sizes? Aim higher to ensure the best water quality for your fish.
20. Diet
Fish require a varied, high-quality diet to remain happy and healthy in their environment. Understanding the species and necessary nutrients is key to investing in the right kind of flakes, pellets, or live food.
For example, freshwater fish might need different requirements than tropical fish.
Either way, once you’ve found the ideal diet for your fish, avoid overfeeding by only feeding your fish what they can consume in a few minutes.
Read next: Must-visit aquariums in the US
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated in April 2025 by Becks Shepherd.
