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  • The 10 Best Aquarium Games on Steam

    The 10 Best Aquarium Games on Steam

    Many of us have played games throughout our lives, and many of us have also been fish keepers at the same time. We can’t always be around our fish tanks or do not have the space, time, or money to maintain an aquarium in our current living situation. Luckily, we now live in a world where you can combine both hobbies. The following list contains the 10 Best Aquarium Games found on Steam. This list is strictly my opinion and may not be the same as yours, and this top 10 is in no particular order. I enjoy each game for different reasons.

    I am not sponsored by any of these games or their publishers. This article is simply to showcase some of the really amazing avenues in the hobby of fishkeeping. If you cannot set up an aquarium of your own for whatever reason, it is wonderful to have so many options to at least experience fishkeeping in a virtual world.

    1. Megaquarium

    Megaquarium is a tycoon-style, public aquarium simulation game. Although this game isn’t specifically about aquarium design, it’s a fun and unique experience regardless. You can dive in and tackle the campaign which gets you developing or improving public aquariums and galleries through different scenarios. Each scenario has different needs that must be completed before moving on to the next one. If campaigns aren’t your flavor, Megaquarium offers a sandbox mode where you can set parameters and difficulties to make your public aquarium building as easy or as challenging as you want.

    Freshwater Frenzy DLC

    The Freshwater Frenzy DLC for Megaquarium provides a massive collection of freshwater fish to add to your aquariums. This DLC also includes breeding, hybridization for certain species, water parameter requirements, and much more. It expands on the base game and gives you new ways to build your public aquarium. This DLC provides the following:

    • 5 levels in a freshwater-focused campaign
    • 30 freshwater species
    • 7 new tanks
    • 4 accessories to equip your staff
    • Dozens of new objects including decorations, plants, equipment, and posters
    • 4 brand new paints to keep your aquarium looking “fresh”

    Deep Freeze DLC

    Megaquarium Deep Freeze DLC continues to expand the experience in this game. It enters the realm of coldwater fish keeping. The following are the features included in this DLC. Check out the link below to purchase a copy of Megaquarium on Steam.

    • 5 level campaign
    • 30 coldwater marine species including abyssals, mammals, birds, invertebrates and fish
    • 8 new tanks and equipment to support your abyssal and polar species
    • 2 posters, a new gift shop item, plus 4 accessories to augment your staff
    • New paints, decorations and all-new custom substrates
    • Additional objectives to enrich the sandbox experience

    2. Chillquarium

    Chillquarium is a 2D, relaxing, idle fishkeeping game. In this game, you collect different fish to grow out. The fish can be sold to acquire money or you can hold onto the fish for ticket sales. Ticket sales get you money as well. Getting money allows you to purchase booster packs. You populate your aquarium with fish by buying booster packs. If you enjoy keeping fish and opening trading card packs, you’ll likely get hooked on Chillquarium.

    While you play through Chillquarium, you may come across rare color variants of certain fish. You may find painted, rainbow, or golden fish which are harder to acquire than their basic counterparts. The Chillquarium Wiki has an extensive archive of information to help get you started. You can purchase this game on Steam below.

    3. Let’s Build a Zoo (DLC)

    Let’s Build a Zoo, as the name suggests, is a management simulator game where you build a zoo with many different species of animals, including fish. However, to unlock fish in the game, you do have to purchase the Let’s Build a Zoo aquarium DLC. The DLC is called Aquarium Odyssey, and it takes you to an Aquarium Island to begin your brand new zoo, filled with sea animals. The DLC is loaded with over 50 new animals, including fish and mammals such as Eels, Manta Rays, Whales, Dolphins, and much more.

    Besides the animals, this DLC also adds 7 New types of enclosures and 110 new facilities, shops, and decorations to your arsenal of features. This addition to the Let’s Build a Zoo base game comes with a lot of new content for players to experience and the Let’s Build a Zoo Aquarium Odyssey DLC does a great job of mixing fishkeeping and managing to keep a player entertained.

    4. Fishlets

    Fishlets is a fish-collecting 2D simulator that allows you to feed, breed, and collect fish. It is a pixel-styled game where you can design the aquarium your fish will live in. You can jump into adventure mode, which takes you through different levels. You’ll unlock more fish and decorations as you play through and complete the levels. The casual game mode is exactly that, very casual. It allows you to go at your own pace to collect rare fish and all their varying color patterns.

    At the time of this writing, there are over 48 fish with more than 350 color variations to them. I know I easily get hooked trying to collect every species and their variations, and I know many of you have the same feelings. You can go on a fish collecting binge, like I normally do, or simply collect your favorite fish. Besides fish, you can add shrimp, snails, and other animals to your virtual aquarium by visiting the critter shop.

    Fishlets DLC

    Fishlets has a Natural Decor Pack (DLC) that can be purchased. This pack offers 14 nature-themed decorations and objects to add to your aquarium. A few things that stood out to me are the Cholla Wood, Leaf Litter, and Spider Wood. These decorations are fantastic for real-world aquariums and can now be added to your virtual fish tank. Fishlets also has an Ocean Conservation DLC that is completely free! Check this game out at the Steam Store below.

    5. Fish Game

    Fish Game is a fishkeeping simulator that takes aquarium building to the next level. The developers of Fish Game took the time to give each fish their unique personality and behaviors to provide a real aquarium experience in a virtual glass box. The fish in the aquarium will school, chase, fight, and exhibit many other behaviors you might see in real life. There are over 130 types of fish in this game currently, and I am hoping to see more in the future.

    Besides fish, Fish Game provides a very extensive aquascaping experience. This game includes over 50 types of hardscapes, including different types of rockwork, driftwood, and more. There are about 50 species of plants that you can propagate and grow. 25 different types of substrate can be sculpted to help you build your dream aquarium. You can build small 7-gallon aquariums and up to a 3000-gallon monster fish tank. There are many more features Fish Game provides that you’ll have to check out yourself by clicking on the Steam page below.

    6. Soggy Beans

    Expected to release in 2025, Soggy Beans is a relaxing idle game that allows you to decorate, take pictures, and complete photography quests. It takes a unique spin on an aquarium environment because the fish visit you in Soggy Beans. A fish may appear on your screen and you’ll have to spot them to record them in your journal.

    Soggy Beans lets you build your piece of the ocean. There are plenty of options to make your aquascape unique with different decorations you can stack and alter. Some interesting fish may show up in your aquascape. I have seen footage of a pufferfish with a small knife, a skeleton fish, angler fish with a pizza, and a few others you’ll have to discover once this game is released. Add Soggy Beans to your Steam Wishlist by following the link below.

    7. Aquarist

    Aquarist is a relaxing aquarium simulation game. In this game, you’ll manage and design a variety of aquariums and fill the fish tanks with many different fish species. Aquarist puts you up close and personal with the aquariums because it is your job to design, stock, feed, clean, and sell them. There is a lot to do but many reviewers thoroughly enjoyed tackling these tasks. I have followed this game since its early access release. It has come a long way and I had a great time designing the aquariums with the many decorations available.

    You can purchase Aquarist on Steam, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation. Some people who have played it on console said it takes a little while to get used to the controls, but the game is incredibly fun otherwise.

    8. Aquarium Designer

    In Aquarium Designer, you are a professional who seeks to design beautiful aquascapes in a glass box. You create and sell the aquascaped fish tanks to customers and use the money to purchase more decorations and inhabitants for your business. The better your aquarium’s design (with filtration, fish, etc.) the more money you’ll be able to make.

    Two creative modes are available if you need a break from your busy aquarium designing business. You can either choose the casual or realistic mode. These modes let you make designs that are limited only by your creativity.

    Aquarium Designer DLC

    Aquarium Designer has three different DLCs that you can purchase. Each DLC adds something new to the game to keep you entertained. The Interior Designer DLC is by far the most unique out of the three, and adds a whole new component to Aquarium Designer.

    Aquatic Store DLC

    The Aquatic Store DLC gives you access to the retail side of fishkeeping. You’ll be managing your own store and it’s up to you to decide how you want to stock the shelves. Shelves can be packed with exotic fish, decorations, and more.

    Sea Life, Japan, and Amazonia

    These three DLCs come loaded with new fish species, decorations, and quests to be explored. The Sea LIfe DLC adds Clownfish, Angelfish, Wrasses, Tangs, and much more fish to your game. This DLC also lets you stock your aquarium with corals and New decorations.

    The Japan DLC adds nine new fish species to your game. This includes Japanese Striped Loaches, Weather Loaches, Dojo Loach, Japanese Rice Fish, Lake Minnow, and a few more. Japanese-inspired decor is also available with the purchase of this DLC. Lastly, with this download one of the quests takes you on a journey to help an 8 year old boy create a dream aquarium of his own.

    With the Amazonia DLC you will receive 10 new species of fish found in the Amazon River, to throw into your aquariums. Some of these fish include Black Ghost Knife Fish, Otocinclus, Piranha,s and plenty more. Similar to the other DLCs, this one also adds new scenery elements to add new possibilities in aquascaping your fish tanks.

    Interior and Aquarium Designers DLC

    The Interior and Aquarium Designers DLC adds something different to this game. Take a break from creating beautiful aquascapes and managing a pet store, instead, design the inside of homes. It’s a cool idea which allows you to put your designing skills to the test. You’re not just building fancy glass boxes in Aquarium Designer anymore, you are now a complete interior designer.

    9. Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator

    Behind Glass is powered by a 3D aquarium engine, and it shows in-game with lifelike details within. This game puts you into the world of aquarium designing and allows you to aquascape and admire your creations on your PC. Behind Glass comes packed with about 193 species of fish, crustaceans, and decorations. These assets span across both freshwater and saltwater systems.

    There are two modes of play in Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator. The first is designer mode. In this mode, there are no boundaries on how you put your fish tank together. There are no real-world constraints in this mode. Simulation mode has more nuance to it. In this mode, you’ll be dealing with things such as water chemistry, plant, fish, and algae growth, and you’ll be dealing with equipment.

    This game also provides many other features you can experience by purchasing or checking out the Steam Link below. Behind Glass: Aquarium Simulator is in early access at the time of this writing and I am excited to see the progress it makes before its full release.

    10. I am Fish

    I am concluding this list of 10 aquarium games with a slightly different one. I am Fish puts you in the scales of four little aquatic heroes who have been separated from their pet store home. The four fishy friends include: Goldfish, Pufferfish, Piranha, and Flying Fish. Each of these fish comes with their own skills that will help you get through the game. Although I’d never suggest keeping these four species in the same aquarium together, somehow they became incredibly close friends.

    I see I am Fish having a great influence from Gil’s aquarium escape from Finding Nemo. Just like Gil, the inevitable goal is to reach the open ocean. You’ll use each fish’s skills to achieve that goal. I am Fish is a fun and colorful game that has nothing to do with fish husbandry or aquarium keeping. You can learn more about I am Fish by following the link below.

    Final Notes

    I love that the gaming market is entering the world of fishkeeping and aquarium management. Technology now has the power to create gorgeous games that show off this hobby’s true colors. A virtual world does not fully replace the effects of a real aquarium, but it is a great option for someone who does not have the space or money to set one up. I am really excited to see how these games and future games educate and showcase this hobby.

  • Setting Up a Simple Freshwater Aquarium

    Setting Up a Simple Freshwater Aquarium

    This guide will help brand-new aquarists set up their first freshwater aquarium. This article is relevant for aquariums that are 10 – 30 gallons in size. Aquariums come in all shapes and sizes, with different decorations, plants, filtration systems, and more. This will be a very basic setup guide to help new fish keepers get started. We will cover the steps needed for the actual setup and equipment that can be used for the aquarium.

    Equipment Needed

    To begin, the main equipment needed to keep an aquatic system running are the glass enclosure, heater, filter, and light. These are must-haves, especially if you are just starting. An air pump adds more oxygen but it should not be necessary for this type of setup because the filter will provide enough oxygen for fish to thrive.

    • A submersible heater, like the Aqueon Pro Series Heater, is an excellent option for heating your aquarium because it is made by a very popular brand and is built incredibly well. If you’re not interested in the Aqueon Pro Series Heater, check out some of the Best Submersible Heaters for Freshwater and saltwater Aquariums.
    • A hang-on-the-back filter, such as the Aquaclear Series (power filter) is also a great choice for a filtration system because it allows for chemical, mechanical, and biological filtration. You can check out other Hang-on-back Filters by following the link.
    • LED lights, such as the NICREW ClassLED Aquarium Lights are a good budget light that will open the door for aquatic plants in the future. They provide great lighting, usually last years, and don’t use too much electricity. Make sure the size of the LED light matches the length of your fish tank.

    Decorating & Jump Starting Your Aquarium

    Having a nice gravel bed is a great way to make your fish tank pop! I prefer dark gravel, like this one on Amazon, because that will make the colors of the fish tank stand out more. For first-time aquarists, I usually recommend black aquarium gravel. Just remember to rinse the gravel before putting it into your fish tank. Do not use soap, just water. Adding 1 lb. of gravel for every gallon of water will create a nice deep gravel bed, adding a nice look to an aquarium. However, it’s not necessary to add that much.

    Purchasing decorations is a great idea! There are many different types of decorations such as plastic plants, driftwood, pirate ships, and so on. If you enjoy Halloween, take a look at some Halloween-inspired aquarium decorations. The types of decorations are limitless. I recommend Easy to Care for Live Plants and driftwood to give a natural look, but to each their own.

    A few other things needed for a new aquarium are an API Freshwater Master Test Kit, water conditioner, gravel vacuum, net, and fish food (flake food and pellets), and glass cleaner (sponge or magnetic).

    Setup Process

    The setup process is the fun part of it all. Once you have all your tools and equipment, it’s time to finally put together your new aquarium. I will continue by discussing aquarium placement and decoration recommendations below.

    Aquarium Placement

    Once everything is purchased and ready to go it is time to start setting up the aquarium. Find a location in the house away from windows and air/heating vents. Windows provide more sunlight than needed which will cause algal blooms to occur and air/heating vents may cause temperature fluctuations in the aquarium which is not desirable.

    Adding Gravel & Water

    Gravel and decorations should be rinsed before placing into the enclosure. Once that is done begin by gently putting the gravel at the bottom of the aquarium. Place the water into a bucket and add water conditioner to remove chlorine from it. Usually, 1 drop of water conditioner is added per gallon of water but it may vary so double-check the instructions on the bottle you are using. The water temperature does not matter so much right now but try to eyeball the temperature to be around 74° – 78° Fahrenheit. Fish will not be added yet so an exact temperature isn’t necessary. Repeat these steps until the aquarium is roughly 50 – 75% full and begin adding the decorations.

    Placing Decorations, Equipment & Final Touches

    Push the base of the decorations to the bottom of the gravel bed. This will give it a solid foundation and will help prevent it from moving when cleaning the enclosure. Place the heater and set the temperature to around 76 -78 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the filter in its proper location. Continue to fill up the aquarium to about 90% and test to see if the filter runs. I usually recommend letting the aquarium run for about 12 – 24 hours just to make sure all the equipment runs properly and to ensure there are no leaks. Before adding fish, read up on the Nitrogen Cycle, and the highly recommended fishless cycle.

    Purpose of API Freshwater Master Test Kit

    I will explain the reasoning behind purchasing the other items for your aquarium. The API Freshwater Test Kit is important. The aquarium will go through the nitrogen cycle. The cycle will help create a safe environment for fish and invertebrates. The cycle begins with a spike of ammonia (from waste). The ammonia will convert to nitrites after a week or two. You will use the test kit to follow along. Visible signs of nitrites will appear. After 5-6 weeks, the nitrites should convert to nitrates. When using the test kit, the ideal spot to be in is to test for 0 ammonia and nitrites and have just a hint of nitrates. The nitrogen cycle normally lasts 6 weeks but the process can be sped up to about two weeks by using a bacteria starter.

    Use of Water Conditioner

    A water conditioner is useful to remove the chlorine from the water before adding it to the aquarium. Large amounts of chlorine are not good for fish or invertebrates so removing them is a bonus. Some people allow their water to sit in a bucket for 24 hours before adding it to their fish tank but to be safe the water conditioner is the way to go!

    Supplies For Aquarium Maintenance

    The gravel vacuum will be a must-have when doing maintenance on your aquarium. After creating a siphon, the gravel vacuum will allow water to flow down the tube and into an external bucket. The flow is slow enough to help collect food particles and fish waste but it should not suck up the gravel that was recommended earlier in the article. Using a gravel vacuum makes water changes a breeze.

    The net and food are pretty self-explanatory. The net is to make adding the fish into the aquarium easier and the food of course is to feed the fish.

    Lastly, the glass cleaner will be very useful for cleaning the glass! Algae will form on the glass over time so having an aquarium-safe sponge is beneficial.

    Final Notes

    Aquarium building can be fun while still keeping it simple. Once experience levels increase the hobby can branch out to far reaches. Starting with an easy-to-care-for 10-gallon aquarium creates a good foundation for what could be a lifelong hobby in the future.