4 Virtual Fish Tanks for the Modern Aquarist

We’re in the middle of the Age of Information, a time when digital data reigns supreme. While computerized fish do an awful job of replacing the real thing, it might be nice to have the option to watch pixelated fish swim around your computer screen when you can’t get access to a real thing. After all,…

Oil Rigs: Future Site of Suburbs or Aquatic Prison?

Just recently, we looked at Seaventures Resort, an old oil rig that had been refitted to accommodate scuba enthusiasts. Seaventures is a smart example of efficient recycling. Why spend more to build a floating hotel from scratch when you can just reuse something that’s already there? Designers Ku Yee Kee and Hor Sue-Wern are also exploring…

Floating Skyscrapers Turn Trash into Treasure

We recently discussed architectural recycling options for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and we have also looked into a few underwater skyscraperdesigns. This next design is a fusion of these two ideas. Designed by Milorad Vidojevic, Jelena Pucarevic, and Milica Pihler, the Lady Landfill Scraper is intended to float around the ocean, collecting garbage to incorporate into its design. The…

“Woosh… Tunk!” Goes the Japanese Shishi-Odoshi

So, you’ve set up a gorgeous backyard pond aquascape only to discover that deer and other animals view the plant life like some sort of all-you-can-eat buffet. Putting up a fence will distract from the beauty of your aquascape, and you can’t exactly patrol your property with a shotgun all day. The Japanese have solved…

The Paludarium: Half Aquarium, Half Land, Double the Fun

Are you a glass-half-full type of person? Well, what about a tank-half-full type of person? Would it bum you out to see a half-empty aquarium, or would you be excited by the mix of the aquatic and terrestrial worlds? Behold the paludarium, an amazing aqua/landscape that lets hobbyists enjoy their favorite species from both biomes. Paludariums…

The Quirky Life of a Garden Eel

Most aquariums fall into one of two categories: a lush freshwater aquascape with lots of vibrant green plants, or a tropical saltwater aquarium with beautiful coral and brightly-colored fish. It’s not surprising at all that these two aquascapes are the most popular because they’re so incredibly gorgeous, but some aquascaping fans prefer unorthodox forms of beauty.…

Like Hanging a Picture: Wall-Mounted Aquariums

If you gave somebody the task of spicing up a living space by adding art, I think it’s safe to say that most people would start by adding framed pictures. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if wall art such as posters, pictures, and paintings make up the most common household art in America. It…

Fresh or Salt Water? Choosing the Right Tank for You

Paper or plastic? Half empty or half full? Fresh or salt water aquarium? That is one of the classic questions, a dilemma that has plagued mankind ever since a guy first put a fish into a big clear bowl. Not only is this the first question that a prospective aquarium owner will have to make,…