Aquariums Bring the Serenity of Nature Into These Homes - The Wall Street Journal

Home aquariums are living art, said Golan Binder, founder of Oceans Aquarium Design. "There's something about water and there's something about fish. When it's done correctly, it's definitely awe-inspiring," he said. More than just eye candy, research suggests that aquariums have the added benefit of reducing the observer's blood pressure while boosting their mood.

Beyond standard fish tanks, aquariums can be integrated into the home as a design feature that fits nearly any space. Typically, the homeowner has a large wall that they are not sure what to do with, said Mr. Binder, or they want a room divider in an open-concept home.

There are two types of aquariums to choose from: freshwater and saltwater. Most people opt for the latter, said Christopher Stevens, a New York-based interior designer, because of the eye-catching tropical fish. Saltwater tanks are high maintenance, though, and require close attention.

When it comes to installing an aquarium at home, a free-standing aquarium (including the surrounding cabinet, tank, insert, and install) starts around $25,000 for a tank that is about 24 cubic feet, said Mr. Stevens. On the high end, Mr. Binder has installed aquariums that cost around $300,000. Fish typically cost around $100 per fish and maintenance costs around $200 per week. Inside the tanks, habitats can range from real coral to minimalist blown glass. "As a designer, I don't really want to see the sunken treasure chest and neon corals. I want to see something that's maybe a little bit more considered," said Mr. Stevens.

While aquariums are a design feature, people grow attached to their fish and the nature in their homes, said Mr. Stevens. "It becomes another part of the family, and then something to fall in love with," he said.

Four Homes for Sale With Aquariums

Jupiter, Fla.

Photo: Hometakes

Location: Jupiter, Fla. // Price: $2 million

Jupiter, Fla.

Photo: Hometakes

A saltwater aquarium wraps around the outer edge of the staircase in this waterfront Florida townhome. Located on the Jupiter Inlet, the house is 2,459 square feet with three bedrooms and 2½ bathrooms. The house has a two-car garage with epoxy flooring; there is bamboo flooring downstairs and hardwood flooring upstairs. The house also has a Dolby ATMOS Home Theater system with a remote-powered 160-inch screen, 4K projector, an 85-inch flat-screen television and surround sound speakers in the walls and ceilings throughout the house. It also has a suspended ceiling for extra sound dampening. The primary bathroom has a programmable shower and a waterfall jetted tub and the guest bedroom has a Murphy bed and a balcony. The property is listed by Keller Williams of the Palm Beaches.

Calabasas, Calif.

Photo: The Luxury Level

Location: Calabasas, Calif. // $20.5 million

Calabasas, Calif.

Photo: The Luxury Level

A 500-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with tropical fish and corals can be found in a hallway of this approximately 11,488-square-foot house. With six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the house has a gallery garage as well as an additional attached garage with a lift. Each living space has a fireplace and opens to a garden. The kitchen has two islands, a pizza oven, built-in appliances and a dinette. There are two primary suites; one with a private terrace and a fireplace and one adjacent to a gym with a sauna and steam shower. Between the two primary suites is an office hidden behind a bookshelf with a 12-foot ceiling and a fireplace. There's a 15-seat home theater with a candy counter on the lower level as well as a wine tasting room with an 800-bottle, temperature-controlled wine cellar. On the property is a pool, detached guesthouse with a full bathroom, a koi pond with a waterfall, outdoor kitchen, a rose garden and an orchard. The property is listed by Compass and Coldwell Banker Realty.

Chatsworth, Calif.

Photo: Christopher Pelton

Location: Chatsworth, Calif. // Price: $5.495 Million

Chatsworth, Calif.

Photo: Christopher Pelton

​​A domed freshwater aquarium adorns the office wall of this 13,619-square-foot home with eight bedrooms and 9½ bathrooms. The entry features two curved staircases and porcelain tile flooring can be found throughout the main living areas while the bedrooms have hardwood floors. An outdoor elevator leads to an indoor racquetball and basketball court, sauna, refreshment kitchen and a party room with a bar. The main kitchen has Thermador appliances; a side-by-side refrigerator, dual ovens, dual dishwashers, a warming drawer and a wine refrigerator. It also has quartz countertops and custom cabinetry. In the primary suite is a double-sided fireplace, sitting area, dual closets and in the bathroom is a stand-alone tub, dual rain shower heads and onyx walls. Also found on the 2.26-acre lot is a pool, spa, koi pond, outdoor kitchen and barbecue area and a lighted tennis court. The property is listed by Compass. 

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Photo: Adam Dooms Media

Location: West Palm Beach, Fla. // Price: $5.799 Million

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Photo: Adam Dooms Media

This Singer Island condo has a 300-gallon saltwater aquarium located in the private elevator entryway. Porcelain flooring is found throughout the 3,753-square-foot home with four bedrooms, four bathrooms and one half-bathroom. The kitchen has quartzite countertops with a 12-foot island as well as a walk-in pantry with built-in shelves. There are remote control window shades installed throughout the condo which has eastern and western exposure. The condo is sold turnkey and is listed by Sutter & Nugent.