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Keeping Tropical Fish Is Unsustainable, University Study Says

Keeping tropical fish has long been considered a popular hobby for many people. However, a recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Cardiff has shed light on the environmental impact of maintaining a fish tank. Surprisingly, the study reveals that having a tropical fish tank can be as detrimental to the environment as driving thousands of miles on a motorbike.

The research focused on various factors that contribute to the carbon footprint of fish tanks:

Heating the tank
Transporting the fish
Pumping water

All of these things require energy, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide. According to the study, a large tank with a capacity of 400 liters can produce up to 635 kilograms of CO2 annually. This is equivalent to traveling 3,483 miles on an average motorcycle or 2,265 miles in an average petrol car, as per official data.

The comparison to motorized vehicles is particularly alarming when considering the Department of Transportation’s statistics. On average, a motorcyclist makes around 440 trips per year, covering approximately 4,800 miles. This translates to roughly 875 kilograms of CO2 emissions. The study suggests that the carbon emissions from a fish tank are dependent on various factors, such as water temperature, insulation of the room, and the duration of aquarium lighting. Implementing energy-efficient practices can reduce emissions and minimize the ecological impact.

One crucial factor affecting the carbon emissions of fish tanks is the source of energy. Since tropical fish tanks typically receive their power from mains electricity, the carbon emissions depend on the energy mix of the grid. If the grid relies heavily on fossil fuels, the fish tank will indirectly contribute to more polluting means of energy generation. However, using renewable energy sources or installing green technologies like solar panels can help mitigate the carbon emissions associated with fish tanks.

Dr. William Perry, the study’s author, suggests several measures to minimize the environmental impact of fish tanks. Keeping the home well-insulated and warm can reduce the energy required to heat the water by minimizing the temperature differential between the ambient room and the aquarium. The researchers also recommend maintaining the aquarium at the minimum suggested temperature and light threshold and using timers for water flow equipment to have short breaks in their usage. Additionally, opting for locally-sourced aquarium plants for oxygenation can further reduce emissions.

Interestingly, the study highlights that having tropical fish can be a more environmentally conscious pet choice compared to cats and dogs. The carnivorous diet of dogs alone can produce over 1.5 tonnes of CO2 per year, while cats contribute an average of 250 kilograms of CO2 annually. With an estimated 70 percent of fish keepers in the UK owning a tropical freshwater aquarium, the study emphasizes the importance of improving the environmental sustainability of the hobby.

Dr. Perry acknowledges that reducing the environmental impact of high water consumption in fish tanks will require ingenuity at the individual level. However, he remains optimistic, stating that as the national grid further decarbonizes, the emissions from fish tanks will naturally decrease.

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