Fish and aquariums are considered powerful Feng Shui cures. As Feng Shui, Vaastu and other beliefs in the philosophy of building harmony with earth energies are becoming popular, many people are trying to enhance their luck by placing water bodies and fish at strategic places. Non-believers keep aquariums because they prefer fish as pets.

The aquarium tank itself comes in different shapes, sizes and styles. Besides the traditional rectangle or square ones, aquarium tanks also come in sizes as thin as a plasma screen. People generally pick up a 10 gallon or 20-gallon aquarium, either made of glass or acrylic. The price of the aquarium could range anything between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000.

“Beginners usually buy goldfish. The price could be as little as Rs 150 for a fish and Rs 1,000 for a tank. But these figures can go up substantially, depending on how seriously one is into Feng Shui,” says interior designer Susheela Rai.

Fish that are normally kept in aquariums include catfish, angelfish, clown fish and koi. Most fish have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

The most expensive aquarium fish are the rare and exotic Arowana and Flowerhorn, which come from south-east Asia and are priced in the range of Rs 75,000 to Rs 3,00,000. These have to be kept as single fish and not in groups.

“The most important thing about keeping an aquarium is regular feeding and cleaning. Many people don’t realise that fish need a lot of care,” says Rai.

Basic tanks need a filter to keep the water clean, a heater if you are planning to keep tropical fish and accessories such plants and gravel. Driftwood, ceramics and cave-like rocks are also used to embellish the tank.

“Live plants look better and make up a natural ecosystem. They absorb nutrients from fish waste and help keep the tank clean,” says Rai.

Most fish tank owners say that not more than 40 per cent of water should be changed at a time. Nowadays, with a little extra money, one can buy self-cleaning fish tanks.

Bangalore-based Cosy Aquariums specialises in selling self-cleaning tanks. “These tanks have a built-in cleaning system. With a push of a button, the three-stage filter system will keep your tank clean,” says owner K Jayaraam. The cost of self-cleaning tanks ranges from Rs 5,000 to Rs 75,000, depending on the size and accessories.

Jayaraam plans to import specially designed tanks from China, which are as thin as plasma television screens. Each tank would cost around

Rs 50,000 or more.

“But the fish need to be taken care of,” he says. Good quality fish food should be stocked for at least a month.“A lot of people prefer keeping an aquarium because fish are the most peaceful pets,” says Rai.

So if you’re willing to spend and are looking for a pet that doesn’t shed hair, is quiet and relatively clean, an aquarium is the right choice for you.