Wall Mount Fishbowl

The photos of the colorful fish in a 'bowl' on the wall are enticing --so enticing that my sister bought me one for my birthday, even though she knows I don’t recommend them. I didn't have the heart to tell her to take the gift back, so I decided to give it a whirl.

After testing driving one, my opinion is still the same. This bowl is not an ideal home for live fish. It lacks a means to heat it, light it, and filter the water. It has no lid to prevent the fish from jumping out. With frequent water changes and proper location, it can be used to house one small fish, but I don't recommend it.

Pros

Cons

Size and Construction
The product itself is well constructed of clear, sturdy acrylic. It mounts flat against the wall quite easily, using the fasteners included. The outside surfaces clean easily, and the overall look is quite attractive.

At only a foot across, the small size precludes using a filter. In the absence of filtration, water changes every few days are necessary to maintain high water quality. Fewer water changes may not kill the fish in the short term, but it is unlikely to have a normal lifespan.

The top of the bowl is open, which makes it unsuitable for fish that are prone to jumping. Feeding the fish and adding water is quite easy, but cleaning the bowl is a bit more challenging due to the small opening.

Mounting the Bowl
It's so small that you should be able to put it anywhere, right? Not really. A draft can quickly change the temperature of a small bowl of water. To maintain stable water temperature, it can't be mounted near a door, window, heating or cooling vent.

Also it should not be placed where it will receive direct light, as it will quickly heat the water and invites unwanted algae growth.

Lastly, because there is no filtration the bowl must be mounted with easy access to change the water. However, don't place it too low on the wall, as the open top is inviting to pets or small children’s hands.

Recommendation
With proper location, good care and maintenance, a small fish can be kept in this bowl. I advise keeping a clean one gallon jug to hold replacement water for the bowl. Once used, refill it with fresh water immediately after each water change. Add water conditioner and store the jug at room temperature, then it will be all ready to go for the next water change.

Because of the ongoing maintenance needed, this product is not a good choice for those who are often away from home.