Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?
The bathroom is an acceptable place for fish tanks larger than 10 gallons. This ensures temperature fluctuations (i.e. when taking a shower) don’t harm the fish tank.
It’s important to note, there should be ample space inside the bathroom and the tank shouldn’t be exposed to harsh chemicals.
This can include:
- Cleaning Agents
- Air Fresheners
- Bleach
A lot of people assume it’s okay to use these harsh chemicals in bathrooms, but that’s not the case when a fish tank is installed in the bathroom.
These chemicals can be harsh on the water quality and harm the fish inside your tank.
For those asking, “Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?” it’s time to start by understanding how you can optimize the set up. Yes, it’s possible but only when you do things safely and make sure the installation doesn’t cause harm to your fish over the long-term.
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Tips for Safely Putting a Fish Tank in Your Bathroom
Tip #1: Use a Large-Sized Fish Tank
Bathrooms are not like other parts of the house and it’s important to keep this in mind when asking, “Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?”
The bathroom is going to be used to take showers, which means steam becomes an issue. With steam in the air, the bathroom is going to warm rapidly.
This is difficult for small fish tanks to handle because the water is concentrated in a small contained space. This is bad for the living organisms in your fish tank.
By using a larger fish tank, you are going to get away with most of these issues even when taking regular showers.
The benefits include:
- Larger Volume of Water
- Easier to Control pH Fluctuations
- Can Handle Rising Temperature From Warm Shower
If you are asking, “Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?” it’s best to start by choosing a fish tank that is larger than 10 gallons.
At 10 gallons, you are going to see changes in the water temperature that’s unsafe for the fish. As a result, going with something that is at least 20 gallons is the way to go.
It’s going to keep the fish safe and it will provide peace of mind at the same time!
If you are serious about this type of set up in the bathroom, you will want to go with the right fish tank for your home.

Tip #2: Change the Water Often
In a traditional setup, you are not going to have to change the water often.
You can follow a regular schedule and get away with it. However, those who want to place the fish tank in their bathroom, it’s time to look at increasing the number of times you change the water.
This is the only way to make sure you are not seeing a rapid change in pH levels during the month.
Plus, water changes are never a bad idea regardless of where the fish tank is situated.
For a fish tank in your bathroom, you want to follow a set routine that includes multiple water changes throughout the year.
Tip #3: Remove Harsh Chemicals From The Bathroom
Let’s assume you are wondering, “Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?” and want to be proactive when it comes to the placement of your fish tank.
If it is going to go into the bathroom, you want to make sure the fish tank is safe.
This can only happen when the fish aren’t exposed to harsh chemicals in the air. This can happen when you wash the bathroom floor with chemicals that wouldn’t be used in other parts of the house.
These chemicals should never be used with the fish tank in your bathroom.
This is dangerous and is going to have a negative impact on your fish tank over the short and long-term. It’s recommended to remove all of these harsh chemicals before moving the fish tank into your bathroom.

Tip #4: Use a Powerful Filter
What type of filter are you going to be using?
A conventional filtration system is just not going to cut it!
You have to add something that is well-rounded, powerful, and can keep up with the size of your fish tank. The water has to be filtered properly or the fish won’t be safe.
Final Thoughts
Can you put a fish tank in the bathroom?
Placing fish tanks in the bathroom is never a bad idea as long as you plan properly. The only time you are going to be exposing the fish to a dangerous situation is when you make the change without purpose.
This means getting rid of harsh chemicals, using a high-end fish tank, and ensuring you are changing the water as often as you can.
This is the only way your fish are going to stay safe and the fish tank is going to age gracefully in the bathroom.
Here are additional articles to help with taking care of your fish tank at home – adding snails to a fish tank, good color enhancing fish food for fish tank, safely removing bubbles from a fish tank, and tips for increasing nitrates in a fish tank.