1.  Start small and use less plants.  Once you start getting into the larger fish tanks like a 55-gallon freshwater tank, you’ll be using around 280 and 400 kilowatt-hours annually.  When you start adding plants, you’re increasing the energy usage with your aquarium’s insatiable appetite.  So start with a 10-gallon with maybe one plant and go from there.

2.  When looking into aquarium lights, try to find a more green-efficient LED light, since that will save you on power and bulb replacements.

3.  Don’t overpopulate your fish aquarium.  If you add more fish every week, it’s going to be hard on your filtration system, and in turn your energy power, to keep up.  Appreciate one fish at a time and build from there if you need to.

4.  Research your fish store.  Before heading off to the local critter world, research their business and make sure you are getting your pets from a good source.

5.  Don’t give into your kids!  If your kids have a Finding Nemo fantasy, nip it in the bud before you head to the pet store or you’ll end up with a host of saltwater clown fish and no idea of where to begin.