Understanding “fish tanks” is a fun and surprising topic for you, an ESL learner, because it introduces everyday vocabulary connected to pets, hobbies, and small-scale maintenance. Whether you’re describing your home, talking about animals, or just making small talk, these words help you sound more natural and detailed in English. Mastering today’s vocabulary will also help you follow conversations about pets or even science topics more confidently. Let’s jump right in!

5 TERMS

1. Fish tank (Noun): A glass or plastic container where pet fish live in water.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. My brother keeps a colorful fish tank in his bedroom.

     2. A clean fish tank can make any room feel more peaceful.

     3. You need to be careful when moving a full fish tank.

2. Algae (Noun): Green or brown plant-like growth that appears in water tanks and needs to be cleaned.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. The glass had a layer of algae, so I had to scrub it.

     2. Too much light causes algae to grow quickly.

     3. Some fish even eat algae as part of their diet.

3. Maintenance (Noun): The regular care or work needed to keep something in good condition.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. A fish tank requires weekly maintenance to stay clean.

     2. He does all the maintenance himself, including changing the water.

     3. Without proper maintenance, the fish can get sick.

4. Decoration (Noun): Objects added to make something look nicer.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. We added little castles and rocks as decoration inside the tank.

     2. Some people like natural decorations, like driftwood or plants.

     3. The fish swam around the decorations like it was their playground.

5. Territorial (Adjective): Describes animals (including some fish) that defend their space from others.

   • Example Sentences:

     1. Betta fish are territorial and should be kept alone.

     2. The larger fish became territorial and chased the others away.

     3. If you mix the wrong species, they may act territorial.

I just finished the maintenance on my fish tank, and it looks great. I had to scrub off some algae growing near the filter and rearrange the decorations a bit. One of the fish was acting territorial and wouldn't let the others near the cave, so I moved it to the other side. Taking care of a fish tank is a relaxing hobby, but it definitely takes some effort to keep everything running smoothly.