How to Be Aquarium Keeper - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 19, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The effects of poor aquarium keeper practices can be devastating to fish populations. Poor water quality, overcrowding, and the introduction of incompatible species can all lead to serious consequences for fish. If a tank is not properly maintained, the water can become polluted, leading to a decrease in oxygen and an increase in ammonia levels.

This can cause stress, disease, and even death for the fish. Overcrowding can also lead to aggressive behavior, stress, and spread of disease. introducing incompatible species can cause territorial disputes, injury, and further spread of disease.

All of these issues can result in a decrease in fish populations, leading to a decrease in biodiversity for the ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential for aquarium keepers to practice proper maintenance and introduce compatible species to ensure the health of their tanks.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. Most aquariums require that applicants for aquarium keeper positions have a bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, or a related field. Coursework should include classes such as animal behavior, ecology, and marine biology.
Gain Aquarium Experience. Many aquariums prefer to hire individuals with prior experience working in an aquarium. Consider volunteering or interning at a local aquarium to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Obtain Certification. Although not always required, some aquariums may prefer or require applicants to possess national certification as an aquarist. The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) offers a certification exam.
Apply for Open Positions. Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can apply for available aquarium keeper positions. Advertised positions can be found online or through the human resources department of an aquarium.
Demonstrate Knowledge and Skills. During the interview process, you must demonstrate your knowledge of aquatic animals and their habitats, as well as your ability to work with the public. You must also show that you are willing to work with other aquarium personnel in order to maintain a safe and educational environment for visitors.

Staying ahead and competent as an aquarium keeper requires dedication, commitment and knowledge. Establishing a proper routine helps ensure that all the necessary tasks are completed on time. Regular maintenance such as water quality testing, cleaning of filters and tanks, and feeding of the fish are important to keep the aquarium functioning properly.

staying up to date with technological advancements in the industry can help aquarium keepers become more efficient in their day-to-day operations. researching and learning new methods of caring for fish, plants and other aquatic life can help aquarium keepers stay ahead of the game. staying ahead and competent as an aquarium keeper requires a willingness to stay informed, engaged and open to new ideas.

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Job Description

Monitor water quality and conduct water tests regularly
Perform routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning the tank, replacing filters and changing water
Feed and care for aquatic animals according to established guidelines
Monitor the behavior, health and growth of aquatic animals
Provide an appropriate habitat for the animals
Maintain accurate records of animal care including feeding, water changes and medical treatments
Identify and troubleshoot any problems with aquatic animals
Prepare and provide appropriate food items for the animals
Manage inventory of aquatic supplies and equipment
Educate visitors on the care and feeding of aquatic animals

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aquatic species and their habitats.
Ability to maintain water quality and balance.
Ability to identify and diagnose fish health issues.
Knowledge of aquarium equipment and supplies.
Knowledge of proper fish nutrition and diet.
Ability to safely handle, transfer, and transport fish.
Ability to clean and maintain aquariums and equipment.
Ability to monitor and adjust water chemistry levels.
Ability to identify signs of fish stress or disease.
Ability to perform regular maintenance tasks such as filter cleaning and water changes.
Knowledge of safety procedures for handling fish and aquarium equipment.
Ability to answer questions from visitors about aquariums and aquatic life.

Good aquarium keeping requires a variety of skills, from choosing the right tank setup to understanding the needs of the fish species. Having knowledge of the natural habitat of a particular species is essential for creating a healthy environment for them. it is important to understand the water chemistry of the aquarium, including the pH, hardness, and temperature.

Knowing the proper ways of feeding and maintaining the tank are also critical in keeping the fish healthy. Furthermore, monitoring the tank regularly for any signs of disease or distress is important in order to identify problems before they become unmanageable. The ability to recognize if a fish isn't eating properly or if there are signs of illness is an important skill for aquarium keepers.

Finally, proper maintenance is key in keeping aquariums clean and healthy. This includes regular water changes, filter maintenance, and removing any debris or decaying organic matter from the tank. All these skills are necessary for successful aquarium keeping and will lead to healthier fish and a more enjoyable experience for the keeper.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aquatic animals?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation with an animal in your care.
How would you handle a situation where an animal is displaying unusual behavior?
How do you ensure the quality of the water in the aquariums?
What steps do you take to ensure the health and safety of the aquatic life?
What experience do you have with maintaining the tanks and aquascaping?
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer while working in an aquarium.
What would you do if you discovered a potential disease or infection in one of the aquariums?
What methods do you follow when introducing new fish or other aquatic life into the aquariums?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of aquarium keeping?

Common Tools in Industry

Water Test Kit. a kit used to test the quality of the water, including pH, ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite levels (eg: API Freshwater Master Test Kit).
Net. a tool used to scoop fish and other objects out of the aquarium (eg: Aquascape Pond Fish Net).
Gravel Vacuum. a device used to siphon water and debris from the bottom of the aquarium (eg: Aqueon Aquarium Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner).
Aquarium Heater. a device used to maintain a consistent water temperature in the tank (eg: Hydor Theo Submersible Aquarium Heater).
Filter. a device used to maintain water cleanliness by removing debris and filtering out particulates (eg: Aqueon QuietFlow LED Pro Aquarium Power Filter).
Plant Trimmers. a tool used to trim and shape live plants in the aquarium (eg: Marina Floating Plant Trimmer).
Aquarium Vacuum. a device used to clean the aquarium substrate (eg: Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System).
Water Conditioner. a product used to remove chlorine and chloramine from tap water prior to adding it to the aquarium (eg: Seachem Prime Water Conditioner).
Food Scoop. a tool used to feed fish with precision (eg: Tetra AquaSafe Fish Food Scoop).
Algae Scraper. a tool used to remove algae from the aquarium walls and decorations (eg: Mag-Float Acrylic Aquarium Algae Scraper).

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
World Aquarium and Marine Biology Society (WAMBS)
American Association of Professional Aquarists (AAPA)
British Marine Life Study Society (BMLSS)
National Marine Aquarium and Aquaculture Association (NMAAA)
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (IAFWA)
World Organization of Marine Biological Laboratories (WOMBL)
World Aquaculture Society (WAS)
Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACC)
International Pet and Animal Association (IPATA)

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Common Important Terms

Aquarium. A tank or pool for keeping fish and other aquatic animals.
Tank. An enclosed space, usually made of glass or plastic, used to keep aquatic animals or plants.
Filter. A device used to purify water by removing suspended particles and bacteria.
Substrate. The material used to line the bottom of an aquarium, such as gravel, sand, or crushed coral.
Cycling. The process of introducing beneficial bacteria to an aquarium in order to establish a balanced and healthy environment for fish and other aquatic animals.
Nitrate. A form of nitrogen found in the water of an aquarium, produced by the breakdown of fish waste and decaying plants.
Water Quality. The overall condition of the water in an aquarium, including its temperature, pH levels, and chemical composition.
Aquascaping. The art of arranging plants, rocks, and other décor items in an aquarium to create a unique and visually pleasing habitat.
Heater. A device used to regulate the temperature of the water in an aquarium.
Protein Skimmer. A device used to remove dissolved proteins and other organic compounds from aquarium water.