Pro Tips for Filming Your Aquarium (Even With a Phone!)

Ever watched a jaw-dropping aquarium video and thought, “How on earth do they make their fish tank look like a scene from a National Geographic documentary?”

Yeah, me too. I used to think you needed a fancy underwater rig and a film crew just to get a decent clip of your guppies. Turns out, with the right tools, a sprinkle of patience, and maybe a curious seahorse or two, anyone can film beautiful aquarium footage — even if you’re just a beginner.

Whether you want to start a YouTube channel, post cool fish clips on TikTok, or capture your reef aquarium for the family Facebook group, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in (pun intended)!

Gathering Equipment

Let’s start with the basics. You don’t need a full Hollywood setup to make your aquarium videos shine. Most of the tools are things you either already own or can snag without breaking the bank.

Camera Or Smartphone

Your smartphone is more powerful than you think. Most newer phones shoot in 4K, have solid autofocus, and can even do slow-mo or time-lapse.

Of course, if you’ve got a DSLR or mirrorless camera lying around, awesome — but don’t stress if you don’t. Plenty of successful creators on Instagram and YouTube got started with just their phones.

Tripod Or Stabilizer

Wobbly footage is the quickest way to turn your soothing fish tank video into a motion sickness test. Invest in a basic tripod.

Author Note: Even the mini ones work great if you’re shooting close to the tank.

If you’re filming handheld, a stabilizer or even just leaning your elbows on the counter helps a ton. (Tripods are also helpful for keeping curious cats from knocking over your phone!)

Underwater Camera Or Housing (Optional)

Want to go full Jacques Cousteau? Consider an underwater camera or waterproof housing for your phone.

Great for capturing fish from inside the tank, especially if you’re showcasing depth or fish species that love to swim close to the glass. This is optional but adds a cool dimension to your content — especially in a reef aquarium or aquascape with lots of nooks and crannies.

Lighting (Optional)

Natural tank lighting is usually enough, especially if your setup already includes LED lights. But if your footage feels a bit dim, try using soft white desk lamps or small LED panels.

Just don’t blast your fish with a spotlight like it’s a red carpet event. We’re aiming for natural environment vibes, not fishy paparazzi.

Setting Up The Shot

Once your gear’s ready, it’s time to frame your masterpiece.

Choosing The Right Angle

Front and center is always a safe bet, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Angles from above, below, or even diagonally can make your tank look bigger and more dynamic.

Try a shot through plants for a “peek into the jungle” feel — or capture a close-up of your betta’s fins swaying like a silk curtain. If you have a school of neon tetras or a peaceful honey gourami cruising around, they can make for some seriously cinematic moments.

Adjusting Lighting And Background

Background matters more than you’d think. Got clutter behind the tank? You can easily clean it up — or even better, digitally remove it with a tool like Adobe’s Remove Video Background.

Author Note : This is especially helpful if your fish tank is in a busy living room or your dog insists on photobombing.

Adjust the lighting to avoid reflections. Turn off nearby lights or shoot from an angle that doesn’t catch glare. It makes a world of difference.

Adding Movement With Fish Or Plants

Movement adds magic. Fish swimming gracefully or plants swaying gently make your footage feel alive (check our 13 Best Floating Aquarium Plants).

Want to spark more activity? Drop a bit of food (just a tiny pinch!) to encourage fish to move around — especially during filming. Fish like cory catfish or electric blue rams are always fun to watch on camera.

Using Props Or Decorations

Decor can set the scene. Want your tank to look like an underwater castle or a mini jungle?

Add props, driftwood, or themed decorations. Just make sure they’re safe for your fish species. And remember, nothing says “viral video” like a pufferfish zooming past a treasure chest. Or a clownfish popping out of a torch coral in your saltwater tank.

Filming Techniques

Let’s talk technique — because pressing record is only half the job.

Panning And Tilting

Move slowly and steadily. A slow pan from left to right across the tank shows off the full spectacle.

Tilting down from the top adds depth, especially if your aquascape has multiple levels. Pretend you’re showing the tank off to a friend visiting for the first time.

Slow Motion

Some fish move fast. Too fast. Capture the elegance of fins in slow-mo and it’s like filming underwater ballet.

Neon tetras, guppies, or even shrimp feeding all look amazing in slow motion. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to watch.

Time Lapse

Want to highlight your tank’s daily changes? Set up a time-lapse.

You can show plants pearling, fish schooling, or your reef aquarium “waking up” as the lights come on. Great for socials or even just to appreciate your own hard work.

You could even capture your scoly coral swaying with the flow or mushrooms slowly expanding.

Focusing

Auto-focus is your friend — until it isn’t. Sometimes it wants to focus on algae on the glass instead of your gorgeous angelfish. Tap to focus manually if needed, or use manual focus if you’re on a DSLR.

Author Note: Always aim for the eye of the fish — that’s where the connection is.

Once you’ve got your footage, it’s time to post! Here’s how to make sure your videos get seen and shared:

• Choose the right platform: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook — each has different formats, so crop and time your content accordingly.
• Use trending audio: Especially on Reels or TikTok, adding a popular sound can boost your reach.
• Add captions or a voiceover: Even a funny narration or a fact about your fish species can make your video stand out.
• Think like a creator: You don’t have to be an influencer or youtuber to post great content. Just share what inspires you, and you’ll inspire others.
• Feature your stars: Got a fish with a big personality? A shark plushy the kids added? Feature them like the stars they are. Or give your firefish goby a proper slow-mo hero shot!

A Few Final Thoughts

Creating high-quality aquarium videos isn’t about perfection — it’s about capturing the wonder of your underwater world and sharing that inspiration with others.

Whether you’re filming a special occasion (like introducing new fish), documenting tank growth, or just showing off for your Twitter followers, your tank deserves a spotlight.

And hey — who knows? Your video might be the one that gets someone else hooked on fishkeeping. That’s a ripple effect we can all get behind.

Now go make your fish famous. 🎥🐟

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