Stardew Valley, the beloved farming simulation role-playing game, offers players a wide variety of activities beyond just tending to crops and animals. One of the most relaxing and rewarding aspects of the game is creating and maintaining your own aquarium. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about putting fish in a fish tank in Stardew Valley, from acquiring the necessary items to caring for your aquatic friends.
Contents
Prerequisites
Before you can start your own aquarium, you’ll need to ensure you have the following:
- A fish tank
- Fish
- Fishing rod (to catch fish)
Let’s break down each of these prerequisites in detail.
Acquiring a Fish Tank
In Stardew Valley, fish tanks come in various sizes and styles. Here’s how you can obtain them:
- Small Fish Tank
- Available from the start of the game
- Can be crafted or purchased from Robin’s Carpenter Shop
- Crafting recipe: 5 Wood, 5 Fiber, 1 Iron Bar
- Purchase price: 500g
- Modern Fish Tank
- Unlocked after reaching Fishing level 2
- Can be crafted or purchased from Robin’s Carpenter Shop
- Crafting recipe: 10 Wood, 5 Iron Bar, 5 Refined Quartz
- Purchase price: 2,000g
- Deluxe Fish Tank
- Unlocked after reaching Fishing level 6
- Can be crafted or purchased from Robin’s Carpenter Shop
- Crafting recipe: 15 Wood, 10 Iron Bar, 10 Refined Quartz
- Purchase price: 5,000g
- Aquarium Fish Tank
- The largest fish tank available
- Unlocked after completing the “Fish Collection” bundle in the Community Center
- Can only be purchased from the Furniture Catalogue for 12,500g
Obtaining Fish
There are several ways to obtain fish in Stardew Valley:
- Fishing: The primary method of obtaining fish. You’ll need a fishing rod and bait.
- Fish Ponds: You can build fish ponds on your farm to raise certain types of fish.
- Crab Pots: These can be placed in water to catch small aquatic creatures.
- Traveling Cart: Sometimes sells rare fish.
- Night Market: Offers unique fish during the winter season.
Step-by-Step Guide to Putting Fish in a Tank
Now that you have your fish tank and some fish, let’s walk through the process of creating your aquarium:
- Place Your Fish Tank
- Choose a location in your house or on your farm
- Left-click to place the tank
- Prepare Your Fish
- Ensure you have the fish in your inventory
- Fish must be alive (not in preserve jars or used in recipes)
- Add Fish to the Tank
- Approach the fish tank
- Right-click on the tank to open its interface
- Drag the fish from your inventory into the tank slots
- Arrange Your Fish
- You can rearrange fish within the tank by clicking and dragging
- Experiment with different combinations for visual appeal
- Add Decorations (Optional)
- Some items can be added to the tank for decoration
- Examples include coral, seaweed, and certain artifacts
- Maintain Your Aquarium
- Fish in tanks don’t require feeding or special care
- They will live indefinitely in the tank
Types of Fish and Their Tank Requirements
Not all fish can be placed in tanks, and some have special requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
Fish That Can Be Placed in Tanks
Fish Type | Season Available | Location |
---|---|---|
Pufferfish | Summer | Ocean |
Anchovy | Spring, Fall | Ocean |
Tuna | Summer, Winter | Ocean |
Sardine | Spring, Fall, Winter | Ocean |
Bream | All Seasons | River (Night) |
Largemouth Bass | All Seasons | Mountain Lake |
Smallmouth Bass | Spring, Fall | River |
Rainbow Trout | Summer | River, Mountain Lake |
Salmon | Fall | River |
Walleye | Fall, Winter | River, Lake (Rainy Weather) |
Perch | Winter | River, Lake |
Carp | All Seasons | Lake |
Catfish | Spring, Fall, Winter | River (Rainy Weather) |
Pike | Summer, Winter | River |
Sunfish | Spring, Summer | River |
Red Snapper | Summer, Fall | Ocean |
Tilapia | Summer, Fall | Ocean |
Chub | All Seasons | Mountain Lake |
Special Fish and Their Requirements
Some fish have unique requirements or behaviors when placed in tanks:
- Legendary Fish
- Can be placed in tanks
- Only one of each legendary fish can be caught per save file
- Void Salmon
- Requires a Deluxe Fish Tank or Aquarium Fish Tank
- Creates a unique, dark atmosphere in the tank
- Lava Eel
- Requires a Deluxe Fish Tank or Aquarium Fish Tank
- Turns the water in the tank red
- Slimejack
- Requires a Deluxe Fish Tank or Aquarium Fish Tank
- Turns the water in the tank green
- Ice Pip
- Requires a Deluxe Fish Tank or Aquarium Fish Tank
- Creates an icy effect in the tank
Tips for Creating an Attractive Aquarium
Creating a visually appealing aquarium can be a fun and creative process. Here are some tips to make your fish tank stand out:
- Mix Fish Sizes: Combine small fish like Anchovy with larger fish like Largemouth Bass for visual variety.
- Use Color Theory: Group fish with complementary colors, like the red Snapper with the blue-green Pufferfish.
- Create Themes: Make themed tanks, such as an “Ocean Tank” with saltwater fish or a “River Tank” with freshwater species.
- Add Decorations: Use seaweed, coral, and artifacts to create a more natural-looking environment.
- Consider Fish Behavior: Some fish, like the Pufferfish, have unique animations in the tank. Place these prominently.
- Rotate Seasonally: Change your fish display to match the current season in-game for added immersion.
- Showcase Rare Catches: Display your legendary fish or other rare catches as centerpieces.
Benefits of Keeping Fish in Tanks
Maintaining fish tanks in Stardew Valley isn’t just about aesthetics. There are several benefits to keeping an aquarium:
- Home Decoration: Fish tanks add visual interest and can increase the aesthetic appeal of your farmhouse.
- Fish Preservation: Keeping fish in tanks allows you to save rare or out-of-season fish for later use.
- Easy Gift Access: Many villagers love fish as gifts. Keeping a variety in tanks ensures you always have a good gift on hand.
- Completing Collections: Fish tanks can help you keep track of which fish you’ve caught for collection purposes.
- Income Source: While not as profitable as selling fish directly, you can sell stocked fish tanks for a nice sum.
- Educational Value: For players new to fishing in Stardew Valley, tanks provide a way to learn about different fish species.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To conclude our guide, let’s address some common questions about putting fish in tanks in Stardew Valley:
Q: Can all fish be put in tanks?
A: No, not all fish can be placed in tanks. Most common fish can be, but some special fish like algae or trash items cannot.
Q: Do fish in tanks need to be fed?
A: No, fish in tanks do not require feeding or any special care. They will live indefinitely in the tank.
Q: Can I take fish out of the tank once I’ve put them in?
A: Yes, you can remove fish from tanks at any time by clicking on them in the tank interface.
Q: Do fish breed in tanks?
A: No, fish do not breed or multiply in tanks. For fish breeding, you need to use Fish Ponds.
Q: Can I put more than one of the same type of fish in a tank?
A: Yes, you can put multiple of the same fish species in a tank.
Q: Do bigger tanks hold more fish?
A: Yes, larger tanks like the Deluxe Fish Tank and Aquarium Fish Tank can hold more fish than smaller ones.
Q: Can I move a fish tank after I’ve placed it and filled it with fish?
A: Yes, you can move a fish tank even after it’s been filled. The fish will remain in the tank when you pick it up.
Q: Do fish in tanks count towards the fishing collection?
A: No, fish need to be caught and registered in your fishing collection separately. Putting them in tanks doesn’t affect your collection status.
Q: Can I put crab pot creatures (like crayfish or snails) in fish tanks?
A: Yes, most crab pot creatures can be placed in fish tanks.
Q: Do fish tanks affect my friendship with villagers?
A: Fish tanks themselves don’t affect friendships, but having a well-decorated home (which can include fish tanks) can impress villagers who visit.
By following this guide and keeping these FAQs in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to start your own aquarium in Stardew Valley. Whether you’re looking to create a beautiful display, preserve rare catches, or simply add some aquatic life to your farm, fish tanks offer a fun and rewarding way to expand your Stardew Valley experience. Happy fishing and tank-keeping!
Alma J. Lillard is a passionate writer and gaming enthusiast who brings her deep love for Stardew Valley to every piece she creates. As a contributor to StardewUpdate.Today, Alma covers the latest updates, tips, and in-depth guides for players looking to enhance their Stardew Valley experience.