Micro marvels thrive in glass menageries

Expanding industry

The design and technology used in the tanks is being continuously upgraded, according to the 2024-29 China fish tanks market report by the industry research institute Zero Power Intelligence Group.

Annual sales in China's smart aquarium market have already reached more than 1 billion yuan ($140 million) and continue to grow, the report said. With the improvement in people's living standards and their increasing pursuit of quality of life, the aquarium market, especially the innovative and smart aquarium sector, holds significant development potential, it added.

Yu Qifei, who has been involved in the aquaticplant tanks trade since 2021, has seen his annual company sales break 6 million yuan.

He came across the niche market in 2018 during a visit to a pet and plant market while attending college in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

"The fish were no longer the main focus, but the true joy came from experimenting with various types of aquatic plants, each with unique growth patterns and shapes," said Yu, also known as Feiyu (fat fish) in trade circles.

He gained attention from online followers when he began posting videos of the tank setups. Working with two classmates, Yu could rake in 4,000 to 5,000 yuan a day.

After graduating in 2021, Yu moved to Jinan, Shandong province, to start his business.

His products include marine tanks that require saltwater adjustment, and costly fish and stream tanks featuring stones and river fish.

One of the most popular and versatile products, the water plant tank, has diverse uses, he said. "Customers can mix and match various plants based on their own taste. No two such tanks are the same, which can be fun," Yu said.

Most of Yu's customers are white-collar workers and cultural enthusiasts from more affluent regions like Guangdong province, he said.