The Ultimate Stardew Valley Fish Tank Handbook

Transforming a humble shed into a personal aquarium is one of the most rewarding decorative projects a farmer can pursue in Stardew Valley. The Fish Tank—a versatile furniture piece often overlooked by newcomers—offers a way to display prized catches long before a full house upgrade becomes feasible. With the right approach, an ordinary room can become a vibrant underwater gallery. This guide walks through every step, from unlocking the tanks to populating them with the valley’s most exotic creatures, all while keeping the approach simple and enjoyable.

Acquiring Every Fish Tank Variant

All five Fish Tank models can be obtained, though their availability ranges from early-game convenience to late-game dedication. The first stop for any aspiring aquarist is Willy’s Fish Shop, situated on the beach where the fishing rod is first obtained. Inside, Willy sells two basic tanks for straightforward prices.

• Small Fish Tank – Available immediately for 500g, this compact piece suits a single favourite fish.

• Large Fish Tank – Priced at 2,000g, it provides triple the display room and remains a solid choice for a modest collection.

For the remaining three variants, the farmer must reach deeper into the game’s content.

• Modern Fish Tank – Held within the Furniture Catalogue, which costs 200,000g from the Carpenter’s Shop. Once purchased, the catalogue grants unlimited access to the Modern Fish Tank and every other furniture item, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.

• Deluxe Fish Tank – Earned by completing the Tropical Fish Special Order that appears on the board in front of the Mayor’s Manor. This order asks for five specific tropical fish (Lionfish, Blue Discus, Pufferfish, Super Cucumber, and Stingray) and delivers a spacious, stylish tank as the reward.

• Aquatic Sanctuary – The most exclusive option, acquired in the Walnut Room on Ginger Island for 20 Qi Gems. This massive tank can anchor an entire themed room.

Each model brings a distinct aesthetic, but all share the same fundamental mechanics for adding and removing creatures.

Using the Fish Tank

Interaction with a Fish Tank is refreshingly simple. While holding any aquatic animal, pressing the interact button drops it into the water. To retrieve a creature, approach the tank empty-handed and perform the same action. If a farmer merely wants to check the tank’s inventory without disturbing its residents, a right-click while not holding an item opens a tidy list of its contents.

One of the most appealing aspects of Fish Tanks is their self-sufficiency. None of the inhabitants require feeding; they thrive indefinitely without any upkeep. This makes them perfect accent pieces for kitchens, sheds, or even the greenhouse, adding life without adding chores.

Creatures That Call the Tank Home

The variety of life that can be displayed stretches from common river catches to mythical giants. Every regular fish and all Legendary Fish can be placed inside. In addition, a host of beach-foraged and crab-pot curiosities make the cut.

• Blobfish

• Crab

• Crayfish

• Lobster

• Sandfish

• Snail

• Stonefish

• Flounder

• Clam

• Cockle

• Mussel

• Periwinkle

• Oyster

• Sea Cucumber

• Sea Urchin

• Super Cucumber

⚠️ Important: Seaweed and Coral are decorations, not living tank inhabitants. They do not count toward a tank’s fish capacity.

Tank residents are split into two behaviour categories: Swimming creatures glide gracefully through the water column, while Bottom dwellers hug the gravel and remain motionless. Leggies, like the Lobster and Crab, also fall under the Bottom group. This distinction helps plan a lively arrangement—mixing active swimmers with stationary bottom-feeders creates a balanced, natural feel.

Decorating the Tank

A bare fish tank can be brightened with a few carefully chosen ornaments. Equip a Stone, Seaweed, or Coral, then interact with the tank to place the item at a random spot on the floor. If the layout feels off, picking up the entire tank and setting it down again reshuffles every decoration’s position. Seaweed and Coral sway subtly in the current, while stones provide a rugged anchor point. With patience, it’s possible to craft a miniature seascape that reflects a personal style—whether a rocky tide-pool theme or a kelp forest illusion.

Capacities and Sizes at a Glance

Choosing the right tank depends on the intended scale of the display. The table below summarises dimensions, capacity, and acquisition details for all five models as recorded in 2026.

Tank Variant	Size (tiles)	Fish Capacity	Decoration Capacity	How to Obtain
Small Fish Tank	1×1	1	2	Buy from Willy (500g)
Large Fish Tank	2×1	3	4	Buy from Willy (2,000g)
Modern Fish Tank	2×1	4	4	Furniture Catalogue (200,000g)
Deluxe Fish Tank	2×1	5	6	Complete Tropical Fish Special Order
Aquatic Sanctuary	2×2	6	8	Walnut Room (20 Qi Gems)

✨ Tip: The Aquatic Sanctuary’s 2×2 footprint makes it the centrepiece of any room, while the smaller tanks tuck neatly against walls or between furniture.

With a collection of Fish Tanks, practically any indoor space can be turned into a serene underwater retreat. A shed once filled with kegs or chests becomes a personal aquarium, while a corner of the farmhouse kitchen can house a shimmering reminder of rainy mornings at the beach. All it takes is a visit to Willy, a bit of fishing patience, and an eye for decoration. The fish are waiting.