Ishak Custom Aquariums

Custom-built freshwater aquariums and paludariums, designed and installed across the Bay Area. Over 20 thriving setups and counting.

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Our Builds

Every aquarium we create is one of a kind — designed for the space, the species, and the people who'll enjoy it every day.

UNS Shallow Tank with floating plants and grasses

UNS Shallow Tanks

Open-top builds often featuring a waterfall element. Floating plants, grasses, and emersed growth for a natural, living look.

FreshwaterShallow TankStarting at $250
Tropical paludarium with driftwood and aquatic plants

Tropical Paludariums

Half land, half water — often featuring semi-terrestrial animals, driftwood, and lush plant growth above and below the waterline.

PaludariumStarting at $300
2.1 gallon paludarium with rock formation and waterfall

2.1 Gallon Paludarium

A compact paludarium built for a customer with terrestrial plants, a waterfall, and home to a crowntail betta and white cloud mountain minnows.

Paludarium2.1 GallonCustomer Build
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More builds coming soon

We're always working on new projects. Check back for updates.

Services

What We Do

Ishak Custom Aquariums helps you set up the perfect fish tank for your home, classroom, or workplace. We build both aquariums and paludariums, and offer ongoing maintenance to keep everything thriving.

Custom Builds

Full aquarium and paludarium design and construction, tailored to your space and the species you want to keep.

Setup & Stocking

We handle everything from equipment installation and cycling to hand-picking the right fish and plants for your tank.

Maintenance

Ongoing tank maintenance for a set period of time — water changes, plant trimming, and health checks so you can just enjoy it.

Pricing

What to Expect

The cost of a setup depends on the size of the tank, the amount of plants and hardscape, and the equipment involved. Here are some ballpark ranges to give you an idea.

Small Tanks

From $250

Nano and shallow tanks under 10 gallons. Great for desks, nightstands, and small spaces.

Beginner Setup

~$500

A practical, beautiful tank between 9–20 gallons — the sweet spot for most first-time owners.

Custom & Large

$1,000+

Larger tanks, CO2 systems, built-in installations, and high-end aquascaping. The sky's the limit.

All prices are estimates and subject to change. Full setup cost does not include fish. If you'd like a tank size we haven't listed, we're happy to source one for you. The tanks shown are examples of builds we prefer for our customers.

FAQ

Common Questions

It depends on the tank size, the amount of plants and hardscape, and the equipment you choose. For most beginners, a complete setup (without fish) runs around $500 for a 9–20 gallon tank that's both practical and beautiful. Smaller setups can start as low as $250, while large or high-end builds with CO2 systems and dense planting can go significantly higher. In general, more plants and more advanced equipment means a higher price — but it also means a more stunning, lower-maintenance result.
A lot less than most people expect. For a heavily planted tank — which is nearly every tank we build — all you need is a 25–30% water change every two weeks and daily feeding. That's it. Use a siphon to remove the water, add conditioner to fresh tap water, and pour it back in. Tanks with CO2 or heavy fish loads may need a bit more attention, but for the vast majority of setups, it's very manageable.
Yes — but you must add water conditioner first. Most water utilities in California use chloramine to disinfect tap water, and chloramine is highly toxic to fish and the beneficial bacteria that keep your tank healthy. Water conditioner neutralizes chloramine and removes heavy metals, making the water safe. Just add the recommended dose to your tap water before putting it in the tank.
This comes down to the nitrogen cycle — your tank needs a stable colony of beneficial bacteria to convert harmful ammonia (from fish waste) into less toxic nitrate. Naturally, this takes about two months. However, we typically recommend bacteria-boosting products that can cut that wait down to about one week. There's a small added cost, but it saves a lot of time with the same end result.
Easier than you'd think. Our recommended method is having a friend or neighbor stop by once a week to feed your fish — just pre-portion the food so they know exactly how much to add. If that's not an option, a quality auto-feeder works too, though the reliable brands can be pricey. Water changes aren't necessary unless you'll be gone for several months. The one thing to avoid: dumping a large amount of food in the tank before you leave. That will spike ammonia levels and can stress or kill your fish.
Algae isn't inherently harmful — it actually absorbs ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates just like your plants, and it can be a food source for certain fish and invertebrates. That said, it can outcompete plants for light and nutrients, and most people don't love the look. The best ways to deal with it are: turning off the lights for a few days to starve it, scrubbing it off manually, or — our favorite — letting cleanup crew animals handle it for you (snails, certain shrimp, or algae-eating fish).
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About

Aquariums Built with Care

At Ishak Custom Aquariums, every build starts with a conversation. We work closely with each client to design an aquarium that fits their space, their taste, and the species they want to keep — whether that's a lush planted freshwater tank, a tropical paludarium, or something completely custom.

Based in the Bay Area, we handle everything from design and construction to stocking and initial setup. We've built over 20 thriving aquariums with several more in progress, and we offer maintenance services to keep your tank looking its best.

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Contact

Let's Build Something

Have a space in mind? Tell us about your vision and we'll get back to you with ideas and a free consultation.

hello@ishakaquariums.com
San Francisco Bay Area