How to Become an Aquarium Maintenance Professional
Becoming an aquarium maintenance professional requires a broad base of knowledge ranging from biology to chemistry to equipment maintenance. You need to know how to set up and stock both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, keep their inhabitants healthy, monitor water quality, and keep equipment purring away smoothly. As you might guess, because of the equipment involved it can be a physically demanding career.
Fortunately, you do not need to earn a bachelor’s degree or even an associate’s degree to enter the profession. You can prepare for an aquarium maintenance career by enrolling in a certification course that takes about eight months to complete.
What Is an Aquarist?
An aquarist cares for fish and other marine life that can be kept in captivity. Aquarists set up and maintain aquariums and other types of aquatic habitats for a variety of settings, including hobbyists, businesses, fish hatcheries, large entertainment parks, and more. They monitor the health of fish and other marine animals, make sure water quality is optimal, and keep aquarium equipment in good working order.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Be an Aquarist?
A passion for marine life can lead to a rewarding career as an aquarist. While some aquarists obtain four-year college degrees, you can prepare for a career as an aquarist by taking a certification course that can be completed in less than a year–it is designed to take about eight months, in fact.
The career calls for knowledge of both freshwater and saltwater fish and other marine life, including breeding and reproduction. You should be able to spot an unhealthy fish and troubleshoot the problem–is it an illness? a parasite? overcrowding? incorrect water chemistry? Aquarists also need to be capable of physically performing the tasks associated with setting up and maintaining aquarium equipment which, depending on the aquarium, may be quite large.
Can I Become an Aquarist Online?
While some aquarist jobs will require a bachelor’s degree, not all do. Earning your aquarium maintenance certification gives you the knowledge and skills needed to qualify for a great many . Earning your certification online is an excellent way to launch your career. Flexible, affordable, and convenient, Animal Behavior College’s program can be completed in eight months and covers all the topics necessary for becoming a working professional. The 10-stage online course even includes a stage on how to start your own business, should you prefer to become your own boss!
Are There Aquarium Jobs Near Me?
Aquarium maintenance professionals can find work almost anywhere because a variety of clients require their services. More and more businesses and individuals are embracing the relaxing benefits associated with aquarium-keeping. Some of the many job opportunities include:
- Pet stores
- Fish hatcheries
- Specialty fish stores
- Zoos
- Aquarium parks
- Aquarium maintenance services
- Pond installation/management companies
- Starting your own business