The good folks at AquaOne Technologies never intended to get into the decorative fish tank business.
The water conservation company based in Westminster, Calif., came up with the idea for the Fish 'n Flush toilet fish tank merely as an amusing gimmick to attract attention to the company during a trade show."We did this as a joke," said AquaOne Chief Operating Officer/"Head Fish Wrangler" David Parrish.

"The next thing we knew, a bunch of people started ordering a product we didn't even make."In light of this astonishing, unexpected turn of events, the company decided to produce 2,000 units of the unique fish tank. Every one of them sold out.A Fish Tank with a Fan BaseMeanwhile, the Fish 'n Flush became a media sensation, with appearances on the CBS "Early Show," "The Today Show," "The Tonight Show," "The Montel Williams Show" and in numerous newspapers.Although the company stopped producing the Fish 'n Flush after the first run sold out, they are now seriously considering plunging back into the pet product waters."We may make another run," Parrish revealed. "A lot of people have shown an interest. If we get enough orders, we will definitely make more."How the Fish ˜n Flush WorksThis simple but ingeniously kitschy concept consists of a two-piece acrylic aquarium tank (with pump) that retro fits to an existing toilet tank. When someone flushes the toilet, this gives the illusion that the fish are being flushed.

But the fish are safe because they are actually in a compartment that's separate from the toilet tank."I have one at home," Parrish revealed. "I love it; it's a great conversation piece."Although the fish are physically safe, the company has received some flak from animal rights activists who question the potentially negative psychological effect this may have on the finned friends. However, Parrish assured a TV reporter (with tongue firmly in cheek), "We do provide psychologists for the fish 24 hours a day."(To get on the Fish 'n Flush waiting list, e-mail admin1@aquaone.com.)Some More Examples of Fab Fish TanksThis is just one (albeit zany) example of how the once-humble fish tank has taken on the role of high decorative art in recent times, in both private homes and various businesses.Indeed, those who already own or are considering opening a tropical fish store will definitely want to take this into account.These aren't your grandpa's fish tanks:The Radission Blu, Berlin, Germany. The lobby Aquadom cylindrical aquarium boasts 1,500 tropical fish and spans 1,500 meters (a shade under a mile), with a two-story glass elevator inside.Qua Bottle Lounge Austin, Texas. At this oh-so-trendy nightspot, patrons bogey the night away atop a 20,000 gallon shark and stingray aquarium that doubles as a disco dance floor.Fish Tank as Furniture: Here are some more examples of way cool fish tanks, including wash basins, old TV sets, wall murals and more.