If you're a fish hobbyist with experience in maintaining and starting
new tanks, the aquarium maintenance business may be for you. This
business is easy to start on your own or with a partner, can be run from
home and requires few supplies. Many aquarium maintenance services
offer to set up tanks for clients and then maintain them. The aquarium
maintenance business requires expertise, so successfully running your
own aquarium before going into business is a necessity. Before you start
visiting clients, make sure you have the proper registration, insurance
and supplies.
Step 1
Write a business plan for your aquarium maintenance company. Decide what your business will focus on: maintaining existing aquariums, installing and maintaining new aquariums, and saltwater or freshwater aquariums. Determine your target market, whether it is businesses, homeowners or a broad market of fish enthusiasts. Research existing aquarium maintenance companies and evaluate how well they’re meeting the needs of your target market. Define ways that you can set yourself apart from the competition by offering lower rates, specialized services such as creating artful tanks, knowledge of rare fish, guarantees, or by showcasing your expertise. Choose a business name that will attract your target market and differentiate you from competitors. Make a list of supplies you’ll need and ways in which you’ll market yourself. Set your prices by researching what other competitors charge.Step 2
Register your aquarium maintenance business. Go to your city hall to secure registration materials and applications. Fill out and submit the applications, and then wait to receive confirmation of your registration before you start doing business.Step 3
Gather supplies. Purchase fish food in bulk from online wholesalers. Acquire
cleaning supplies such as algae scrubbers, aquarium-safe cleansers and
aquarium siphons for water changes from local or online aquarium supply
stores. Make sure to get a water test kit. Search online auction
websites for good deals on gently used aquariums and stands if your
business installs aquariums as well. Buy these as well as filters,
gravel, heaters, lighting equipment and other decorations on an
as-needed basis. Visit local wholesale conventions to purchase
interesting fish as necessary; make sure to bring your business license
with you, as it will be required to make purchases.Step 4
Write a business contract for clients. State which services you are responsible for and how often you will perform specific duties. Include a statement that you are not responsible for the death of fish unless you have done something specific to cause their deaths.Step 5
Apply for liability insurance to protect you from damages. Expect an expensive premium as aquarium maintenance companies often have issues with damages due to flooding.Step 6
Market your aquarium maintenance business. Create fliers with a list of your
services. Describe how you clean aquariums and what you do to ensure
fish health. Design professional-looking fliers that distinguish you
from competitors. If you are an expert in tropical fish, say so; if you
create artful tanks, mention it. Include contact information such as phone numbers, email address and website address, if you have one. Post
fliers on local bulletin boards, place ads in online and print versions
of local newspapers and start a fan page on a social networking site to
get the word out locally. Visit local businesses, such as doctors’
offices and restaurants, in person to offer your services, particularly
if you’re in the business of setting up tanks. Drop off a flier or
business card at each place you visit.
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