Aquarium Upgrade Path & Decoration Guide
Your aquarium is the centerpiece of PC FISH: Taskbar Aquarium. Upgrading its level increases fish capacity, unlocks new decoration slots, and boosts passive currency generation. This guide covers the progression system, EXP earning, decoration placement, and all available DLC packs.
Key Fact: Aquariums progress through Levels 1-10+. Each level increases fish capacity and decoration slots. The aquarium panel shows your current level and EXP progress bar.
Table of Contents
1. Aquarium Levels & Progression
Your aquarium starts at Level 1 with basic capacity. As you earn EXP through raising and breeding fish, the aquarium levels up. Each level grants:
- Increased fish capacity: More fish means more passive currency and more breeding stock.
- Additional decoration slots: Customize your aquarium's appearance with more items.
- Currency generation bonus: Higher level aquariums produce more idle income.
The aquarium management panel displays your current level and fish inventory.
2. Earning EXP Fast
Aquarium EXP is earned primarily through active gameplay. Here are the most efficient ways to level up:
- 1
Breed fish regularly
Each successful breeding attempt grants EXP. Higher rarity offspring give more EXP.
- 2
Keep your tank full
A full aquarium generates passive EXP over time, even in companion mode.
- 3
Feed fish consistently
Well-fed fish are more productive and contribute to steady EXP growth.
- 4
Merge duplicates
Merging fish grants EXP and frees up space for more productive fish.
3. Fish Capacity & Upgrades
Fish capacity determines how many fish your aquarium can hold at once. Running out of space is the most common bottleneck for new players. Upgrade capacity as soon as you can afford it — more fish directly translates to more currency and faster progression.
Tip: Prioritize capacity upgrades over cosmetic decorations early on. A larger tank with more fish generates the currency needed for everything else.
4. Decoration System
Decorations let you customize your aquarium's visual appearance. They're placed in dedicated slots that unlock as your aquarium levels up. Decorations are purely cosmetic — they don't affect fish stats or currency generation — but they make your desktop companion more visually appealing.
The base game includes a set of free decorations. Additional decoration packs are available as DLC, each adding 12 new themed items.
5. DLC Decoration Packs
PC FISH offers three decoration DLC packs on Steam. Each adds 12 new decorative items with a unique theme:
Extra Decors Pack
FREEA free pack adding 12 additional decorations. Available to all players at no cost — claim it from the Steam store page.
Asian Garden Pack
¥1812 Asian-themed decorations including lanterns, bonsai, stone lanterns and koi-inspired ornaments. Adds a zen garden aesthetic.
Tropical Paradise Pack
¥1812 tropical-themed decorations with palm trees, coral, seashells and vibrant island ornaments for a reef look.
Note: DLC decorations are optional and cosmetic only. The base game is fully playable and complete without any DLC purchases.
6. Desktop Companion Mode
The signature feature of PC FISH is its desktop companion mode, which shrinks your aquarium into a compact window that sits on your taskbar or screen corner. Your fish continue to swim, earn currency, and progress even while you work, browse, or play other games.
Desktop companion mode keeps your aquarium visible and active in the background.
- Drag the companion window to any screen corner.
- Adjust window size in settings to fit your workflow.
- Idle progression continues as long as the game is running.
- Click the companion window to quickly return to full view.