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Best Aquarium Design Software - Top 7 Tools for Pros and Newbies
7 min. read
Updated onJune 10, 2024
updated onJune 10, 2024
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Searching for the best aquarium design software?
These tools would benefit hobbyists, fish stores, and aquascaping professionals who want to create and design a unique and custom aquarium.
After thorough research and testing, I chose the top seven tools to help you design, visualize, and experiment with your layout. You can make detailed plans before you invest in the equipment or aquatic life.
I’ve also added a step-by-step guide you can follow to create an aquarium easily.
So, let’s get started!
7 Best Aquarium Design Software
Check out these fantastic tools:
1.Autodesk Fusion 360– Pro-grade 3D Modeling and Visuals
Autodesk Fusion 360 is a well-known cloud-based software used for3D modeling, FEA, PCB, CAM, and CAD productdesignand manufacturing. Most design engineers prefer to use this platform to create models of their ideas.
Autodesk Fusion 360 can alsoconvert CAD files to a suitable format for 3D printing. This makes it crucial for organizations that rely on additive manufacturing.
In terms of visualizing 3D concepts, it can help you communicate with stakeholders for faster prototyping.
Furthermore, some of its standout features include:
You can easilyintegrate Autodesk Fusion 360 with MeshMixerandrepair the faulty3D designsbefore printing. Compared to pre-designed mockups in other programs, this softwarecreates photorealistic renderings for marketing and branding visuals.
Pros:
Cons:
Get Autodesk Fusion 360
2.AutoCAD– High Precision for Complex Designs
AutoCAD is another popularcomputer-aided design product developed by Autodesk. This software contains a comprehensive set of tools mainly used tocreate, edit, and document 2D and 3D designs.
Moreover, it helps engineers and designers toproduce detailed and precise models, schematics, and drawings.
Some of its basic features includedimensioning, layer management, annotations, and editing anddrawingtools.
Furthermore, you canautomate repetitivetasks and custom routines using AutoLISP. This feature also enhances the overall efficiency of AutoCAD.
Pros:
Cons:
Get AutoCAD
3.Autodesk Inventor– Detailed Equipment Creation
Unlike other 3D systems, Autodesk Inventor is afeature-based parametric systemthat cancreate 3D parts, 2D drawings, and assemblies.In addition, it helps you construct your required model and visualize it before building the products.
Its parametric modeling isobject-drivenand a bit different from AutoCAD modeling. To be more specific, Autodesk Inventor controls everything by either dimensions, parameters, or relationships.
For example, to move a hole position within a block, you have to change the dimension or its relevant relation in a parametric system.
Some of the other key features of Autodesk Inventor are:
Pros:
Cons:
Get Autodesk Inventor
4.Sketchup– Easy 3D Modeling With Extensive Library
Sketchupis aversatile 3D design and modeling softwaresuitable for various industries, such as interior design, architecture, construction, engineering, and 3D printing. This tool allows you tocreate, modify, and visualize 3D models with real-time interactivity.
Additionally, Sketchup isbased on parametric modeling. That means you can create objects that change and adapt with respect to pre-defined rules.
This tool also includessurface rendering anddrawinglayout functionality. Moreover, Sketchup supportsthird-party plug-ins from its Warehouse.
Pros:
Cons:
Get Sketchup
5.Tinkercad– Simple Web-based Layout
Tinkercad was developed with the aim of creating and designingan accessible 3D design tool. It has anextensive set of shapesdivided into 11 categories. Moreover, it allows you tomodify the added shapes.
You can alsoimport a 3D model you found online in OBJ, STL, or SVG format. Additionally, you canshare your createdcricutprojects or 3D modelswith others through popular 3D printing websites, such as Cults, MyMiniFactory, and Thingiverse.
Unlike other Autodesk products, Tinkercad doesn’t require high-end hardware or memory. All you need isa stable internet connection and a browser.
Pros:
Cons:
Get Tinkercad
6.SCAPE IT– Beginner-friendly Aquascaping Editor
SCAPE IT is anonline aquascaping editorthat lets youdefine a layout for your aquarium. This web app provides all the critical information you might need, too. For instance, the necessary mass of plants or the amount of light you need.
Moreover, SCAPE IT is based on these four main features:
To be more specific, it provides aneasy way of aquascaping for beginners. This web app works pretty well in all modern browsers, mobile devices, and on your desktop.
Pros:
Cons:
Get SCAPE IT
7.MyAquariumBuilder– Plan, Visualize, Shop (All in One Place)
MyAquariumBuilder is a platform designed for aquarium hobbyists to help themplan, create, and share their aquariums with others. Itoffers 3000+ productsand also provides the option tocompare items.
Specifically, MyAquariumBuilder supports the following equipment:
When you select any of the above equipment, MyAquariumBuilder adds it to theonscreen aquarium prototypeto check the overall look and functionality. Moreover, this web app alsointegrates with Amazon to add these items directly to the cart.
Pros:
Cons:
Get MyAquariumBuilder
How To Use the Best Aquarium Design Software?
I’ll demonstrate the process with the SCAPE IT web app. Follow these steps:
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First, navigate to theSCAPE ITwebsite and click on theCreate new layoutbutton.
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Define theWidth,Depth, andHeightof your layout.
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Set theBackgroundand adjust the layoutSubstrate.
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Click to add the required stones.
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Add desired woods.
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Select and add plants.
View the final look of the aquarium.
How I Chose the Best Aquarium Design Software?
During testing, I prioritized the following points to choose the above tools:
So now you’ve all the crucial info related to the best aquarium design software. Feel free to let me know which one you liked the most in the comments below!
More about the topics:3D design,aquarium,design software,Windows
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
