Marine Life in School Life
Step into Ms. Matys’ classroom, and the first thing you’ll notice isn’t a chalkboard or a stack of textbooks. It’s a glowing, vibrant 29-gallon saltwater reef aquarium. With its colorful corals, playful shrimp, and gentle snails, this underwater world is more than just decoration. It’s a living, breathing example of how class pets (yes, even those that swim) can dramatically enhance the classroom environment.
A Reef Worth Every Penny
Creating and maintaining a saltwater reef aquarium isn’t cheap, but for Ms. Matys, the investment—both financial and personal—has been worth it. The total cost of the aquarium setup and care has come to approximately $770, although
exact numbers are hard to pin down since many purchases were made out of pocket and not reimbursed. In an effort to save money, Ms. Matys sourced as much as she could second-hand, often turning to local sellers and hobbyists.
Here’s a closer look at the costs:
● 29-gallon tank (second-hand): $100
● White sand: $40
● Live rocks: $100
● Filter: $30
● Filter pad replacements: $10
● Bluetooth light (second-hand): $200
● Wave maker: $40
● Heater: $20
● Animals (snails, shrimp, soft coral, sea anemone, fish): $300
● Ongoing supplies: Fish and coral food, salt mix, dechlorinator (AquaSafe), iodine
drops
While the expenses have added up little by little, Mrs. Matys has no regrets. “It does become difficult at times having to come in over Christmas and summer break to keep track of the aquarium,” she admits, “but I do have help at times to ease this responsibility.”
Learning Beyond the Textbook
The reef tank isn’t just a pretty sight; it’s an educational powerhouse. Students find the marine life fascinating and actively participate in daily feedings and care. A clipboard sits on the cabinet next to the aquarium, outlining student responsibilities. Beyond that, the tank has sparked genuine curiosity about marine ecosystems. Questions about salinity, symbiotic relationships, and reef preservation come up regularly in class discussions. These topics align perfectly with the biology and environmental science curriculum.
Ms. Matys designed the experience to bring biology to life, giving students access to marine animals and ecosystems they might never encounter otherwise.
A Calmer, Happier Classroom
The calming effect of the aquarium is undeniable. The soft lighting, slow movement of the fish and coral, and the quiet hum of the water filtration system help create a peaceful learning environment. Research supports this: aquariums reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve focus. In Ms. Matys’ classroom, the benefits are clear. Students feel more grounded and engaged, and even those who struggle socially or emotionally find comfort in quietly observing the tank.
What’s in the Tank?
The aquarium is home to a small but diverse community of marine life:
● Gulf Mexican snails
● Turbo snails
● Peppermint shrimp
● Green Kenya Tree (soft coral)
● Purple Kenya Tree (soft coral)
● Green Star Polyps (soft coral)
● Palythoa grandis (soft coral)
While space is limited, Ms. Matys hopes to eventually upgrade to a larger tank that could support more fish. “For now,” she says, “this is off to a great start.”
A Labor of Love
If there’s one thing Mrs. Matys wants others to know, it’s that keeping a saltwater aquarium is a lot of work. She regularly stays after school to care for the tank, and the maintenance never really stops. Still, she wouldn’t change a thing.
“I don’t have any regrets,” she says. “I teach biology, a life science course, and I want to give students an experience that they might not have otherwise.”
Community Support Makes It Possible
Much of the live stock and support for the aquarium came from Rob’s Aquatics, a locally owned shop in Tinley Park. Rob has been instrumental in helping to supply and maintain the tank, often offering discounts and advice to help keep the ecosystem thriving. Rob’s Aquatics is known for both its quality and its strong community ties. You can learn more about
them here: https://www.yelp.com/biz/robs-aquatics-tinley-park-3
Why We Need More Class Pets
While Mrs. Matys doesn’t advocate for every classroom to have an aquarium, she believes in the power of hands-on, real-life experiences, especially in science education. Whether it’s fish, hamsters, or insects, class pets can teach students valuable lessons in responsibility, empathy, and the interconnectedness of life. They make learning feel real,
and that’s something no textbook can replicate. In a world of digital screens and fast-paced routines, this little reef stands as a peaceful, powerful reminder of the natural world and the joy of caring for it.
