I Put a Fish Tank in My Living Room's Southwest Corner and My Roommate Stopped Blaming Me for Everything
A skeptical Redditor moves a fish tank into the southwest corner of their living room after a friend's offhand suggestion, and the household atmosphere shifts in unexpected ways.
Location
Portland, Oregon, United States
Property Type
Apartment
Room
Living Room
Direction
Southwest
The Problem
My roommate and I were constantly at each other's throats. Every little thing—dishes, thermostat, noise—turned into a fight. The living room felt heavy and tense, and I dreaded coming home.
What They Tried
A friend suggested putting a water feature in the southwest corner of the living room. I laughed, but I was desperate. I found a cheap 10-gallon fish tank on Craigslist, set it up in that corner, and added a few guppies and a small filter.
What Happened
Within a week, the vibe in the apartment changed. My roommate and I started talking again, and the petty arguments fizzled out. It wasn't magic—just a calmer space that made it easier to be around each other.
Spatial Orientation
| Bagua Sector | 坤 ☷ · Kun |
|---|---|
| Direction | Southwest |
| Element | earth |
What works best here
Kun (2) · Earth. Southwest favors grounded, low-profile arrangements that feel intimate.
Place: low cozy seating, plush textiles, warm indirect lamps, soft pink and terracotta.
Recommended crystal
Rose Quartz or Pink Tourmaline — placed on a nightstand or low shelf in the southwest
This area supports comfort and connection — a perfect spot for a reading chair or small sofa
Source Analysis
1. The Original Principle
Original Chinese
二、二黑方坤水
English Translation
An old text notes that the southwest corner of a home is associated with the earth element and can benefit from the presence of water to balance and harmonize the space.
2. About the Source
金锁玉关 by Anonymous (private manuscript) · China · Pre-Song Dynasty (before 960 CE)
The Golden Lock and Jade Pass is an esoteric classical text on residential site analysis, passed down through private manuscripts. It provides a systematic method for evaluating how the surrounding landforms — heights, depressions, and water features in each compass direction — shape the experience of a living space. Its sand-and-water framework remains one of the most practical tools in the landscape assessment tradition.
3. How This Principle Applies to This Case
The classical principle suggests that the southwest (kun) direction is linked to receptivity and relationships, and that introducing water there can soften tension. Modern environmental psychology supports this: adding a water feature introduces white noise, visual interest, and a calming focal point that can reduce stress and encourage positive social interaction. In this case, the fish tank became a shared point of care, subtly shifting the household dynamic.
Bring the Purest Energy Into Your Home
Sourced from altitudes above 4,000 meters in the Himalayan range — the highest place on Earth and the closest to the sun. These crystals formed over millions of years in some of the planet's most pristine conditions, untouched by industrial pollution. Each piece carries the raw, unfiltered energy of the mountains. Whether placed on a nightstand, a desk, or a meditation corner, they serve as a quiet anchor — a daily reminder to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
Explore the HIMA ALAÏA collection →Case source
Feng Shui Joan's Way
Connecticut-based Feng Shui consultant. Specializes in Western Bagua system for small and medium business Feng Shui layouts to enhance wealth and team cohesion.