You grew up with a fish bowl on a side table where you watched two goldfish named Buster and Minnie. For many people, that’s enough. These little guys may give you all the serenity you need.

But maybe not. You may want to go for the grand scale. The Wall Street Journal says fish-loving homeowners are opting for giant $400,000 aquariums and ordering mega tanks in quirky shapes such as arches and race tracks. They are, of course, stocking them with expensive exotic fish and high-priced coral.

Credit goes to new technology and the inspiration of big resort aquariums. Enthusiasts are even adopting sea creatures such as sharks until they get too large and have to be donated to a public aquarium. The trend is driven by the wealthy consumer, but the idea has trickled down to moderate levels. WSJ says PetSmart’s largest aquarium holds 150 gallons and goes for $475. Petco has added to its line of fancy cabinetry for large tanks.

The zeal for fish is nothing new. One in seven households has an aquarium, and consumers own one-third more fish than they did a few years ago, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association Inc. But the hobby is not a day at the beach. Some people hire a marine biologist to design, install and stock tanks at a price tag from $15,000 to $1 million. Maintenance can be about $1,000 a month and twice that much if you have to hire a scuba diver to keep it clean. And then, of course, your favorite fish could go belly up. That little goldfish bowl on the side table is sounding good.

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