Let me start by saying this XL Virtual Ocean Aquarium is hands down one of the coolest desk toys I've ever owned. The moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by how substantial it feels - that 17.4" size really makes a difference compared to smaller versions.

The LED lighting is absolutely magical! I keep mine on the blue setting most of the time as it creates such a soothing, deep-sea atmosphere in my home office. Watching those 10 artificial fish and 2 turtles swim around with the colorful sea bed illumination is strangely therapeutic when I need a mental break from work.

Setup was straightforward though I'll admit the background installation had me confused at first (pro tip: it goes on the OUTSIDE of the tank, not inside). Once I figured that out with some water and smoothing, it looked fantastic. The moving fish do make some noise when they bump against the walls, but it's not bothersome - more like gentle ocean sounds.

My only minor complaint is that sometimes the fish tend to cluster at the bottom. Adding a few drops of dish soap (Dawn works great) as other reviewers suggested completely solved this issue. The automatic shut-off feature could stay on longer in my opinion, but that's a small trade-off for such an eye-catching piece.

What surprised me most was how realistic it looks from just a few feet away. Friends who visit often do double-takes before realizing it's not an actual aquarium. It's become such a conversation starter in my home!

While it might be pricier than some alternatives, the quality and size justify the cost in my experience. After several months of daily use, mine is still working perfectly with no maintenance needed - just pure underwater enjoyment whenever I need a moment of calm.