Read About Choosing a Fish Aquarium

Choosing a fish aquarium includes deciding on the type and size of the tank, as well as considering what accessories you may need. An aquarium can be as simple as a small bowl holding a single fish to a very large tank with a complex filtration system. Aquariums come in almost every imaginable size and configuration, as well as every price range.

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When choosing a fish aquarium, one of your first decisions must be whether you will have a freshwater tank or a saltwater (also known as marine) tank. Saltwater aquarium fish are generally more beautiful and exotic-looking than freshwater aquarium fish. The trade-off, though, is that saltwater tanks require considerably more maintance and knowledge than do freshwater tanks.

Another important decision in choosing a fish aquarium is whether to use a glass or acrylic tank. There are pros and cons to each. Acrylic tanks come in more varieties of shapes than glass tanks, and are better insulators. An acrylic tank is also clearer, and allows in more light than a glass tank. However, acrylic tanks are far more expensive than glass tanks, often two to three times the price. Acrylic is also very easily scratched, and you must be very careful when cleaning both the inside and outside of the tank.

Size is an important consideration when choosing a fish aquarium. A smaller tank is not necessarily easier to care for than a larger one. Because the water must be properly treated for the fish and plants to survive, having more water allows you a wider margin of error and a more forgiving environment. The number of fish you can safely maintain depends on the size of the tank. In a freshwater tank, a good rule of thumb is to have at least one gallon or more of water for every inch of fish. If you have a 30 gallon tank, you should have no more than 30 “fish inches” of fish. In other words, you could have five or six fish that grow to five inches long or twelve to fifteen fish that grow to about two and a half inches long; either group adds up to less than 30 fish inches. Saltwater tanks require a lower density of fish, and the rule here is no more than two to four inches of fish per 10 gallons of water.

When choosing a fish aquarium, think about where you will place it. Image You can set up an aquarium virtually anywhere, depending on its size. If it is a tank that is large enough to require a filtration system, you will need a reliable power supply. As a general rule, avoid setting up a fish aquarium in an area that receives direct sunlight or is very drafty, since both of these conditions can affect the temperature. Large fish aquariums can be very heavy. Keep in mind that in addition to the tank and equipment, water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon. Ensure you set your tank up on a floor with sufficient support.

Choosing a fish aquarium is easy once you determine the type and size of tank you want. You may wish to decide where you are going to locate your tank before shopping for a fish aquarium. Depending on the location, you may opt for a corner tank, hex-shaped tank, or even a tank that is built into a wall. There are lots of interesting options when choosing a fish aquarium.