I don't like the term fish tank. I prefer to call it an aquarium. This is because an aquarium isn't just a tank for holding fish. It is a living environment and also a thing of beauty for your home. If it is well set up and maintained, then your fish will stay healthy and it will remain looking attractive and enhance your home.
So you need to start off with a great looking aquarium if it is to remain a healthy and attractive environment for your fish. It must also fit in with your own decor. If you have a home full of antiques, then the latest bright red biOrb tank probably isn't for you. This article offers advice on choosing the perfect home for your fish.
Not too many years ago, aquariums were five pieces of glass fixed into an angle iron frame with putty. This was probably balanced on a black or white tubular metal stand, with various wires and tubes hanging from the back of it. Then came silicone sealants and the advent of the all glass tank. These coupled with the modern day wooden cabinets and state of the art all-in-one setups like the BiOrb range have brought fish keeping into the twenty first century. All you need to do now is to choose the aquarium which is right for you and your home.
Location
Do try to locate your aquarium somewhere where it can be seen as often as possible. After all, if you are going to spend good money on it, you want to be able to see it as much as you can. It also means that you are more likely to spot any problems quickly before too much harm is done.
You also need to take the weight of the tank into account. At school I was taught the (almost) rhyme "a pint of water weighs a pound and a quarter, a gallon weighs 10 pounds". Take into account the weight of glass and gravel and you will see that this soon becomes an incredible weight. Either ensure that you have a piece of furniture which will withstand this weight easily or invest in a purpose built stand. Bear in mind that you will need a suitable nearby power point and a water supply from which to fill it.
Shape
The most common shapes of aquarium are hexagonal, rectangular or circular. Some rectangular aquariums also have a bowed front creating a very stunning visual effect. Obviously the shape has to fit into your chosen location but I would recommend trying to choose a shape which gives as much surface area as possible for the volume of water. Rectangular fish tanks are best for this as the larger surface area allows for the best absorption of oxygen and exchange of gases, giving a healthier aquarium and environment for your fish. Other shapes are fine, but you may find yourself spending a little more time maintaining the water. You also won't be able to house as many fish as you would with another shape of aquarium.
Size
If this is your first aquarium setup, you may want to consider a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium. Anything larger can be a bit daunting for a beginner, not to mention pricey, but anything smaller can be harder to maintain and too easy to over stock with fish. If you do this the quality of your water will suffer and your fish may die. Whatever you decide on, please don't buy a tiny little fish bowl with 1 or 2 fish and no filtration. They are not healthy living environments for any fish, whose lives are in your hands.
Stocking
The rule of thumb for stocking should be 1 inch of fish per gallon of water in a well aerated and filtered aquarium. So, if you are starting out with a 30 gallon aquarium setup, you can have 30 inches of fish which will probably average out at about 10 - 15 fish. Remember they will grow.
Material
Not only do you have to choose the right size tank, but the material as well. There are two types of tanks on the market today, glass and acrylic. I personally prefer glass, many others prefer acrylic. Acrylic is certainly lighter and safer. A glass tank can be broken although I have never had this happen in over 30 years. Acrylic is also more easily scratched. The choice has to be yours. So in summary you need to plan ahead and consider the following:
Location and space available
Size and therefore weight
Aquarium shape
Number of fish
Availability of electrical power and water supply
Aquarium material
Cost
Choosing the right aquarium is very much down to personal preference, but you do need to consider the above facts to make the best informed decision. Getting this right from the outset will mean that you will enjoy this most rewarding hobby for years to come.
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