Choosing the Right Aquarium Tank

Choosing an aquarium tank for your fish can be a difficult task. Not only do you have to match the size and type of tank to your fish, but you must make sure that the aquarium fits your habitat as well. An aquarium tank that doesn’t fit your home will hamper your ability to appreciate your fish. Here are some guidelines to help you figure out how to select an aquarium tank:

 

Sizing It Up

One of the primary considerations in choosing an aquarium tank is determining the size that the tank needs to be. This determination is based on a few considerations that will need to be taken into account.

• Budget: It usually follows that the larger the aquarium, the larger the price tag, so before you set your heart on an ocean of an aquarium tank, you should determine how much you want to spend.
• Tank Placement: You need to consider where you will keep the aquarium. This will help you determine how big an aquarium you can have. Remember, though, an aquarium tank can’t just be placed anywhere in the house. Simply because you have a lot of room in the garage doesn’t mean that it is a safe or smart place to keep your aquarium tank. Here are some guidelines for locating your tank:
  • Place it where it will be seen, but not the busiest part of the house. The commotion can disturb the fish.
  • Keep your aquarium tank out of direct sunlight, which will contribute to algae growth and cause temperature fluctuations.
  • Make sure your aquarium is away from windows or vents. Air drafts can disrupt the environment of the aquarium.
• Size and Species of your fish. Naturally, the larger the fish, the larger the tank they will need. Remember, though, you shouldn’t force your fish into a habitat that doesn’t suit him because you can’t afford the tank or don’t have the room. Determine the maximum size of the tank you can have before researching what fish and how many will fit in it.

 

What Type of Tank?

After you’ve decided what size tank to get, there are a couple more decisions you need to make. First, you should decide whether you want a saltwater or freshwater tank. The main differences are that saltwater fish are generally more colorful compared to their less vibrant freshwater cousin, while freshwater tanks are considerably cheaper and easier to set up and maintain than saltwater tanks. For a beginner fish owner, freshwater tanks are strongly recommended.

Another decision you will need to make is glass or acrylic. Acrylic tanks come in more shapes and are clearer and more heat-resistant. Glass tanks, though, are much cheaper and more resistant to scratching and damage.

 

Choosing Tank Accessories

Now that you’ve picked out the right tank for your home, you’ll need to get the right accessories and equipment to make it truly fit your home and fish. One necessary accessory is an aquarium stand. You can choose a stand that will fit the style and location of your home, just make sure it is sturdy and durable enough to hold your fish tank.

 

Additionally, you’ll need an aquarium tank canopy. These come in varying materials, from plastic, the cheapest, to glass, to wood, the most expensive. They vary accordingly in terms of quality, so choose the one that you can afford and will give you the best protection for your water.