How do you choose the best aquarium for your room, your level of expertise and the fish you will be keeping? There are many different options to decide on including the size, shape and material for your new aquarium and it can be difficult to choose especially if this is your first fish tank. Should you start with a small aquarium or a large one? Should you buy one made from glass or acrylic? What shape would be best? We hope to help you answer some of these questions?
Of course you will have to consider where you will be placing your tropical fish tank and what space you have available but you will also need to consider how many fish you wish to keep. It would seem to be a good idea to start with a small aquarium but this may not be the best if you are a novice fishkeeper. A small aquarium is much harder to look after and keep in a healthy condition for a number of reasons. Changes in the outside environment, such as a sharp change of temperature will be quickly reflected in a small aquarium but a larger aquarium, with a bigger body of water will respond much more slowly. This makes a larger aquarium more stable and less susceptible to changes. Another factor is that waste from the fish will be distributed in a larger volume of water so will be less likely to cause them harm. A fifty gallon aquarium is a good size for a first aquarium.
Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic is more expensive than glass and acrylic aquariums come in many different shapes such as round, cylindrical, hexagonal and octagonal. They are also lighter than glass aquariums and do not develop leaks as they are made from one continuous sheet of acrylic. They need to be looked after carefully as they can be easily scratched by using abrasive cleaners.
Glass is, of course, the traditional material for aquariums and is cheaper than acrylic. Glass aquariums come in a limited range of shapes and is generally heavier than acrylic. A glass aquarium may also develop leaks as it gets older but they can usually be fixed fairly easily using a silicon based sealant.
When you are considering the shape of your new aquarium you need to consider, not just it’s looks but how suitable it is for your fish. The shape has an effect on the surface to water ratio which is important for gas exchange. Traditional rectangular aquariums have optimum water to air ratios so give the maximum possible gas exchange which is important for the fish to breathe. Other shapes have a reduced ratio so you will need to aerate the tank properly to provide enough oxygen for the fish. There are many different shapes possible with the use of acrylic and they can also be bought as aquarium coffee tables or wall aquariums.
In addition to how your aquarium will look you will need to make sure that the flooring, table, stand or shelf where it will be located is sturdy enough for the weight. Filled aquariums are heavy and can weigh up to 600 lbs for a fifty gallon aquarium. If you choose a wall aquarium you will need to make sure it is fitted correctly and you may need professional help to do this.
Tags: aquarium tips, best aquarium, choosing the best aquarium, how to choose the best aquarium
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.