Choosing the best aquarium can be difficult, especially if you are buying one for the first time. There are many sizes and shapes to choose from as well as different construction materials. Should you choose a small, rectangular aquarium made from glass or a larger acrylic aquarium in a more exotic shape? We've put together this guide to help you choose the best aquarium for you.
The Aquarium Size
Although a lot of people think that it is right to start off with a small aquarium, this is not in fact the best choice as smaller fish tanks are harder to take care of and need more effort to keep in a healthy condition. The reason for this is that the water in a smaller tank is easily affected by any disturbances, hence if the room temperature rises or falls severely, for example, there will be a rapid alteration in the the water's temperature inside the aquarium. A much larger aquarium will always be much more stable. In addition for a bigger tank the wastes from the fish, are distributed through a much larger volume and will be less harmful your fish. A 40 gallon tank is a good size to start with as a minimum.
Should you Choose Acrylic or Glass
Now you need to decide between glass or acrylic an acrylic or the traditional glass fish tank. You need to keep the shape of the aquarium you like better in mind because several shapes, cylindrical for instance, are only available in acrylic. Glass aquariums are usually less expensive than acrylic aquariums but are much heavier. They have a tendency to spring leaks as eventually but this is easily fixed using silicon aquarium sealant. They aren't made in as many different shapes as the acrylic tanks. If you are thinking about an exotic shaped tank you will generally have to purchase acrylic.
Acrylic aquariums are pricier than glass tanks but are lighter in weight and, because they are made in one piece, don't have a tendency to leak. You will need to be careful not to damage the outer surface of the aquarium and not use any harsh, abrasive cleaners on the acrylic since this will cause tiny scratches on the surface causing it less than clear.
Aquarium Shapes
The traditional rectangular tank is certainly the best shape for an aquarium because of it's high water to surface area ratio which gives the perfect gas exchange. However if you prefer a less common shape then you must take care you have good aeration so that your fish receive adequate amounts of oxygen. The types of aquariums can be purchased in many different shapes including cylindrical, hexagon, octagon, round and wall mounted or made into coffee tables.
What is the Best Location for Your Fish Tank?
When thinking about the location for your aquarium ensure that you have sufficient space and that the weight of the tank can be supported. A fifty gallon filled tank will weight around 550 pounds so make sure the flooring and stand are sturdy enough. A wall aquarium can be mounted on dividing walls so that you can view the tank from 2 adjoining rooms and makes a fantastic addition to any room.
The Aquarium Size
Although a lot of people think that it is right to start off with a small aquarium, this is not in fact the best choice as smaller fish tanks are harder to take care of and need more effort to keep in a healthy condition. The reason for this is that the water in a smaller tank is easily affected by any disturbances, hence if the room temperature rises or falls severely, for example, there will be a rapid alteration in the the water's temperature inside the aquarium. A much larger aquarium will always be much more stable. In addition for a bigger tank the wastes from the fish, are distributed through a much larger volume and will be less harmful your fish. A 40 gallon tank is a good size to start with as a minimum.
Should you Choose Acrylic or Glass
Now you need to decide between glass or acrylic an acrylic or the traditional glass fish tank. You need to keep the shape of the aquarium you like better in mind because several shapes, cylindrical for instance, are only available in acrylic. Glass aquariums are usually less expensive than acrylic aquariums but are much heavier. They have a tendency to spring leaks as eventually but this is easily fixed using silicon aquarium sealant. They aren't made in as many different shapes as the acrylic tanks. If you are thinking about an exotic shaped tank you will generally have to purchase acrylic.
Acrylic aquariums are pricier than glass tanks but are lighter in weight and, because they are made in one piece, don't have a tendency to leak. You will need to be careful not to damage the outer surface of the aquarium and not use any harsh, abrasive cleaners on the acrylic since this will cause tiny scratches on the surface causing it less than clear.
Aquarium Shapes
The traditional rectangular tank is certainly the best shape for an aquarium because of it's high water to surface area ratio which gives the perfect gas exchange. However if you prefer a less common shape then you must take care you have good aeration so that your fish receive adequate amounts of oxygen. The types of aquariums can be purchased in many different shapes including cylindrical, hexagon, octagon, round and wall mounted or made into coffee tables.
What is the Best Location for Your Fish Tank?
When thinking about the location for your aquarium ensure that you have sufficient space and that the weight of the tank can be supported. A fifty gallon filled tank will weight around 550 pounds so make sure the flooring and stand are sturdy enough. A wall aquarium can be mounted on dividing walls so that you can view the tank from 2 adjoining rooms and makes a fantastic addition to any room.