Tips in Selecting an Aquarium Tank
If you’re thinking about buying an aquarium tank, the first thing to determine is how many fish you want, and what kind of fish. This will establish the size of tank that you need. Although many believe that fish will grow to the size of their aquarium tank, most species will actually keep growing, and will outgrow a tank that is too small. If this happens, you’ll need to upgrade to a larger size. It is much easier to buy the larger tank the first time around than to upgrade as your fish grow. Always choose an aquarium large enough to accommodate your chosen fish at their full-grown size.
The amount of water that the fish needs is also a factor to look into. Follow this rule of thumb to find out how much water your fish will need. A fish that will grow to adult size of less than 4 inches, like guppies and tetras, will require a gallon of water for every inch of fish. A large fish like the cichlid will need at least 55 gallons and the angelfish, at least 29 gallons. It is essential that your aquarium tank is able to hold the amount of water that all your fish need.
You can find aquarium tanks in various shapes and sizes. There are rectangular, round, bow-front, hexagonal and many others. They may be as small as two and a half gallons or as big as several hundred gallons. A small tank is recommended for a first aquarium because of the low maintenance involved. For greater convenience, check out a prepackaged kit containing everything you need as a beginner. This kit may include light, filter and a heater.
Aquarium tanks can be found in both glass and acrylic styles. Those that are glass are less expensive and widely available. The glass will not scratch, but it is heavy. Glass aquariums come in limited shapes. Compared to glass, acrylic is lightweight. The acrylic material allows for a wider range of custom shapes and sizes. They are easier to scratch than glass aquariums, however, and are usually the more expensive option.
Once an aquarium is filled, it can get very heavy. It can weigh 10 pounds for every gallon of water. Be sure that the stand that you put it on is very sturdy and will not collapse under the heavy weight. There are stands, made of either wood or metal, which are specially built for heavy aquariums tanks. They even come equipped with compartments that will hold your aquarium supplies. Aside from the stand, you will also need to get a lid for the tank. Make sure that the lid, sometimes called the “hood” fits your tank properly.
Once you purchase your aquarium tank, place it in your bathtub or backyard and fill it with water. Add your heater, filter, and any other equipment, and plug these items in. Then, wait overnight, to test both the aquarium tank and the equipment. You don’t want to add fish immediately only to find out that the tank leaks or your heater does not work. Selecting the proper aquarium tank size and type, and making sure that it is ready for fish before adding them, can ensure that your fish will live a long and happy life in your aquarium.
September 25, 2009 at 3:08 am Comments (0)
