When buying an aquarium tank, the first thing you have to consider is how many fish you want and what type of fish they are. This will determine the actual size of the tank that you need to buy. The fish you start with may grow to a size that will make your aquarium too small in the future. Be sure, therefore, that the aquarium you get now will be big enough to accommodate all your fish at their full adult size. You then avoid the additional expense and work involved in transferring everything from the smaller aquarium.
Although some fish species require larger tanks, there is a rule of thumb for determining appropriate tank size. For fish with an adult size of less than 4 inches, like tetras and guppies, allow one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For larger fish, water requirements can vary greatly between species, so do your research. A large cichlid requires a 55 gallon aquarium, and an angel fish needs 29 or more gallons, even though the adult sizes of these fish will never approach 55 or 29 inches.
Aquarium tanks come in many sizes, anywhere from two and a half gallons to several hundred gallons. They may be rectangular, bow-front, or hexagonal, or designed for a corner, among other shapes. Smaller tanks are a good choice for a first aquarium, because they generally have lower maintenance needs. Don't go too small, though, or your fish won't have enough room. For a first aquarium, consider a prepackaged kit containing everything you need to get started, like a filter, light, and heater.
You will have two choices in materials for your aquarium tank. Glass tanks are generally less expensive and more available. Glass will not scratch easily but can be very heavy. They also are not as flexible as acrylic so shapes are limited. Acrylic tanks, on the other hand, being lighter, boast of a wider range of shapes and sizes that you can pick from. They are, however, more expensive and more easily scratched.
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.
Although some fish species require larger tanks, there is a rule of thumb for determining appropriate tank size. For fish with an adult size of less than 4 inches, like tetras and guppies, allow one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For larger fish, water requirements can vary greatly between species, so do your research. A large cichlid requires a 55 gallon aquarium, and an angel fish needs 29 or more gallons, even though the adult sizes of these fish will never approach 55 or 29 inches.
Aquarium tanks come in many sizes, anywhere from two and a half gallons to several hundred gallons. They may be rectangular, bow-front, or hexagonal, or designed for a corner, among other shapes. Smaller tanks are a good choice for a first aquarium, because they generally have lower maintenance needs. Don't go too small, though, or your fish won't have enough room. For a first aquarium, consider a prepackaged kit containing everything you need to get started, like a filter, light, and heater.
You will have two choices in materials for your aquarium tank. Glass tanks are generally less expensive and more available. Glass will not scratch easily but can be very heavy. They also are not as flexible as acrylic so shapes are limited. Acrylic tanks, on the other hand, being lighter, boast of a wider range of shapes and sizes that you can pick from. They are, however, more expensive and more easily scratched.
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.
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Learn more about aquarium care. Stop by Leonard Standeley's site where you can find out all aboutcloudy fish tank and how to clarify and maintain clear tank.
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