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.
Some fish require larger tanks. To determine the proper tank size, follow this simple rule of thumb: for every fish that grows to less than 4 inches, you need one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For bigger fish like the cichlid, you will need at least 55 gallons of water and for the angelfish, 29 or more gallons of water. The bigger the tank, the bigger the capacity to house more fish. The more water in the tank, the more oxygen there will be for your fish.
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.
An aquarium weighs about 10 pounds for every gallon of water once it's filled. A large aquarium can be very heavy. Choose a stand that can support this weight; don't just place your large aquarium on a table or bookcase, because it could collapse under the weight. Specialized aquarium stands in metal or wood provide aquarium supply storage and an attractive, sturdy method for holding the tank. Besides the aquarium and a stand, you'll also need a lid for the tank. Sometimes this is referred to as a 'hood.' This is often purchased as a set with the aquarium itself so that you can be sure it is the appropriate size.
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. - 29958
Some fish require larger tanks. To determine the proper tank size, follow this simple rule of thumb: for every fish that grows to less than 4 inches, you need one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For bigger fish like the cichlid, you will need at least 55 gallons of water and for the angelfish, 29 or more gallons of water. The bigger the tank, the bigger the capacity to house more fish. The more water in the tank, the more oxygen there will be for your fish.
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.
An aquarium weighs about 10 pounds for every gallon of water once it's filled. A large aquarium can be very heavy. Choose a stand that can support this weight; don't just place your large aquarium on a table or bookcase, because it could collapse under the weight. Specialized aquarium stands in metal or wood provide aquarium supply storage and an attractive, sturdy method for holding the tank. Besides the aquarium and a stand, you'll also need a lid for the tank. Sometimes this is referred to as a 'hood.' This is often purchased as a set with the aquarium itself so that you can be sure it is the appropriate size.
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. - 29958
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