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You can get a great freshwater aquarium fish tank, but you are going to have to put in a little effort and take your time when shopping. Too small a house for a growing population of fish and you will have to upgrade quickly, and too large a tank for a small room or office, and you will have a space problem in the room that the tank will be in. Find practical solutions! The freshwater aquarium tank is a solid and well designed, self contained structure for keeping fish in a safe, controlled environment where you have or should have, total control over them. In choosing the best tank, there are many important points to consider such as the material the tank is made of, the size, the shape and the associated cost.
Each point has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, innovations are not made for nothing and the long history of the hobby is a testament to its over all success. You may ask yourself: Can I handle a small or large fish tank? Can I have the classic look, or a rather contemporary one? Can I go with a cheap tank or an expensive one? The details below are basic information on a standard freshwater aquarium fish tank according to the type of material the tank is made of, its differing sizes and shapes, and its corresponding cost.
Watch Your Material
A fish tank can be made of glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are the classic type of aquarium tank. Since the introduction of glass in the year 500 of the Roman Empire, glass in general and the glass fish tank has undergone major changes and improvements. On the other hand, acrylic tanks became popular in the latter part of the nineteenth century and the tank itself has not gone through as many changes as the glass tanks have. Both are made of relatively good materials though they do differ in weight and performance.
A glass tank is heavier than an acrylic tank, and many people prefer the acrylic type for that reason, and also because it is not as fragile as the glass type which can break easily. Thus, acrylic tanks are easily shipped from one place to another. From the store or company where it is purchased to your home, or from one room in your home to another.
Also, acrylic tanks require a smaller heater than glass tanks and are proven as better insulators and are historically more stable in terms of temperature. However, many still prefer the glass tank because of its availability, its tendency not to get yellowish over time, and its strength against being scratched. The new glass tanks with laminated glass are a clever way to have the advantages of both glass and acrylic.
For really large aquariums such as those in museums and public aquariums, fiberglass is used.
Watch Your Size
Tanks can be small, medium or large. Standard small tanks range from two gallons to fifteen gallons. Mid-sized tanks range from twenty gallons to forty while large tanks range from fifty to one hundred eighty gallons. These may come in various length, width and height proportions.
It should be noted that every gallon of added water in the tank is around 10 pounds in weight. This calculation is needed when choosing your tank's stand and a stable space to put your aquarium. It is not true that the smaller the tank, the easier it will be to manage. Another principle is that, the larger the tank, the better it is for the fish. The shorter but horizontally long tank is better than a thin and vertical tank in terms of swimming space for the fish and circulation of oxygen from the surface. Of course, it follows that with enough oxygen, fish become healthier and the stocking capacity increases but be aware that you should never overstock the tank with too many fish. This will help to avoid oxygen depletion.
Watch Your Shape
The most common type of shape for tanks is the rectangular and spherical (such as a fish bowl) types. Modern technology has made it possible for tanks especially the acrylic type to come in varied shapes such as cubic, hexagonal, L-shaped and bow-front where the front side is convalescent. Glass tanks have sharp edges while acrylic tanks can appear with curved smoother edges. You can choose to be conventional or experimental when it comes to shape. Please be aware that the shape of your fish tank will have an effect on the circulation (or lack of circulation) of oxygen and nutrients needed by your fish.
Watch Your Cost
Glass tanks can cost two to three times more than the acrylic tanks. However, when it comes to very large tanks like 250 gallons and up, the price is neutralized because it will cost you plenty, no matter which type you choose. Choose your tank according to the type you can afford and maintain. Acrylic tanks have higher maintenance cost than glass tanks.
You should decide to choose the best tank based on the type of material the tank is made of, its size, its shape, its cost and your available space.
People should want the most tank that they can afford. While it is true that any type of tank can be considered reliable because they are manufactured for that reason, one still needs to keep in mind the costs associated with the fish tanks set up and ongoing maintenence. Like in any experience, there may be nuances in the beginning but as you take one step after another, you'll discover everything that you need to know about your total costs to stay involved with this hobby. Just remember that each model of tank has its pros and cons. You may freely weigh and balance them according to your needs.
The information above is a general review but be aware that the fish tank itself will be your biggest expense, but not your only expence. Also, be patient. You can get a good deal on a nice tank by taking your time and shopping around for the best deal that you can afford instead of buying the first tank that your eyeballs see.
