Friday, October 28, 2011

Select The Right Aquarium For Tropical Fish

By Edward French


Your first decision if you think to put up an aquarium is to choose between fresh water fish and salt water fish. This is of course a personal decision, but if this is your first aquarium, you might be better off with fresh water fish.

Here's why: Saltwater tanks are more expensive and more complex. You have extra things to worry about such as the salinity of the water, water conditioning, and temperature. Fresh water fish are not as complex to take care of.

You will also need to keep these things in mind:

Where is the aquarium going to be? When you're deciding on a location for your aquarium, remember that it can't be placed in direct sunlight, or anywhere else that could result in changes in temperature.

Once it is filled with water, the aquarium is very heavy. For instance, a 20-gallon tank filled with water weighs over 225 pounds. Bear this in mind when you choose on a location for your aquarium...as it will be impossible to move afterwards.

Level floor

Choose a floor that's leveled to minimize stress to the tank and avoid cracks that can form over time from the pressure.

Electrical outlet

Make sure your new tank is located near an electrical outlet so you can plug in the heaters, lights and pumps.

Accessible

Keep your tank where you can access it easily to work temperature controls and air valves. You should also be able to have enough space for a net and to move decorations.

What shape should you select?

When you're choosing the shape of your aquarium choose short, longer shapes over tall, thinner shapes. This way there will be more surface area at the top of the water, which is much better for your fish.

What size should the aquarium be?

The aquarium should be at least ten gallons. Why? Because it's just easier to take care of a fish in a larger tank than a smaller one. Whatever aquarium you choose, it is going to, over time, have a build up of waste material. These materials tend to be diluted more in a larger tank. You won't need to work as hard at maintaining a clean tank.

What material is best?

Glass or acrylic are usually the materials used to manufacture aquariums. Either material will work find, however, it is recommended that beginners use glass. This is for several reasons - glass doesn't scratch as easily, it only needs edge support and it costs less.

You will need to consider any and all of these tips as you set up your aquarium. All of these factors are essential in making the right decision.




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