Buying an aquarium for your fish sounds fun. However if you’ve been to a pet store before, you would know that there are a variety of aquariums present in the market - available in different materials, size, color, and shapes.
So, how exactly would you know which one is the best option? With the help of this buying guide, you will be able to pick the best aquarium for your fish. We have outlined all the important things you need to be aware of before purchasing one for yourself. Read down below to find out.
Factors you need to consider for buying the best aquarium
Dimensions
The dimensions of your fish tanks is one of the most important factors that need to be considered as it helps you determine how many fish you can keep in the aquarium. The tank size also contributes to the proper flow of oxygen in the tank.
Moreover, the dimensions are also important as they would help you decide whether or not you would be able to fit the aquarium where you would like it to be placed. Majority of the time it is better if the height of the tank is tall as most of the freshwater and marine environments benefit from wide and tall aquariums.
Size
The bigger the aquarium - the more difficult it would be to manage, which is one of the reasons you should look for an aquarium under 10 gallons if it's the first time you’re purchasing one.
In smaller aquariums, toxins can build up quickly, hence they need to be cleaned regularly. Also, you need to take extra care of water chemistry and temperature changes as even the slightest variation can cause a dramatic drop in the ideal living environment for the fish.
Your best bet is to choose an aquarium with a capacity of 20 gallons or more. Not only will this option be easier to manage, but you will also be able to work with different environment levels as bigger aquariums are more forgiving of errors you might make.
Weight
One thing to keep in mind while looking for the best aquarium is that the weight of aquariums with a capacity of more than 15 gallons exceeds 200 pound when filled. Therefore, rather than placing these on a desk or a shelf - you should place these on a stand.
Moreover, the aquarium should be kept away from direct sunlight or other external factors that can affect the temperature in the tank. If your tank is heavy, you wouldn’t be able to move it from one place to another easily, so you might want to find a suitable spot that you wouldn’t need to change later.
Cost
A lot of people who are interested in purchasing an aquarium see the price tag on a special package deal and think that it’ll only take them a few dollars to get started. However, that is not the case. A decent aquarium can cost you anywhere in between $150 to $200. Purchasing cheap quality aquariums won’t only be a waste of money, but could also harm the fish you intend to keep.
If the price of a decent aquarium exceeds your budget, then it's always better to save up and invest in a high-quality fish tank once and for all - rather than purchasing a low-quality tank.
Number of Fish
Ultimately, the size of the aquarium you should get depends on the number of fish you plan to keep. Different fish species require a different amount of water volume in order to survive. Hence, you might want to research a little about the fish species you would put in the aquarium. It is always better to start off with a few small, easy to care for fish species.
Heat and light
As mentioned above, almost all fish species require a certain level of water temperature to survive. Hence, you would need to cool down or warm up the water temperature according to the requirements.
Therefore, make sure that the aquarium you purchase comes with an in-built heater. Majority of the tropical fish survive best in water temperatures ranging from 75° and 80° F. Goldfish, on the other hand, are an exception as these can survive in cooler temperatures.
Moreover, lighting in the aquarium is also essential for live plant growth, which is necessary for the healthy life of fish in a tank. You can choose between a variety of tank light fixtures.
Acrylic or Glass - Which one is better?
Aquariums are usually made from two types of materials - acrylic or glass. As compared to glass aquariums, acrylic ones are much easier to handle and lightweight. Also, these offer less distorted views than glass aquariums. However, acrylic aquariums get scratches very easily, and even though the scratches can be repaired, you will need to go through extra hassle to take care of this aquarium.
Glass aquarium is recommended for any tank under 150 gallons. Though glass aquariums are comparatively heavier, they are easier to take care of. Also, these are much cheaper and don’t get scratched easily.
FAQ's
Q: What is the most essential factor for maintaining a successful aquarium?
The quality of the water is the most important factor that contributes towards a successful aquarium. However, there are certain elements that determine the quality of the water itself - these include cleanliness, temperature check, pH level, oxygen level, and more.
Q: Are aquariums an expensive hobby?
Yes, aquarium keeping is a pretty expensive hobby. Even though purchasing the aquarium and the fish is a one time cost, there’s a lot that you would be required to spend on the maintenance and necessities of the aquarium later on.
Q: Why are small aquariums not recommended for beginners?
This is because smaller tanks hold a lesser volume of water. Hence, even the slightest change in the temperature or pH level of the water would cause a drastic change in the condition of the water. Whereas, it is much easier to maintain an ideal living condition for fish in a larger aquarium.