So you want to own an aquarium, but you are not sure what type of fish tank will be best. There are a few things you need to know before going to a store and purchasing your aquarium.
First, you want to be sure that you have selected the right type of aquarium you want to setup.
When choosing between a saltwater and a freshwater tank you need to think about how much space you are willing to dedicate to your new aquarium. Generally, saltwater tanks take up more space then freshwater tanks. If your space is limited freshwater would be a better route for you to pursue, because saltwater tanks have many more pumps and filter systems that will require the extra room. Is money an issue? If so then once again, you are better off sticking to a freshwater tank.
NOW COMES THE TIME TO DECIDE BETWEEN A GLASS OR ACRYLIC AQUARIUM?
There are 2 main mediums fish tanks are made from. Glass and acrylic. Glass tanks are much heavier and bulkier. They are harder to scratch when cleaning and cost less, although it is harder to find glass tanks in cool shapes and designs. It is harder for companies to design glass aquariums with awkward shapes because it is not as flexible as acrylic.
Acrylic on the other hand can be found in many different shapes and sizes. Acrylic aquariums tend to be sealed better than glass tanks and because of that they do look nicer. You must be very gentle when cleaning acrylic though, because it can scratch very easily (Believe me I have a 55 gallon acrylic tank).
When you do select your type of aquarium and the size of that aquarium, be sure that it coincides with the fish you are planning to put in that aquarium (i.e Don't buy a 10 gallon tank if you plan on buying fish that are supposed to grow to 5 inches or more, and likewise don't spend a ton of money buying a 55+ gallon tank if you are only planning to buy fish that will grow to an inch or so).
Please make sure that you also have a good solid stand to set your tank on once you have selected the tank that suits you. Aquariums are very heavy once, they have gravel, rocks, water, fish, filters, etc. added to them, and if you do not have a good stand your aquarium could possibly tip over and all could be lost and damaged.
If this is your first fish tank and you have questions that you would like answered, or even if you have been maintaining fish for a while and are unsure about something, please do not hesistate to contact me for advice or help. I am always willing to help out someone in need.
Good luck to you and your new hobby, please send me any questions, pictures, or videos you may have pertaining to aquariums or fish.
Adam Wiese is a middle school science teacher and a fish enthusiast. He has owned and maintained many different types of aquariums throughout his life. For more information on how to select and maintain an aquarium please visit http://properfishtankmaintenance.blogspot.com
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