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Posted by CD Aquatics on Aug 30 2018
Choosing a fish tank is a more complex task than many people are aware of. Winning a goldfish at a summer fate and coming home to place the goldfish in a glass bowl is a common habit amongst many, but unfortunately, this small enclosed space doesn’t cut it.
If you are serious about the matter and really want to set up a fish aquarium, there are many variables to consider when choosing a fish tank that will allow you to keep tropical and freshwater fish in your home and live comfortably for many years to come.
A successful fish tank setup can bring an air of calm or relaxation into your home, as well as being a source of entertainment, education and fun for the family… or employees if you choose to set up a tropical fish tank within an office or working environment.
If you want to get the most from your new hobby, whilst also creating a homey and familiar environment for your fish, the fish tank you buy and the aquarium design you choose is imperative.
We have compiled this guide in the hopes of helping you buy the perfect fish tank, including how to choose a fish tank and how to set up an efficient and welcoming home aquarium.
The principal and most crucial consideration, when you buy a fish tank, is choosing the correct size of fish aquarium. If a tank is too small, it will cause many complications and ill health for your fish, so it is important to purchase a tank of adequate size.
Using a fish aquarium that's too small for your fish can lead to problems. Your fish may lack oxygen, toxins build up faster in smaller water volumes, and fish need space to move comfortably, just like us!
You should stick to a MINIMUM of a 10-gallon water volume when you buy an aquarium. Bear in mind, that this is a minimum allowance for a small quantity of tiny fish, the optimum tank size is around 30 litres. When it comes to housing your fish, the bigger the better! There is no such thing as an aquarium that is too large for your fish, the more space your fish friends have, the happier they will be and the more they will flourish.
Having a sufficient aquarium filter system is also imperative for the health and survival of your fish. When it comes to fish tank filtration, there are many systems on the market, each with varying benefits, so it is up to you to research and find which is best for YOUR fish and YOUR aquarium.
Having said that, there are still general guidelines to help you along the way to choosing the best aquarium filtration system. There are three main types of filter systems; mechanical, biological and chemical filtering systems and these are available in different forms.
Canister Filters – Canister filters have mechanical components and are often very powerful, therefore making them perfect for use in large-scale aquariums
Power Filters – Power filters are the most common among home aquarium owners. The filter is a mixture of both chemical and biological and they are conveniently placed on the back of fish tank
Trickle Filters – Also known as wet/dry filters, trickle filters use biological components that render them ideal for saltwater aquariums. Trickle filters generate the ideal biological efficiency and users are able to add chemical filtration when needed
Corner Filters – If you only have a small tank, corner filters are simple to use and compact, meaning you can place it in the corner of your small fish tank
Regardless of the size of your tank and the filtration system you use, you still need to be mindful of the positioning of your aquarium, whether you have tropical fish, saltwater fish or freshwater fish.
Firstly, your fish aquarium needs to be on a flat and solid surface. Secondly, you should focus on finding a low-traffic area of the home to avoid anyone bumping into the aquarium.
Your aquarium should be out of the direct line of any windows to avoid excess light entering your tank, as this can result in algae build up and altered water temperatures. Additionally, avoid radiators, portable heaters and other heat sources, as constant dramatic changes in the temperature of your water are harmful to your fish.
Let there be light… and heat!
If you have living plants in your aquarium, suitable aquarium lights are required to keep these alive and also if your aquarium is going to house marine animals that fully depend on light for food.
Fish tank lights will also make your fish look great, but you must remember to properly regulate your aquarium lighting if you do use it, bearing in mind that no fish are exposed to consistent light when in their natural habitat.
In regards to heating your fish tank, each species of fish will have their own temperature requirements that you must research prior to buying your fish. The only way to guarantee a consistent and accurate water temperature is to buy a heating system and to monitor the water temperature regularly with an aquarium thermometer to watch for fluctuations.
Aquarium decorations are entirely up to the preference of the owner. However, the majority of hobbyists do opt to include aquarium decorations to make a familiar and homely environment for their pet fish.
You will need a substrate to line your tank before you start to place any decorations. There are different types of substrates that you can choose from, each with different suitability and price points.
Gravel and sand are common for home aquariums, but only if there are no living plants in your fish tank
Crushed coral or aragonite is ideal for use in fish aquariums, reef aquariums or those with living marine life.
Laterite and vermiculite is a great choice for helping a planted tank thrive and grow
Optional fish tank decorations enhance the tank's aesthetic appeal and make it feel like home. Consider artificial plants, faux corals, ornaments, rock formations, and more for an impressive and cosy aquarium.
Our handy guide to buying a fish tank is a great starting point for any beginners and first-time fish owners. However, each fish species has their own unique needs and requirements so we always recommend researching your fish beforehand and buying your fish tank and aquarium equipment accordingly.
If you need any help getting started with your first home aquarium or if you have any other general enquiries about buying a fish tank, call the experts in our aquarium shop today on 01922 416284.
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