Choosing a Fish Tank: From Measuring Space to Lighting

Upon a recent visit to a sushi restaurant with friends, I was blown away by the beautiful fish tank that was full of beautiful aquatic life. My daughters have been begging me to buy a fish tank for years; I could never warm to the idea, though. Well I finally built my tank, and after weeks of design work, I found out just how creative you can be with this project. Before starting your aquatic journey, there are a few pointers you should use. Calculate how much space you have and what sized tank you would like, then factor in how much you can afford to spend. No two aquariums are alike; they come in a wide range of different box sizes and shapes.

Aquariums are not lightweight, so you will need to purchase a stand which can support the weight, a common 20-gallon aquarium can weigh 200 pounds once the water and gravel have been added.

Although this might seem like a lot of weight, aquarium stands are more then suited to do the job. Aquarium stands come in a variety of styles; I would recommend getting one with cabinets so that you can hide the cleaning accessories and fish foods. Choosing the aquarium itself is a well though out process, you have two options. Glass is the most common option; a glass aquarium is generally constructed in a box design using separate pieces of glass and silicone to seal the pieces together. Glass aquariums are usually the cheapest option for a beginner, glass aquariums don’t scratch as easily as an acrylic does, and glass cases are much easier to clean.

Acrylic aquariums are the way to go if you want a beautiful looking display, these are constructed much differently then glass boxes are. The acrylic models are generally more expensive then glass, but they offer many advantages over glass including the appearance. The seams on acrylic cases are welded utilizing a special solvent; this ensures that no leaks will develop.

Another bonus with the solvent used on acrylic tanks is the solvent, which will yellow with age as the silicone solvents, and did I mention this solvent is not hazardous to fish. If you have kids an acrylic aquarium is definitely the right choice, acrylic is 15 times stronger then glass tanks, and acrylic aquariums are constructed to flex. This prevents an acrylic aquarium from shattering, the construction on these tanks is bulletproof so acrylic tanks are safe for young children.

Acrylic fish aquariums are also a great choice for appearance, the acrylic offers a clearer view then glass, and acrylic aquariums require less energy to keep heated. And if you plan on moving the tank around, acrylic weighs half as much as a comparable glass tank. There are also fewer seams and weld marks on an acrylic aquarium, this offers a more contemporary appearance that goes great with any d�©cor.

One of the biggest disadvantages to an acrylic tank is the finish, the acrylic scratches really easily. And don’t even consider using window cleaner on the acrylic, this will crystallize and damage the surface. The only viable solution for cleaning an acrylic tank is vinegar; this is an organic method for preserving the finish on the acrylic aquarium.

In the end choosing an aquarium can be a painstaking process, you will need to select adequate lighting and materials. My advice is to try and find an aquarium that will really showcase your fish, if you are looking for a stunning presentation then an acrylic aquarium just might be the perfect choice.