How To Choose Best Fish Tanks
If you want a pet fish, you need a tank or aquarium for it. There are so many of this equipment in the market, so many that you might get confused about which one to get. You can shop for a fish tank at a pet store, or online. After that, there is the starter kit, which will tell you about the setup.
No doubt you will get so many options, but you have to check the size and type of the fish tank and check if it will fit your home. If an aquarium doesn’t fit your space, it will hamper your effort and you will not be able to appreciate the pretty fish you bought. So to choose the best fish tank check out the tips below.
BIGGER IS BEST:
When you want to know about the size of a fish tank, you must be clear about one thing, and that is you must choose a bigger tank if possible. If you are a beginner, it might seem odd, but a larger aquarium is always better than a small one. You will be able to take care of the fishes properly. If you think you will find that fishes produce waste and a lot of it, and you can never avoid it. The waste consists, pee, poop, uneaten fish food, and so on.
These wastes break down and produce toxic chemicals which are harmful to fishes. This is one of the main reasons you have to change the water from time to time. This removes the chemical from the water. When you buy a small tank, the waste will build up quickly and in a large pile. If you have a large aquarium the waste will dilute in the water easily and won’t pile up. Also, you won’t have to change the water too frequently what you had to do with a smaller tank. So as a beginner, if you want less maintenance work, go for a bigger tank. You can choose the best fish tanks of 15 gallons as a beginner.
THE SHAPE OF THE FISH TANK:
You have to consider the shape of the aquarium. You might not believe it but different fish prefers different shapes of a tank. They prefer this based on their swimming spaces. Active fishes such as barbs and Danios like a longer aquarium, and if it has a horizontal or rectangular shape, it will suit them better. In the case of territorial fish like cichlids, they need bottom space.
So you have to avoid taller and narrow tanks if you intend to keep this kind of fish. However, some fishes prefer narrow and taller aquariums. If you have fishes like gouramis, discus, or angelfish, as they are less active. This is the reason they would prefer a narrow and tall tank. They will also fit into your small room space for a fish tank.
PLACING THE TANK:
When you are looking for the BEST FISH TANKS to buy, you have to think about placing the aquarium in your home or office. If this is your first aquarium, you have to consider the place before you make the purchase. You also have to think about moving the heavy tank once it’s set up with water and fishes in it. The location of the aquarium is important. For instance, you have a large tank and it requires a stand that can carry its weight. Also, this will take up a larger space in a room. So, before you buy a tank, you have to measure the place, check the support it can give, and then you can buy an aquarium suitable for space.
YOUR BUDGET MATTERS:
Next thing you have to consider; how much you can afford. Normally, if you go for a bigger fish tank, it will be expensive. If the tank is bigger you will need a large heater, filter, and larger water conditioner to treat the water. However, as stated earlier a bigger fish tank is better, but if you have a tight budget, you can always compromise with the size.
THE SIZE AND TYPE OF FISHES:
You bought small fishes and you think they will fit in a small aquarium, but they will grow. Most of the fishes sold in pet stores are babies. When you give them care, they will grow into an adult form. Unfortunately, the large size of the fishes might not be suitable for your small aquarium. If you have a goldfish and you put it in a small round tank, it will grow into 12 inches, and then the bowl will not be able to fit it.
The option you have to accommodate grown-up fishes are:
- You have to buy a larger tank
- The cheaper and saddest option is to say goodbye to the fish.
The best thing you can do is to buy the right-sized and best fish tanks. Only then you won’t have to make difficult choices for the pet fish. Also, just because the fish is smaller in size that doesn’t mean it’s the right tank for them. You have to research a bit to find the suitable one.
THE OPENING OF THE FISH TANK:
Most beginners guide book do not mention this part. As it’s a bit difficult to explain, but it’s very important to know. The fishes need oxygen, just like all the living. If you put more fish in the tank, they will suffocate. If you go for the larger surface of the water, the more oxygen will enter the aquarium, and your fishes will not suffocate. It’s also not the matter of size you choose, but how many fishes you can keep on the surface of the water.
ACRYLIC OR GLASS TANKS:
You might feel confused to make the choice, but the easy way out is, if your tank is under 150 gallons, it’s better to go for the glass option. As a beginner, you won’t need a larger tank than that. You should prefer glass because acrylic gets scratched easily. The pebbles in the tank might leave a dent. However, this type can be repaired easily, but you would not want to go with excessive scratches. Also, to look at its size wise, glass tanks are cheaper than acrylic.
The best thing you can do is to ask the pet store about the type of tank you should buy and the type of fish you can go for. Also, try to buy the BEST FISH TANKS online, because you will get various and cheaper options.