Popular Fish Tank Sizes

Have you recently become a fish parent? Are you struggling hard to find the right size of fish tank for your little friends with fins? Then, this is the article that you have been looking for! Though maintaining fishes doesn’t involve a lump sum amount of money; they need a good, comfortable, and cozy home to swim around in. As a pet parent, you will be glad to offer them a home where they can live freely. In this article, you will get valuable information about the popular fish tank sizes. So, read along!

WHICH FISH TANK SIZE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE?

Whatever fish you have, a big tank is always better. In the case of common freshwater fishes, a tank of 10-gallon is recommended, with the dimensions 22” x 12” x 13.5”. On the other hand, for saltwater fishes, it is better to get a 30-gallon tank. The dimensions are 36” x 18” x 12”.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FISH TANK SIZES?

There are several fish tanks available in the market today. While some can hold 0.5 gallons, others can contain up to 200 gallons of water. Here are some of the fish tank sizes that are popularly chosen:

0.5 – 10 GALLONS:

A stable environment is essential for a fish to live in. According to experts, a 5-gallon fish tank is the minimum tank size requirement for a single fish.

Tanks sized below 5 gallons can be considered as fish bowls. These are prone to unstable pH. They also quickly become home to waste materials and hazardous chemicals.

They do not have the required surface area that promotes healthy gas exchange. They hardly have adequate room for a fish to swim comfortably.

However, they do have some plus points. Small tanks can hold beautiful aquatic plants including marimo moss balls. For tanks up to 10 gallons, owners need to ensure good filtration and monitor pH levels.

11 – 20 GALLONS:

Tanks that can hold 10 to 20 gallons are adequately sized. They are manageable, affordable, and do not take up much space. Professionals say that tanks containing 20 gallons are sufficient only for hosting a few small fishes.

Owners still need to maintain these tanks efficiently so that proper filtration is done and the chemicals in the water stay balanced. For beginners in search of tanks to store a handful of fishes, each below 3 inches long, a tank of this size might be the perfect one.

21 – 40 GALLONS:

Aquariums that are able to hold 21 to 40 gallons are best for storing around 6 to 12 small fishes. The volumes of such tanks prevent the water quality from being overly temperamental. They also require less maintenance and monitoring.

Though they are heavy, large, and are a little bit on the expensive side, they are a great value for money. Once you have completed setting up the tank with its environmental features and substrates, you will be happy to see the fishes and the entire aquatic world being in the spotlight of any space.

MORE THAN 40 GALLONS:

Tanks with a capacity of more than 40 gallons are comfortable and perfect if you have a large variety of fishes to display. These fish tanks look stunning and are the most suitable homes for fish of diverse sizes.

However, they do come with certain drawbacks. Tanks that can contain more than 90 gallons are very heavy. It is also difficult to clean and maintain them regularly.

Also, since they are so large, you might be forced to install special structural reinforcements to prevent damages.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FISH TANK?

The right tank will cater to the needs of both you and your pets. The type and size of the fish tank you choose should match the kind of fishes you would be keeping. Here are some tips to keep in mind while choosing a fish tank:

BUDGET:

As the size of a tank increases, so does the price. If you are thinking of owning a large tank, you should also consider the cost. With fish tanks, you also need to buy other accessories. So, before starting, decide how much you can afford to pay.

PLACEMENT:

After the price, the next key factor that determines the size of the tank that you should buy is the tank placement. Fix a particular place and note down its dimensions. This will help you to find out the tank size that you need.

SIZE OF THE FISHES:

If you have large fishes, you need a large tank. Remember not to force your fishes into smaller tanks and habitats that are unsuitable for them. Do a lot of research and find out detailed information about your fishes. It will help you decide on the tank size that you would need for proper storage of the fishes.

SPECIES OF THE FISHES:

Once you have decided the size, next you need to decide the type. Generally, there are two types of fish – freshwater fishes and saltwater fishes. Accordingly, two kinds of tanks are also available in the market. Saltwater fishes are more vibrant and colorful as compared to freshwater ones.

However, freshwater tanks are cheaper. It is also easier to install and maintain them. If you are a beginner, it is better and safer to go with freshwater tanks.

TANK MATERIAL:

Lastly, you need to decide whether you will purchase a glass tank or an acrylic tank. Acrylic tanks are clearer, available in more shapes, and have better heat resistance. Glass tanks are quite cheaper and have high resistance to damage and scratches.

There is no perfect fish tank size. What works for you and your fishes might not work for some other owner and his or her pets. Before you buy a fish tank, do thorough research about the kind of fish you would be storing. Check out their individual requirements as well. This will help you to customize your fish tank and make it suitable for different fishes to live comfortably and happily.