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When buying an aquarium tank, the first thing you have to consider is how many fish you want and what type of fish they are. This will determine the actual size of the tank that you need to buy. The fish you start with may grow to a size that will make your aquarium too small in the future. Be sure, therefore, that the aquarium you get now will be big enough to accommodate all your fish at their full adult size. You then avoid the additional expense and work involved in transferring everything from the smaller aquarium.

Although some fish species require larger tanks, there is a rule of thumb for determining appropriate tank size. For fish with an adult size of less than 4 inches, like tetras and guppies, allow one gallon of water for every inch of fish. For larger fish, water requirements can vary greatly between species, so do your research. A large cichlid requires a 55 gallon aquarium, and an angel fish needs 29 or more gallons, even though the adult sizes of these fish will never approach 55 or 29 inches.

You can find aquarium tanks in various shapes and sizes. There are rectangular, round, bow-front, hexagonal and many others. They may be as small as two and a half gallons or as big as several hundred gallons. A small tank is recommended for a first aquarium because of the low maintenance involved. For greater convenience, check out a prepackaged kit containing everything you need as a beginner. This kit may include light, filter and a heater.

Aquariums are made of either glass or acrylic. Glass aquariums are heavier and more readily available in aquarium stores. They are also less expensive and less easily scratched. Acrylic aquariums, on the other hand, are lighter, stronger and more flexible, allowing for more varied shapes and sizes. They are known also, to insulate better than glass. Acrylic aquariums, however, are more expensive than the traditional glass aquarium.

An aquarium weighs about 10 pounds for every gallon of water once it’s filled. A large aquarium can be very heavy. Choose a stand that can support this weight; don’t just place your large aquarium on a table or bookcase, because it could collapse under the weight. Specialized aquarium stands in metal or wood provide aquarium supply storage and an attractive, sturdy method for holding the tank. Besides the aquarium and a stand, you’ll also need a lid for the tank. Sometimes this is referred to as a ‘hood.’ This is often purchased as a set with the aquarium itself so that you can be sure it is the appropriate size.

When you have chosen and purchased your aquarium tank, test it first before putting your fish in. Place it in a container, like your bathtub (or you can place it outside in your yard), and put water in it. Then add and plug in all your aquarium equipment like the filter and the heater. Let your test run for a day to check if all the equipment is functioning properly. Make sure also that your tank doesn’t leak. If all goes well, transfer your fish to their new home carefully, and watch them live a long and healthy life in your safe aquarium tank.

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