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Selecting the Correct Aquarium Tank
There are many things you have to do when you actually decide to buy your tank. The size of the tank, the volume of water it holds and the general shape will be factors that will choose which fish you will end up buying. Previously we have discussed the different shapes of aquariums and sizes involved, so buying the correct tank to house your fish of choose, whether it’s an individual species or a large community tank you have got your first step done correctly.
Tank Size
When you plan to set up your freshwater aquarium minimum you should look at 10 gallons to ensure a stable environment for your fish. Smaller aquariums become difficult to work with as the fish become crowded very quick and they are prone to poor water conditions. Also you will be unable to fit many decorations or plants if you bought a small tank.
Aim to buy the biggest tank that your budget and location can allow, as the increase surface area will allow for better oxygen absorption and carbon dioxide exchange and will improve the stability of your overall tank.
Small aquarium tanks will quickly lose their temperature if the heater as faults and if the filter stops very quickly decrease the quality of water which will lead to further problems.
Tank Shape
Odd shaped tanks can look very impressive in your living room, but they can have several drawbacks, mainly the shape will affect the oxygen exchange in the water.
The exchange between the oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs on the water surface therefore a tall tower tank will have a low surface area compared to its total volume of water will have a lower exchange compared to a short tank with a large surface area.
Consider the other products you will have to buy as an odd sized tank will give you difficulties to buy items like hoods, lights and other equipment. Even you can find the right fit for these it probably cost more than standard sizes.
Cleaning an odd size tank will give difficulties as you may not be able to reach the corners especially if they are tall and thin.
Fish Capacity
Fish capacity is simply the total number of fish in your aquarium without affecting the aquariums stability. Again a tall and narrow tank will not be able to carry as many fish as a tank with a larger surface area. Always remember fish will grow so buy fish with the knowledge of the fish’s final size.
Different Aquarium Styles
With the use of different materials in making aquarium tanks (i.e. Acrylic, Glass and plastic) come different shapes. Therefore if you don’t want a simple box shape there is many different shapes on the market.
Here is a few of the different designs of freshwater aquariums you can buy:
Portrait Aquariums
As the name says they are basically Acrylic portrait tanks that are hung like a portrait painting and don’t require any form of stand. Great tanks if you have small children as they can be mounted on the wall out the reach of any children.
Portrait aquariums come in a variety of sizes ranging from approx 4 to 6 feet wide, with a wide range of scenic backgrounds and frames to match most decors.
Feeding the fish inside is fairly simple as they are built with a feeding hole at the top. Remember these tanks are fairly thin and have a small surface area so you won’t be able to have many fish or any large fish within.
In the Wall Tanks
Again as the words say they are mounted within your walls, these tanks are quite thin too but typically thicker than a portrait tank. Best to get these installed by a local contractor as your wall might need reinforcement too. They also can be used for desk aquarium tanks due to their thin nature.
Cleaning and feeding of your fish is simple as there is an access flap above the tank or on one side of the wall the c point is left open.
Furniture Aquariums
These types of aquariums are combined into furniture and can make an outstanding feature item in any house. These types of tanks can be built into almost anything. Such as items of furniture like coffee tables, headboards, end tables, nightstands, lamps, and clocks even aquariums have been incorporated into toilets. They are often expensive but well worth the money.
Tower Aquariums
Tower aquariums are tanks that are built into tall columns or towers and are great for corner spaces. Typically expensive to buy and can be difficult to find plants that will naturally look tall to suit the tank. Otherwise they are no different to the standard tanks.
Plastic Aquarium Tanks
Plastic aquairum tanks are the least popular of all aquariums and are very inexpensive and normally are found on the shelves of your local aquarium store. They have many disadvantages and no advantages over acrylic aquarium tanks or glass aquarium tanks and are now becoming obsolete for many reasons:
- Discoloring over time: They will turn yellowish color as the aquarium tank ages.
- Scratching: They very scratch easily and there is no real way to repair the scratches.
- Limited sizes of tanks: Typically only come in very small sizes with capacity of about 2 to 5 gallons.
- Melt under heat: They have been known to melt when their own lights get hot so not a good choice.
- Distortion: They suffer major distortion problems due to their odd shapes.
Acrylic Aquarium Tanks
Acrylic aquarium tanks have changed the face of aquariums in the last few years. The lightweight tanks come in many shapes and forms such as half spheres, bubble, L-shaped, triangular, tubular, and convex. With acrylic, the shapes and designs are endless and is up to our imagination.
Before we look at the advantages we start with the disadvantages.
Acrylic Disadvantages
More expensive: Acrylic aquariums are more expensive than the glass aquarium tanks. If you get into custom styles then your budget will go up, these forms of tanks are top of the range in terms of quality, workmanship and beauty. If you can buy one is worth the money.
Scratching: They are quite easily scratched so be careful when cleaning with an algae pad. Moving decorations around can bang and scratch the glass also. There are scratch removing kits available at your local aquarium shop that will remove most minor scratches and blemishes.
Distortion: Acrylic tanks will have some distortion due to the construction process from heating them before bending into the nice shapes but will give a seamless look and allow viewing from all angles.
Acrylic Advantages
Lightweight: Acrylic aquarium tanks are lighter than glass aquariums, which gives the advantages of placing them upstairs in your house and are far easier to move around.
Stronger: They can take an impact and will not shatter easily.
Different Shapes: As mentioned earlier they can be molded into half spheres, bubble, L-shaped, triangular, tubular, and convex.
Stylish: Acrylic tanks can come with colored backgrounds which can be stunning with the correct decoration. You also get more choices in colors and styles to match the interior of your home or office. They can give any room an appearance and generally looks more expensive than glass tanks.
Image: Aquarium Design
Glass Aquariums Tanks
From the days of glass tanks in the 60’s and 70’s with the metal frame tanks that were very heavy is unsightly to the eyes, technology has improved and other materials can be used for creating your dream aquarium. Now tanks come in all shapes and sizes due to the new technology of acrylics and plastics.
Glass Aquariums
Glass aquarium tanks are still the most popular form of tanks available in the market. The basic construction is plate glass sealed with a non toxic silicone. The glass can be either tempered (stronger, lighter and will shatter into pieces when it breaks) or plate (heavier, thicker and will crack when it breaks).
The frame of the glass will be pre-drilled allowing for your equipment and hoses to be concealed behind. Typically these tanks will cost more to buy and it’s not a necessary to have.
Big disadvantages of these tanks are that are limited in the shapes they can be formed, limited to rectangle and squares and if your want an unusual shape then glass is not for you.
Glass aquariums tanks are also very heavy in nature, due to the glass thickness increasing when the tank gets bigger and larger. The loading on the floor can be increased with an glass aquarium so ensure your floors can take the loadings and not recommended upstairs. Glass tanks can break and shatter easily and you can end up with a wet floor and a lot of dead fish.
Testing and Repairing a Leaking Tank
To test if your aquarium leaks is fairly simple, place your aquarium tank on some old newspaper and fill it up and let it stand for 24 hours. As you guessed when it’s wet there’s a leak. You should always test both new and second hand aquarium tanks.
To repair any leaks, dry off the tank and remove the old silicone with a safety razor. Gently wipe the area with a soft, clean cloth to remove any oils to ensure a good clean seal. Purchase a good aquarium sealer and apply to the affect areas and let dry for at least 48 hours before adding the water again. Repeat the test again to ensure the leak is sealed.
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