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Correct Placement of Aquarium Stand
As discussed before in Finding the Best Location For your Aquarium you must decide on its final location to take into consideration drafts or sunlight which will affect the water temperature, and physical aspects of the floor where the stand will sit and any electrical or water supply nearby.
First Check Floors and walls
Make sure your floors can take the additional loading especially if you setting up your freshwater aquarium on a upper floor, as last thing you want is to have come though the floor. Remember a 100 gallon aquarium can weigh almost 1000 pounds when full.
When setting up your aquarium offset it from the wall, as you need to allow room for maintenance and all the piping work.
Look for Power and Water Supply
When determining the location for your new aquarium, consider the power supply as you will need 3 to 4 sockets. Last thing you want do is fix up the tank, add the water then find out there’s no power supply then you will have reserve your sequence and relocate.
If possible locate your tank near water too, as it will help you in the movement of water to and thou to save you spilling water.
Moving Aquariums
If you have done all the planning you shouldn’t need to relocate the aquarium but if you really need too then here’s the best way.
Always have two people to carry the aquarium for two reasons. Firstly you may damage your back if over stress for lifting the heavy aquarium and secondly you can damage the silicone and frame of the tank if you move alone.
So you are ready to move the tank, follow these steps:
Unplug the equipment and remove it from the aquarium, but allow 15mins after switching off for the heater as too not shatter it.
Take a bucket of water from your aquarium and place all the fish in it, count them to ensure there is none left.
Now you can remove the remaining water and take out any heavy decorations or rocks.
Don’t lift the tank by the top of the frame, this will damage the silicone or crack the glass, the correct way is to lift from the bottom corners of the tank.
Selecting the Aquarium Stands
Selecting the right Aquarium stand can be as important as the aquarium itself, just imagine filling you the aquarium and the stand giving way. An aquarium stand needs to be sturdy and strong but still look nice at the same time.
Don’t use an antique furniture or regular furniture as an leaks will soon destroy the antique table and normal furniture will easy warp under the weight of aquarium. So its always best to use the aquarium stand that comes with the tank, as the stands been designed to cater for the weight and at the same time the design of the stand will match the size and deisgn of the aquarium tank.
Make sure your freshwater aquarium fits its stand correctly. If the edge of the tank hangs over the stand, the stand is too small and eventually can cause the aquarium to wrap or break.
Wooden Cabinet Stand
These types of stands will have built in cupboards below which is excellent to hide all the pumps and other equipment and other gadgets that comes with freshwater aquarium hobby. Only problem is they may warp if not the correct cabinet for the aquarium and will cost a little more than a normal cast iron stand.
Despite the disadvantages mentioned they still are the best stands to have as they look good, are very stable and come with shelves to store away all your equipment.
Wrought Iron Stands
These types of stands come as wrought iron or angle frame. Angle frame stands don’t look nice and will leave nasty marks on your carpet from indentations and will leave rust stains if they get wet compared to wooden cabinet that will spread the load and not leave such a bad mark on your carpet.
Wrought iron stands look slightly nicer than angle frames and are one of the more common designs for stands in the market.
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D.I.Y Stands
There are a few stands that come flat packed that you can assemble yourself with some ease, but these types of stands are generally not as strong as pre-made aquarium stands that you can buy.
Alternatively if you go down to the hardware store and buy your own quality oak or other premium materials and build you one yourself. Best to test out your stand before adding the aquarium, this can be done by loading it with other items to simulate the actual weight of the tank.
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.
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