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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 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.
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
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