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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
Where to Buy your Aquarium Tank?
You will have several choices where you can buy your freshwater aquarium:
- Your Aquairum shop: The most common place to find your aquarium tanks and equipment, buying from a pet shop has many advantages and the tanks will generally come with warranties. If your aquarium has any issues you can come back and get a refund or replacement. Here you can get good advice for your aquarium. Disadvantage would be the cost of the aquarium tanks will generally be more expensive.
- Garage sales: Here you can get some good bargains and your aquarium will cost next to nothing compared to any pet shop. Big drawback would be the equipment is used and old and there are no guarantees if the equipment will last. If it’s the aquarium tank this could be fatal.
- Newspaper adverts: Following up to an advert in the newspaper can lead you to find some nice priced aquariums, but again it’s used so there could be question marks to the quality of the equipment. If you’re lucky you can see the aquarium in operation before you buy it.
- Online stores: The internet is the last and becoming the most used way to search for aquariums equipment. Only drawback is your unable to see what your buying before it arrives, so be sure you know what you’re buying.
Tips for Buying Used Aquarium Tanks
Before purchasing any used tank you need to carefully inspect it for three things, inspect for leaks, cracks and worn out silicone. Fill up the tank and look carefully any drips or leaks. Check to see if the silicone seal is worn out, peeling away or missing completely, any small defective silicone can cause a leak which will mean your house floor will be full of water and the aquarium will be dry. Look at every piece of glass to ensure there is no cracks or broken glass.
If in doubt don’t buy it…
Buying an Aquarium Tank
Whether it’s a saltwater aquarium or freshwater aquarium that you are looking at buying you will find many different shapes, styles and sizes available in the market. Even if you have limited space in your house or apartment there is an aquarium tank to suit you.
Considerations when Buying Aquarium Tanks
When buying an aquarium tank you will have the option to buy a stand. Gone are the days of ugly steel stands and they have been replaced by beautiful cabinets or wrought iron stands. Remember if you standing your tank on an existing cabinet, that your tank when filled with water can weigh a lot and your existing cabinet can quite easily collapse.
Think before Purchasing
Your first purchase of any aquarium set up is the tank, as all equipment you buy will depend on the size and volume of the aquarium and generally the bigger the tank the more expensive your other equipment will be. Consider these few parameters which will affect you decision. Your aquarium will be different to another person and will have to suit your environment and space of your house.
What’s the reason or purpose of your aquarium? Are you having a tank in your living room or maybe in your office? Or maybe you want set up a community aquarium or just a species aquarium? These questions can give you ideas on the size and shape of the aquarium tank.
Upon deciding on the purpose you can get an idea of the size of tank that can fit in our chosen space. When measuring allow a good foot either side for you to move around for cleaning and maintenance and 8 inch behind to allow for cables, filters and heaters to be located. After you have filled your aquarium it will be too late to move it for maintenance or cleaning so plan in advance.
How Heavy is Water?
Plus or minus a gallon of water is 10 pounds, so a typical 24×12×20 tank will hold approx 25 gallons, which will weigh n the region of 250 pounds, so take this into consideration when choosing your aquarium tank. By using this we can estimate the weight of your aquarium setup when you include the water, rocks and equipment etc.
Calculating the Volume of Water for Odd Sized Tanks
A good formula for obtaining an easy on-the-spot total for the gallon capacity of any rectangular or square shaped aquarium is as follows:
Multiply the length (inches) x width (inches) x height (inches) and then divide by 231. The result is the capacity of the tank in gallons
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