Each gallon of water weighs a little more than 8 pounds.

Weight: Not only should you take into account how heavy the tank itself is, but you will have to consider the water needed to fill it as well.

The more surface area of the water that is exposed to the air means more oxygen available to fish. Shape: There are rectangle, round, hexagonal, square, tower, and other shapes available in fish tanks.Size: You can decide to get an aquarium based on your available space or on how many fish you would like in your setup.What should you consider before choosing a fish tank?īefore you choose your new aquarium setup, you will want to determine some information regarding your available space, what you like, and the amount of time you can spend in regular maintenance. Some of the items that your beginning setup might include are an aquarium, lights, heater, filter, gravel, plants, and a reef or other hiding spot. Acrylic or plexiglass is light in weight, can be made into nearly any shape, and is shatter-resistant.Ī starter kit includes the tank and other items to make a ready home for your new fish.Tempered glass is traditionally used for safety. Glass is relatively scratch-resistant and reasonably durable.What materials are aquariums made of?You have a choice when it comes to the material used for your tank: You may want to err on the side of caution and choose an aquarium that may be a little on the larger side rather than one that is too small and may affect the health of the fish. Because these fish like company, you should plan on having at least two in your tank. For goldfish, you will want to start with a tank that holds a minimum of 20 gallons of water, with another 10 gallons of water per each additional fish.

There is a rule of thumb for tropical fish that states you will need 1 gallon of water per fish. When choosing an aquarium, it should be large enough to accommodate your fish and all of the aquascaping you will need to keep them healthy and happy, including room for the proper filter, lights, plants, and other items you wish to include. Whether you are making a first-time purchase or looking to expand your current fish population, you will want to choose a tank and aquarium setup that will provide the appropriate conditions for your little family members. If you know what type of fish that you want, its important to build their tank environment around their specific needs. When you have small pets, such as fish or reptiles, the right aquarium setup can have a dramatic impact on their happiness and well-being.

Round modern fish tank for plants