5 Things to consider before getting an aquarium

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So you’re ready to get your very own aquarium set up. You can’t wait, you’ve got the dough and your ready to step out the door and head to the pet store.

Not to burst your bubble or anything, but hold on for just a minute! Before you go and buy your own fish tank, I’ve come up with a small but important list of things you should consider first. You don’t want to go spend your hard earned money and have regrets later.

Things to consider
1. Room for your aquarium
This is pretty obvious, if you live in a small place and you don’t have much room there really is no point in getting one of the larger aquariums. Best bet for you is a small to medium size. (check the chart below this post for the common fish tank sizes and weights.

2. Electrical outlets
Are electrical outlets positioned near the preferred spot of the aquarium? Having a fish tank means having to install lighting, aquarium filter systems, aerators, sometimes water heaters or even chillers and all these need electricity. Don’t forget your aquarium decor, some need power too!

3. Shape
Fish tank these days come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The more common shapes are the long rectangular aquarium tank. But don’t be surprised to see shapes of hexagons and other plolygons or cubes and cyclindrical fish tanks, they’re all very common and the choice is simply a buyers preference. My suggestion is choose one that best suits the room where it will be placed.

4. Plexiglass or Glass.
There are basically two types of building materials used for aquariums, acrylic or plexiglass and glass. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re just starting out in this hobby or are not sure, choose a rectangular shaped aquarium that is made from glass. Glass, because it is very inexpensive, durable and very scratch resistant.

5. First time owner
Again, ff this is your first aquarium I suggest starting with a small to medium size fish tank (check the common fish tank sizes below). This is so you don’t spend a lot of cash up front while you learn the ropes and gain valuable experience.

Below are common aquarium sizes and weights

Remember to ask a lot of question and hold on to your money tight. You might just spend more than you know it. Aside from the above tips all i can say is happy hunting. Have fun finding the perfect home for your fish.