Selecting the right Freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fish Tank

Selecting the right freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fish Tank

Shopping for Freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fish Tanks

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Selecting the right Tropical Aquarium Fish Tank...

Tropical Aquarium Fish tanks are made in virtually any size and shape. There is a aquarium that will fit nearly any area in the home or office, as well as any budget.

You can find tanks constructed out of heavy glass to light weight acrylics. Each design has its advantages and disadvantages.

First lets look at Acrylic aquariums
On the benefit side... acrylic aquariums have a better insulation value than glass tanks. This means that you may be able to get by with a smaller tank heater. The walls of an Acrylic tank are clearer than glass giving you a better view of the inhabitants. Acrylic tanks are available in a greater variety of shapes. Many have rounded corners or faces and are available with out visible seams. Acrylic tanks are much lighter than glass tanks.

The disadvantages of Acrylic aquariums...
Acrylic tanks are very easy to scratch. Great care must be taken when setting up and cleaning the tank. The interior can be easily scratched when adding substrate or rocks to the tank. The surfaces of an acrylic tank can only be cleaned with special soft pads.

The biggest disadvantage to Acrylic tanks is cost. An Acrylic tank will cost 2 to 3 times that of a glass tank.

My personal preference... All Glass Aquariums
On the benefit side... Glass Aquariums are inexpensive An All Glass Aquarium and Oak stand from AGA compared to acrylic... and very durable. The heavy glass used in Glass Aquariums is virtually scratch proof. I've had some of my tanks for 25 years and they are scratch free.

Above we mentioned that acrylic tanks are clearer than glass. Maybe they are. With proper lighting and maintenance... a glass aquarium will appear nearly as clear as an acrylic tank.

Most glass tanks are either square or rectangular in shape. I have seen a new design manufactured by AGA called the Bow Front. This new tank has a curved glass front giving the aquarium a bit of a 3D effect.

The disadvantages of Glass Aquariums...
The only disadvantage of an All Glass Aquarium is weight. Tanks of 55 gallons or less are fairly easy for one person to set on the stand. Tanks of 65 gallons or more will require the help of a friend.

Selecting an Aquarium Stand
Selecting your Aquarium stand is merely a matter of taste.
I prefer wood stands as they seem more natural, and complement the tank and home quite well. Wood stands are available in a variety of woods, quality, and price ranges. Most have storage beneath the tank... and some even have drawers.

Iron stands are also available. Generally they will cost less than a wood stand. The main drawback to an iron stand is that over time it will rust.

Whether your buy a stand or build one... be sure that it is able to handle the weight!

What size aquarium should I buy?
The answer to this question is simple... buy the largest tank that you can afford and house. Contrary to what you may believe... large tanks are easier to maintain than smaller tanks. The more water you have... the less chance there is that something will go wrong. Trust me on this one!

Lets move on to... The Equipment that keeps your Fresh Water Tropical Aquarium Fish Alive

Selecting the right Tropical Aquarium Fish Tank...

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