How to Choose the Right Aquarium
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
No single aquarium is right for
everyone, so you need to take
some factors into account when
choosing one that is right for
your home or office.
Keeping a successful aquarium depends greatly on the time you spend researching the correct set-up for the fish you choose to
house. LiveAquaria.com is a great place to research the habitat requirements of fish you find attractive or interesting. As you
learn more about the kinds of fish species you can house together, you will need to consider certain aquarium decisions, such
as:
Location
Size
Construction
Location, location, location
Set up your aquarium where you spend most of your time
This way, you can fully enjoy the results of your endeavor. An aquarium placed in a
back room or basement often does not get the care or attention it needs, increasing
the risk of fish disease and filter malfunctions. So choose a room where you will not
only be able to view and enjoy your system, but also maintain it properly.
Remember, once an aquarium is set up, it weighs at least 10 times your tank's water
capacity, and it must be disassembled to properly move it again. You must totally
tear it down, which can be very stressful on fish. So, choose the location carefully,
and keep the following considerations in mind.
Your aquarium needs a "space bubble"
Just as people need adequate space around them, your aquarium needs sufficient
space around it for cleaning and maintenance. Select an area that will not block
accessories you need access to, such as the back of the aquarium for filtration and the
top of the aquarium for water changes and lighting. If placing it in an enclosed area,
make sure that it has adequate ventilation. This helps control mold and other cultures that thrive in humidity and keeps heat
build-up to a minimum. Keeping a cover on the aquarium will also help keep humidity levels down and decrease the amount
of water you need to replace due to evaporation.
Is an electrical outlet, and a water source, within close distance?
Electric outlets need to be close enough that you can plug in a strip outlet without having extra cord in the way to become a
tripping hazard (no more than 3' is best). In addition, the closer your water supply, the easier your water changes and other
maintenance, helping you keep a healthier aquarium.
Are heat/AC vents or outside entrances nearby?
Heating and air conditioning vents, as well as outside entrance areas, have the ability to drastically change the temperature of
the immediate area, including your aquarium. A stable water temperature is imperative to a healthy aquarium, so make sure to
place your aquarium away from these areas. Also, it is very important to keep your aquarium out of direct sunlight. This will
help prevent algae growth as well as high temperatures.
Will your aquarium stand set stable and level?
Check the floor in the area you wish to place your aquarium to see if it gives under
your weight and whether the flooring is level. If part of the stand is on a hard
surface, such as a hardwood floor, and the other is on a soft surface, such as padded
carpeting, you'll need to check the level with weight on the stand. If it is not level, it
How to Choose the Right Aquarium - Page 1 of 2
Unauthorized use of any images, thumbnails, illustrations, descriptions, article content, or registered trademarks of Foster & Smith, Inc. is strictly
prohibited under copyright law. Site content, including photography, descriptions, pricing, promotions, and availability are subject to change without
notice. These restrictions are necessary in order to protect not only our copyrighted intellectual property, but also the health of pets, since articles or
images that are altered or edited after download could result in misinformation that may harm companion animals, aquatic life, or native species.
is possible to use a shim to make up for a small difference on all but large
aquariums. A surface that isn't level not only makes it impossible to totally fill your
aquarium, but it may be a hazard because your aquarium might easily tip over.
Size Limitations
What's the best size?
The minimum size you should consider is the minimum size your inhabitants will
thrive in. If you are not able to provide at least that size, it's best to pick another
fish. The bigger the aquarium, the better it is for the fish within it. Larger water
volume dilutes toxins better, making it more forgiving of mistakes. Also, larger
aquariums cycle faster, making for a shorter stress period on fish.
Will the floor be able to withstand the weight?
Here's the tricky part for medium to large aquariums. Most flooring is intended to hold humans and their furniture. Normally, a
30-gallon aquarium weighing 300 lbs. is probably no problem, especially against a weight bearing wall, but if considering
anything larger, you'll want to verify with a professional that your flooring is capable of supporting it. The weight your
flooring can support is figured in pounds per square foot, or psf.
To figure the psf of the aquarium you are considering, find its total weight by
multiplying its gallon size by 10 (55 gallons x 10 = 550 lbs.). Next, divide total
weight by the square-foot floor space (footprint) it uses. For example, a 55-gallon
tank with a weight of 550 lbs. that uses 4 sq. ft. of floorspace (4' x 1'), exerts 137.5
psf (550 lbs. divided by 4 sq. ft.). Larger gallon-size doesn't always mean more psf
weight. Generally, the more the weight can be spread out, the less psf you're
exerting on your floor. Consider this: a 120-gallon tank that has a 4' x 2' footprint
(8 sq. ft.) can weigh 1,200 lbs. and exert 150 psf, whereas a 125-gallon that has a 6'
x 1.5' footprint (9 sq. ft.), could weigh 1,250 lbs. and exert less than 140 psf.
Once you know the psf rate of your flooring, and the amount of space you have
available, this will determine the maximum aquarium size you can consider.
Glass or Acrylic
Another important question that must be asked in an aquarium purchase is whether
to choose glass or acrylic. Depending on your lifestyle and décor needs, it may be
helpful for you to know that glass aquariums tend to be less expensive and more
scratch-resistant. Conversely, acrylic aquariums are less scratch-resistant, but they
are considered stronger than glass and less inclined to break. If you move often, you'll also appreciate their lighter weight. In
geographic areas where earthquakes are common, acrylic is more forgiving of the shifting. Although glass does not scratch as
easy as acrylic, acrylic scratches can be repaired. Also consider your aesthetic desires; acrylic is a more pliable material than
glass, so it can be formed into more interesting shapes.
More Than One?
After learning all about your favorite fish species, it's highly unlikely they can all co-exist in the same aquarium. Down the
road, you may wish to consider another aquarium. Aquarium Kits make it easy to get everything you need. The small JBJ
Lighting Nano 180° Half Moon Biotope is designed for style and simplicity, this nano aquarium employs state-of-the-art
compact fluorescent lighting and 3-stage filtration system. Flip-top canopy allows easy access for convenient maintenance.
Eye-catching modern design further enhances viewing experience for hobbyists. Their compact design also makes them
wonderful for a child's room. It's a great way to teach children about the beautiful life that exists in an aquatic ecosystem.
How to Choose the Right Aquarium - Page 2 of 2
Unauthorized use of any images, thumbnails, illustrations, descriptions, article content, or registered trademarks of Foster & Smith, Inc. is strictly
prohibited under copyright law. Site content, including photography, descriptions, pricing, promotions, and availability are subject to change without
notice. These restrictions are necessary in order to protect not only our copyrighted intellectual property, but also the health of pets, since articles or
images that are altered or edited after download could result in misinformation that may harm companion animals, aquatic life, or native species.