There are a number of options available if you want to buy a fish tank.Depending on the type of fish you want to keep and the amount of space you have available to house them, the kind of tank you need depends on both.When buying a new aquarium, think about the type of fish you want and pick an aquarium setup that will fit them comfortably, but keep them healthy and fit in your life.
Step 1: You have to figure out what you want.
Depending on the number of fish you want to keep, your aquarium set-up can vary a lot.You will need to decide if you want saltwater or freshwater fish.The number of fish you want is also important.You need more space in your aquarium if you have more fish.Different fish species need different amounts of five gallons (19 liters) for their needs.If you want to figure out how many fish an aquarium will hold, you can use a stock calculator.There is no rule about the number of fish in a tank.How many fish you can keep depends on a number of factors.A single fish should have at least five gallons, and in larger tanks you want a minimum of a gallon per fish.
Step 2: Go for your size.
You can decide on how big a tank you need once you know what kinds of fish you want to keep.There is no set rule for tank size, so look into all of the fish types you plan on keeping to see how much space they require.Online species guides can help you figure out how much space your fish will need.Coldwater and freshwater fish need more room than tropical fish.The bigger the tank, the better.You are more likely to harm your fish if you put them in a small tank.
Step 3: Pick a type of material.
Aquarium tanks are either glass or acrylic.Depending on the setup you want and the conditions in the area where you will keep the tank, choose which material is right for you.The weight of the water, fish, and equipment inside the aquarium can be better supported with glass.It is cheaper to ship and it will not yellow.It's more difficult to crack or break with Acrylic.The tanks are easier to mold into different shapes and can be fitted with an overflow system.
Step 4: Decide on a system to clean the air.
You mostly focus on picking the mechanical part of the system.There are many different types of filters available for aquariums.Power filters are used by a lot of people.They hang on the back of the tank and use an intake tube and a chemical and biological sponge to get in and out.The trickle filters are used for saltwater tanks.They use a biological filter in one compartment and then use an activated carbon unit to return to the aquarium.Corner filters are an affordable option that often sit in the corner of the tank.They work well for small tanks.Canister filters are used for large aquariums.They are powerful for large, multi-fish setups.
Step 5: Decide if you need heating.
Tropical fish need certain climate control to be comfortable.If you need a heating setup, look into the temperatures necessary to keep your fish happy.Depending on the tank you have, the size of the heater is dependent on it.Make sure you check the packaging to make sure it's appropriate for your tank size.If you don't need a heater for your aquarium, you should use a thermometer to make sure the climate is stable.
Step 6: Choose the lighting.
The lighting in your aquarium is important to the health of your fish and plant life.Pick a lighting setup that works for you and your aquarium.Standard and compact fluorescent light bulbs are easy to replace and favored by beginners.Large aquarium systems use metal halides.The amount of radiation put out by the light systems can be variable.A local aquarium store can help you find the right setup for your aquarium.
Step 7: Pick something that will hold something.
If you have fish, live plants, or reef components in your aquarium, you'll want to use the right substrate.All the fish and plant life will thrive in your aquarium.Gravel and sand are good for fish-only aquariums with no living plant life.Aragonite and crushed corals are used in reef aquariums and marine life aquariums that include crustaceans and bottom feeders.Vermiculite and laterite are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Step 8: You can choose plants.
Plants or hiding space should be made available to the fish.Decide if you want live or synthetic plants in your aquarium, and consider other functional decorations that may provide stimulation for the fish.Plants that look like those found in your fish's natural habitats are a good choice.Encouraging healthy biological behavior is helped by this.Make sure the plants you get are compatible with your aquarium setup.Check the tags for lighting, temperature, and water pH requirements.
Step 9: Find a hood.
A hood can help hide some components of your aquarium.You need a hood to fit your tank.Tanks that come with the hood can be found at local pet stores and specialty aquarium stores.Make sure that your hood is able to accommodate your lighting, filters, and other aquarium components.
Step 10: You can choose a stand.
You need a stand for your tank.Even with a glass aquarium, you may want a stand to keep it safe in the space.You can find a stand that works for you.The stand can be used to hide the filters if you have an external system.Different styles and sizes of stands are available.Look online to see what is available in your local aquarium store.
Step 11: Look in the store.
It is time to buy your tank once you know what you want.It's a good idea to check out a local shop as it will allow you to see what features are available to you.To make sure tanks fit in their intended area, bring a tape measurer and stands.You should be willing to shop around.There are different stores with different focuses.A pet store will have all the things a beginner needs, but more advanced aquarists may benefit from specialized options at aquarium stores.
Step 12: Think about bundles.
Tank dealers often bundle items such as the tank, stand, and lighting.These will have a higher price tag, but will often save you money on your tank setup.If you know of a tank brand you like, contact the dealer directly or check their website to see if they have any exclusive bundle deals.
Step 13: There are used tanks to look for.
When a hobbyist moves to a larger tank, they will often look to sell their old setup.If there is anyone in your area selling an aquarium in the size range you want, you can check local ads and online.Ask to see what is included when reviewing these ads.Other sellers may be offering the tank alone while a substantial amount of the setup is included.
Step 14: It's possible to check online.
You can find deals online.Check with pet stores and major online retailers to see if they have the tank you need.Measure your space before ordering and check the product dimensions.It's useful for individual aquarium components as well as for small aquariums.Large aquariums can be difficult to retrieve and can cost a lot in shipping.
Step 15: A custom build is something that should be considered.
A custom-built tank may work well for you if you have the means.A custom tank can be designed if you work with an aquarium builder.Everything from the tank to a stand is included in a custom build.Larger tanks prefer these builds.