Why Bigger Fish Tanks Are Better

In life, bigger isn't always better

In life, bigger isn't always better. In the world of aquarium fish tanks, bigger is definitely better! Ever win the goldfish at the carnival only to bring him home, put him in a bowl and watch him die?

It's not because the fish was sick (although sometimes that is the case) but because there is a common misconception that goldfish can survive in tiny bowls.

When considering aquariums, size is the most important factor; all other equipment will be bought to suit that particular tank. Rather than start small, start as large as you have room for and can afford. You may not believe it now, but the bigger the tank, the easier the maintenance!

Fish and invertebrates need space to swim and enough oxygen to survive, both of which are determined by the size of the aquarium fish tank you choose. When you go shopping for your tank, you are going to find that aquariums come in all shapes and sizes.

Be careful! Two 55-gallon tanks of different shape do not have the same surface area and it is surface area that determines the amount of gas exchange (oxygen and carbon dioxide).

For example, looking at two 55-gallon tanks: One measures 48 inches long x 12 inches wide (front to back) x 21 inches high, and the other measures 36 inches long x 12 inches wide x 28 inches high.

The surface area is equal to the length times width of the tank. The first tank has a surface area of 576 square inches and the second has a surface area of 432 square inches. Obviously, the first aquarium fish tank would be preferable.

You should also know that there are some simple rules to remember when stocking your tank after it has cycled through. For 6 months or so, you should have no more than 1 inch of fish for every 10 gallons of water.

Once you have maintained a healthy tank for 6 or 8 months, those numbers change to 1 inch of fish for every 2 gallons of water. Even though you may be adding juvenile fish, you want to know their adult length as this is the 'inch' number you'll want to use.

For this reason, many people will stock their tank with 'starter' fish (guppies, mollies, red rubies) and then buy what they really want after the tank is deemed healthy. These types of fish are relatively cheap and will aid your tank in its nitrogen cycle, giving you a safe environment for more expensive, interesting looking specimens down the line.

by: Jack Rackham

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