subject: Shopping for Freshwater or Saltwater Fish Tanks [print this page] Shopping for Freshwater or Saltwater Fish Tanks
A fish tank is one of the most important equipment in setting up an aquarium. This is basically where you put everything - from your fishes down to all the other necessary accessories and decor. If you are planning to set up an aquarium, know that there are certain qualities that you need to meet as well. Listed below are the best qualities and features that you should look for in freshwater or saltwater fish tanks.
Material
Fish tanks are made up of various kinds of materials but the best picks are the acrylic and the glass fish tanks. Acrylic is a very lightweight material, which makes it very easy to move around and clean. It also offers a cleaner and less distorted view of what is inside the aquarium compared to glass. The only down side to an acrylic saltwater aquarium is that it can easily be scratched. Glass on the other hand is less prone to scratches but can be heavier than acrylic tanks.
The size
There really is no recommended size for a good freshwater or salt water fish tanks. The only rule here is to pick a size that your space can accommodate and of course, those that can fit your fishes comfortably inside. There should be one inch of fish per gallon of water in the tank. Also take into account the size of your fish. Thicker bodied fishes may require more area compared to the thinner ones. Aside from that, salt water fishes may require a larger room compared to the freshwater species. The recommended water volume for a saltwater aquarium is a minimum of 40 gallons of water unless you want to stay with the smaller variety of salt water fish which are also very satisfying. The smaller tanks are much more affordable for a beginner hobbyist
The shape
Just like the size, the aquarium shape can also affect the number of fishes you can put inside your freshwater or saltwater fish tanks. The most important thing you need to remember here is that the more surface area you have, the more oxygen should be introduced into the water. Larger oxygen concentration can support higher populations of fish in the tank.
If you are looking to put jellyfish into your tank, they need a circular shape to help create the water flow needed to help them move. So you knowing what fish you eventually want to have will help you in your tank selection.
Good filtration and lighting system.
Of course, good freshwater and saltwater fish tanks should possess both a good filtration and lighting system. This is essential of you want to keep your pets alive and healthy for the longest time.
Aquarium kits
There are now such things as an aquarium kit sold in pet shops. These kits include the tank, the filtration pump and even the lighting system. Aquarium kits are mostly available in small to medium sized tanks. If you wish to buy a larger piece, then you might need to purchase the filter and the lighting system separately.
Bear in mind that aside from the fish tank, there are many other requirements that you need to meet in order to maintain a healthy aquarium - and these requirements can vary, whether you are setting up freshwater or a saltwater fish tanks. But you can make keeping a fish tank easy by using distilled water, live sand and then when you add your choice of fish, make sure you add some cleaner fish like crabs and snails to do the work of cleaning for you.
Remember, freshwater and salt water aquariums can come in many different sizes, shapes and features. So if you want to pick the right product, invest in a little more time to look for them in different stores. Never buy out of impulse and choose well. Think of it as an investment, one that you will be happy with. Purchase one that you will not feel you have to upgrade in the future. However, one possibility is to get a tank that you know will become a quarantine tank and then in the future get the tank you really want. Most people however get the tank they want and then as they get more into the hobby add a quarantine tank.
