What are My Other Options?

Before you go out and purchase an acrylic fish tank, take a moment to consider its biggest rival: glass. Glass fish tanks are a considerable option for those considering the purchase of an aquarium, providing the ability to get a large tank for the whole family to enjoy. If you are searching for something on a smaller scale, such as a bowl for a beta or a character themed aquarium for a son or daughter, there are also tanks made from plastic.

The Cost Factor

Now that you know the two options you have in purchasing your aquarium, you should carefully weigh out the cost factor: Which costs less an acrylic fish tank or a glass fish tank? In general, a glass fish tank of equal size costs less than an acrylic fish tank. This is not due to the quality of material, but rather to the cost of shipping the material. Even though glass is heavier and is in many ways easier to break than acrylic, it is more scratch resistant, leading to more sellable pieces on the end of the shipping line than acrylic. This leads to lower costs for you.

The Pros and the Cons

Even though it might be cheaper to purchase a glass aquarium, which are more scratch resistant, acrylic fish tanks offer several other pros that make them a great option for aquarists. For starters, acrylic is less breakable than glass, and much less acrylic is needed for the production of a tank. This leads to a tank that weighs much less than a glass tank and thus needs less support.

In addition to the durability of acrylic, purchasers of acrylic aquariums have more style options available to them. It is very difficult to find a glass fish tank that is in a shape other than that of a rectangle. Acrylic can be shaped, providing more options for tank buyers, such as round aquariums, semicircular aquariums, and the like.

Twenty years later, my 4-year-old daughter asked me for a fish, following a trip in the pet shop, and revived my wish to have an aquarium. It so happened that my husband too turned out to be a fish lover and so, we both set out to get our first aquarium. The first thing we did was to check out what types of aquariums were available on the market to find out what would suit our home best.

A 75 Gallon Fish Tank Is Just the Right Size

While searching for the right fish tank, we saw many sizes, shapes and types of aquariums. All were beautiful. While we were window-shopping we also chose what fish we would want to have in our tank. Calculating by the standard formula of one fish per one gallon of water, we decided that a 75 gallon fish tank would suit us best. Both of us love marine fish and these tend to grow quite big within a very short time and hence we wanted a large tank.

Another advantage in having a 75 gallon fish tank is that it is easier to set up and nurture its self-sufficient aqua system in this size than any other size — a smaller tank and you would have to keep cleaning; larger and it will be difficult to keep track of all the things that will be required by the ecosystem. Hence, the 75 gallon fish tank was decided as the right choice for our home.

Once we decided on the size and on the fish, we went home to find out where to install it. First we wanted to install it in the drawing room where it would be an attraction for everyone who visits; but then we thought it would be too bulky for the space we have there. So, we looked at the bedroom and after a bit of consultation we decided to set it against the wall in the bedroom, above the bed. The 75 gallon fish tank would be an ideal piece of art for the bedroom and at the same time it would also act as a wonderful romantic bedroom light.

Now, we are both enjoying the most beautiful living piece of art – our 75 gallon fish tank in the bedroom, and we have only one word to describe it – WOW!

Learning More about an Eclipse Fish Tank

So, I got down to finding out what I would need to get my aquarium completed. The first thing I needed for my aquarium project was some ground knowledge of what I needed to buy. For that matter I went to the Internet, which is an abundant source of information nowadays, and typed ‘eclipse fish tank’ and waited for the enlightening articles, information, and tips with the excitement of a child finding a new toy. The first search results only gave some vague answers, which left me more puzzled than enlightened.

A bit upset, I tried different type of searches like ‘what is eclipse fish tank’, ‘how to buy an eclipse fish tank’ and ‘tips on maintaining an eclipse fish tank’ with the same results. I was so engrossed in the search that I did not realize that five hours had already passed since I started and I was no wiser than before.

By this time, I was really anxious to know what exactly this eclipse fish tank was; so I went to some of my friends who have aquariums to find out. They showed their beautiful self-contained aquariums with inbuilt filters and bio-wheel. The filters are the best part of the aquarium, while the most attractive feature is the in-built light in the hood. The tank has a funny shape, which cannot be called rectangular or square, rather a curved dome shape which gives the impression of more space.

The aquariums I saw were exceptionally beautiful, filled with colorful fish and water algae and are really thrilling to watch. I was enthralled by the aquarium’s impact in their homes and decided to buy one for myself. With their help and the assistance of some very friendly pet-shop salespersons I am now the proud owner of a wonderful 20 gallon fish tank.

However, if you ask me what an eclipse fish tank is, I am afraid I will not be able to tell you even today!

A wall fish tank costs more than your average aquarium, but the rewards for this investment pay off in the long run. From a design perspective, several homeowners are realizing the aesthetic value in a wall fish tank, capitalizing on the beauty of tropical fish, the brilliant colors of the coral and gravel, and the soothing nature of aquariums. Because of its moldable nature, wall fish tanks are generally made of acrylic; however, glass versions are available. Prices will vary depending on size, and any tank can be customized to fit your specifications.

How Do I Get A Wall Fish Tank?

Several people have made a wall fish tank a permanent part of their home by including it in their building or redesign plans. To do so, you don’t need to be an expert in aquariums you just need to determine the size of the tank you want and how it fits into the designs. It’s important to remember that a wall fish tank should be wide enough to support air flow through the water. Without that air flow, your fish will not survive long. Make sure to include room for the filtration devices, which, thanks to modern aquarium setups, can be easily installed under rocks, along the sides of the tank or in other relatively hidden areas.

Recently, more and more aquarium lovers have turned to a mountable wall fish tank setup, which is hung on the wall like a piece of art or a modern day, flat-screen television and the installation is just as easy. These tanks are usually slimmer than a traditional wall fish tank and many do not come in sizes above 10-20 gallons. You can find a variety of these online, and all come with the necessary filtration devices designed to be invisible so they don’t interfere with the aesthetics.

Lighting is one of the most important elements that will make any wall fish tank a brilliant display, so picking the right lighting is important. Several aquariums provide in-tank lighting systems to illuminate the interior, and customized lighting plans can be developed to highlight the natural beauty of specific fish and their colors. Whatever system you choose, a wall fish tank will become the centerpiece of any room, providing hours of enjoyment and brightening the look and feel of every home.

Why a 20 Gallon Fish Tank is Best for a Beginner?

If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a tank which is small enough to be installed easily and big enough to develop its own aqua-system in the shortest time possible. This would imply that the minimum you should go for is a 20 gallon fish tank because this is beautiful enough to motivate you and at the same time you do not need to clean it often since it can take care of itself with the right support.

When you are a beginner, the most important thing is that you ensure that your fish do not die. Nothing can be more heart breaking than to see your pets dying for apparently no reason and despite your best efforts. Many people stop keeping an aquarium after they have such incidents because they cannot bear it.

Most people buy a 10 gallon tank because it is the cheapest and also the most available in pet shops. There is nothing wrong with this aquarium except that you cannot keep any big fish in this tank – though you can still have as much fun with small fish instead.

In the 20 gallon fish tank you can have as many big fish as you like. Most people mix small fish with big fish in the 20 gallon fish tank; however, this is not advisable because the big fish tend to eat up the food of the little ones and also they bully them around. It is rather advisable to get more or less the same size of fish that can grow together. In case you have a new addition you should take care that you gradually introduce the fish to the tank. You can lower it in a smaller and transparent container so the fish becomes acquainted to other fish without being traumatized by them.

For all this, a 20 gallon fish tank is the right size, and because of the suitability it is also the best possible choice for the beginner.

The Hexagon Fish Tank Actually Harms the Fish

People always want things that look unusual and unique. Where the common fish tanks are square and rectangular, the hexagon fish tank became the hot favorite because it looked different. People loved it because the shape was attractive and at the same it could be placed in many different spots in your home.

But let us look at it from the point of view of the fish. It is actually very disorienting for a fish to swim round and round. The space that a hexagon fish tank allows for swimming is so much less than a rectangular tank of similar size. The fish do not feel happy about being restricted in a hexagon fish tank because the shape does now allow them the freedom they want.

There are very small fish which may feel a bit freer in such a tank; however for big fish this type of tank is very uncomfortable. Though the hexagon fish tank is extremely beautiful, it is not practical at all. Since they look good and add beauty to any room, these can be bought but you should equip them with very few fish. However, if you really love fish, you should have a rectangular shaped aquarium than a hexagonal one.

Also, in case you have children you should choose acrylic materials over glass since it has a higher resistance power to impact. However, when you use acrylic you should be very careful that you do not scratch the surface or you will mar its beauty. Whether it is a hexagon fish tank or an ordinary one, the acrylic aquarium is a good choice over glass. Not only because it is unbreakable, but also because it can maintain a good a balance of temperature for a longer period of time.

The debate on whether you should or should not have a hexagon fish tank depends upon how many fish you would like to have. This tank, just like the bubble tanks are not fish-friendly; so if you choose to have a few then maybe a hexagon fish tank is okay. But if you want to have a full fledged one, it is better to go in for a standard shaped tank.

The First Drops

Unfortunately this does not involve a beach vacation to get a few gallons of sea water. Instead, you must get absolutely clean water, no chlorine, no chemicals. Think bottled water. As for the salts, some people just add plain sea salt from the grocery store into their water; others go for sea salt mixes from the aquarium store. Read up on the pros and cons of each salt. Is it more important to you that the minerals should be resilient, or will it be easy for you to replace the water and replenish the minerals regularly?

Read up on the nitrogen cycle too. The water in your salt water fish tank will take time, often as much as six weeks, to go through the nitrogen cycle and grow the bacteria that will change fish waste into harmless chemicals. During this initial period, the tank needs just one or two fish to start the process, and cannot handle any more.

Replacing the Water

Water will evaporate out of your salt water fish tank. It is fresh water that evaporates out, so every few days keep an eye on the water level and top it up with pure fresh water when necessary.

Even all your filters and good bacteria cannot keep the water as clean as it needs to be. Just like with a freshwater tank, a salt water fish tank needs to have about half of its water replaced every month. Scoop water from the tank and replace it with new water you have prepared to match the tank water’s pH, temperature, salinity, and other indicators.

Cleaning the Filters

Start by cleaning or replacing your filters frequently. Then you can space out cleanings to an interval appropriate for your tank.

Troubleshooting

If your salt water fish tank gets cloudy, if the fish seem lethargic, if there is too much algae, it is time for further maintenance. Have a kit on hand to carefully monitor the nitrates, nitrites, ammonia, pH and other characteristics of your water. Don’t let these indicators get too irregular. Be sure not to overfeed the fish, and every few months plan on vacuuming the aquarium floor.

The Freshwater Tank

The famous gold fish belong to this criterion of fish – the freshwater fish. This type of fish is the most colorful and often small in size. They live at temperatures that average 80 degrees Fahrenheit and hence they would need water heating equipment. There are exceptions to this rule though – and the exception is the gold fish who love normal water and the koi fish which can adjust to cool water effortlessly.

The choice of freshwater fish is endless and the colors as many. The fish are small usually, beautiful and full of life. Very few of the tropical fish love to hide; they rather swim around providing a great deal of pleasure to their owners.

The Marine Fish Tank

When you think of a marine fish tank you will need to set up a total eco-system which can, in the long run, support itself. Once the system has been established, then you will are done with the maintenance of the aquarium. The system usually will take care of the oxygenation, cleaning and many times even the food of the fish. You will have a piece of the sea with you.

There are a few points that will remain your concern though, and that is, the salinity of the water should be maintained at certain levels so that the fish are not harmed. For natural filtration reef systems, it is usually done in a very efficient manner.

The fish can be as colorful as the tropical fish; however, the marine fish would definitely be larger. They also are mostly territorial fish and hence, they will need a lot of space as well as hiding places where they can take refuge from time to time.

The marine fish tank is better for the beginner because it has less to look after once the eco-system gets settled; the freshwater tank would need on the other hand, constant supervision and maintenance.

First, if you plan to keep more than a handful of gold fish, you are going to need a large gold fish tank. Though a small fishbowl can play home to a pair of fish, the general rule is that one goldfish requires at least a 5 to 10 gallon tank. Gold fish tank sizes range anywhere from 5 to 50 gallons or more, and prices will vary depending on size, whether you choose glass or acrylic, etc.

Most packages come with the required filtration devices, and gold fish can survive in water temperatures from 78 degrees to very cold waters, so a heater is generally not necessary, regular room temperature will do just fine for the water in your gold fish tank.

You will want to make the gold fish tank hospitable to the gold fish, so find nice rocks, plants and accessories for them to enjoy and to add to the beauty of your tank. All accessories, including the rocks, should be washed in water before they are placed into the tank. You will need to test the water when you first put it in the tank and you’ll have to purchase a test kit to make sure the oxygen, nitrate and other chemical balances are in line.

Picking the Right Fish for Your Gold Fish Tank

Now that you’ve found the right gold fish tank, you need to find the right gold fish to fill it. When selecting a gold fish, make sure to examine the look of the fish in the store. If the fins are down and not erect, it could indicate that the fish is stressed. Also, if you see a gold fish that has foggy eyes, discoloration or other maladies, you want to pick a different one. Gold fish are not just gold, and come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Most gold fish will grow up to 5 to 8 inches in length, and they love company.

So now you’ve got the gold fish and you’ve got your gold fish tank and you’re well on your way to becoming an aquarium enthusiast. Aquariums and a good gold fish tank can provide hours of enjoyment, and an aquarium can round out a room, providing not only a great hobby, but an aesthetic boost to your home as well.

Some Maintenance Tips

Perhaps on of the easiest and most overlooked items of routine maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is that the water needs to be changed on a regular basis. This simple act will reduce the amount of algae growth, contaminates from fish waste, and make sure that the water chemistry is ideal for the fish.

Another routine maintenance tip to think about is to make sure that your lighting system is in working order. If you think about it, this is the only light source for your fish and other aquatic life, so it’s best if it is in proper working order and offer the best steady light source so that they can survive.

Another piece of equipment that must be maintained in your 30 gallon fish tank is the filtration system. If this is not cleaned on a regular basis, the water in your tank can become toxic to your fish. In turn, this can lead to fewer fish and fewer hours of enjoyment to you. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning and maintaining this important part of the tank system.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked, but important pieces of maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is to clean the decorations and gravel of the fish tank. You would be surprised what types of contamination and dirt can exist in the cracks and crevices between the rocks and sunken ships of your child’s first tank. The best thing to do is to make sure your son or daughter knows to clean and rinse every piece of gravel treasure chest, or decoration that has been in the 30 gallon fish tank on a monthly basis. Doing so will add years of life to the tank.

By following these few maintenance tips for your 30 gallon fish tank, as well as others recommended by your neighborhood pet store, you’re bound to have a number of years of enjoyment for both you and your fish.