5 Things To Keep in Mind Before Buying a Fish Tank

Many factors go into finding the right tank for your fish. With all that you have to consider, it can be hard to narrow down what’s important. Of course, every pet owner wants to take good care of their animal, big or small. That’s why this article will review five things to keep in mind before buying a fish tank so you can ensure that your fish have the best environment possible to thrive in.

How Large Are Your Fish, and How Many Will You Have?

The most important factor to consider when buying a fish tank is how much space your fish will need. This will significantly affect your decision on which tank to buy. It’s a good rule of thumb to have a gallon of water per inch of fish growth. For example, if you have five fish that will grow to be two inches each, you’ll need at least a 10-gallon tank for them to be comfortable. The more fish, the more inches, and the larger the tank you’ll need.

Will Your Fish Need a Heater, Flow Control, or Other Additions?

Some fish need temperature and flow control additions to their tank so that it mimics their natural environment as much as possible. Some tank kits will come with these additions while others won’t, meaning you’ll need to take any additions into consideration when deciding on tank size. You’ll want to make sure that you have the space and that your mechanical additions are either attached properly or have something sturdy to hook on to.

Will You Need a Tank Stand?

Generally, it’s a good rule to keep any tank at or over 20 gallons on a proper fish tank stand. Without a stand, the furniture you place it on may crack. A 20-gallon tank may not seem that large; however, 20 gallons of water weighs about 166.58 pounds on its own. That’s not including the aquarium itself, the fish, or the décor inside the tank. If the furniture breaks, not only will it be a hazard, but it will also endanger the lives of your fish.

Do You Prefer Glass or Acrylic Panes?

The panes of your aquarium are also very important to consider. Glass panes are sturdier and easier to clean, but when it comes to shape, they’re less customizable and much heavier. On the other hand, acrylic panes have more give, and they’re clearer and lighter. However, you need acrylic-safe materials to clean the tank, as acrylic scratches extremely easily and yellows over time.

In addition, you’ll need to consider the style of your tank. For example, rimless glass aquariums need to be reinforced due to water pressure, and you may need to install a net at the top to prevent fish from jumping out of the tank.

Where Will You Put Your Tank?

Lastly, you need to decide exactly where you’ll be placing your tank. Will it be by a window, near air conditioning, or in reach of another pet, like a cat or dog? All these factors contribute to your tank’s structural integrity and your fish’s health. For example, acrylic panes can yellow much faster next to a window, and you can’t control natural light, potentially exposing your fish and aquatic plants to too much light.

Now that you know what to keep in mind before buying a fish tank, you’re better equipped to provide your fish with the environment they need to live a long and healthy life.