Choosing the Right Tank for Your Fish

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Choosing the Right Tank for Your Fish！Please pay attention, leave a message, and discuss with aquarists. akaida aquarium welcome!

A new aquarium can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. However, all too often, the standard 10-gallon aquarium is purchased out of convenience or on a whim, filled with water and plastic plants and packed with fish the same day. The result is frustration, regret, and dead fish. Choosing the right tank and allocating an appropriate amount of time for proper set up is the best way to ensure a positive experience. The more research that you can do beforehand, the greater chance of success and enjoyment of your new aquarium and its inhabitants.

If you are going to keep just a few fish that are not goldfish, a standard 10-gallon aquarium will likely be the perfect tank for you. If you plan on having smaller fish or will keep larger species of fish, choose the largest tank that will fit both your budget and your space. The larger the aquarium, the better it is for its occupants. A larger water volume will dilute toxins more efficiently and is more resistant to sudden changes in water chemistry which can negatively affect fish and live plants. Larger tanks also establish a stable nitrogen cycle faster making it less stressful for fish. The general guideline of “one inch of fish per gallon of water” works in most situations; however, you must consider body size as well as length though. Oscars, goldfish and similar species can reach considerable sizes and would do poorly in smaller tanks.

Tanks come in several types: regular, long or show tanks. Each have their own pros and cons. The type of fish and space requirements typically determine the type of tank you will purchase. Regular tanks are the conventional tanks you see on store shelves or online. They can house large or small schools of fish depending on size. A standard 10-gallon tank is convenient to keep as an isolation or hospital tank for sick fish. Long tanks are, as named, longer and shallower than conventional tanks. These require more space and are typically used for breeding and for schooling fish. Show tanks are tall and narrow. Aptly named, they are strictly for showing off a small population of fish with their large glass or acrylic panes.

The location will play a large role in tank selection. A tank should be placed on a level surface, away from air vents or heaters and out of direct sunlight. An outlet should be nearby to provide power for lighting, heating and filtration. When choosing a location for a tank, it is important to consider the weight of the final set up. A filled10 gallon tank can weigh over 100 pounds. Larger tanks weigh significantly more, so the flooring or tank stand must be sturdy enough to support such weight. To facilitate water changes and tank cleanings, the tank should be close to a water supply. Be sure to leave enough room around the tank for cleaning and other maintenance activities.

Once upon a time, a rectangular tank or fish bowl were the only options. Today, with technology and new materials, tanks can take on almost any shape imaginable. Squares, hexagons, cylindrical tanks, bow fronted tanks and even coffee table tanks are all available. Rectangular and hexagonal shaped tanks are the most popular shapes currently. When choosing a shape, confirm it will fit in the location and will not impede traffic flow through a room or get accidentally bumped by passersby. Rectangular Fish Tanks are best for better water quality and overall fish health. This is due to the larger surface area between air and water which allows for more efficient gas exchange. A nontraditional tank may do well and look just as nice, however you may spend more time monitoring and maintaining water quality.

Consider the inhabitants when selecting a shape. Fish require adequate space per their shape and natural behavior. Taller fish, such as freshwater angelfish, will do better in tanks that are higher rather than long. They require height to avoid feeling cramped in a shorter space and to avoid potential fin damage. Long fish that swim quickly, such as zebra fish, or schooling fish like tetras will do better in tanks that are longer rather than tall because these tanks give them the horizontal space to swim.

Conclusion：
Choosing the proper aquarium is critical to the survival of the tank’s inhabitants and their ability to flourish under your care. Size, space, budget, and population should all be considered. Make a list of options and choose what fits these requirements. Your fish will be constrained to the environment you provide for them.