Things to Consider When Buying an Aquarium

There are many benefits to having an aquarium at home. Aside from giving your space extra interest or an added focus, it can also help reduce anxiety and stress levels. But before you go out to buy an aquarium, there are some things to consider before choosing one. You don’t want to have a bad experience with your first aquarium and give up the idea of having pet fish. Planning is a good idea for both beginner and experienced aquarium owners.

The Type of Fish

First, you need to consider the choice of fish you want to include in your aquarium. In selecting fish, think about how large they would grow, the specific requirements they need and if they can get along well with other fish you would like to purchase. You may consider getting a cleaner fish for your tank to help in maintaining the quality of water in your tank.

You also need to consider the size and the quantity of fish you want to keep in the aquarium. This will help you in deciding the size of the aquarium that you need, which also affects your choice of space where you need to place the aquarium.

Even if starting with a larger tank, it’s best to start with only a few easy to maintain kinds of fishes. As you continue your hobby, you can decide to add more fish along the way.

Accessories and Equipment

When buying your first aquarium, expect to buy other things including a stand, heater, light, gravel, filter, decorations, net, cleaning supplies and water treatment. You should also include the budget for buying fish you’ll place in the aquarium.

Create a complete checklist before going to a pet store and take note of the costs of the things you like to include in your setup. Take time to check the overall costs before deciding.

If you have a tight budget, you can try looking for used equipment. However, be aware of potential damage in used accessories or equipment. Thus, it’s crucial to ask questions before purchasing. Check for cracks in glass or damages in the equipment.

Size

If it’s your first time to own an aquarium, it’s best to stay away from tanks under 10 gallons. A small aquarium is more difficult to manage since it’s faster for toxins to spread in the small volume of water. Avoid getting mini aquariums of 2 to 5-gallon capacities. Although these aquariums may be affordable, they simply aren’t good for beginners. You should have a better chance of making this hobby work if you get at least a 20-gallon tank.

Shape

There are various options when it comes to the shapes and sizes of modern fish tanks. Standard shapes may be more budget-friendly than custom shaped ones. But, if you’re looking to fill in a specific space in your home, a custom-made fish tank could be your choice. An irregularly-shaped space can be beautifully filled with an aquarium.

Weight, Location, and Maintenance

As an aquarium owner, know that an aquarium with more than 15-gallon capacity will have a weight greater than two hundred pounds when filled. Large tanks should be positioned on a stand instead of placing them on a desk or shelf. Aquariums should also be placed away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures that can harm the fish.

You should place the aquarium somewhere that can withstand getting wet. Cleaning the tank, removing or adding fish or other items will splash water around it. So, before buying an aquarium, ensure that you already have a safe place to put it in.

Price

If you’re a beginner, it’s a good thing to know how much you expect to spend on your first aquarium. Although the price of package deals may be as low as 50 USD, expect to spend a hundred dollars and more to include good quality equipment.

If this upfront cost doesn’t fit your budget, it’s better to save money until you get all the funds needed for a good aquarium setup. One way to ensure that you have a complete setup is to make a checklist of the things you need.

Final Thoughts

Aquariums are an interesting addition to your house, which comes with many benefits including stress and anxiety relief. Your kids will also benefit from it by sparking their interest and curiosity. Before buying an aquarium, however, there are some things to consider.

This includes the number and kind of fish you’re willing to take care of. This decision will impact the size of the tank you will get as well as the perfect location to put it in. Knowing your needs first will also help you determine the budget you need in setting up your first aquarium.