Selecting the right tank for your fish

When it comes to aquarium equipment, you can't get more basic--or essential--than the tank. To select the right one, you must take into account your budget, the available space in your home, and the type and number of fish you wish to keep.

Fish tanks and finding the right size for you

What size tank should you buy? One that you have room enough for, and that has room enough for your fish. It's wise to follow the old rule of thumb of one inch of fish per gallon. In a 10-gallon tank, for example, you could keep 10 one-inch fish or 5 two-inch fish. Also note that because coldwater fish require more oxygen than tropical species, a tank that provides a fairly large space-to-fish ratio will be much appreciated--in other words, a larger tank than the same number of similar-sized tropical fish would require.

In general, if you have the space, a bigger tank is always better. When you buy one larger than what you initially need, you will have the option of adding more fish later. Additionally, a larger tank is much healthier for your fish--with the greater water volume, your system will be less likely to go through sudden changes as a result of overfeeding, accumulated wastes and temperature fluctuations within the room. This can be especially helpful for first-timers who are learning the ropes of aquarium maintenance--and to whom we recommend a 20- or 30-gallon tank.

Most aquarium tanks are made of glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are generally less expensive, more resistant to heat and are not as easily scratched--although they are heavier. On the other hand, acrylics are available in a wider variety of shapes and designs, and are clearer than glass. Whatever your personal preference, be sure the tank you buy is well-constructed and of the highest possible quality. Keep in mind that very deep tanks can be hard to clean--and a tall, narrow aquarium, which offers less water surface area, won't accommodate any more fish than a tank half its height.

Fish tank stands and location

Once you've found the right tank, you'll need to find the right place for it. Select a location that is convenient to a sink or water source and away from doors, heating elements and cold drafts. Do not put the tank in a window or in direct sunlight, as this will make it harder to control the temperature and may cause too much algae to grow in the tank. Be absolutely, completely positive of the spot you've selected--a 20-gallon aquarium filled with water and gravel weighs more than 200 pounds, so you won't be able to move it once you've set it up. Take your time choosing the location, and set the tank on an aquarium stand. It is strongly advised to invest in a good-quality aquarium stand, made specifically to hold the weight of a tank . They're available in metal, wood and acrylic, and some even come designed with a built-in cabinet so you can store supplies and hide any wires and tubing from equipment used in the tank.