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.

What Type of Fish Tank Light is Best for You?

There are a variety of different types of fish tank light options available for the aquarium enthusiast, and each one has its own uses, bulb life, and yes, even limitations. Choosing the correct lighting system can go a long way to helping to make your tank look great.

A common fish tank light that may be a great choice for your tank is an incandescent light. This bulb type has an average wattage of seven to twenty-five watts and can last between two and four months. Some of the advantages of this type of fish tank light is that it is truly inexpensive, and can come in multiple colors, making it a great fit for just about any spectrum situation that may be necessary for your tank. An incandescent light is often use for small fish only, or a beginner’s start up kit. Its limitations include a high amount of heat output, and a narrow spectrum light.

Another fish tank light that is becoming more and more popular is that of the standard fluorescent light. This type of bulb has a lower wattage amount than the incandescent light, and also has a wide range of colors, sizes, making it an easy aesthetic choice. In addition it is perhaps one of the most cost effective choices out there. The typical use of a standard florescent bulb includes both freshwater and saltwater communities, and even mini or micro reef. This fish tank light is perhaps the one most often used in the aquarium community.

Another variation on the standard fluorescent fish tank light is the T-5 HO Fluorescent light. Its wattage is comparable to the standard light, but it can last much longer, as much as two years total shine time. Needless to say if you don’t want to change your bulbs frequently, and your reef tank is less than twenty four inches deep, this choice could very well be the best one for you.

If your fish tank or reef tank is deeper than 24 inches, perhaps the easiest and best choice for a fish tank light available to you is that of a metal halide light. The wattage is one of the highest available, mainly between 70 and 1000 watts, and can last a surprising six to eighteen months if used correctly. A fish tank light this powerful though, does have a few drawbacks that should be considered. It can, and often does produce a higher overall heat and can require a chiller to keep the temperature of your tank at an optimal level. In addition, the amount of UV radiation emitted by the light is definitely something any good aquarium enthusiast should consider.

No matter which fish tank light you choose make sure it’s one that will fit your tank and you needs best. Be sure to weigh all your options, and talk with the professionals at the aquarium store. They’re definitely there to help you.

Anyone can purchase a cheap fish tank online, but before you do, you need to ask yourself a few questions and determine exactly what you want to get out of your fish tank. If you’re looking for a new and lasting hobby, a cheap fish tank is a good way to get started learning the ins and outs of an aquarium and the basics of caring for fish.

A cheap fish tank can come in all shapes and sizes, so just because it’s less expensive than the more deluxe setups, doesn’t mean your tank doesn’t have to be a simple goldfish bowl. Most offer package deals on smaller tanks, ranging in size from 5-30 gallons and price anywhere between $20 for a simple set-up to $50 for a larger and more dependable fish tank. Acrylic tanks, which are more prone to scratching, are the most popular due to their durability and the clear views they offer of the aquarium, but both glass and acrylic require weekly cleaning and dusting.

Some Basic Maintenance for Your Cheap Fish Tank

Packages will include all the necessary filtration devices and usually come with a limited supply of food. You also will want to purchase gravel, which comes in several colors, plants, and other accessories. Prior to filling the tank, all items, including the gravel, should be cleaned to avoid contaminating the water. Also, never pour the water from the bag in which the fish came into the tank. Once your fish has become acclimated to the water, you will need to change the water every two to three weeks, which means removing and replacing roughly 20-25% of the total water.

Remember the Following Questions

Do I want fresh or saltwater fish? Both fresh and saltwater fish will be happy at home in your cheap fish tank, but there are subtle differences in caring for the different species. Freshwater fish require less care and maintenance than saltwater fish and can be a great introduction to the aquarium. Saltwater fish come in a variety of colors, but you will need to talk to your local pet store expert to learn the nuances of caring for them. Either way, both species will provide hours of enjoyment.

Regardless of the size and the variety of fish you choose, your cheap fish tank is a great way to get started on a new aquarium hobby, providing a very easy way to learn the ins and outs of aquarium upkeep and fish care without spending too much money.

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!

The Fish Tank Filter

One of the best ways to keep the water clean, aerated and flowing freely is to purchase a fish tank filter. The job of the filter is to remove fish waste and to keep the water as free from sediment as possible. There are two types of filters commonly used: Under gravel systems, and canister systems that attach to the side of the tank. Both require some maintenance and upkeep such as pad changing.

While the physical fish tank filter is sometimes considered the most important part of maintaining an aquarium, the fish tank filter combined with other forms of filtration such as chemical and biological filtration can help keep your aquarium. The chemical filtration system works with the proteins, pH and chemicals in the water while biological filtration uses helpful bacterial growth to scrub the water cleaner for your fish.

Snails in the Fish Tank

In addition to a fish tank filter, other methods you can utilize while growing your aquarium environment are snails. Snails do a great job of keeping the gravel clean and feeding off the algae that grows on the side of the tank. Snails do, however, have a tendency to overpopulate. Watch for jelly-like masses that form on the side of the tank or on the decorative aquatic plants and remove them by scraping away.

Changing the Water

Regardless of which fish tank filter you choose or how many snails you have in the water, you are still going to clean the tank once in a while. On a weekly basis, you should change 10 to 15 percent of the volume of water in your tank. Even though this takes a bit of time and exertion, it is incredibly important in keeping your fish healthy.

Shapes and Sizes

One of the most important things to consider is the way your fish tank stand will look in your space. Two options that are going to impact the look of the tank your space are the shape and size of the fish tank stand. There are a variety of fish tank stand shapes available. These include semicircular, hexagonal, rectangular, pentagonal, cube-shaped, etc. Some stands are angled so that they can be situated into the corner of a room.

Also, you will want figure out exactly what size fish tank stand you need. This is going depend not only on the dimensions of the fish tank stand, but also n the weight the stand will need to support.

Materials

Like shapes and sizes, there are a plethora of fish tank stand materials available. Fish tank stands are often made out of metal, wood, or MDF/particle board and laminate. There is a price variation among these different materials, and you will want to shop around to determine the best deal for you.

In addition to the price factor, the material you use is going to depend on how much weight the stand needs to support and thus how strong you need the stand to be. Also, the fish tank stand material you choose will depend on the style of your home.

Custom Designs

If you just can’t find a fish tank stand that is right for you, one of the best ways to get the stand you want is having a company custom design your fish tank. Perhaps the most expensive option, custom designing your fish tank stand allows you the option to build cabinets and tables that fit in to your home décor perfectly.

A custom design option that is available are in-wall aquariums. Offering the dramatic beauty of the built-in aquarium as well as offering tons of storage. One drawback of this option is the price as well as the permanence of the investment.

Kids

Have you ever taken a child to a fish store? Or even to the vicinity of a fish store? It’s like a magnet pulls him in, his nose against the glass, staring at the little creatures moving inside. To this day, I remember being a child and watching some pink coral in a tropical fish tank at a store, just hypnotized by its motion.

Just as watching that fish tank cleared my mind years ago, so too would it calm many kids. Aquariums in the classroom are known not only to reduce anxiety levels in students but also to be a good tool to teach the kids the responsibilities of caring for a pet and some chemistry basics.

Adults

While adults may control themselves near a fish store more than a kid would, at the city aquarium or zoo, the grownups are just as entranced as the children. Everyone feels wonder watching the biggest shark or the humblest goldfish paddling through a tropical fish tank.

Several studies have outlined the specific benefits of watching fish for adults. They are known to reduce blood pressure, at least temporarily for people going through stressful situations. And the actual fish seem to be the key; take away the animals, and a gently bubbling tank of water and ornaments doesn’t do the trick. Scientists in Japan are studying the possibility that watching delicate jellyfish in a tropical fish tank may be even more therapeutic.

Many people have personal stories about how seeing fish tanks helped a loved one deal with disease. Hospitals and nursing homes have started to take notice, and more of them are installing aquariums. The dining room is a good spot, as studies show long-term patients are more able to relax and focus on completing a whole meal in the presence of an aquarium.

But Note Well

These health studies put people in the proximity of a tropical fish tank, without giving them responsibility for maintaining and paying for it. In other words, the best way to maximize the benefits of watching fish may be to get a membership to the city aquarium.

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.

While you can have a fun aquarium without breaking the bank, you can’t do it without plenty of research and the right equipment. Sometimes a book or website does not really illuminate a point like talking to real person would. This is where a good fish tank supply shop comes in.

The Megastore

Most towns today have at least one big-box retailer, and maybe even a specialty big-box pet supply retailer. These places are fine to pick up a can of food, some new gravel and some such standard supplies. However, generally the staff there has only cursory knowledge of aquaculture, of fish tank water chemistry, and troubleshooting. So find a more specialized store for your specialized inquiries.

The Expert Fish Tank Supply Store

Walking into a good fish tank supply store is something like walking into a city aquarium. It tends to be a cool, blue place with a background of running water and plenty of “exhibits” along the walls.

A local fish tank supply shop will carry a much wider variety of healthier fish, interesting tanks, books, and even kitschy decorations than the most mega big-box store. Even if the floor staff didn’t start out as fish experts, they have learned something by being in a specialized shop, or if the store is staffed by the fish-aficionado owner, even better.

Especially for advanced aqua culturists, the fish tank supply shop staff is a great troubleshooting resource. They can tell you the pros and cons of many products, generally from experience in the shop. Tank getting cloudy? Not sure how to interpret the results of your last water chemistry test? These people are the ones to ask.

So to find the right shop start with the phone book, online, or paper variety and pick a few close to home. Then use the Internet to look for reviews or web pages of each shop. A website for a mom-and-pop fish tank supply shop may lack the finesse of a corporate site, but if it shows expertise and enthusiasm about aquaculture, that’s a good sign. Finally, check for websites by local aquaculture clubs; or join one yourself. If you hear good news about a shop from other hobbyists, check it out.