Fish tanks add so much character to a home. Many people find it fascinating to observe their pet fish go about their daily lives. They find it calms them and improves their mood. Before rushing out to buy a new aquarium, consider some key points. You should think about the space in your home or the types of fish you want to keep. Remember, not all fish tanks are equal. Some are very expensive but offer many useful accessories. Let’s look at how to choose the best fish tank now.
Consider the Size of Your Pet Fish
When getting a new aquarium, one of the most important aspects to consider is the type of fish you want to keep. It won’t shock anybody that a koi fish needs a much bigger space than a goldfish or guppy.
A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a single goldfish. Yet, these fish can quickly outgrow their aquariums, so you may consider starting with a large tank. Tank size gets more complicated if you’re getting multiple fish. Many experts advise another 10 gallons per extra fish. In sum, you’re looking at about 40 to 50 gallons for a pair of goldfish.
It’s necessary to provide 10 gallons of water for each inch of the fish’s length. That’s why most people keep large koi in ponds instead of tanks. We generally advise getting a bigger tank than your fish requires. This gives you room to play with if you want to get more or if your pet fish unexpectedly grows larger.
Evaluate Whether Your Fish Could Eat Each Other
Here’s another concern when getting an aquarium. Some inexperienced new owners find it shocking when their fish eat each other. Certain species like dwarf puffers and betta fish are very aggressive. They will fight each other and may eat smaller species. You may need several tanks if you’re planning on getting different types. This may not be practical, so consider this before bringing your new pet fish home. Some varieties like the Oscar fish are suitable for beginners because they prefer schooling. Others like the jaguar cichlid may need a more seasoned touch; they can be more temperamental around other fish!
Weigh How Much You Want to Spend
It’s an unfortunate reality that you get what you pay for when it comes to fish tanks. A decent 20-gallon aquarium may cost a couple of hundred dollars. You may get a bare-bones tank without the fancy accessories for much less. However, owners will still need to acquire filters, lights, dechlorination devices, and water heaters for their new set-up. We recommend investing in a new tank, but you can find some bargains online. One great option is to look at the second-hand market. This is a great way to cut costs but test the equipment before committing to it. A cleaning kit is another essential purchase.
Don’t forget that this is the basic cost before you add extras like decorations and plants. Environment enrichment is important to make the fish feel like they’re in their natural habitat. You’ll also need a substrate for the base of the tank. Then there are ongoing energy and food costs. Meanwhile, different fish are available at staggeringly varying prices. A goldfish may cost a few dollars while Clarion angelfish are worth thousands. Fish-keeping is not the cheapest hobby, but the initial set-up is the most expensive part.
Think How Often You Must Clean a Tank
It’s relatively easy to care for fish. However, you must keep their aquarium clean without any compromise. Dirty water will destabilize their environment and directly harm the fish. Consider how much time you must clean the fish tank and how often you want to. New owners may opt for cheaper tanks in the beginning. But it may be a better long-term investment to buy a more expensive aquarium with an in-built filter. This will keep debris from building up and limit how often you must conduct water changes. It’s still essential to do a basic cleaning once a week. Use a net to remove any floating debris, including dead fish and uneaten flakes.
Evaluate How Much Space You Have
Another factor when getting a new fish tank is how much room you have in your home. You may dream of a massive wall-to-wall aquarium, but this is impractical for most people. We advise choosing an area to place your new fish tank before you buy one. This ensures that it will fit properly wherever you want to situate it. Avoid placing small tanks near windows in direct sunlight because this may affect the water temperature.
Also, consider the weight of the tank. A 20-gallon tank will weigh over 250 pounds. This is very heavy and could be too much for a standard office desk or chair. You may need a special stand for your new aquarium. A broken or leaky tank is every aquarium owner’s worst nightmare. It’s best to prepare for this potential scenario by placing the tank in a secure area. Don’t put it next to books or sensitive items that could suffer from water damage.
Do You Have a Backup Fish Tank?
Every fish owner should keep a backup tank for a couple of reasons. First, you need to secure your fish somewhere safe when you clean their tank. The backup aquarium can be basic and doesn’t need a fancy filtration system. Just ensure you put clean, dechlorinated water inside so it doesn’t harm your pets.
A backup is also crucial in case something happens to your primary tank. A leak could develop or in the worst case, the entire tank may shatter. A backup may save your fish’s lives if you can respond quickly.
