There are many things to consider when choosing a freshwater aquarium tank. Things to consider include aquarium size, the location where you should place your tank, and the material from which the tank is made.
The size of your freshwater aquarium tank you choose will depend upon many factors. The first thing you want to think about is how many fish you think you want to keep. A general rule is to load your tank at 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, I tend to load my tanks less so that there is less fish waste, therefore, less maintenance. A larger tank can also be easier to maintain because they maintain their equilibrium better than small tanks in regards to water quality. Also consider how much space and money you have. The larger the aquarium setup, the more expensive the tank and filter will be.
To fully enjoy your aquarium, you will want to place it in an area where you can easily view it often. A living room is often a good choice. You will want to make sure to place your tank away from drafty doors and windows if possible. This helps stabilize the temperature of your tank and reduces the chance of algae problems. Also, keep in mind that you will need to plug your filter system, lights, and heater into an electrical outlet, so it helps if there is one nearby. Your wife might not like you stringing an extension cord across the kitchen. Lastly, make sure that you setup your aquarium so that it is easy to drain. You can always get a longer hose, if needed for water changes.
Another factor to consider is the type of material from which the aquarium is made. Acrylic tanks are stronger and are available in various shapes. In addition, they can be easily modified if one needs to cut or drill for special setups. Glass is more breakable, although, it is more scratch resistant than acrylic. The biggest bonus for using a glass aquarium is that they are cheaper.
Taking these things into consideration will make your freshwater aquarium tank much more enjoyable in the long run. It could also save you time and money by doing it the right way the first time.
Chris Walker is a freshwater aquarium enthusiast. For information on freshwater aquarium tanks, visit http://www.freshwateraquarium.org.
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