Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes. You can also buy a fish aquarium with about any size price tag. Before you rush to purchase your new or next tank, it will pay to ask yourself a couple of questions to find the ideal fish tank size for you. You will probably have your new tank for a while. It’s easier to learn these things now rather than wish you had made a different choice later.
Is this your first fish tank?
If so you, it is important to know that when it comes to fish tanks, generally bigger is better. If not better, they are certainly easier. Water changes to bigger fish aquariums happen slower than they do in smaller fish tanks. Basically there is more room for error. To understand this, it’s best to think of the extremes like a 5 or 10 gallon fish tank. Something as simple as heater going bad or the power failing could quickly have serious effects on tanks this small. If a fish dies and goes unnoticed for even a short time, the ammonia levels can quickly become toxic. Bigger, 40 or 55 gallon fish tanks will buy you a little more time if (or when) things like this happen. More water dilutes the problems, literally.
How many fish do you want to keep?
This is a tough one to figure out if you are just getting into fish keeping. Something to keep in mind is that most people want to what more fish rather thank less. Let’s face it, the reason you get a fish tank is to look at fish. That should lead you to believe that as you stop by the local aquarium shop and see all of the cool, different fish, you will want to fill up your tank with a lot of them.
The key consideration when trying to figure out how many fish you might want to keep is just plain and simple. You don’t want to overcrowd your fish. It only leads to problems later. If you want a lot of fish, just make sure you have a big enough tank.
Would you buy a bigger tank if it cost you less than a smaller one?
Here is the deal about getting the most bang for your buck. The fact is, some fish tanks are mass produced and cost less than other, smaller aquariums. Most 10 gallon fish tanks are cheaper than 5 gallon fish tanks. Likewise, most 55 gallon fish tanks are cheaper than most 40 gallon fish tanks. It is all about supply and demand. This makes the 55 gallon aquarium, a perfect fit for some with the other advantages to this bigger size if you have the room and money.
Don’t worry about the increased cost of the accessories because of the bigger tank. These cost increase very incrementally. A slightly larger filter or heater only cost slightly more. You do not need to double up on these things.
Have you thought about the basics?
The impulse buy can get you into trouble. Make sure you start thinking about the size of your tank before you rush to make your purchase. This seems like a simple idea. However, all too many people pick out biggest tank they can afford, only to get it home and find they don’t really have a great place to put their new 75 gallon fish tank. You’ll just want to take inventory of where you will get the most viewing pleasure, and get out a tape measure.
Thank you