Tank Selection
by Andy Gordon of England, and Michelle Stuart of
Ontario Canada.
Reprinted, with permission, from their web site Fishtanksandponds.net
Aquarticles
Obviously the most essential piece of equipment there is. There are a variety of size
shapes and even materials to choose from. Careful thought is needed before choosing any
aquaria.
Material
- All Glass. This is the material most often used. Sheets of glass bonded
together by silicone.
Advantages - Relatively cheap, Easy to clean, scratch resistant. Easy to repair.
Disadvantages - Fragile and brittle, which make it easy to crack. The silicone edge can be
peeled away and result in a leak. The tank corners are particularly prone to damage.
Scratches that do occur cannot be treated. Curved pieces although available are very
expensive.
- Plastic. Often used for small cheap tanks.
Advantages - No joints to fail. Very cheap.
Disadvantages - Easily scratched. Easily cracked. Impossible to repair. Usually small in
size.
- Acrylic. Although technically a plastic I am treating it as a
different option. Used for large and expensive aquaria and other quality aquatic
equipment.
Advantages - More clear than glass. Relatively light. Easier to shape. Stronger and more
impact resistant than glass. Scratches can be polished out.
Disadvantages - Easily scratched. Very expensive. Can't be repaired.
Shape and Size.
Unless the tank has been measured to fit in an alcove I would suggest that you get the
biggest size that you are happy with. Most people exchange their first tank because it is
too small to meet their needs. Not only that but large tanks offer a more stable
environment than do small ones and believe it or not they are easier to maintain.
The next deciding factor is what the tank is for. Discus fish and angelfish require a
deep tank of at least 15 inches. Fast swimming open water fish requires an aquarium at
least 36 inches in length. African cichlids require a lot of rockwork and unless it is
built like a wall at the rear of the aquarium (which looks very unnatural and is no use to
the fish) a tank at least 18 inches wide will be required. Obviously it goes without
saying that if large fish are to be kept then a large tank around will be required.
There are a lot of odd shaped tanks around now too, and whilst these might look trendy
they would be a nightmare to landscape and maintain. I have lately seen:
- A 5ft deep hexagonal column 18 inches wide containing angelfish. The problems of
maintaining such a tank would be immense. No standard airpump will work at that depth, a
temp. gradient would form, cleaning the tank would be a real chore. Hex tanks are bad
enough but this with the extra depth, don't do it.
- Two tanks connected together by a broad clear pipe. Quite how the connecting pipe would
be kept clean and free from unsightly algae and other dirt is anyone's guess. And unless
the two halves were absolutely level there is a chance of a very sudden and catastrophic
failure.
- Picture frame tanks, which are no more than 3 inches wide and hang on the wall. These
tanks are so small that they could house no more than 4 or 5 small tetras and soon look
tatty because they are so impractical.
It is better to stick to the more usual shapes, which are very practical to use and
offer great viewing. They can easily be made to any size and if in/on a specially built
cabinet they can be made to fit into any room.
If something really special is called for there are bow fronted aquaria, but one big
disadvantage is if they break on the front they are uneconomical to repair.
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