How to Buy a Freshwater Aquarium

Freshwater aquariums can be a lot of fun and are a great hobby to become involved in. The first step to having fish collection that you can be proud of is to buy your aquarium. You should consider several factors before making your purchase to be sure that you are buying a freshwater aquarium that will meet your needs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the size and shape of the tank you want to purchase. Take into account how much space you have in your home as well as the amount of time you can put into caring for the tank. The larger the tank, the more maintenance it requires.

2. Decide what type of fish you want to keep. Do you plan to have a community tank (with several different types of fish) or a species tank (with only one type of fish)? Research the tank requirements for each type of fish you want to have. Some fish are aggressive or more active and therefore need more space.

3. Buy the largest tank that you can afford and have space for. Bigger is always better because it provides the most comfortable environment for your fish and also gives you a larger margin of error when it comes to water chemistry and other factors.

4. Visit several different pet stores and fish-specific stores to compare prices on the aquariums you're interested in. Keep in mind that privately owned stores are sometimes willing to negotiate and you may be able to get a better deal than at a larger chain store.

5. Buy your fish tank and the supplies you will need to set it up. Remember to take the tank home and set it up before you purchase your fish in order to provide the smoothest transition for your new pets.

Tips & Warnings

• When deciding on the size of your tank, keep in mind that some fish will grow a great deal. Research the typical growth rate for each variety of fish to be certain that your tank will continue to be large enough for them.
• Purchasing a used tank is a great option and may allow you to get a larger tank for less money.
• If you do purchase a used tank, be sure to have it resealed first. You can do this yourself or you can have it done at most fish stores.
• Consider talking to other aquarium owners or do research online to determine which brands are best and which sizes and shapes are the easiest to clean and maintain.

Resources

• Check out fish hobbyist forums for tips and advice.
• Find a wealth of aquarium information at Wet Web Media.