Things You'll Need:
- Pet store
- Measuring tape
- Fish books
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Step 1
Any trip to a pet or aquatics store will give you dozens of options for choosing a fish tank. One or two gallon table-top models with built in filtration may seem ideal for a beginner, while three-hundred-gallon fish tanks of gleaming glass may excite with visions of professional-quality aquarium experience. When choosing a fish tank, it is important to take into account your level of expertise in the aquarium keeping hobby.
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Step 2
Always choose a fish tank that will fit in the room you intend to keep it in. Be sure you have a sturdy piece of furniture or you will buy an approved aquarium stand that matches the size of tank. On upper floors and in apartment buildings it is important to make sure the floor is sturdy enough to hold the fish tank size you intend to buy. Some rental communities may have weight limits.
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Step 3
Realize that a smaller tank is not always better for beginners. In fact, one to five gallon tanks require a lot more maintenance than aquariums 10 gallons and up. Changes in water chemistry affects smaller tanks much more quickly and are more difficult to correct.
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Step 4
On the other end of the spectrum, the largest fish tanks can be overwhelming for those with less aquarium experience. While maintenance may not be needed frequently, it can be much more difficult. For a beginner, a 10 to 55 gallon capacity tank is ideal.
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Step 5
Size is not the only factor to take into consideration when choosing a fish tank. While most aquariums come with hoods and lighting fixtures, the lights may not be sufficient for the types of fish or plants you intend to keep. Some fish tanks have it built in filtration systems, such as bio wheels, while most require the purchase of a separate filter and pump.
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Step 6
Researching and deciding what type of fish and plants you wish to keep in the aquarium is one of the most important things to do before choosing a fish tank to buy. The old rule of one fish per gallon of water is obsolete. Read the aquarium fish books to determine how many gallons each species of fish needs to be happy and healthy. Schooling fish can usually get away with fewer gallons, while other varieties require much more space to feel comfortable.
