Comments on: How to Choose an Aquarium

on 6/30/2009 In case of 1-10 gallon tank I would suggest only a betta(seamese fighting fish). It can live in small places.But remember never keep male more than one male bettas together.

Source: www.facinity.com

on 8/8/2006 If you only have a 1 gallon tank, don't panic. When looking for fish, try small species; such as guppies minnows, and small species of goldfish.
I have a one gallon tank with 7 guppies and it's going good.

on 8/8/2006 1 inch of fish to a gallon of water is a good tip. Also, many people say the fish will grow big, too fast in a smaller tank. Fish grow depending on their habitat size, so no matter how big of a tank you have, the fish won't grow to the point of not being able to survive in the tank. So just make sure the fish isn't too big for the tank when you first buy it.

on 3/16/2006 Although it would be better to start with a bigger tank, and you've already bought a 10 gallon tank, don't fret. No matter what tank size you have, 5 or 100 gallon, it's all about buying the fish that suits the tank.

I have a 10 gallon tank with 4 tiger barbs. They get along great. For a 5 gallon tank, I would recommend white cloud minnows or a betta and some minnows. For a 10 or 20 gallon, go to WalMart or PetCo, they have lots of fish! But research before you buy! Don't believe everything the store clerk tells you.

on 2/20/2006 I think garage sales are like anything else, a lot of pet stores also do refunds on tanks, which means you are just as likely to get a returned model there as a garage sale. The thing about garage sales is just like anything else; if you wear it you would wash it first, and you should wash your aquarium. I tend to use bleach and hot water and pour it down the tub and scrub it till it squeaks. I also let my newly acquired tanks set in full sunlight after it has been thoroughly rinsed to let the sun dry it out. Never had a problem. No dead fish and no sick fish and very happy owners.

on 1/23/2006 You should try to avoid garage sales when looking for a fish tank. They are most likely selling their tank because they can't take care of their fish and they died. Buy from a reputable manufacturer such as All-Glass Aquariums or an equivalent.

on 11/22/2005 I made the mistake of buying a small tank and having koi carp in there that grow very quickly. I've just got a new tank 6 feet by 2 feet. Once it's set up I can grow them to a nice happy size, then they can go in a garden pond next summer.

on 11/22/2005 You should choose a tank based on the type of fish you want to keep, the number of fish, and the waste production. While you may keep a betta or a few white cloud mountain minnows in a bowl, you should not place a goldfish in one. A goldfish not only grows to more than a foot, they also produce a tremendous amount of waste. Aside from goldfish, you should not place any other fish in a bowl. Most other fish need to be kept at a temperature of 75F or more, which requires the use of an aquarium heater, which can only be used in a five gallon or larger aquarium. In regards to the shape of the tank, a horizontal tank allows for more gas exchange because of a larger surface area than a vertical tank. Many tropical fish must also be in groups, or schools, which need plenty of room to move. Most fish over a foot long, such as the Bala Shark, need a tank with the dimensions of at least 6 1/2 feet by 4 feet to live comfortably. A smaller tank would lead to stress, which in turn leads to disease.

on 11/22/2005 Betta fish live longer in a tank. Do not use a full hood. They need to breathe air, so use a cover with holes. I bought a lid for a reptile house. It is all mesh, which I use on top of my 10 gallon tank.

on 12/22/2005 Many very small containers are sold as Betta homes, but a Betta should have at least one gallon of water. A five gallon is better still, as then you can use a heater (under 5 gallons is difficult to heat safely).

My Betta is much perkier in his heated 5 gallon tank than he was in his 1 gallon. I keep the temperature at 80F.

on 11/22/2005 Another reason why a rectangular aquarium is better than a tall cylinder is that the rectangle has more surface area for oxygen/carbon dioxide exchange.

on 11/22/2005 When buying accesories, remember not to buy too many! Most people get carried away and buy all the neat, colourful nick nacks. Try to only buy 1-2 depending on your tank size. The accesory should equal up to about 5-10% of the tank space.

on 11/22/2005 Don't put too many fish in your tank if it is small (2-5 gallons). The fish could start attacking each other!

on 11/22/2005 When buying your first tank, I recommend you buy a tank no smaller than 20 gallons. Your fish will probably grow quicker than you think. I also suggest you purchase one of the "Whole Set" kits. It usually comes with the tank, filter, and a helpful video.

on 11/22/2005 Start out with the biggest tank you can get. The bigger it is, the easier it is for the fish to live.