Aquarium Buyers Guide

Information on Aquariums and How To Buy the Best Aquariums.

Aquarium Guide - Table of Contents

• 1 Aquarium Product Types
  • 1.1 Desktop Aquariums
  • 1.2 Ten Gallon Rectangular Tank
  • 1.3 Large Rectangular Tanks, 29-75+ Gallons
  • 1.4 Display Tanks: Bow-Front, Hexagonal, Octagonal, and Corner Aquariums
  • 1.5 Glass Aquariums
  • 1.6 Acrylic Aquariums
• 2 Key Features
• 3 Aquarium Product Advice
• 4 Aquarium Buying Tips
• 5 Popular Aquarium Brands
• 6 Aquariums Glossary
• 7 See Also

Desktop Aquariums

Desktop aquariums, with a size of five gallons or less, are ideal for beginning fishkeepers who plan to keep one or two small fish. They have lower maintenance needs than larger aquariums, but can be limiting in terms of the types of fish that can be kept in such a tank. Many beginning fishkeepers make the mistake of filling their desktop aquarium with too many fish, which makes maintenance difficult if not impossible.

Often, desktop aquariums come as an all-in-one package with the necessary filtration and lighting equipment. These small aquariums can be found in almost any other shape or style imaginable, from round and cylindrical tanks to rectangular, square, and hexagonal fishtanks.

Ten Gallon Rectangular Tank

A ten gallon, rectangular tank is perhaps the most common size of aquarium. This tank is ideal for many small community fish, and also some larger species. Ten gallon aquariums are the most economical and easily found tanks, and are also used for hospital/quarantine tanks as well as for full aquarium setups.

Large Rectangular Tanks, 29-75+ gallons

Some are shorter, with a wide surface area, while others are tall and narrow. These larger aquariums allow for a much wider variety of fish, including exotic species or a saltwater aquarium. It is often recommended to buy the largest aquarium that you can afford and have the time to care for. Many experienced fishkeepers find that the larger aquariums are actually easier to maintain because water quality levels do not fluctuate as quickly as in aquariums with a smaller volume of water. Setting up a larger aquarium does become more complex than a desktop or ten-gallon version, so you may not want to choose the largest aquarium you see unless you have fishkeeping experience.

Display Tanks: Bow-Front, Hexagonal, Octagonal, and Corner Aquariums

Display tanks are a popular option for both saltwater and freshwater aquariums, especially if you have unusual fish that you'd like to make the centerpiece of the room. The bow-front tank is similar to the rectangular style, but with one long edge that bows outwards, creating a spectacular visual effect. Hexagonal, octagonal, corner, and even coffee table-style aquariums can be a beautiful addition to any room. These options may be more expensive than a rectangular aquarium of the same size, but their distinctive shape adds an element of interest.

Glass Aquariums

Glass can be heavy, but it will not scratch, and maintains its clarity over time. Glass aquariums are widely available in a range of sizes and styles. It is usually the less expensive aquarium option when compared to acrylic tanks. There are two types of glass used for glass aquariums. Regular glass has a blue-green tint, which reduces the visible color intensity of the aquarium inhabitants. Larger aquariums have thicker glass, which can make this effect more noticeable. In smaller aquariums, most aquarium owners will be unable to notice the difference. Optical quality glass aquariums use higher quality glass with improved clarity. This glass upgrade comes at a price, but it is favored by aquarium owners who want the clearest possible view of their fish.

Acrylic Aquariums

Acrylic is a comparatively lightweight aquarium option that comes in a much wider range of shapes and sizes, including custom designs. Acrylic can be more expensive, and tends to be easier to scratch than glass aquariums. Over time, scratches can cloud your view of the fish. On the other hand, an acrylic aquarium refracts light better than a glass tank, giving you a better view of the fish..

The lack of seams in the aquarium tank design means a lower risk of tank leaks. One manufacturer of acrylic tanks claims that they are 17 times stronger than glass aquariums and weigh 50% less. A full aquarium can weigh as much as ten pounds per gallon of water, so if you're planning to buy a large fishtank, acrylic can be a good idea.

Aquarium Size
Common tank sizes, measured in gallons, include: 2 1/2, 5, 10, 20, 29, 30, 40, 55, 75, 90, 125, 150, and 180, although there are certainly others, particularly in the larger tank sizes. When buying an aquarium, the size should be your first consideration.

Aquarium Material
Acrylic and glass are the two common aquarium types. Acrylic is lightweight and does not crack easily, although it can scratch. Glass is more affordable, but it is also heavier, making it a less realistic option for large aquariums.

Aquarium Design
Different trim colours are available so that your new aquarium can match the rest of your décor. Standard trim choices include black and oak trim. Higher-end display aquariums offer more options, such as different shades of wood, black, stainless steel, and more. Aquariums also come in a variety of shapes, such as a corner tank, that may by ideal for a specific space in your home.

Aquariums come in many sizes and styles, anywhere from a gallon or two to several hundred gallons of water. In addition to the size, always consider the quality of the aquarium, since a quality fishtank can last a long time. This is especially true when buying a large aquarium, as the significant weight of a large tank means that structural integrity is particularly important.