Choosing the Best Aquarium for Your Fish

Before you select an aquarium for your home or office, there are a few factors you need to take into account.

First, you should research the habitat requirements of the fish you want to keep. As you learn more about the kinds of fish species you can house together, you will need to consider certain aquarium decisions, such as location and size.

Location

If you’re placing your aquarium in an enclosed area, be sure that it has adequate ventilation. This helps control mould and other cultures that thrive in humidity, and keeps heat build-up to a minimum. Fish also need to be placed in a quiet space, away from loud noises such as slamming doors, machinery or telephones. 

Electric outlets need to be close enough that you can plug in a strip outlet without having extra cord in the way, to become a tripping hazard. In addition, the closer your water supply, the easier your water changes and other maintenance – helping you keep a healthier aquarium. It’s important to maintain a steady temperature in your aquarium. Heating and air conditioning vents, as well as sunlight and outside entrance areas, have the ability to drastically change the temperature of the immediate area. Make sure to place your aquarium away from these areas. 

To help you maintain a stable temperature, we recommend an Aquarium Thermometer/Sensor, which informs you of drastic temperature changes.

Size

The bigger the aquarium, the better it is for the fish. Larger water volume dilutes toxins better, making it more forgiving of mistakes. Also, larger aquariums cycle faster, making for a shorter stress period on fish.

What weight can your table or floor withstand?

It’s very important that your aquarium will be stable wherever you place it, when it is full of water. If you’re worried that your desk can’t hold the weight of a full aquarium, maybe you should opt for a fish tank/cabinet combination. Otherwise, a lighter tank may be a better option for you. 

If you have any issues, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from a member of the Petworld team. We’ll be happy to help you pick the right aquarium for your needs!