Aquarium Size and Placement

A good way to determine the size and type of aquarium you need to purchase is to get an idea of what kind of fish you find attractive.

Size

Ask yourself these questions:

• Is the fish tank for your kids?

• Is it a display piece somewhere in your home?

Bigger is often better. Here is why?

• The pet fish you buy today will grow so give them room to move.

• There are many aquarium fish to pick from, and it can become difficult to stop buying them.

• Most importantly the larger volumes of water will keep your water chemistry more stable, giving your aquarium fish a more stable environment and ultimately better health.

Placement

Be sure that you can place it somewhere it's level, here are some tips:

• Support. Locate your fish tank on a piece of furniture that can support its weight once filled with water (1 litre of water = 1kg). For larger aquariums a cabinet purchase may be needed.

• Power. You should choose a place that is near an electrical outlet (for the aquarium filter, aquarium light, etc.). However keep clear from airconditioners and heaters which could alter temperature and affect your aquarium fish.

• Sunlight. A position with no direct sunlight is best as the light may cause algae. This ensures you don’t have to keep cleaning the glass.

• Access. It should be a place which ensures that you have easy access of viewing and cleaning, out of the way of heavy foot traffic, out of reach of small children, and away from other household pets that might harm your pet fish.

There are several types. They are often referred to as marine, which include saltwater fish & corals, coldwater and tropical. Below are some helpful tips to consider:

• Marine – Saltwater fish & corals, are beautiful to keep but can be a little more expensive and the maintenance levels are a little higher. An aquarium heater and saltwater is needed at a minimum.

• Coldwater – Primarily goldfish, these types are a good starting point and relatively easy to keep.

• Tropical – All need an aquarium heater with a temperature of around 25c. There are a few groups in this section. They include:

  1. Community Tropical fish – Which are generally peaceful and easy to keep.

  2. African Cichlids – Bright colourful fish, can be aggressive and have many different sizes and types.

  3. South American Cichlids – Beautiful fish, again some can grow quite large and be aggressive.

  4. Odd bods - Various types which have an interesting appearance or are just unusal.

Be aware that different species of pet fish occupy different levels of water. If you already have bottom dwellers like catfish, you might want a top dweller or mid-level dweller instead. Species also have specific temperaments, can be aggressive or peaceful, and are either nocturnal or diurnal.

Use the chart below as a guide on how many fish you may be able to keep.

Remember your pet fish will grow, a fish 2cm today may become 5cm in 12 months or you could get a big shock when it's 25cm long and all your others have disappeared. So choose wisely and ask advice when in stores.

Total length of fish in centimetres