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.