Home Page
Guide to Fish keeping
Fish Profiles
Photo Gallery
"Fish"-Aid Kit
Aquaria Forums
Personal Log Book
Personal Tank Specs.
|
The Beginner's Guide To Fish Keeping.
Choosing Your Tank
By: Maverick
Before you start buying things, you need to know what you can have. A very good rule is to always choose the largest tank you can possably get. This may depend on your budget, space, or the structural integrity. Find your limits and get the biggest tank you can. Here's why:
1.) The Larger the tank, the larger your margin for error is. In small tanks, your water stability is thrown off very quickly by a small change in ph, or a slight rise in ammonia levels. In a large tank, the same small change can occur and not have drastic affects.
2.) Smaller tanks require more maintainance than big tanks. Becuase changes can be so dramatic in small tanks, they must be monitored on a daily basis.
3.) If you get a smaller tank, you risk upsetting the bacteria when you clean. Bacteria clings to all surfaces the water is in contact with, but daily disturbances may have adverse affects.
There are three types of tanks, many shapes and sizes of course, but three main materials. Which one you choose is purely your preference. You have Tempored glass, normal glass, and acrylic.
Tempored Glass is the strongest, but only to a point...literally. The strength of tempored glass comes from a large area. For example, it can with-stand a large amount of pressure over several square inches or feet. However, this glass will shatter into many small peices, if it is struck at a single small point on the glass. Also note, that if you are into "Do It Yourself Projects", do NOT drill or cut this glass. Read more into the construction of tempored glass if you are interested in this.
Normal Glass is typical of any glass, hit it hard enough, and it will brake. How much pressure it takes to brake the glass depends on its thickness. You can cut and drill normal glass. Again, research this first before trying it.
Acrylic has no real advantage over glass. But it does have one disadvantage. It scratches easily. Do not clean this material with rough cloths or sponges.
Want To Know More? Click HERE.
|
