Fish Tanks & Aquariums
Choosing the right tank size and type for a successful aquarium setup
Tanks – the Bigger the Better
You should choose that largest aquarium which you have space for and that you can afford. There are specific reasons for this and most are linked to water quality. Smaller tanks are more difficult to maintain in a healthy state than larger ones. The problem with small tanks in that they cannot easily accommodate changing water conditions. Just as they can react quickly to heating and cooling, they also deteriorate in overall water quality far quicker than larger tanks.
Minimum Size Recommendation: The minimum size for a first aquarium should be around 55 litres. (24 x 12 x 12in, 60 x 30 x 30cm) This tank also enable to you to keep a reasonable amount of fish for your first aquarium.
- Better water quality stability
- Easier to maintain healthy conditions
- More stable temperature control
- Can accommodate more fish
- Slower deterioration of water quality
- More forgiving for beginners
- Juwel
- BiOrb
- Hagen
- Rena
Ready-Made Tanks
Buying a ready-made aquarium is ideal for a beginner. The tank will be supplied with the required equipment to the care of your fish. The power of all this equipment will be geared the volume of the tank and will meet the required safety standards. All you need to do is install the décor, fill the tank and plug it in.
Manufacturers have made great effort to improve the overall appearance of aquariums. You can now find a fully equipped tank that will fit in with any style of furnishing. Most tanks sold with base units and hoods are extremely well finished and can be a central piece of furniture in any room. Some of the top manufacturers are Juwel, BiOrb, Hagen and Rena.
A rectangular glass or acrylic tank is usually best, providing ample swimming space, easy maintenance, and efficient filtration.
No, a 5-gallon tank is too small for 10 fish. Overcrowding leads to stress, poor water quality, and increased disease risk. Follow the 1 inch of fish per gallon guideline.
Styles include freshwater, saltwater, reef, planted, biotope, nano tanks, and Dutch-style aquascapes.
The main types are freshwater, saltwater, reef, planted, nano tanks, and biotope aquariums, each with unique requirements and aesthetics.
Fish generally prefer rectangular or square tanks. Round or bowl-shaped tanks distort vision, limit swimming space, and are harder to maintain.
Most fish prefer horizontal tanks because they provide more swimming space and a stable environment.
It depends on the species and size of the fish. Small species like tetras may be fine, but larger or active fish will need more space.
Rectangular freshwater tanks with a good filtration system are generally the easiest to maintain, especially for beginners.
Glass is scratch-resistant and heavier, while acrylic is lighter, stronger, and provides better clarity but scratches easily.
Freshwater tanks with hardy fish, moderate size (20–30 gallons), and simple equipment are ideal for beginners.
Types include freshwater, saltwater, reef, planted, nano, and biotope tanks, each with specific care and setup requirements.
A Dutch-style tank focuses on elaborate plant arrangements with multiple layers, bright colors, and no hardscape, emphasizing a structured aesthetic.
Choose a tank based on space, fish type, maintenance level, and budget. Rectangular freshwater tanks are a safe starting point for most beginners.
“Fish tank” is a general term, while “aquarium” usually implies a fully equipped tank with filtration, heating, and sometimes aquatic plants or decorations.
Rectangular or square tanks are best because they provide more swimming space, better oxygen circulation, and easier maintenance.
Start with a simple layout: use substrate, plants, and a few decorations. Maintain proper lighting and allow plants to grow naturally before adding too many fish.
Bowls are generally not recommended. They have limited space, poor oxygenation, and make maintaining water quality difficult.
Pebbles provide anchorage for plants, a surface for beneficial bacteria, and help prevent substrate compaction.
The most common cause is poor water quality, often from improper cycling, overfeeding, or lack of filtration.
It is recommended to let the tank run for at least 24 hours after setup and treatment to allow temperature stabilization and chlorine removal.
Yes, bettas have a labyrinth organ and can breathe surface air, but proper filtration and water quality are still essential.
Partial water changes weekly (10–25%) are recommended. Clean substrate, decorations, and filter media as needed, avoiding full cleanouts that disrupt beneficial bacteria.
Yes, if treated with a water conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramines and adjusted for hardness and pH as needed for your fish.
A medium-sized freshwater tank with hardy fish and a reliable filter is generally easiest to maintain.
Horizontal tanks are better, providing more swimming space and stable water conditions than tall vertical tanks.
Fish prefer long, horizontal tanks that offer ample swimming space and better water circulation than tall tanks.
Many fish enjoy planted tanks, as they provide hiding spots, natural enrichment, and improve water quality.
Balance, proportion, and creating focal points while considering fish behavior and plant growth is the golden rule of aquascaping.
Wait at least 24–48 hours after filling, treating, and stabilizing water temperature before adding fish. For new tanks, cycling may take several weeks.