Every Home Improvement » Fish Tank

Your Fish's Home: Should You Use a Used Fish Tank

Editor — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:15:09 +0000

Fish tanks and aquariums are not only great additions to the family, but also exciting ways of interior decorating. Because they come in all sizes and cater to enthusiasts and novices alike, fish tanks are incredibly popular. But when you decide to purchase a fish tank for your new family members, do you buy new or used? Read below for some examples of why you should consider buying a used fish tank, where you can get them, and some risks you may face along the way.

Why A Used Fish Tank?

The number one reason to consider a used fish tank is price. This is especially true if you want to purchase a larger tank and establish a true aquarium setting for your fish. Brand new larger tanks can easily cost over $500, so opting for a used fish tank may help you find a bigger, better tank within your price range.

Where Can You Get Them?

There are several great places where you can acquire a used fish tank. For a larger tank, such 100 gallon tank, you will want to check out the classified ads in the paper. For a smaller used fish tank, there's no better place to look than your own community yard sales. Chances are great that you can find a great deal on a used fish tank that is still in decent shape.

Online auctions are also good resources for finding used fish tanks of any size, small, medium or large. If you purchase from an online site, do be careful of shipping fees and insurance costs as they could make the deal you received on the used fish tank moot point.

The Hazards of Using a Used Fish Tank

As with any type of used equipment, there are risks involved in purchasing a fish tank that has already been used. Specifically, you really don't know the care and maintenance that has been performed on the fish tank you are purchasing. This is especially the case if you purchase your fish tank at a yard sale, as yard sales have no formal regulation. Online auctions do hold themselves to a standard and have methods of determining and disclosing things that may be wrong with the items sold. Still, be sure you understand ratings and procedures before purchasing a used fish tank though an online auction.

Off The Wall Fish Tank

Editor — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 03:30:13 +0000

Aquariums and a cadre of colorful fish are one of the most popular pet and hobby options today, and more and more people are enjoying the beauty of the fish from a wall fish tank. Though more expensive than a traditional aquarium, a wall fish tank takes up little space in what may be an already crowded home. Installing a wall fish tank also puts the fish on display like a work of art or a plasma television, allowing hours of viewing fun for your family and providing a great and captivating conversation piece when guests arrive.

A wall fish tank costs more than your average aquarium, but the rewards for this investment pay off in the long run. From a design perspective, several homeowners are realizing the aesthetic value in a wall fish tank, capitalizing on the beauty of tropical fish, the brilliant colors of the coral and gravel, and the soothing nature of aquariums. Because of its moldable nature, wall fish tanks are generally made of acrylic; however, glass versions are available. Prices will vary depending on size, and any tank can be customized to fit your specifications.

How Do I Get A Wall Fish Tank?

Several people have made a wall fish tank a permanent part of their home by including it in their building or redesign plans. To do so, you don't need to be an expert in aquariums you just need to determine the size of the tank you want and how it fits into the designs. It's important to remember that a wall fish tank should be wide enough to support air flow through the water. Without that air flow, your fish will not survive long. Make sure to include room for the filtration devices, which, thanks to modern aquarium setups, can be easily installed under rocks, along the sides of the tank or in other relatively hidden areas.

Recently, more and more aquarium lovers have turned to a mountable wall fish tank setup, which is hung on the wall like a piece of art or a modern day, flat-screen television and the installation is just as easy. These tanks are usually slimmer than a traditional wall fish tank and many do not come in sizes above 10-20 gallons. You can find a variety of these online, and all come with the necessary filtration devices designed to be invisible so they don't interfere with the aesthetics.

Lighting is one of the most important elements that will make any wall fish tank a brilliant display, so picking the right lighting is important. Several aquariums provide in-tank lighting systems to illuminate the interior, and customized lighting plans can be developed to highlight the natural beauty of specific fish and their colors. Whatever system you choose, a wall fish tank will become the centerpiece of any room, providing hours of enjoyment and brightening the look and feel of every home.

How to Set Up a 55 Gallon Fish Tank

Editor — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:45:11 +0000

A 55 gallon fish tank is about the same volume as a large rectangular cooler. Not huge, but still a lot to take care of. Yet since it is a standard size, it is easier to find pumps, filters, and advice for a 55 gallon fish tank. So, depending on your fish-watching needs, a 55 gallon habitat may be too much – or too little.

The Setup

A 55 gallon fish tank filled with water, gravel substrate, and all the equipment weighs 625 pounds. This is not a thing easily moved around for maintenance. Nor can it sit on just any table; something with a vented or weak top cannot support an aquarium very well. Also, anything that may be even slightly sloped or uneven won't work.

When you are planning a tank set-up, realize that you will need to put the pumps and equipment somewhere within easy reach for maintenance. You will also need a little clearance between the wall and the tank.

Considering a 55 gallon fish tank is so heavy, it's probably best to acquire a dedicated aquarium stand. A stand will have a solid, strong bottom with space for all the equipment in a cabinet underneath.

The Hardware

In any fish tank, the water should turn over, that is, run through the filter, six to 15 times per hour. So select a pump or pumps with an appropriate gallons per hour (gph) rating. If you find a used one without markings, try pumping test water from a full bucket to an empty one. See how long it takes to fill up a one gallon bucket and plan accordingly.

The Fishes

According to a rule of thumb, a fish tank can support "one inch" of fish for every gallon of water. Therefore, a 55 gallon fish tank should support 55 one-inch long fish, or 11 five-inch long fish and so on.

However, many fish fanciers say in truth, that rule squeezes too many fish into a tank. Think about it: Both a goldfish and an angelfish may be two inches long, but the goldfish has a much bigger mass.

It's a better idea to take into account the mass of the fish, its metabolism, and how fast the water changes pH. If pH fluctuation means you are changing water very often, you have too many fish. Start small and keep an eye on pH.

The Beginner's Aquarium Should be at Least a 20 Gallon Fish Tank

Editor — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:15:05 +0000

The common belief is that when a beginner wants to set up his first aquarium, they should start with a very small one – like the bubble aquarium; however, nothing can be further from truth. Actually the smaller the tank, the more difficult is to maintain the balance of the aqua-system. Hence, for a person who does not know much about the maintenance of the aquarium, a small tank would be a total enigma.

Why a 20 Gallon Fish Tank is Best for a Beginner?

If you are a beginner, it is best to choose a tank which is small enough to be installed easily and big enough to develop its own aqua-system in the shortest time possible. This would imply that the minimum you should go for is a 20 gallon fish tank because this is beautiful enough to motivate you and at the same time you do not need to clean it often since it can take care of itself with the right support.

When you are a beginner, the most important thing is that you ensure that your fish do not die. Nothing can be more heart breaking than to see your pets dying for apparently no reason and despite your best efforts. Many people stop keeping an aquarium after they have such incidents because they cannot bear it.

Most people buy a 10 gallon tank because it is the cheapest and also the most available in pet shops. There is nothing wrong with this aquarium except that you cannot keep any big fish in this tank – though you can still have as much fun with small fish instead.

In the 20 gallon fish tank you can have as many big fish as you like. Most people mix small fish with big fish in the 20 gallon fish tank; however, this is not advisable because the big fish tend to eat up the food of the little ones and also they bully them around. It is rather advisable to get more or less the same size of fish that can grow together. In case you have a new addition you should take care that you gradually introduce the fish to the tank. You can lower it in a smaller and transparent container so the fish becomes acquainted to other fish without being traumatized by them.

For all this, a 20 gallon fish tank is the right size, and because of the suitability it is also the best possible choice for the beginner.

Off The Wall Fish Tank

Editor — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 11:15:05 +0000

How Do I Get A Wall Fish Tank?

Water, Water Everywhere: What to Do with a 100 Gallon Fish Tank

Editor — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 03:29:59 +0000

Fish tanks are a blank canvas, void until you fill it with a variety of fish and decorations, and the larger the tank, the larger the canvas. So why not get a 100 gallon fish tank? They are a bit more expensive than smaller tanks, but they give you much more space to fill and enjoy.

There are several different things to consider when purchasing a 100 gallon fish tank, including whether or not to make a freshwater or saltwater tank, what kind of fish to put into the tank, and the accessories that you need to go into the tank. Read below for some important questions that you need to ask yourself before filling your fish tank.

Freshwater or Saltwater

Once you've purchased your 100 gallon fish tank, what are you going to fill it with? Will you use freshwater or saltwater? This is going to be your first and most important decision in the construction of your fish tank, and there are a couple of things to consider. Freshwater tanks are generally cheaper in terms of money and time. Saltwater aquariums demand more attention to pH and other chemical balances. When deciding whether or not to make your 100 gallon fish tank a freshwater aquarium or a saltwater aquarium, keep all of these factors in mind.

What Kinds of Fish?

The kinds of fish you choose to go into your 100 gallon fish tank are going to depend on how you answered the question above: freshwater or saltwater. Freshwater fish, for example, include catfish and oscars. Saltwater or marine organisms include a variety of puffer fish, lionfish, moray eels, and sea horses. Pay careful attention to what types of fish, eels, anemones, etc that you put together. Discuss with your pet store the different species that work well together and compliment each other.

Accessories

The accessories that you will place in your 100 gallon fish tank are also going to depend on whether or not you want a freshwater or saltwater tank. Do you wish to place artificial or real plant-life in your tank? What types of decorations will be best for the species that you are placing in your aquarium? In addition, you will want to investigate the different filtration options and combinations that can keep your aquarium running, including mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration combinations.

Finding a Fish Tank for Sale

Editor — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0000

With dozens of online aquarium dealers, fish tanks are now easy to buy from your cozy living room chair. Searching for a fish tank for sale online will lead you to many online dealers of pet supplies including those for fish, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and many others. These accept a variety of payment methods like Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.

Online Resources for Finding a Fish Tank for Sale

You can find your choice fish tank for sale at an online general pet supplies dealer like Doctors Foster and Smith. Aquariums are available for sale in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for keeping fish in your home, office, or school etc. Prices vary depending on the material of composition (glass or acrylic), size, special components, and other properties (e.g. new vs. used). A free catalog with listed products and prices is sent within the U.S. upon request. Also, you can keep up with updates by subscribing to a free e-newsletter.

Petco.com is a major dealer of pet products which include handsomely designed aquariums and fishbowls. The online dealer accepts different payment methods and also runs a "bill me later" account by which you can place an order for the fish tank, receive the product and then get billed by the seller. PayPal is accepted.

Aquarium Dealers Online

Many online dealers specialize in fish products and supplies and can provide your choice of fish tank for sale. Doctors Foster and Smiths Liveaquaria is an example. They take orders from customers online, by fax, phone, or by regular mail. Acceptable payment methods include all major credit cards as well as personal checks and money orders. Also, they provide free shipping on any sale of $225 or more. In case you are looking for a wall fish tank for sale, bizarreaquariums.com is a good place to check.

A standard wall aquarium will cost from $300 to about $500, including shipping. Based in Michigan, the site ships the products in forty-eight hours. Email subscribers are informed of new listings of aquariums for sale. For UK residents, uk.freads.net is a good place to choose among online-listed fish tanks for sale. Here many fish tanks in good condition are sold for prices ranging from under 100 to 500. By registering for free, you can also place your own ad of fish tank for sale, if you need to.

The Hexagon Fish Tank Is Just a Decorative Piece

Editor — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:30:13 +0000

When you decide to buy a fish tank for yourself, you start with an idea of how your aquarium should look. Many people have the idea that an aquarium is always a rectangular glass box where you maintain tropical fish. This was true once upon a time; not anymore. Today you can get aquariums in all sizes and shapes made of a number of materials besides glass.

The Hexagon Fish Tank Actually Harms the Fish

People always want things that look unusual and unique. Where the common fish tanks are square and rectangular, the hexagon fish tank became the hot favorite because it looked different. People loved it because the shape was attractive and at the same it could be placed in many different spots in your home.

But let us look at it from the point of view of the fish. It is actually very disorienting for a fish to swim round and round. The space that a hexagon fish tank allows for swimming is so much less than a rectangular tank of similar size. The fish do not feel happy about being restricted in a hexagon fish tank because the shape does now allow them the freedom they want.

There are very small fish which may feel a bit freer in such a tank; however for big fish this type of tank is very uncomfortable. Though the hexagon fish tank is extremely beautiful, it is not practical at all. Since they look good and add beauty to any room, these can be bought but you should equip them with very few fish. However, if you really love fish, you should have a rectangular shaped aquarium than a hexagonal one.

Also, in case you have children you should choose acrylic materials over glass since it has a higher resistance power to impact. However, when you use acrylic you should be very careful that you do not scratch the surface or you will mar its beauty. Whether it is a hexagon fish tank or an ordinary one, the acrylic aquarium is a good choice over glass. Not only because it is unbreakable, but also because it can maintain a good a balance of temperature for a longer period of time.

The debate on whether you should or should not have a hexagon fish tank depends upon how many fish you would like to have. This tank, just like the bubble tanks are not fish-friendly; so if you choose to have a few then maybe a hexagon fish tank is okay. But if you want to have a full fledged one, it is better to go in for a standard shaped tank.

Your Fish Tank Stand: Which Option is Right for you?

Editor — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 22:59:59 +0000

Aquariums are one of the most intriguing ways to add tropical elements to your home and bring natural beauty from the outdoors in. When you decide to get an aquarium, take the time to investigate the different fish tank stand options available. The size, shape and material you choose will have a dramatic impact on your space as well as on the functionality of the aquarium itself.

Shapes and Sizes

One of the most important things to consider is the way your fish tank stand will look in your space. Two options that are going to impact the look of the tank your space are the shape and size of the fish tank stand. There are a variety of fish tank stand shapes available. These include semicircular, hexagonal, rectangular, pentagonal, cube-shaped, etc. Some stands are angled so that they can be situated into the corner of a room.

Also, you will want figure out exactly what size fish tank stand you need. This is going depend not only on the dimensions of the fish tank stand, but also n the weight the stand will need to support.

Materials

Like shapes and sizes, there are a plethora of fish tank stand materials available. Fish tank stands are often made out of metal, wood, or MDF/particle board and laminate. There is a price variation among these different materials, and you will want to shop around to determine the best deal for you.

In addition to the price factor, the material you use is going to depend on how much weight the stand needs to support and thus how strong you need the stand to be. Also, the fish tank stand material you choose will depend on the style of your home.

Custom Designs

If you just can't find a fish tank stand that is right for you, one of the best ways to get the stand you want is having a company custom design your fish tank. Perhaps the most expensive option, custom designing your fish tank stand allows you the option to build cabinets and tables that fit in to your home dcor perfectly.

A custom design option that is available are in-wall aquariums. Offering the dramatic beauty of the built-in aquarium as well as offering tons of storage. One drawback of this option is the price as well as the permanence of the investment.

Building Your Custom Acrylic Fish Tank: First Steps

Editor — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:30:07 +0000

You've been thinking of having someone build a custom acrylic fish tank for you. There are many advantages to this, as well as a few complications. Not only is a custom acrylic fish tank often lighter in construction, it also offers a great more variability in the construction of your custom tank. Below is a brief discussion of the pros and cons of building your custom acrylic fish tank.

The Great Points

The first great point for building your custom acrylic fish tank is that you'll be able to create the tank of your dreams. Because of the ease of cutting and use of acrylic, your tank can be just about any size, or any shape you want.

Another advantage to having someone build a custom acrylic fish tank for you is that it can take full advantage of a space in your home or office where a normal glass aquarium simply would not be feasible. Do you have an idea for a built-in aquarium into the house of your dreams. A custom acrylic fish tank could be the best-fit option for you.

Of course, standard fish tanks only go so large. Because of the weight consideration, and the overall strength of the glass, there are limits to what they can be in size. This isn't such a problem with a custom acrylic fish tank. If you can think of a size for your dream fish tank, chances are this type of tank can fill your needs.

Another great point for having a custom acrylic fish tank built for you is that along with your custom tank you'll be able to have all the equipment necessary customized as well. If the tanks, pumps, filtration and chemical systems all are customized, the tank will have a polished and clean look that will allow the inside of the tank to be the focal point.

Another great reason for having someone build a custom acrylic fish tank is the fact that you won't have to do it alone. Because it is a custom job, any reputable expert tank builder will sit down with you and discuss, plan, advice and build the tank to suit your needs. There is no need to feel like you have to start this huge project alone.

The Not So Great Points

Of course building a custom acrylic fish tank does have a few minor drawbacks. The first and probably the most daunting is the cost. As a rule, custom-built aquariums are more costly than their off-the-shelf counterparts. However, you are getting something that no one else has.

Another point with having a custom acrylic fish tank built for you that needs consideration is to make sure that you deal with a reputable dealership. The best idea is to do some serious research and listen to the recommendations of your fellow hobbyists.
So as you can see, the idea of having a custom acrylic fish tank is a great one. Having the ability to own a tank that is truly your own is one of the best feelings in the world. If you can swing the price, it is a fun way to go.

The Best Places to Put Your 125 Gallon Fish Tank

Editor — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:59:58 +0000

Having a 125 gallon fish tank in an office can be a great way to relax potential clients and bring a welcoming feeling of home to you and your co-workers. What person isn't automatically drawn to watch a fish swim by or an anemone wave quietly in the water? In order to choose the best place to house your fish tank, it is best to consider a number of factors including visibility, support, tank shape, and access to power.

Visibility

One consideration in the placement of a 125 gallon fish tank is where to place in order to have the best view of the aquarium. For the tank to have the desired affect on both the clients and employees, it's best to have it located in a central place where everyone can enjoy it.

Support

A 125 gallon fish tank, when full, can weigh thousands of pounds, and exert a great deal of pressure on the underlying floor. Needless to say, choosing the place that offers the most support is essential in placing something of this size. The best idea is to look at the blueprints and construction diagrams of the office and find a location that will distribute the weight of the tank evenly across the floor. Usually the best choice for the 125 gallon fish tank is to place it on the ground floor a major support beam. That way the weight will be distributed evenly.

Tank Shape

Another thing to consider when choosing a place to put your 125 gallon fish tank is the overall shape of the tank. Is it rectangle or square? How high is it? Or perhaps it is oval? Depending on the exact dimensions of your chosen tank, certain areas of the office might be a better choice than others.

Access to a Power Supply

Another consideration that must be considered with placing your 125 gallon fish tank is how easily a good source of power can be accessed. The simple fact is that the last thing you want in your office is a mess of cords and wires snaking across your floor. Not only is that a bad decorating decision for just about any professional work place, it can also be dangerous. On the slim chance that the tank would break, having a number of cords on the ground can lead to an electrocution hazard. So, be sure to choose a place where electric for the light is easily reached.

As you can see, there are a number of things to consider when placing a 125 gallon fish tank in your office. However, with careful placement, it can offer years of enjoyment to both your employees and clients.

How to Decide Whether You Should Have a Marine Fish Tank or a Freshwater Fish Tank?

Editor — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:15:14 +0000

There are many beginners who are torn between making a choice of what type of aquariums they should invest in, i.e. the marine fish tank or the freshwater fish tank. If you look at it, both are lovely to look at and both cost more or less the same. However, the marine fish tank is easier to set up and maintain for a beginner. So let us look at both the sides of the coin before we can decide which the best the marine fish tank or the other one?

The Freshwater Tank

The famous gold fish belong to this criterion of fish – the freshwater fish. This type of fish is the most colorful and often small in size. They live at temperatures that average 80 degrees Fahrenheit and hence they would need water heating equipment. There are exceptions to this rule though – and the exception is the gold fish who love normal water and the koi fish which can adjust to cool water effortlessly.

The choice of freshwater fish is endless and the colors as many. The fish are small usually, beautiful and full of life. Very few of the tropical fish love to hide; they rather swim around providing a great deal of pleasure to their owners.

The Marine Fish Tank

When you think of a marine fish tank you will need to set up a total eco-system which can, in the long run, support itself. Once the system has been established, then you will are done with the maintenance of the aquarium. The system usually will take care of the oxygenation, cleaning and many times even the food of the fish. You will have a piece of the sea with you.

There are a few points that will remain your concern though, and that is, the salinity of the water should be maintained at certain levels so that the fish are not harmed. For natural filtration reef systems, it is usually done in a very efficient manner.

The fish can be as colorful as the tropical fish; however, the marine fish would definitely be larger. They also are mostly territorial fish and hence, they will need a lot of space as well as hiding places where they can take refuge from time to time.

The marine fish tank is better for the beginner because it has less to look after once the eco-system gets settled; the freshwater tank would need on the other hand, constant supervision and maintenance.

Fish Tank Pump – One of the Most Essential Accessories of Your Tank

Editor — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 09:36:41 +0000

An aquarium is the environment where you can keep fish in your home. As any life supporting environment, it needs to provide the life within with food and oxygen. In an aquarium, you are supposed to provide the food, unless the aquarium has a complete self-supporting eco-system; and the oxygen comes from the fish tank pump. But these are the most basic things that you will learn about when you want to set up your aquarium.

How Do You Choose the Most Suitable Fish Tank Pump for Your Aquarium?

It is actually difficult for a novice to decide what fish tank pump is the most suitable for their tank. The best way is to buy the fish tank pump along with the tank itself. However, in case you bought the tank without it and you do not know what size and type is the best for you, you will need to get the dimensions of your aquarium and visit your pet store for advice.

You will understand the importance of buying the right fish tank pump when you will set up your aquarium. In case the fish do not get sufficient oxygen, they will tend to swim on the top searching for air. Many will die due to asphyxiation. When you notice that your fish are dying all of a sudden, without any particular reason, then you will need to check out your fish tank pump for correct capacity.

The fish tank pump may malfunction not only because it is smaller than required, but also if it is not serviced regularly. Hence, you should ensure that it is definitely serviced well and checked for efficiency at regular intervals.

What to Do if the Pump Malfunctions

Many times the pump gets choked and stops working; it is good then to have an immediate replacement at hand so that the fish do not suffer any inconvenience by the sudden lack of oxygen. If not, you will have to replace the pump as soon as possible. Once the pump if off the fish may have about 24 hours air left in the water, after which they are likely to suffocate.

Whatever you do, you should always ensure that your fish tank pump works well and that it is adequate for your aquarium. None of the accessories of your aquarium is as important at this piece if you look from the point of view of the health of your fish. Hence, you should always ensure that your tank is equipped with a suitable fish tank pump.

Keeping It Clean: From the Fish Tank Filter to Snails

Editor — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 22:30:08 +0000

Aquariums can be a great way to bring the outside inside for your family to enjoy. Fish are fun, pretty, and relatively low maintenance. But that dirty fish tank! The thoughts of taking the fish out of the tank, scraping the sides of the tank, scrubbing, prepping the water, refilling, adding the fish back into the water make your head spin! There are tools and tips, however, to cut back on the cleaning sessions and keep your aquarium clean on a day-to-day basis. Read below for ways to keep your aquarium clean using everything from a fish tank filter to snails.

The Fish Tank Filter

One of the best ways to keep the water clean, aerated and flowing freely is to purchase a fish tank filter. The job of the filter is to remove fish waste and to keep the water as free from sediment as possible. There are two types of filters commonly used: Under gravel systems, and canister systems that attach to the side of the tank. Both require some maintenance and upkeep such as pad changing.

While the physical fish tank filter is sometimes considered the most important part of maintaining an aquarium, the fish tank filter combined with other forms of filtration such as chemical and biological filtration can help keep your aquarium. The chemical filtration system works with the proteins, pH and chemicals in the water while biological filtration uses helpful bacterial growth to scrub the water cleaner for your fish.

Snails in the Fish Tank

In addition to a fish tank filter, other methods you can utilize while growing your aquarium environment are snails. Snails do a great job of keeping the gravel clean and feeding off the algae that grows on the side of the tank. Snails do, however, have a tendency to overpopulate. Watch for jelly-like masses that form on the side of the tank or on the decorative aquatic plants and remove them by scraping away.

Changing the Water

Regardless of which fish tank filter you choose or how many snails you have in the water, you are still going to clean the tank once in a while. On a weekly basis, you should change 10 to 15 percent of the volume of water in your tank. Even though this takes a bit of time and exertion, it is incredibly important in keeping your fish healthy.

Therapy with a Tropical Fish Tank

Editor — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:00:06 +0000

Bonding with a cat or dog has long been known to have therapeutic benefits for humans. But the simple observation that watching fish makes people calmer and healthier is also backed up by studies. For people of any age, the bright but calm little marine environment in either a freshwater or a tropical fish tank brings an increase in health and wellness.

Kids

Have you ever taken a child to a fish store? Or even to the vicinity of a fish store? It's like a magnet pulls him in, his nose against the glass, staring at the little creatures moving inside. To this day, I remember being a child and watching some pink coral in a tropical fish tank at a store, just hypnotized by its motion.

Just as watching that fish tank cleared my mind years ago, so too would it calm many kids. Aquariums in the classroom are known not only to reduce anxiety levels in students but also to be a good tool to teach the kids the responsibilities of caring for a pet and some chemistry basics.

Adults

While adults may control themselves near a fish store more than a kid would, at the city aquarium or zoo, the grownups are just as entranced as the children. Everyone feels wonder watching the biggest shark or the humblest goldfish paddling through a tropical fish tank.

Several studies have outlined the specific benefits of watching fish for adults. They are known to reduce blood pressure, at least temporarily for people going through stressful situations. And the actual fish seem to be the key; take away the animals, and a gently bubbling tank of water and ornaments doesn't do the trick. Scientists in Japan are studying the possibility that watching delicate jellyfish in a tropical fish tank may be even more therapeutic.

Many people have personal stories about how seeing fish tanks helped a loved one deal with disease. Hospitals and nursing homes have started to take notice, and more of them are installing aquariums. The dining room is a good spot, as studies show long-term patients are more able to relax and focus on completing a whole meal in the presence of an aquarium.

But Note Well

These health studies put people in the proximity of a tropical fish tank, without giving them responsibility for maintaining and paying for it. In other words, the best way to maximize the benefits of watching fish may be to get a membership to the city aquarium.

Why Buy an Acrylic Fish Tank?

Editor — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:45:06 +0000

An acrylic fish tank offers both novice and experienced fish lovers the beauty, strength, and convenience needed to piece together a fine aquarium environment. But before you go out and purchase an acrylic fish tank, it is important that you know what your other options are, the cost factor, the quality of an acrylic fish tank, as well as the cons of owning an acrylic fish tank. Read below for examples of each of these considerations.

What are My Other Options?

Before you go out and purchase an acrylic fish tank, take a moment to consider its biggest rival: glass. Glass fish tanks are a considerable option for those considering the purchase of an aquarium, providing the ability to get a large tank for the whole family to enjoy. If you are searching for something on a smaller scale, such as a bowl for a beta or a character themed aquarium for a son or daughter, there are also tanks made from plastic.

The Cost Factor

Now that you know the two options you have in purchasing your aquarium, you should carefully weigh out the cost factor: Which costs less an acrylic fish tank or a glass fish tank? In general, a glass fish tank of equal size costs less than an acrylic fish tank. This is not due to the quality of material, but rather to the cost of shipping the material. Even though glass is heavier and is in many ways easier to break than acrylic, it is more scratch resistant, leading to more sellable pieces on the end of the shipping line than acrylic. This leads to lower costs for you.

The Pros and the Cons

Even though it might be cheaper to purchase a glass aquarium, which are more scratch resistant, acrylic fish tanks offer several other pros that make them a great option for aquarists. For starters, acrylic is less breakable than glass, and much less acrylic is needed for the production of a tank. This leads to a tank that weighs much less than a glass tank and thus needs less support.

In addition to the durability of acrylic, purchasers of acrylic aquariums have more style options available to them. It is very difficult to find a glass fish tank that is in a shape other than that of a rectangle. Acrylic can be shaped, providing more options for tank buyers, such as round aquariums, semicircular aquariums, and the like.

Try the Wholesale Fish Tank Market If You Want a Cheap Deal

Editor — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:15:07 +0000

Creating a fish aquarium is a wonderful hobby. Of course organizing and planning for your aquarium takes time, effort and some money, but the end product is worth the trouble any day. The planning will include the shape, size, style of the fish tank, how many fish you would like to house, what type of plants, and what is the equipment necessary to keep the fish healthy and so on.

Visit the Wholesale Fish Tank Market for Getting the Best at the Lowest Prices

For those who love variety and at the same time want to get value for their money, the best place to shop for the aquarium materials is in the wholesale fish tank market. Here, you not only get the best possible choices, you will get them at a lower price than the retail shops. However, in order to make the best from your trip to the wholesale fish tank market, you will need to make a list of what you need.

1. Make a list of what species of fish you would like to have in your tank; if you are not sure, then visit a few shops till you learn to identify the fish that you would like to have in your tank; before you decide you will need to find out the compatibility of each fish with the other.
2. Make a list of the equipments you will require, such as oxygen pump, filters, and natural filters such as reefs; of course you can have an aquarium filled with other animals of living things, such as reefs, frogs, lizards, mice tortoises and so on.
3. Find out the requirement of water for your aquarium – the rule is that one gallon should be calculated for every fish and about two gallons per reef for reef aquariums. When you plan the space, do not over populate your tank; actually you should leave a little extra space because the fish will grow pretty fast.
4. Make a list of what decoration you would like to put in the tank, counting the plants, the gravel, the lighting and any other decorative item which will make the tank attractive.
5. Lastly, you should decide on the shape and material of the tank. Whether you want it made of glass or Plexiglas or acrylic sheets, you should research and decide before hand.

Once you have the list ready, your visit to the wholesale fish tank market will be fruitful because you will be able to shop for the exact things without loosing any time. The prices that you will get these items in the wholesale fish tank market will be at least 20 percent less than the outside retail markets. Hence, it is a good thing to organize yourself a little and buy all you need from the wholesale fish tank market instead of regular pet shops.

Fish Tank Hoods Have Their Uses, Too

Editor — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 08:15:05 +0000

When you think of aquariums, how many times do you imagine the fish tank hoods? Very rarely; actually many times, people believe that the fish tank hoods are actually redundant additions which mar the beauty of the tank. The truth is that the fish tank hoods help in many ways to keep the fish healthy and safe.

The Advantages of Having Fish Tank Hoods

The fish tank hoods can be bought with the tank or separately. When you shop for it separately, you will need to have the right measurements so that the hoods will fit perfectly. There are a lot of advantages in using these accessories. These are:

1. They keep the fish safe from jumping out; many times the fish get nervous or sometimes just a little playful and they jump up in the water; if the hood would not be there, they would most likely, land outside the aquarium and die.
2. They provide support for lighting – the aquarium without lights looks neglected and dull; the light is what it makes it look interesting. The fish tank hoods provide the place to hang on the lights.
3. Keeps the children form meddling with the fish – kids are fascinated as the adults with the fish. However, kids are more curious and tend to investigate what they like. Hence, there is all the possibilities that the children would be tempted to touch the fish or even catch them, if the fish tank hoods are not fixed.
4. Place for other accessories such as pump motors and/or filters – there are some models of fish tank hoods where the oxygen pumps can be fixed from the hood as well as the filters.

The above are five main reasons why fish tank hoods are indeed useful; but besides the above, having your aquarium covered with a wooden hood can make a statement on its own. The stand of the aquarium along with its accessories such as the fish tank hoods have to be properly coordinated with the rest of the furniture that is to be brought.

Whether it is for the beauty of the accessory or for its uses, the aquarium is not complete without its hood. Among the many uses, the most important is protection of the fish from harm and from pollution. It is also the best place to hang on to the light. Hence, fish tank hoods are a must for any aquarium.

Keeping a Gold Fish Tank is Easy

Editor — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:30:10 +0000

If you're thinking of keeping a gold fish tank, there are a few basic rules you need to know to make sure you get the most out of your new pets and so your fish friends get the most out of their gold fish tank home.

First, if you plan to keep more than a handful of gold fish, you are going to need a large gold fish tank. Though a small fishbowl can play home to a pair of fish, the general rule is that one goldfish requires at least a 5 to 10 gallon tank. Gold fish tank sizes range anywhere from 5 to 50 gallons or more, and prices will vary depending on size, whether you choose glass or acrylic, etc.

Most packages come with the required filtration devices, and gold fish can survive in water temperatures from 78 degrees to very cold waters, so a heater is generally not necessary, regular room temperature will do just fine for the water in your gold fish tank.

You will want to make the gold fish tank hospitable to the gold fish, so find nice rocks, plants and accessories for them to enjoy and to add to the beauty of your tank. All accessories, including the rocks, should be washed in water before they are placed into the tank. You will need to test the water when you first put it in the tank and you'll have to purchase a test kit to make sure the oxygen, nitrate and other chemical balances are in line.

Picking the Right Fish for Your Gold Fish Tank

Now that you've found the right gold fish tank, you need to find the right gold fish to fill it. When selecting a gold fish, make sure to examine the look of the fish in the store. If the fins are down and not erect, it could indicate that the fish is stressed. Also, if you see a gold fish that has foggy eyes, discoloration or other maladies, you want to pick a different one. Gold fish are not just gold, and come in many sizes, shapes and colors. Most gold fish will grow up to 5 to 8 inches in length, and they love company.

So now you've got the gold fish and you've got your gold fish tank and you're well on your way to becoming an aquarium enthusiast. Aquariums and a good gold fish tank can provide hours of enjoyment, and an aquarium can round out a room, providing not only a great hobby, but an aesthetic boost to your home as well.

Some Routine Maintenance Tips for Your 30 Gallon Fish Tank

Editor — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 11:30:04 +0000

Having a 30 gallon fish tank is a great way to start enjoying the growing hobby of aquariums, and because of their small size, they are fairly easy to keep and maintain. In fact many children begin a life-long affair with their fish and aquarium. Despite its seemingly simple set up, though, there are a number of things that must be done to keep the 30 gallon fish tank operating in a healthy way.

Some Maintenance Tips

Perhaps on of the easiest and most overlooked items of routine maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is that the water needs to be changed on a regular basis. This simple act will reduce the amount of algae growth, contaminates from fish waste, and make sure that the water chemistry is ideal for the fish.

Another routine maintenance tip to think about is to make sure that your lighting system is in working order. If you think about it, this is the only light source for your fish and other aquatic life, so it's best if it is in proper working order and offer the best steady light source so that they can survive.

Another piece of equipment that must be maintained in your 30 gallon fish tank is the filtration system. If this is not cleaned on a regular basis, the water in your tank can become toxic to your fish. In turn, this can lead to fewer fish and fewer hours of enjoyment to you. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and maintaining this important part of the tank system.

Perhaps one of the most overlooked, but important pieces of maintenance for your 30 gallon fish tank is to clean the decorations and gravel of the fish tank. You would be surprised what types of contamination and dirt can exist in the cracks and crevices between the rocks and sunken ships of your child's first tank. The best thing to do is to make sure your son or daughter knows to clean and rinse every piece of gravel treasure chest, or decoration that has been in the 30 gallon fish tank on a monthly basis. Doing so will add years of life to the tank.

By following these few maintenance tips for your 30 gallon fish tank, as well as others recommended by your neighborhood pet store, you're bound to have a number of years of enjoyment for both you and your fish.