| As with many hobbies or interests we all start out as | | | | 4. Where to Buy - Where do you buy one? Of |
| novices. This is true if you want to buy some fish | | | | course pet stores and retail stores are the logical |
| and you need an aquarium to put them in. This article | | | | place. Flea markets, garage sales, eBay, and Craig's |
| will give you some advice that you can use when | | | | List offer good deals as well. Using the internet for |
| choosing your first fish tank. | | | | research will give you some quick ideas on cost and |
| 1. Space for your fish tank - How much room do you | | | | style. Specialist websites can offer a wide |
| have for a tank. Buying a big fish tank for a tiny | | | | assortment of fish tanks to choose from. |
| space may take away from your enjoyment if you | | | | Other things to consider include: |
| are always bumping into it. Fish tanks can add to the | | | | - Buy the fish after your tank is set up and the |
| natural beauty of a room when they are allowed to | | | | water is at room temperature. |
| blend into it. You want to know the amount of space | | | | - Keep the water at a warm temperature. Most fish |
| you are working with before you go shopping. | | | | do well at 76-79 degrees. |
| 2. Shape of your fish tank - Consider the shape. | | | | - Add some colored gravel to help hold the tank and |
| Taller hexagonal and octagonal tanks are very | | | | plants down. Darker colors tend to bring out the |
| popular, but it is a personal choice, just like buying | | | | colors of your fish better. |
| anything thing else. and what appeals to you. Longer | | | | - Water weighs 9 pounds per gallon so be sure and |
| rectangular tanks are the most common and appeal | | | | get a fish tank that is sturdy enough. |
| to people who are doing this as a hobby. | | | | - Keep your tank clean or get a quality filtration |
| 3. Size of your fish tank - If you are new to fish and | | | | system. Algae build up can be a problem and you |
| fish tanks it is advisable to start with a small tank. | | | | want to spend the time necessary to keep you tank |
| You will spend less and it will give you less work to | | | | clean and fish safe. |
| keep it up. Small tanks can be anywhere from 10 to | | | | There are several things to think about when you |
| 20 gallons and cost you $10-$40 depending on the | | | | are deciding on the right fish tank. If you do it right |
| size and shape. If you find that you love fish and do | | | | from the start keeping fish will be a relaxing and |
| not mind the upkeep you can always move up to a | | | | enjoyable hobby. |
| bigger tank at a later date. | | | | |