| If you have been researching how to set up an | | | | might consider acrylic instead. Acrylic aquariums are |
| aquarium, you probably know by now that setting up | | | | more durable than the glass counterparts. If you be |
| an aquarium can be expensive. But the good news is | | | | keeping your aquarium in an area where anyone can |
| that it does not have to be. In fact, today we shall | | | | bump it and cause the glass to break, then you need |
| be focusing on setting up your aquarium on a budget. | | | | an acrylic aquarium. |
| First you want to start with your first big purchase - | | | | Unfortunately, the simplest things easily scratch |
| the aquarium. You can expect a good aquarium to | | | | acrylic and these scratches are difficult to repair. |
| take up to fifty or sixty percent of your total | | | | What is more, acrylic panes cannot be replaced if |
| budget. However, a good aquarium is a wise | | | | they are damaged the way glass panes can be |
| investment that you will reap contentment from for | | | | replaced--instead you find yourself buying another |
| years to come. | | | | aquarium. |
| There is one question that aquarium hobbyists have | | | | While acrylic tanks might be tempting with their |
| been asking for years: should I use a glass or acrylic | | | | unique shapes, do not be fooled. A unique shape |
| tank? | | | | does not mean that the tank can hold more fish nor |
| The answer to this question depends on several | | | | does it mean it is a better buy. |
| factors - the location of your tank, your needs and | | | | Glass aquariums are usually cheaper and the first |
| preferences and most importantly your budget. | | | | choice of most experts due to their durability and |
| First you want to consider where you plan on | | | | reliability. |
| keeping your aquarium as glass aquariums are very | | | | Once you have decided on whether or not to use |
| heavy and difficult to move. If you are living on the | | | | glass or acrylic, you might be asking yourself, but |
| third floor in an apartment complex, moving your | | | | what size tank should I purchase? |
| aquarium when you relocate in a few months is going | | | | While there are no hard and fast rules, beginners |
| to be difficult at best as glass aquariums are very | | | | often find that the bigger the tank, the more |
| heavy. You will need several friends to help you | | | | mistakes they can make as they learn. A smaller tank |
| move it. On the flip side, acrylic is lightweight and | | | | that is polluted will quickly kill the fish while a large |
| easy to maneuver. | | | | tank allows for a great chance of your pets surviving. |
| You also want to consider who will have access to | | | | If you are still not sure, start by purchasing a |
| your aquarium. If your aquarium will be in an office or | | | | twenty-gallon tank. |
| other location where it can be easily bumped, you | | | | |