This is maybe the most important choice when starting with an aquarium. There is such a selection at a wide range of prices. What do you choose?

Largely there is two strong elements here:

• What space do you have?
• What fish are you wanting to keep?

The advice as many will have stated before is get the largest aquarium possible for you, within reason. This makes sense, just by the factor of dilution any waste or toxins will build up much more slowly and the option of fishes is much wider.

The next choice is what material should you use, glass or acrylic?

Glass

• Pros: Scratches less easily. Tends to be stronger. More wildly available. Cheaper.
• Cons: Much heavier.

Acrylic

• Pros: Lighter. Tends to have a clearer appearance.
• Cons: Can warp. Not so many brands offer them. Scratches very easily.

Not so much a choice but aquariums can have a floating base such as the Fluval Roma’s where the glass is held above a surface. Flat glass the glass is in direct contact with the surface and will need support such as polystyrene or thought put in to prevent stress on the glass.

What do I place it on or cabinets?

Plenty of options here from racking to cabinets and it depends what you want. Generally a big consideration is if the aquarium comes with a cabinet the warranty could depend on being placed correctly on it.

The surface of any cabinet should be flat with no lumps or bumps to avoid putting stress on any of the glass.

Placement

• Away from direct light. Sometimes connected with algal blooms (green growth) but also could be a fire hazard or heat up the tank more then idea.
• Away from doors. Doors particularly if slammed can disturb the fishes. It’s best also to avoid being close to a front door to avoid colder temperatures, could cost more on the heater.
• Away from speakers, a TV etc. Loud noises and vibrations could disturb the fish.
• Where you plan on placing the aquarium permanently. Moving an aquarium requires draining and emptying an aquarium to avoid putting stress on the glass or cracking it.
• Close to a plug, many electrical equipment has short leads. An extention lead or two is definitely a must either way. Don’t forget drip loops, water and electricity doesn’t match.

Shape of aquarium

• Tall: Can be difficult to clean and reduces the circulation of oxygen to the lower levels. For facultative or obligate airbreathers it might put them under stress for access to oxygen. Fishes generally use more horizontal space then vertical.
• Round/bowl shaped: Again difficult to clean but can restrict a lot of the aesthetics or practicality for aquarium equipment. There are DIY alternatives but realistically best avoided.
• Wide: Much easier to clean and more space for the fish. Generally the best option for anyone new or experienced in aquariums.
• Shallow: Great for fishes that tend to only use the bottom of the aquarium but takes up a lot of space and tend to be custom made.
• Bow front: Difficult for photography but otherwise consider the height or width.

Should I buy second hand?

This is a great budget option but should anything go wrong you are unlikely to be covered by warranty. Aquarium seals only last so long and be prepared for that. If the aquarium comes with fish research those fish beforehand, you could end up with fish that are difficult to rehome or need an immediate upgrade.

Renting

If renting or living with parents consider your landlords might have their limits so best to discuss with them.

Should you give up?

Always consider this, the second hand aquarium market is strong but the value of an aquarium is definitely much lower once left the store.