How to Buy an Aquarium

If you love fish but have outgrown the simple goldfish bowl you keep your little guys swimming in, then it's time to buy an aquarium. Below you'll find some basic, practical advice on what to keep in mind when buying an aquarium.

Tips on buying an aquarium

1. First figure out your space needs, requirements and restrictions in regards to the home or apartment you live in. How much space do you want the aquarium taking up? Also try to determine how big of an aquarium you want to buy. Try to set up a spot in your living space for the aquarium before you go shopping.
2. Most employees of pet stores will encourage first-time aquarium shoppers to go with an aquarium that's about 15-20 gallons in size. These are small sizes for an aquarium, and an aquarium between these sizes will give you a good idea (after a couple of months of use) as to whether you're ready to graduate to a bigger size.
3. A water filtration system is the number one absolute must component that you must purchase along with the aquarium. Speak with a salesperson at the pet store you're shopping in about which water filtration systems are the easiest to clean.
4. Think about the shape of your aquarium. The standard of course is the long rectangular aquarium, but aquariums now also come in such shapes as octagons, cylinders and cubes. It's recommended that you bring a friend or family member along to help you with making the decision on which aquarium to take home (a second opinion can truly be a great assistance).
5. One last thing to think about in regards to the construction of your aquarium is the material its walls are made of. Plate glass is probably the best route to go (although Plexiglas shouldn't be ruled out). It's extremely heavy, but it can replace easily, plus it's more resistant to scratches than Plexiglas.
6. While buying new is always the best way to go, many times it's the least affordable. Always keep in mind second-hand stores and garage and estate sales when looking to buy an aquarium.

Caution

You should always buy a screen to put on top of the aquarium. This ensures that no fish leap out, and it will also keep other pets of yours-cats especially-from fiddling with the aquarium.

Where to buy an aquarium

Break out your credit card and get ready to shop at any one of these recommended pet and aquarium-specific stores-

Doctors Foster and Smith carry a terrific selection of aquariums in their fish section, including desktop aquariums, full aquarium kits and stands. You can sort results by price, brand or manufacturer.

Tenecor is “the manufacturer of the world's finest acrylic aquariums.” Browse their inventory according to aquarium shapes, which includes L-shape, hexagon, cylinder and bow front aquariums.

Check into PETCO and take care of all of your aquarium needs. In addition to aquariums, you'll find heater, decorative accessories, water pumps and aquarium hoods.