How To Select Your Aquarium

Far too many people start off on the wrong footit, but experience has shown that the smaller
by acquiring an aquarium first and deciding whatsizes of aquaria are much more liable to have
to do with it afterwards. Sometimes this turnsthings go wrong than the larger ones, and the
out well enough, but it is equally likely to cause achances of the initial cost- being wasted or
good deal of difficulty and expense.additional cost being continually incurred are
In selecting your aquarium there are three thingsgreater with small tanks.
you must consider. Where you are going to locateSo we strongly advise you to get the largest
it; what size will be right; and what style youtank you can accommodate or afford. This is
should choose. As there are certain conditions thatsimply because a large body of water is not so
must be observed in order to have a successfulliable to sudden changes of temperature, and is
aquarium, we will discuss location, size and styleless likely to be affected by small amounts of
separately.harmful matter that may get into the tank; while
Locationthe added space gives the fish better exercise
Naturally you want to look at your fish, so chooseand a chance to get away from the occasional
a spot that will allow you to view them while youbully among them.
are seated comfortably. You will be watchingStyle
them for hours.Today you can purchase an aquarium and style it
Keep in mind that the beautiful colors of the fishto fit any decor - from traditional to modern,
are due to reflected light from their scales, sofrom handsome hardwood to wrought-iron, from
place your aquarium in a corner or along an insideknotty pine to polished chrome or plastic. You will
wall where you have top or front light exclusively.find tanks finished so nicely that no other
Although most tropical fish will withstanddecoration is necessary - rectangular tanks with
moderate variations of temperature it is best tosmooth or stippled stainless steel frames,
avoid sudden or extreme changes. Remembermodernistic flared styles where the top is wider
that air circulation is a principal reason for varyingthan the bottom and is supported from the top
temperature. This means that your aquariumof the tank, even large glass balls some two feet
should be located in a quiet place away fromin diameter. Make your choice. Your own taste will
heaters or draughts or open windows.dictate the tank you want to fit your location and
Excessive light should be avoided also. Placing ansize.
aquarium in front of a window, or having a brightKeeping goldfish in small glass bowls is a form of
light shining in your aquarium, will cause the growthcruelty which should be beneath the dignity of all
of disagreeable algae. Many kinds may form -people who call themselves civilized. Goldfish can
some adhere to the glass, others form inbe kept very successfully indoors in a properly
filaments or strings throughout the aquarium, stillfiltered aquarium. They are ideal pets, being
others float and color the water green. You willamong the most colorful and easily cared-for fish,
then have the trouble of cleaning out yourand do not require special heating. They must not
aquarium.be crowded, however.
SizeOnce you have considered the location, size and
There will be a natural inclination to begin bystyle of your aquarium, you are ready to buy
buying a small tank to see how it goes, with theone, and begin the wonderful hobby of
possibility of getting a bigger one later iffish-keeping.
successful. This may appear wise on the face of