How to Buy a Fish Tank

A lot of pet owners have bad experiences getting their very first aquarium and give up so fast. Certainly, there's a way to avoid such a scenario, and that is by planning your purchase ahead. Even if you have experience, you still need a plan.

Below are some handy tips for choosing and buying your first fish tank:

Cost

Many people think they can begin the hobby with a few dollars, which is far from the truth. If you'd like to start with decent quality equipment, you should set aside some $150 - $200. And there's no reason to get anything short of decent quality. If you find the cost too much for your budget, it's wiser to save until you have enough cash.

Making a Checklist

Making a checklist of your needs is a great way to start. This list should include the Aquatics World tank and stand, heater, hood and light, gravel, filter, net, water treatment/cleaning supplies, and some decor probably. All of those plus the fish and enough fish food until your next pet shop visit. Speaking of fish, a beginner like you should start with less challenging kinds, such as Bloodfin Texas or the very friendly Gold Fish.

If you've got a rather tight budget, try asking for help. Perhaps you show your checklist to a family member or friend who may not mind buying you a birthday or holiday gift in advance. Another option would be used equipment, but be sure to check very closely for scratches, cracks and other signs of damage. And for whatever, never pay above half the original price.  Read https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/dimensions-200-gallon-aquarium-9d6cba9a8f977d96 to learn more about aquariums.

Size

As a beginner, avoid fish tanks that hold below 10 gallons of water. While not many people know it, smaller fish tanks actually are harder to manage, because the toxins can accumulate very fast in such a small amount of water. Not to mention temperature and water chemistry changes set in much faster in cramped spaces. When buying your first fish tank, go for 20 gallons or bigger. There's a much better chance of it working since a larger tank will have more room for errors.

How Many Fish?

Lastly, be honest to yourself about how many fish you can keep. This obviously affects the tank size you should get and the space you need to accommodate it. Even if you get a bigger 20 litre fish tank, start with a few fish that are easy to care for. Just add in more difficult types as you become more experienced as an aquarium owner.