The first thing you’ll need to decide before you buy fish tanks, is what size of tank you want. The size should not only depend on how much space you have in your home but how much experience you have with fish tanks. While fish are much easier pets then say a dog, they do require care and clean up. So if you’re a beginner, it may be a good idea to start out small with something like a 20 or 30 gallon tank. Once you have mastered that, you can make the jump to a larger aquarium.

The next thing you’ll want to decide is what type of tank you want to purchase, glass or acrylic. While glass can sometimes be cheaper, acrylic is superior in its strength and clarity. Plus it’s not as heavy as glass. It also can be used to create uniquely shaped tanks without corners, such as cylinder tanks.

After you have chosen the material of your tank you’ll need to decide if you want to buy a tank from a store or have one custom made. Many lovely tanks can be found in stores or online. However, if you are having trouble finding a tank that you love then you might want to have one custom made. It’s more expensive but it’s the only way to go if you’re an aquarium aficionado that wants something large fit specifically to your home.

The last important step is purchasing all of the necessary items to make your fish tank experience a successful one. Many store bought and custom made tanks will come with these necessary items, however they can be purchased separately. The basic items you will need are: lighting, a filter, heater, pump, fish net, and fish food. Appropriate lighting is necessary to keep your fish alive. However, too much light can cause algae growth so turn off the lights when you are not in the room. A filter and a pump are necessary to keep the water clean and healthy. A heater is important for regulating the temperature of your tank. Water that is too cold can make your fish sick or kill them. A fish net is always a good idea for when you are performing maintenance on your tank and need to remove the fish. And lastly, fish food is clearly necessary for their survival. Bare in mind, there are many more items needed to maintain a healthy fish tank, but these are the basics to get you started.

Follow these few simple steps and you’ll be on your way to buying a fish tank that you’ll love and enjoy for years.