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• What size aquarium fish tank should I get?
  The size of your aquarium fish tank depends on the available space in an adequate location, and the type and amount of fish, you want to keep.

• What’s the difference between an Acrylic fish tank, and a Glass fish tank?
  An Acrylic fish tank is very clear, much lighter in weight, and more resilient than a Glass fish tank (i.e., you can scratch an acrylic fish tank but then it’s easy to remove the scratch). Although a Glass fish tank is typically not as clear as an Acrylic tank, most people do not notice this unless both are compared side by side, or they have much experience with both types.A glass aquarium is almost scratch-proof, but if it does get scratched somehow it will be difficult to remove. Glass fish tanks are typically much more expensive then Acrylic fish tanks.

• How many fish can I put into my fish tank?
  Typically, the amount of fish depends on what type of fish and what else you may be keeping inside the aquarium.    For example, if you want to keep Corals, you can’t keep more than 5 to 8 small sized fish (maximum) in a 75 gallon aquarium, because Corals need a VERY clean environment with minmimal deviation in water quality. However, if you are just keeping fish, a general rule of thumb is “one inch of fish for every gallon of water in the aquarium fish tank” (i.e., 10 one inch fish or one 10 inch fish in a ten gallon fish tank).

• What’s the difference between Freshwater, and Tropical, and Saltwater fish?
  Water temperature.  Freshwater fish come from colder Lakes, and Rivers, whereas Tropical fish come from warmer Itropical) areas and need warmer freshwater.  Saltwater fish come from the ocean and need water temperatures for their specific indiginous environment, as well as saltwater in order to survive.

•  What’s the easiest fish for children to keep?
  Goldfish are by far the easiest fish to keep, but even they require moderate temperatures, sufficient aquarium space and clean water.

• How often should I feed my fish or coral?
  That depends on the type of fish or coral you have and the type of food you feed them. Typically, you’d feed your fish twice a day a pinch of dry flake fish food.  Corals require different food, and differing coral feeding schedules specific to the type of coral in your aquarium.

• How much should I feed my fish or coral?
  You should observe the fish or coral eating to ensure there is very little wasted food, and continually adjust the quantity of food you feed them until there is very little waste. If there is too much wasted fish food scoop up the leftovers (unless you have catfish and other scavengers that will eat these relatively soon), do not let the uneaten food accummulate or you will have to clean the tank and change out some of the water more often.

• What equipment do I need to get started?
  That depends on the type of fish and the size of your fish tank aquarium. You can start out with just a fish bowl for a Goldfish, or Fighting Gourami, and change the water every two-three days, or you could start out with a few tropical fish in a 20 gallon fish tank and get an in-tank water filter, an aquarium water heater, and an aquarium hood with lighting in it and a timer for the lights and you’re all set. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive setup.

• Can I use water out of the tap faucet for my fish tank aquarium?
  You can use water out of the tap faucet for Goldfish if you leave it out overnight in an uncovered plastic container such as a clean, detergent, and chemical-free bucket, and then use that to change out the water of your Goldfish fish tank, or a Fighting Gourami, but for other fish, it is recommended that you use add what is known as a “Water Conditioner” to age the water and remove chlorine, and other harmful substances from the water that other fish are more sensitive too. You should never use water out of the tap faucet without conditioning and acclimating to room temperature for any other fish.

• What’s a good temperature to set my aquarium?
  That depends on the fish that you are keeping. Goldfish have a greater tolerance for variations in water temperature, but typically like the water to be in the 70 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit range. Tropical fish tanks should have have their water temperature close to 83 degrees farenheit, but you should research the water temperature best suited for the fish you plan on keeping in your fish tank.

• Does it matter where I put my fish tank?
  Yes! Where you locate your fish tank is one of the most important factors in determining the success or failure of your aquarium maintenance and enjoying your fish instead of constantly maintaining your tank. These are a few things you should consider before determining where to place your fish tank:

– Avoid Direct Sunlight, Direct sunlight will encourage the growth of algae and increase the temperature of your fish tank, stressing your fish.

– Avoid Uneven or Unstable footing, or base for your aquarium stand; do not let it lean in any direction other than sligthly towards the wall, if at all.

– Avoid locating your aquarium in the direct path of space heaters, or vents that will effect the water temperature of your aquarium.

– Avoid locating your aquarium in the tight places such as hallways where it will become an obstacle to avoid for those traveling through the hallway.

– Do not place your fish tank above a couch or bed where it can topple over onto those sitting or sleeping below, in the case of an earthquake or similar jarring motion.

 

See our “Knowledge Base” for more info on these topics and more!