The Aquarium

These days, most aquaria are made from sheets of glass glued together with silicone rubber. As a result they do not leak after many years in service, or by being emptied and refilled many times.

The cheapest types have the visible edges of the glass smoothed and polished. It is possible to buy molded plastic tanks, often bow-fronted or other unusual shapes. These cannot be recommended for several reasons, the main ones being that they scratch easily (whereby spoiling the view of your fishy friends), and they are generally only available in rather small sizes that are not very suitable for a permanent display of tropical fish.

The most popular sizes are 24in long by 12in wide by 15in high (61cm long by 30cm wide by 38cm high); and 36in long by 36in wide by 36in high (90cm long by 90cm wide by 90cm high). Within reason, you should obtain the largest aquarium you can afford.

Surprising as it may seem, it really is much easier to keep fish healthy and happy in a 36in (90cm) long aquarium than one which is half the size.

To support the aquarium, you will need a sturdy base of some description. Special stands and cabinets are available to suit most sizes of aquarium, or perhaps you might prefer to make one yourself, with bricks cemented together, or lightweight building blocks with a blockboard top.

Wall-mounted shelves and lightweight modern cabinets, are just NOT suitable for supporting the aquarium. Remember that even the modest size of aquarium, filled with water and gravel, will weigh as much as an adult, so don't take any chances...

DO ensure that the aquarium will sit absolutely flat and level on the stand, using small packing pieces of hardboard if necessary, otherwise the water level will appear to slope from one end of the tank to the other.

Because the glass can crack if the aquarium is not supported evenly at all points, it is essential to place 2.5cm (1in) wide strips of expanded polystyrene (cut from plain ceiling tiles) all around the edge of the aquarium, where it is in contact with the stand.

NEVER try to carry the aquarium when there is any water, gravel or rocks remaining in it; not only is it very heavy, but a wet aquarium is very slippery and can so easily be dropped.

N.B. Metric sizes in this site are approximate.