Buying an Aquarium: Where to Start
When buying an aquarium, the first step is understanding what types exist and how to maintain them properly. Pay close attention to selecting the right inhabitants, as this determines whether you’ll need a freshwater or saltwater setup.
Don’t rush into purchasing everything at once. If you immediately buy the tank, fish, and plants together, you risk making costly mistakes. Take time to research and find answers to all your questions. Only when you’re confident in your choices should you proceed with the purchase.
Remember — a knowledgeable salesperson at a specialty store will never pressure you into an immediate purchase. When choosing an aquarium, ensure it matches your preferences, budget, and living circumstances.
Choosing Aquarium Size
Larger tanks are generally more stable in terms of water parameters, making them preferable for beginners. In my experience, a rectangular tank holding 25-50 gallons (100-200 liters) is optimal for starting out. Such aquariums are easier to maintain and establish biological balance more quickly.
If space is limited or you’re testing the waters of aquarium keeping, you can start with a 13-20 gallon (50-80 liter) tank. However, I don’t recommend choosing tanks smaller than 5 gallons (20 liters) — maintaining a 5-13 gallon tank is significantly more challenging due to unstable water parameters.
Select volume based on your future inhabitants. For small fish like guppies or neons, 13-20 gallons suffices. Larger species require considerably more space. For detailed compatibility information, check out our guide on unpretentious aquarium fish.
Tank Shape and Material
Rectangular aquariums are most commonly chosen by beginners, as they provide the best viewing angles and are easier to set up. Round tanks can create interesting interior accents but are less practical for maintenance.
When selecting material, you’ll encounter two main options:
Glass Aquariums:
- More scratch-resistant
- Heavier in weight
- Traditional and time-tested option
- Usually more affordable than acrylic
Acrylic Aquariums:
- More flexible and lightweight, but prone to scratching
- Better temperature stability during ambient fluctuations
- Safer for homes with children — virtually shatterproof
- Can be molded into custom shapes
I recommend glass aquariums for most beginners — they’re more practical and budget-friendly. Consider acrylic for large volumes or custom shapes.
Aquarium Types by Purpose
Aquariums serve different functions:
Display Tanks. Designed for housing fish and creating beautiful aquascapes. This is the most common type for homes and offices. For more information on setup options, see our article on classification of aquariums.
Quarantine Tanks. Used for temporary housing — acclimating new arrivals or treating sick fish. Quarantine tank size varies depending on fish size, quantity, and containment duration.
Grow-Out Tanks. Created for raising fry. Choose tanks where width exceeds height. Why? Because shallow water allows better oxygen exchange. You can safely house large numbers of fry in such setups.
Breeding Tanks. Used specifically for fish reproduction. Each species requires particular tank volumes — research your specific fish requirements before setting up.
Essential Equipment
Once you’ve provided the basics for fish welfare, you can enhance your aquarium. Monitor water temperature, lighting, and oxygen levels consistently.
Core equipment includes:
- Filter — removes waste and debris from water
- Air pump — provides aeration and oxygen enrichment
- Heater — maintains stable temperature
- Lighting — supports plants and creates natural day/night cycles
- Thermometer — monitors water temperature
When purchasing, carefully inspect glass for microcracks. Handlers don’t always treat fragile items gently, so thorough examination before payment saves future headaches.
Maintaining Your New Aquarium
After buying an aquarium, cleanliness becomes your primary concern. Systematic maintenance keeps water clear and inhabitants healthy long-term. For comprehensive maintenance guidance, consult our aquarium care article.
Daily Tasks:
- Check for leaks. If you discover even minor seepage, address it immediately.
- Monitor fish health. Remove any sick individuals for treatment in a separate tank.
- Feed fish according to species requirements — once or twice daily depending on activity level.
- Watch for breeding activity. Transfer fry to a separate grow-out tank when they appear.
- Observe water clarity. Algae blooms and cloudiness harm inhabitants, requiring prompt water changes.
- Verify water temperature.
- Turn off aquarium lights during daylight hours if the room receives natural illumination.
- Monitor snail populations.
- Count fish during feeding. If any are missing, investigate immediately to protect remaining inhabitants.
- Remove uneaten food from substrate with a gravel vacuum.
- Inspect equipment for malfunctions or leaks.
- Switch off lights several minutes before room lighting comes on.
- Test pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels to determine if corrective measures are needed.
- Check supplies of food, medications, and water treatment products.
Weekly Tasks:
- Remove excess algae growth.
- Clean the filter thoroughly. Do this more frequently if it clogs faster.
- Scrape algae film from glass walls using a specialized scraper for maximum transparency.
- Remove approximately 25% of water while vacuuming substrate debris. Note that complete water changes occur only when all fish have died.
- Gently rake the bottom gravel layer to level it.
- Remove any surface film that forms on water.
- Add fresh water matching the characteristics of existing tank water.
- Separate tangled plants to improve light penetration.
Monthly Tasks:
- Replace deteriorating plants.
- Remove damaged leaves and thin out overgrown vegetation.
- Clean the air pump.
- Wash decorative elements without using chemical cleaners.
- Ensure lighting fixtures function properly.
- Remove mineral deposits from tank walls.
Following these rules for a healthy aquarium ensures your aquatic ecosystem thrives. Remember: successful fishkeeping begins with informed choices. Don’t rush, explore all options, and your aquarium will bring joy for years to come.
Article updated: 2026-07-27
