Page 32 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

30 FRESHWATER FISH: SETTING UP THE TANK

Choosing the tank

The tank is the most important piece of equipment you
will buy, since it provides a home for your fish. Anyone BUYING AND TRANSPORTING A TANK
starting out in fishkeeping faces a bewildering array of Staff at aquarium stores can advise you on the type of tank that will
tanks to choose from, in a wide range of sizes and styles. meet your needs. The tips below will enable you to do your own quality
checks before purchasing and help you to get the tank home safely.
Your budget and the space available in your home will
influence your choice, but always make the welfare of Larger tanks should be made
Spacer bars are set from thicker glass. Tanks more
the fish the prime consideration when buying a tank. at intervals across than about 24 in (60 cm) long
the top of the tank require spacer bars to reinforce
Never select a tank simply because it looks good. the structure. These are broad
glass struts held in place with
silicone sealant. Make sure that
For fish, living space in an aquarium is at a premium, since the edges of the spacer bars are
the population density in the tank is much greater than in any not rough; otherwise, you may
natural aquatic habitat. Consequently, it is best to opt for the cut yourself when servicing the
tank. Covering the edges with
largest tank that you can afford and that space allows. Small plastic strips will prevent this.
tanks are initially cheaper to buy, but they are not necessarily
any cheaper to run in the long term. What is more, you may Check the joints between the
find that your fish rapidly outgrow their accommodation. glass panels to be sure that there
is an even coverage of silicone
Before purchasing your tank, it is worth thinking about sealant. If an area has been
the type and number of fish you want to keep and to find out missed, the tank is likely to leak.
their adult size. The key factor in assessing the correct stocking A slight smearing Do not attempt to cut away any
density of a tank is its surface area, because it is here, at the of the sealant apparently surplus sealant, since
this may seriously weaken the
water–air interface, that gas exchange occurs. The greater along the side of joints. Excess sealant may look
the glass is normal
the surface area, the more dissolved oxygen there will be in ugly, but it will be inconspicuous
the water, and the more fish the tank will comfortably be able against the substrate when the
aquarium is complete.
to support. It is usually recommended to allow about 12 sq. in
(75 cm ) of surface area per 1 in (2.5 cm) of adult fish body Examine the corners, which are
2
length (excluding the caudal fin). potential weak spots on a glass
In addition to the surface area, you also need to consider tank. Larger, heavier tanks are
especially vulnerable to damage
the volume of the tank, since the aquarium needs to provide Check the lower if they have been tipped and
corners carefully
adequate swimming space for the fish. Allow about 1 gallon for any sign of supported on a corner first,
of water per inch of adult fish body length (equivalent to a compression rather than being lifted up
fracture
horizontally. This can cause the
about 2 liters per centimeter). When making your calculations, glass to break into gritty
remember to deduct 10 percent of the total tank volume to fragments that may remain
take account of rockwork and other decor. compressed in place but can still
result in a serious weakness.
Be careful when taking your new
purchase home, because tanks can
be cumbersome and heavy. The
store should tape styrofoam
protectors over the vulnerable
edges. When carrying the tank,
always support it from beneath,
Fish need clean, well-
oxygenated water and regardless of its size. Lay the tank
space to swim. If you Protect all on a rug or similar soft material
overstock the tank, the the corners in the car to prevent it from
fish’s waste will pollute with styrofoam being scratched, and make sure
the water (see p.52). that it cannot slide around.

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