Should I Buy Small or Big Aquarium Tank?

A small fish tank is not recommended because it is limited in its capacity and can very easily be overstocked. Overcrowding, like any other excess, leads to trouble. A conscientious dealer will warn about overcrowding when you are buying too many fishes. Get his advice by telling him the size of your tank. A 5 gallon aquarium is only a couple of dollars less than a 10-gallon aquarium. In fact the cost of the equipment will run about the same to outfit a 5-gallon aquarium as it would for a 10-gallon aquarium.

The reason for this is that most of the equipment you will need for the 5-gallon aquarium is the Hume used for the 10-gallon aquarium. Some of the equipment may cost more for the 5-gallon aquarium if it is not a popular item that is mass produced. Gallon for gallon, a small tank costs more than a large one. Therefore buying a very small tank is not really economical at all.

There are two types of stands available in most pet shops, wrought iron and wood. You will find the iron stands to be less expensive, although many of the wooden stands are competitively priced. The iron stands are open on all sides, while many of the wooden models are enclosed to give a (cabinet-like appearance with doors in front.

It is a good idea if you can afford it. The equipment required is somewhat more expensive, requiring heavier- duty heating and filtering units than the smaller, average- size tank. But remember that if something goes wrong due to mishandling, a change often becomes necessary. And it is quite a chore to change all the water and clean the gravel in a 40- or 50-gallon tank.

A large tank has certain decided advantages. A large number of fishes can be kept without overcrowding, and they will usually grow better than when kept in smaller confines. There are several species of fishes which tend to be pugnacious when crowded into a small aquarium. Many of these same fishes are quite peaceful when given more “fin room.” Scenically, an artistic person can really let himself go with a large aquarium. A little imagination can transform a large aquarium into an enchanting underwater garden, with grottoes and mountains, valleys, and even lawns. A lovely little plant, Micro Sagittaria, never grows more than an inch or so high. Planted toward the front of an aquarium, it soon covers the bottom with a luxuriant green lawn. Best of all, it requires no mowing!