Finding the right balance: weight, space, and cost.

The three most important considerations when deciding what size aquarium to buy are:

*  Weight Matters: Aquariums hold a surprising amount of water! A filled 55-gallon tank with a stand can weigh over 500 pounds. Make sure your floor can accommodate the weight of an aquarium.

*  Space: When deciding on an aquarium, make sure you will have enough space to perform maintenance on the tank. You’ll need room to clean the glass, perform water changes, and access equipment.

*  Budgeting: Aquariums come in a variety of price ranges. A used 20-gallon tank might be $120 on Facebook, while a new high-end 75-gallon tank can cost upwards of $4,500.

Bigger is generally better for beginners.

While there are many tank sizes available, starting with a larger aquarium is best for beginners. Here’s why:

*  Easier Maintenance: Larger tanks tend to be more stable and forgiving of minor water chemistry fluctuations, which can happen more easily in smaller tanks.

*  Less Risk, More Fun: Larger tanks provide more space for fish to swim and avoid overcrowding or ammonia spikes, common problems in smaller aquariums.

*  The 55-Gallon Sweet Spot: A 55-gallon tank is a popular choice for beginners. It offers enough space for a variety of fish while still being manageable for maintenance.

Can a small tank be too small?  Absolutely

Here are the reasons to avoid tanks that are too small for your chosen fish:

*  Cramped Quarters: Small aquariums are cheaper but get dirtier faster. A problem in a small tank will happen faster than a larger tank. For example, a spike in ammonia (ammonia kills fish) will happen more quickly in a 10-gallon aquarium than in a 55-gallon aquarium, leaving you less time to fix the problem.

*  The Myth of Size Restriction: Fish will grow to their full size, regardless of the tank size. Don’t stunt their growth by keeping them in a tank that’s too small. Don’t be mean. Buy the correct size tank for your fish.

Aquarium Wisdom: Factors That Matter Beyond Tank Size

Not Too Tall…

*  Tall fish tanks are very difficult to maintain. I had a 90-gallon “tall” tank. It was a major pain to clean. In fact, I disliked it so much that I took a seven- or eight-year break from the hobby. Height is a crucial factor in any aquarium design.

*  The sides of tall tanks make it almost impossible to reach the bottom. You must be able to touch the aquarium bottom. If the sides of your aquarium are too tall, you will have trouble with cleaning, replacing plants, and catching fish when needed.

*  If you plan to add plants to a tall aquarium, you will need more expensive lighting to ensure the light reaches the bottom of the tank.