Aquariums FAQs
Q. I have terrible luck when it comes to choosing fish for my aquarium. About half the time they die within the first week. Any suggestions?
A. First of all, make sure chemical and temperature levels are where they should be. The fish in the tank may be fine because they have adapted to some variation but a sensitive fish in a new place may not be able to handle it. Take some time when choosing new fish. Watch they way they behave and inspect them visually. Look for bright, clear eyes that are not sunken into the skull. Check the fins for damage. Edges should be clean and solid. Look carefully at the mouth it may be the most important part of a healthy fish. There must not be any sign of injury which prevents the fish from eating properly.
Q. What’s the difference between glass and acrylic? Which is better aquarium material?
A. Either glass or acrylic will work just fine. Glass aquaria are more common but acrylic is gaining in popularity. As far as construction goes, acrylic is preferable because it is processed at lower temperatures than glass. It is also more easily joined than glass, requiring nothing more than an adhesive similar to super glue. Probably the most important advantage of acrylic is greater impact strength than glass. When broken, it becomes large dull chunks rather than shattering into thousands of tiny shards. A downside of acrylic is that its surface is softer and more prone to scratching than glass. If this is an issue, look for an acrylic aquarium that includes a scratch-resistant coating.
Q. Do I need a saltwater aquarium if I want tropical fish?
A. Absolutely not. The types of tropical fish in most aquaria are freshwater species. You’ll find a much larger selection of fish and other creatures for a freshwater tank. Particularly if you’re a novice aquarist, and it sounds like you are, freshwater is the way to go. A freshwater aquarium will be less expensive and easier to set up and maintain. Saltwater or marine aquaria are more complex and usually unnecessary. Try out a simple freshwater tank then maybe some time in the future you can upgrade.
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