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Fish tanks
Fish tanks range from small bowls containing a single fish to enormous public aquariums which house thousands of creatures. The world’s largest fish tank is the Georgia Aquarium. It holds more than 8 million gallons of water and is home to more than 120,000 water-dwelling animals. Among its inhabitants are four Whale Sharks and four Beluga Whales.
The first fish tanks were large marble bowls, made by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago. The first public aquarium opened at the London Zoo in 1853. Around the same time home aquariums were all the rage throughout the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Salt water fish tanks which housed exotic plants and animals became the hot new trend.
At the time home fish tanks were commonly made from wood with one glass side. They were heated from below and typically featured a slate bottom. Toward the end of the century more advanced designs were emerging. Metals frames accommodated glass on all four sides. Folks were also experimenting with aquariums that hung from the ceiling or mounted on the wall.
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