Buying an Aquarium for a Child or Teen in Melbourne Buying an Aquarium for Child or Teen in Melbourne | Page 4

want. Maybe they will surprise you and give you the items without waiting for a special
occasion.
Another option is to look for used equipment. Be aware that used tanks may leak, and
heaters or filters may not work at all, and it's difficult to test them out before buying.
So ask questions up front, and don't pay more than 50% of the original price for anything.
Don't be too afraid of dirty glass or decorations, as that can be cleaned pretty easily.
However, scratches and cracks cannot be rectified, so check used equipment closely for
damage.
 Size
Avoid tanks under 10 gallons if you are a first time aquarium owner. Small aquariums are
actually far more difficult to manage than larger ones, as toxins can build up very quickly in
the small volume of water. Temperature changes and water chemistry changes can also
occur very quickly when there are only a few gallons of water.
A must to avoid are those cute mini-aquariums that range from two to five gallons.
Although some of the package deals in tiny aquariums may seem reasonably priced, they
are not good for the first time aquarium owner. In fact, if at all possible go with a 20 gallon
or larger tank. You'll have a much better chance of making it work, as a larger tank is more
forgiving of errors you might make.
 Consider Weight
Be aware that an aquarium larger than 15 gallons will weigh over two hundred pounds
when filled, and should be placed on a stand rather than a shelf or desk. You'll also need a
place to put the aquarium that is not in direct sunlight, or be subjected to drafts or
temperature extremes that could harm the fish.
The location must also be capable of getting wet from time to time. Performing
maintenance, adding or removing fish and other items from the tank will splash water
around the tank. so keep that in mind of you are thinking about keeping a tank on your
desktop or over a shelf of books or other items that might get wet.
 Number of Fish
Lastly, be realistic about the size and number of fish you wish to keep. They will determine
the size of aquarium needed, which ultimately impacts the space you'll need to
accommodate it. Even if you choose a larger tank, start with a few small easy to care for
fish. As you gain experience, you can add more challenging fish.