Getting a new aquarium can be a fun experience. However, all too often, a 10-gallon aquarium is purchased conveniently or on a whim, filled with water and plastic plants, and packed with fish the same day. The result is a combination of frustration, regret, and dead fish.
Choosing the right tank and ensuring proper setup time is crucial for a positive experience. Extensive pre-searching is recommended to ensure the success and enjoyment of your new aquarium and its residents.
What Fish Tank Size Should I Choose?
Preparing your home for pet fish can vary depending on the desired number of fish and the available space. The capacity of fish tanks can range from less than 0.5 gallons to more than 200 gallons. As an aquarium’s size increases, so does its weight, space requirements, and maintenance needs. Before you buy, evaluate the advantages of various fish tanks and aquarium sizes.
Here is a complete overview of size options for fish tanks based on their gallon capacities.
Up to 10 Gallons
Professionals suggest that a 5-gallon tank is optimal for a single fish aquarium. This avoids pH variations and the accumulation of potentially dangerous substances or waste products. The tank also provides ample space for the fish to swim and lead happy, healthy lives in the water, as well as ensuring a good gas exchange.
Moreover, small aquariums under 5 gallons can house aquatic plant life and algae, including popular marimo moss balls, which can live for decades.
11–20 Gallons
Affordable and manageable 11-20 gallon tanks are ideal for fish owners seeking compact, space-saving solutions. Lower-end fish tank sizes are often decorative accessories used in home decor rather than centerpieces.
However, a few tiny fish can live happily in even 20-gallon tanks. These tanks will still need to be carefully maintained to maintain the right filtration and chemical balance. A tank weighing 11-20 gallons may be suitable for beginners seeking aquariums that can accommodate half a dozen fish under 3″ in length.
21–40 Gallons
Aquarium dimensions between 21 and 40 gallons are ideal for maintaining half a dozen to a dozen small fish in a healthy and happy environment. Their volume allows for less temperamental water quality, making them more tolerant of less vigilant maintenance.
These larger, heavier tanks will cost more, but their size will pay off. After your tank is set up with its substrate (sand or gravel at the bottom) and environmental features, your aquatic world and its fish residents can become the center of attention in any area.
Over 40 Gallons
Aquariums with a capacity of 40 gallons or more are ideal for comfortably and beautifully displaying a diverse range of fish. Big fish tanks have a gorgeous appearance and provide wonderful habitats for fish of all sizes.
Large fish tanks, particularly those exceeding 90 gallons, can benefit from a special aquarium stand or structural reinforcements to support their weight. It’s useful to know that many big fish tanks include built-in stands. Just confirm that the unit’s weight and dimensions will fit within your available area. These fish tanks are perfect for creating your at-home aquarium because they have enough space for several fish species, aquatic plants, corals, and rock formations.
Furthermore, you may consider custom aquarium services to get professional help in selecting and setting up the perfect tank.