The Aquarium
Everyone knows what an aquarium is. It could be the place that the family goes to on a day out where all sorts of water dwelling life can be seen. This is the general term, public ‘aquarium’ being the name of the place.
Aquariums are more known as individual items.
Children are often the cause of an aquarium appearing in the family home. Maybe the family have been on a day out as mentioned above, or perhaps a school friend has got one, or perhaps the family have been to the fair and guess what, now they have a goldfish or two.
Whatever the reason, the process is a gradual one, something like a ladder. First to appear, perhaps because of necessity or pressure from the children, comes the goldfish bowl. This isn’t a problem; a goldfish bowl doesn’t cost much and is very easy to care for. The bowl sits on the cupboard for quite a while and of course it usually isn’t the children who care for it as they have gone to pastures new, it’s the parents or one of them who does the upkeep. Children can maintain their interest though and if they do all the better.
Fish grow and the children or parents may feel that the bowl is too small and think that a larger version could be a good idea. So off to the local pet shop and instead of a bowl a small aquarium is obtained. The fish are transferred to this and have much more space.
The next step on the ladder is where it happens and it’s usually a parent who is involved. Having spent time looking after the goldfish and putting odds and ends into the aquarium such as plants (plastic?) and also changing water, having read a book on the subject the parent is becoming truly interested in the aquarium. An air pump has appeared and the aquarium is being properly filtered using a powered device. The children look at the aquarium but it is the parent who is the true ‘owner’.
One fateful day after watching TV, going to a public aquarium, visiting a pet shop or a friend’s house, marine aquarium life is seen. This is the hook and it’s taken – ‘I’d like one of those!’ Aquariums are seen with beautiful fish and corals. A potential marine aquarist is at the beginning of the road.
Of course it doesn’t have to be like that, the introduction to a marine aquarium. The aquarist could have decided to move on from cold or tropical fresh water. The fresh water aquarist has some experience of course and this will be useful, though the marine aquarium is definitely different. Or it could be that a marine aquarium is the first aquarium that has ever been owned.
Aquariums will be displayed in the local fish shop in several sizes. What to do? Buy the one that fits the space? This would seem very reasonable and it is as far as it goes. There are more considerations though which need to be taken into account. One is the building materials and design of the room where the aquarium is to be housed. Another is that an adequate electricity supply needs to be available for the aquarium, and an extension lead will not do. Another is that the electricity cables to the aquarium should run in a particular way. Another is that personal safety has to be considered.
Then there is the cost of setting up the aquarium. It will be known that it isn’t just a matter of salt water, rocks and fish. There’s more than that. The captive tropical salt water world has to be supported which means that additional equipment will be required.
The additional equipment varies according to the type of marine aquarium that is set up, some types needing more than others. All of this equipment costs money. The equipment has to be considered before purchase so that a budget deficit doesn’t occur during the setting up process. If a deficit caused cut backs and shortcuts this could easily impact on the future success of the aquarium. A negative impact on livestock (livestock are the prime consideration) causing poor health or worse is not going to boost enjoyment one jot. The equipment required should be listed before the setting up process begins and the costs added up.
Then there is the cost of running the aquarium once it has been set up. Some types of aquarium cost more to run than others. It will not be good if the new aquarium is found to cost an excessive amount to run. Once the required equipment is known the cost of running it needs careful consideration.
So what has all this talk of equipment and costs got to do with buying an aquarium? It’s simple enough to go to the local fish shop and get one! It certainly is simple, but is it correct? A large aquarium will cost more to set up and run than a smaller one. Once the checks on the cost of setting up and running the aquarium have been done, the indicative answer will give a clear signpost to the way ahead. Instead of obtaining the biggest aquarium to fit the space, it could be necessary to downsize and obtain one where setting up and/or running costs will be affordable. No surprises or disappointments!
Aquariums are manufactured in different materials. Which is the better material to use? It is better to make an informed choice at the start. All aquariums require lighting; after all it is pleasant to be able to see inside! Different types of aquarium require different lighting and some of the lighting emits a lot of heat. This heat could affect the tank material.
So buying an aquarium that fits the space is not the best first action. There is a methodical process to go through which helps ensure that the aquarium is going to be a pleasure through the months and years to come.
If you are interested in purchasing aquarium related items then we recommend either using your local fish shop or on online aquarium store like Drs Foster Smith or That Fish Place.