The Five Most Important Tips when Considering Custom Aquariums

Many fish enthusiasts, both freshwater and marine, dream of designing their own custom aquariums. Luckily for them, lighter weight materials and high-tech filtration systems can now make this a reality. There are five important things to consider though when creating a custom built aquarium. They are as follows:

1. Design

The days of basic rectangular aquariums are gone. Custom aquariums are now built into bookshelves, corners, coffee tables, or act as room dividers. While glass is still popular and tends to last longer, acrylic tanks are gaining popularity for their lighter weight and design options. Design should include adequate access above the aquarium for cleaning.

Much of the design will be dictated by budget. The more sophisticated the design, the more the aquarium will cost. However, the larger the system, the less susceptible it will be to temperature and water chemical fluctuations.

2. Location

The location of custom aquariums often dictates the shape. Aquariums need to be kept out of direct sunlight, to minimize temperature fluctuations and algal growth. Weight constraints must also be considered. Custom fish aquariums are heavy. A twenty gallon tank might work on a second floor, but a sixty gallon tank needs to be on a reinforced or concrete floor, or the ceiling below the tank may start to sag. The aquarium will need to be located by outlets with ground fault interrupters.

3. Service

Custom aquariums are expensive. Therefore, it is important to seek out a manufacturer with extensive experience. Reputable manufacturers will include sump installation for either marine or freshwater fish. They will explain the proper ventilation for the tank and the amperage needed for the electrical system. And they should ask what breeds of fish will be in the aquarium. Professionals know which breeds do and do not get along.

Many manufacturers not only install the aquariums, but also clean and service them. Proper cleaning is important for maintaining the health of the fish. Healthy fish don't need to be replaced, reducing the cost of ownership. New owners can watch how professionals clean the aquarium and maintain the parts, and eventually take over maintenance themselves.

4. Size

The size of custom aquariums is not only determined by their location (bookshelf build in versus room divider), but also by the capacity. A general rule is one gallon of water for every one inch of fish. Based on this rule, sixty inches of fish require a sixty gallon tank. Will a sixty gallon tank fit in the space allotted? Will it fit through the entrance to the room or home? The aquarium has to be customized to the space rather than customizing the space to the aquarium.

5. Budget

The more sophisticated custom built aquariums come with a sophisticated price tag. Manufacturers are willing to work with customers to design an aquarium that meets their requirements while staying within budget though. Providing the manufacturer with a budget up front will eliminate surprises at the end. Custom aquariums are a fish enthusiasts dream, and considering these steps can turn that dream into a reality.

A custom aquarium can make a wonderful showpiece for your home or business. Dalbarb.com.au has been designing and building custom aquariums for nearly 40 years. Our experienced team can help design a unit that suits your taste and budget.

Don Miguel - About Author:
After 12 years in I.T. I decided to become a full time Internet Marketer and SEO Consultant. I use Article Marketing as the main source of traffic to my website and utilize a similar strategy for my clients.

Custom aquariums
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