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Your motive
Aquariums depend entirely on their owner to keep them healthy and the inhabitants alive ... aquariums are not like a dog or a cat who will remind you when they're hungry, need to take a walk or are not feeling well .... aquariums are easily forgotten ... and can become a gooey green mess of dead & rotting plants & fish.
Your approach
Aside from reading up on the subject ... choosing from whom you will purchase your supplies and equipment is the next important step. you can save money with a DIY approach but that is not recommended for most individuals. And if you value your time ... FORGET ABOUT SAVING MONEY! Rather than save a few out of pocket dollars purchasing mail order ... find a reputable local aquarium specialty store with a good reputation. This is harder than you might think since there aren't many around ... so once you have a good supplier don't let him/her go and give them all your business regardless of price. There expertise is extremely valuable. There are hundreds of issues governing success ... and only an expert can give you the proper guidance. You will actually save a lot of money and aggravation and disappointment over the long term.
Your aquarium
Given the myriad of choices ... it is simply a matter of space and budget ... you can spend from hundreds to ten's of thousands of dollars or more ..... for larger aquariums that are furniture quality and with high visability in your home or office ... a maintenance service is recommended. Here again choosing the right maintenance service is very important. Finally, THE LARGER THE AQUARIUM THE BETTER!
Summary
I recommend the largest aquarium you can afford and have space for ..... look at an aquarium as stylish furniture and a permanent long term fixture in your home or office .... if you look at it as temporary or just for the time being you will likely fail. Choosing good vendors who are willing to help you is 90% of the battle.
Aquariums depend entirely on their owner to keep them healthy and the inhabitants alive ... aquariums are not like a dog or a cat who will remind you when they're hungry, need to take a walk or are not feeling well .... aquariums are easily forgotten ... and can become a gooey green mess of dead & rotting plants & fish.
Your approach
Do not purchase an aquarium if you aren't first willing to read a good book on the subject. Barron's is a publisher I recommend who have a large series of soft cover guides on tropical fish that are well written, comprehensive and enjoyable to read.
Your supplierAside from reading up on the subject ... choosing from whom you will purchase your supplies and equipment is the next important step. you can save money with a DIY approach but that is not recommended for most individuals. And if you value your time ... FORGET ABOUT SAVING MONEY! Rather than save a few out of pocket dollars purchasing mail order ... find a reputable local aquarium specialty store with a good reputation. This is harder than you might think since there aren't many around ... so once you have a good supplier don't let him/her go and give them all your business regardless of price. There expertise is extremely valuable. There are hundreds of issues governing success ... and only an expert can give you the proper guidance. You will actually save a lot of money and aggravation and disappointment over the long term.
Your aquarium
Given the myriad of choices ... it is simply a matter of space and budget ... you can spend from hundreds to ten's of thousands of dollars or more ..... for larger aquariums that are furniture quality and with high visability in your home or office ... a maintenance service is recommended. Here again choosing the right maintenance service is very important. Finally, THE LARGER THE AQUARIUM THE BETTER!
Summary
I recommend the largest aquarium you can afford and have space for ..... look at an aquarium as stylish furniture and a permanent long term fixture in your home or office .... if you look at it as temporary or just for the time being you will likely fail. Choosing good vendors who are willing to help you is 90% of the battle.
Guide created: 03/05/06 (updated 12/18/06)
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