Frequently Asked Questions

Aquarium Information
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are arranged below in order. Click on any question to go directly to the answer.

1. Should I get a glass or an acrylic aquarium?
2. What’s the difference between a reef tank and a fish only tank?
3. How much does it cost to setup an aquarium?
4. What size of tank should I get?
5. I’ve heard it’s hard to maintain a salt water tank, is this true?
6. What type of aquarium lighting should I use?
7. I’ve visited a few fish stores and gotten different answers to the same questions. Whose suggestions should I follow?
8. Are your fish and products guaranteed?
   

1. Should I get a glass or an acrylic aquarium?
   Glass aquariums are a good choice for beginning aquarium hobbyists. They’re less expensive than acrylic yet durable and easy to maintain. For tanks 100 gallons and under glass is usually less expensive. Acrylic is preferred for large tanks. Acrylic aquariums are many times stronger, less susceptible to breakage, maintain their strength even when machined into creative shapes, less expensive than glass in large thicknesses required for large tanks and 48% lighter than glass.
   
   
2. What’s the difference between a reef tank and a fish only tank?
   A reef tank’s focus is on live rock, invertebrates and live corals. Generally it has few fish; the fish should be reef compatible. The reef tank has more focus on lighting, less on filtration. A reef tank can be smaller.
   The focus of a fish only tank is on fish. It usually has decorative white coral and rockscapes, it may have live rock. Filtration is more important than in a reef tank. Limited lighting is needed.
   Deciding which type of tank to create is personal preference. Reef tanks can be stunning while fish only tanks are fascinating due to the variety and number of fish. In either case it’s important to be selective about the fish you choose for your tank.
   
   
3. How much does it cost to setup an aquarium?
   A 55 gallon salt water aquarium will cost on average between $500 and $3,000.
   A 55 gallon fresh water aquarium will cost on average between $200 and $1,000. For each, prices vary depending on the quality of the tank, stand, equipment (filtration, lighting, and heater), decorations, types of fish, coral, live rock, invertebrates, etc.
   
   
4. What size of tank should I get?
   Consider the type of tank you want to have: salt water, fresh water, fish only or reef tank. Generally a larger tank is easier to maintain and has more stable water quality.
   
   
5. I’ve heard it’s hard to maintain a salt water tank, is this true?
   Technological advances such as protein skimmers and refugiums have made salt water tanks easier to successfully maintain. If you have experience with a fresh water aquarium you’ll probably find it easy to transition to a salt water tank. If you are new to aquariums it’s recommended you begin with a fresh water tank to get some experience.
   
   
6. What type of lighting should I use?
   Choose lighting based on the animals in your aquarium.
   • For a basic fish tank use one or two wattage bulbs.
   • For basic reef tank and freshwater planted tanks use 3-5 watts per gallon.
   • For a deluxe reef tank use 7-12 watts per gallon.
   There’s a wide variety of lighting options. Call or stop in to talk with a specialist for specific suggestions.
   
   
7. I’ve visited a few fish stores and gotten different answers to the same questions. Whose suggestions should I follow?
   Aquariums are not an exact science, so you may get suggestions that differ, but there should be common denominators in what you’re told. Base your decision on whose advice to follow on the expertise, experience and professionalism of who you talk to. Use these helpful articles for basic information to help you get started.
   
   
8. Are your fish and products guaranteed?
   There are limited guarantees on fish. We stand behind all products we sell. See our guarantees.

For more information about aquariums stop in or call – we look forward to helping you enjoy this rewarding and fascinating hobby.

Why Acrylic Tanks