One common question many beginners ask when getting into fish-keeping is “How big of an aquarium should I get?” In general, the bigger the aquarium the better.
In this article, we’re going to look at the pros and cons of keeping a larger aquarium and determine which size is best for your needs.
Why Keep Larger Tanks?
There are a lot of factors that go into deciding your aquarium’s size. Buying a larger aquarium (80+ gallons) might seem intimidating at first sight, but trust us when we say it’ll be easier to maintain in the long run. The saying “The bigger, the better” is a great way to put it.
So why is this?
Well, larger tanks give your fish more room to swim, play, jump, and swirl freely. This will ensure you have happy fish and prevent fighting over territory.
Larger tanks also give you more than enough space for aquascaping. You’ll have more room to add decorations, which is a plus for those wanting to have plenty of scenery inside their tank.
Also, a common mistake many beginners make is overstocking their fish tank. The reason is that they don’t know how many fish per gallon to keep. With larger tanks, this problem becomes less common because of the space available for each fish.
Easier To Keep Tank Conditions
In small aquariums, algae build up quickly and temperatures fluctuate frequently. This means that you’ll be constantly monitoring the chemicals inside the water and checking the temperature almost daily.
With larger tanks, you’ll have a more relaxing experience. Generally, water temperatures will stay stable, and your filter will deal with algae build-ups without you knowing.
Also, you won’t have to maintain the tank as frequently.
You Can Keep Larger Fish
Keep Larger Fish
A HUGE plus to having a larger aquarium is the ability to keep larger fish. This ability is appealing to many beginners because you can now keep more “cool” fish. And, who doesn’t like huge goldfish or gouramis?
Downside To Larger Tanks
There aren’t too many downsides to larger tanks, but that doesn’t mean there are NONE.
Leakage
Larger tanks are more prone to leakage problems. The reason for this is because of the larger corners and more area of glass. Don’t worry though, as long as you buy a quality tank, you won’t need to worry about this much.
Harder To Clean
Although you won’t have to clean a large tank as frequently, the times you do will be a little more difficult than cleaning a smaller tank. You’ll still need to know how to clean a fish tank THOUGH!
Longer Nitrogen Cycle
When it comes to cycling a fish tank, larger tanks will take longer to cycle. This is because there is more water to process and filter. And yes, you NEED to cycle your tank!
What Size Tank Should I Get?
So now we’ve seen the pros and cons of bigger aquariums. So now the question arises, Is a larger tank better for me?
If you want to keep much fish and decorate your aquarium a lot, then a larger aquarium is a perfect fit for you.
On the other hand, if you want to keep a fish or two and not decorate too much, a small tank will be perfectly fine. The Hygger Betta Fish Tank is perfect for beginners wanting a smaller tank.
Meet The Author
Hi there, my name is Gunnar Kennedy! I’m a fish-keeping enthusiast and owner of a smartfishkeeper site. I love sharing new ideas and helping others care for their aquatic friends!
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