With the right equipment and a bit of dedication you should have no problem in setting up your own aquarium fish tank. The crucial element to keeping healthy fish is having the right tank, which is large enough of the fish to swim around freely, a filter and heater for tropical fish. Otherwise, you will not be able to create the necessary ecosystem in which marine life can survive. Fish tanks are now available in various shapes and sizes. The most familiar designs initially were rectangular shaped and glass bowl shaped. These shapes are still extremely popular among beginners.

However, you will find that most aquarium stores now have the ability to offer aquarium fish tanks in other shapes. These are generally made of acrylic and can be hexagon, octagon or pentagon shaped. Also, tower aquariums have become popular due to their smaller surface area, and are easily accommodated in homes and offices where space is limited. If you are looking for something different to your typical, run of the mill fish tank, why not look at a coffee table aquarium fish tank or the bar table aquarium fish tank.

These aquariums can be octagon, stretched octagon, triangular or square in shape, with a slab placed across the top of the aquarium that works like a table. These fish tanks have a translucent dome, rising above the gravel, which when lit create a spectacular, glowing seascape. This adds to the beauty and sophistication to the aquarium. The two materials that that are commonly used to construct tanks are glass and acrylic. Each material has its own favourable points.

Glass is the sturdiest and cheaper option to use compared with acrylic. However, a disadvantage with aquarium fish tanks constructed of glass is that they are extremely heavy and cannot be moulded into the various designs and shapes with ease. Acrylic on the other hand has the advantage of being light weight and easier to move during transport. Both are scratch resistant. It really depends on your preferred choice of fish tank as to whether you would go for a glass tank or an acrylic tank.

If you dont want the more popular rectangular shaped tanks, and prefer to opt for a custom-designed tank, you will have no option but to settle for tanks made of acrylic You can vitalize your aquarium fish tank by adding corals, aquatic plants and electric lights. Including corals especially helps to maintain the ecological balance and add colour to the aquarium. Aquatic plants like eelgrass or tape grass add to the stability of the ecosystem and also oxygenate the water for the fish.

Darren Lintern publishes articles, guides and reports, on many topics for http://www.Kerrash.com

For all your Aquarium needs and concerns, visit our Aquarium Information Guide