Things To Keep
In Mind…
Shape & Location
When deciding on a shape for your new aquarium, it's
important to consider the location in which you plan to
put the aquarium. Aquariums perform best when placed
away from direct or strong sunlight. You should also
allow adequate room above and around your aquarium for
regular access and maintenance. Outside of these general
guidelines you should select a shape that looks good
with its surroundings.
Size
The size of your aquarium should be determined not only
by available space, but by what type of fish you plan to
keep and how many. Some types of fish require more room
than others. Many fish will eventually grow quite large
and will require much more space than when they were
young. In general larger aquariums provide a healthier,
less stressful environment for aquatic animals. Larger
aquariums, however, usually cost more to stock,
decorate, light, and heat. It's best to plan ahead and
allow your fish plenty of room to grow in order to
maintain a healthy environment. If you're planning on a
smaller aquarium it's important not to over crowd the
tank with too many fish.
Filtration
If you plan to use your own filtration equipment a Show
aquarium is probably your best choice. Aquariums with
Sump Filter Tanks are designed for more demanding
saltwater and reef systems. The use of canister filters
can also be used with aquariums that are designed for
sump filter tanks. Another valuable filtration unit used
for saltwater aquariums is a Protein Skimmer and/or UV
Sterilizer.
Acrylic Stands and
Canopies
Acrylic stands and canopies are truly unique.
The stands feature lift-out doors for full access. The
stands are made using the same methods as the aquariums,
providing an extra measure of safety by containing most
filter drips and leaks. Colors available: Light Blue,
Dark Blue and Black.
Oak and Maple Stands and Canopies
Oak and Maple stands are hand crafted to
have the look and feel of fine furniture. Available
with your choice of eighteen Minwax ® stain colors
and sealed with clear coat for durability. Also
available with clear coat only .
Why Acrylic?
Acrylic is half the weight of glass.
Acrylic is easier to ship, move, and
set up your aquarium.
Acrylic is several times stronger
than glass.
Acrylic will not shatter, crack, or leak like glass
can. Acrylic can be drilled for under tank filters.
Acrylic distorts much less and is
clearer than glass.
If a transparent object is surrounded by another
material that has the same index of refraction, then
the speed of light will not change as it enters the
object. No reflection and no refraction will take
place, and the object will appear invisible and
without distortion, even at increased viewing
angles. In addition to having a slight green tint,
glass has an index of refraction that is
considerably different from water. Incidentally,
clear acrylic plastics have almost the same
refractive index as seawater so there is no bending
of light as it passes from the plastic into
seawater, providing better and brighter color and
sharper shapes in acrylic aquariums. The huge
viewing windows in large public aquariums can be
more than 12 inches thick, but because they are made
of acrylic, they afford a very clear view of the
water and ocean life they enclose. Acrylic also
allows better penetration of your system lighting,
which is especially important for reef systems.
Acrylic insulates better than glass.
Acrylic controls water temperature fluctuations, one
of the primary reasons for fish stress, disease, and
death. Glass conducts heat and cold causing more
fluctuations.
Acrylic seams are stronger than
glass.
Acrylic seams are molecular bonds and actually
stronger than the acrylic itself. Silicone seams
used on glass aquariums can dry out and weaken over
time.
Acrylic seams are visually superior
to glass.
Acrylic seams are polished and nearly invisible.
Silicone seams are clearly visible and have been
known to discolor when exposed to certain fish
medications.
Acrylic is easily refinished.
If glass scratches it can not be repaired. Acrylic
can be repaired with a variety of scratch removal
kits. Even internal scratches can be repaired
without removing the fish or water.
Custom formed designs are possible
with acrylic.
Acrylic can be formed to create interesting aquarium
designs which you won't find with glass aquariums.
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