IT'S A FISH THING - Phoenix Arizona. Aquarium Sales, Service, Cleaning and Supplies

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.

Things To Keep In Mind…

Why Acrylic?