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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.
- Should
I get a glass or an acrylic aquarium?
- What’s
the difference between a reef tank and a fish only tank?
- How
much does it cost to setup an aquarium?
- What
size of tank should I get?
- I’ve
heard it’s hard to maintain a salt water tank, is this true?
- What
type of aquarium lighting should I use?
- I’ve
visited a few fish stores and gotten different answers to the same questions.
Whose suggestions should I follow?
- Are
your fish and products guaranteed?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Every Blue Sierra
Exotics employee has at least 10 years as a aquarium hobbyist plus specialized
training. Use these helpful articles for basic information
to help you get started.
- 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]
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