Aquariums have evolved into a very popular hobby, with about

millions of aquarium and tropical fish enthusiasts worldwide.

Starting in the 1850s (when the predecessor of the modern

aquarium were first being developed as a novel curiosity) the

ranks of aquarium keeping has grown as more sophisticated

systems including lighting and filtration systems were

developed to keep aquarium fish healthy.

However before you can get started in the hobby you must first

buy an aquarium. When you get to the pet store or specialized

aquarium store you will have lots of aquarium tanks to choose

from:

Metal Framework:

Most of the old style aquariums are made with sheets of glass,

which are held in a metal framework. This is usually

constructed of pieces of angle iron or stainless steel, which

are welded together at the corners. Leakage between the glass

and metal is prevented by putty aquarium cement, acrylic or

silicon sealant.

Battery Jars:

Fish Globes or Bowls: This type of aquarium is useful for

emergency purpose, but is not to be recommended as a permanent

features. The glasses are cast in one piece and a crack,

however small, may suddenly expand and cause a flood. This not

only results in a loss of fishes but also necessitates the

buying of a new tank, as it is impossible to repair the old

one.

Also, when looking through the walls of this type of aquarium,

there is distortion, which adversely affects one's view of the

fishes. Similar disadvantages apply in fish globes or bowls.

Plastics:

With the ever-expanding applications of plastics, it is not

surprising that these synthetic that these synthetic products

have been used to replace glass for aquarium. Plastics have

advantage of being unbreakable, but are soft enough for the

surface to become scratched. This is in time will mar

transparency.

Vitorlite:

This glass-like material is available in many different colours

and some very pleasing effects can be obtained by applying it to

the sides to back up the aquarium. Moreover, being opaque

Vitorlite will hide the wall and any unsightly wires or other

apparatus behind the aquarium.

Wood:

Aquarium frameworks with wood are desirable mainly for

aesthetic reasons. The wooden framework however will have to be

constructed from plywood to prevent warping.

The advantage of the wood lies in the fact that it can be

polished, covered with upholstered rug, stained or coated with

colours to harmonize with the furnishing of the room.