Tag: Fishkeeping

10 Most Beautiful Saltwater Fish – My Personal Picks After 25 Years
After 25 years in this hobby, I still get stopped in my tracks by a great reef display. But here’s what most lists won’t tell you: beauty and keepability are two completely different things in saltwater. Some of the most gorgeous fish on this list will wreck a reef. Others will cost you $200 and die in a week if you’re not ready for them. I’m ranking these by visual impact, but I’m being honest about what it actually takes to keep each one.

Beautiful fish don’t come with easy care tags. Read the fine print.

EXPERT TAKE | MARK VALDERRAMA

After setting up and managing reef displays for over two decades, I’ve learned that the fish you see on these lists fall into two categories: fish that reward patience, and fish that punish inexperience. Most people discover which category they bought into after the fact. This list is meant to help you figure that out before you spend the money.

What People Get Wrong

The biggest mistake I see: people shop saltwater fish the same way they shop freshwater. They see something stunning at the LFS, buy it, and hope for the best. In saltwater, that approach costs you. The Emperor Angelfish at #7 needs 220 gallons minimum. The Marine Betta needs a quiet, established tank with no active tankmates. The Lyretail Anthias needs multiple feedings a day. Beauty in saltwater almost always comes with a requirement list. Know the list before you fall in love with the fish.

WHY THIS RANKING

These 10 are ranked by visual impact in a display tank: color intensity, fin drama, behavioral presence, and how they photograph against coral. I’ve kept or personally observed all of them through my 25+ years in the hobby and time managing aquarium retail. Availability and realistic keeping difficulty factor into the notes on each entry, not the ranking itself.

The 10 Most Beautiful Saltwater Fish

10. Volitan Lionfish

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 120 Gallons
- Max Size: 15 inches
- Reef Safe: With Caution
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Around $40
One of my personal favorites from the predator category. The lionfish gets press coverage for its invasive spread in the Atlantic, but in the home aquarium it’s a genuinely great display fish. Surprisingly personable for a predator. They’ll recognize feeding time and respond to your presence at the glass in a way that surprises most people who expect them to be standoffish.

The catch: they eat anything that fits in their mouth. Smaller tankmates are just expensive feeder fish to a lionfish. Pair them with triggers, large angelfish, and other fish too big to swallow. They’re coral-safe but will eat shrimp and crabs. If you have a smaller tank, the Dwarf Zebra Lionfish tops out at 6 inches and works in a 50-gallon setup. Same dramatic look, smaller footprint.

9. Marine Betta

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 Gallons
- Max Size: 8 inches
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Price: Around $80
The Marine Betta is one of the most misunderstood fish in the saltwater hobby. People see it and assume it’s a freshwater Betta relative. It’s not. This is a grouper family fish that looks like something out of a deep-sea documentary, with a striking spotted pattern and a fake eye-spot on the dorsal fin that fools predators. Hardy is an understatement: I’ve seen these survive tank crashes that wiped out everything else in the system.

The requirement: they need a quiet, established tank. Dump one into a high-energy community with active tangs and triggers, and it will hide indefinitely, stop eating, and decline. Give it caves, dim spots, and peaceful tankmates, and it will eventually become one of the most interesting display fish you own. Nocturnal by nature, but they adapt to home schedules over time.

8. Harlequin Tusk

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons
- Max Size: 10 inches
- Reef Safe: With Caution
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Usually over $90, Australian specimens over $200
This fish from the Indian Ocean and Australia turns heads because of those blue and orange tusks. It’s not shy about showing them either. The Harlequin Tusk holds its own in aggressive community tanks: tangs, triggers, large angelfish are all fair companions. It won’t harm corals, but snails, shrimp, and crabs are on the menu.

One buying tip worth knowing: Australian specimens run more expensive, but the coloration is noticeably richer. Indian Ocean tusks are good fish, but if you want the real showstopper version, budget for the Aussie variant. The difference shows up immediately at the glass.

7. Emperor Angelfish

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 220 Gallons
- Max Size: 15 inches
- Reef Safe: With Caution
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Around $80 juvenile, over $150 adult
The Emperor Angelfish is one of the most visually arresting fish in the saltwater hobby. Juveniles look completely different from adults: dark blue with white and electric blue rings, like a different species entirely. Adults develop the signature yellow body with blue horizontal stripes and that black mask. The transition between juvenile and adult coloration is an event worth watching over the months it takes to complete.

Hard truth: 220 gallons is the minimum. Not a suggestion. Not a starting point. If your tank is under 200 gallons, this fish isn’t for you, and trying to shortcut it produces a stressed, underdeveloped animal that never reaches its color potential. For reef tanks, some specimens are coral-safe, others pick at LPS and soft corals. No guarantee either way.

6. Flame Angelfish

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 70 Gallons
- Max Size: 4 inches
- Reef Safe: With Caution
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Around $50
If you ask most reef keepers which angelfish they’d add to a display tank, the Flame Angelfish is the answer. That red-orange body with black vertical bars is striking against any coral backdrop. It punches above its weight in terms of visual presence for a 4-inch fish.

The reef-safe caveat is real, though. Some specimens nip at polyps and zoas, particularly when they feel underfed. Add it last to a reef tank, feed it well, and watch the corals when it’s new. Most keepers have no problems; some have recurring battles. Know that going in.

5. Lyretail Anthias

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons
- Max Size: 5 inches
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive among males
- Price: Around $30 females, more for males
The Lyretail Anthias in a school is one of the most visually spectacular things you can put in a reef tank. Males are orange-yellow with a purple streak and elongated lyretail fin. Females are solid orange. Run one male with a group of females: the dominant female becomes male if the male is lost, which is as fascinating in person as it sounds on paper.

The challenge is feeding. These are active, high-metabolism fish that need multiple feedings per day. Auto feeders help, but they need meaty food, not just flake. If your schedule doesn’t support consistent feeding, Anthias will decline. The ones that thrive are in tanks with dedicated owners. It’s that simple.

4. Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 90 Gallons
- Max Size: 5 inches
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Price: Over $200
The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is arguably the most beautiful wrasse in the hobby. That’s not a casual opinion from me: the colors on a male in display are something you don’t forget. Red body with horizontal yellow and blue-white stripes, capped with a purple head on the best specimens. The problem is availability. These are almost never in stock at LFS and usually have to be special ordered or found on WYSIWYG online vendor lists.

It’s peaceful and genuinely reef safe, so the only barrier is price and sourcing. If you see one available from a reputable vendor, don’t overthink it. They’re worth the investment. Just make sure your tank is fully established and you have appropriately sized, non-aggressive tankmates before it goes in.

3. Sargassum Triggerfish

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons
- Max Size: 10 inches
- Reef Safe: With Caution
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Around $150
Triggers get a bad reputation in reef circles, and most of it is deserved. But the Sargassum Triggerfish is the exception. It’s widely regarded as the most reef-compatible trigger available, and its patterning, with earthy brown, yellow, and blue-white markings that mimic floating sargassum weed, is genuinely unique. No other trigger looks like this.

The personality is a huge part of what makes triggers great: they vocalize with a grunting sound, swim laps at feeding time, and respond to their owners in ways that most reef fish never do. This fish becomes a centerpiece not just visually but behaviorally. The conversation piece in the room, every time.

2. Red Sea Purple Tang

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 125 Gallons
- Max Size: 10 inches
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Price: Around $200
The Red Sea Purple Tang is the tang you build a tank around. Deep purple body with yellow pectoral fins and a yellow tail: in the right lighting, against white corals or a blue background, this fish is breathtaking. They’re active grazers who cover every level of the tank, which makes them one of the most engaging large fish to watch day-to-day.

They’re also aggressive toward other Zebrasoma tangs. One purple tang per tank, full stop. Pair it with tangs from different genera, give it room to swim, and it will settle into one of the most rewarding fish you’ve owned. Worth every dollar of the price tag for anyone with a display reef of 125 gallons or more.

1. Designer Clownfish

Stats:
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons
- Max Size: 3 to 6 inches depending on species
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive (Maroon varieties most aggressive)
- Price: Varies, some over $200
I put Designer Clownfish at number one because they’re the intersection of visual stunning-ness and genuine accessibility. Natural clownfish are already beautiful. Designer clownfish, produced through selective captive breeding, push that further with pattern combinations that don’t exist in the wild: snowflake patterns, black and white variants, misbar patterns, extreme picasso designs.

They’re also the most reef-appropriate fish on this entire list. Small tank, paired with an anemone, fully reef safe, hardy once established. If you’re a beginner who wants a beautiful saltwater fish that won’t punish you, this is the right choice. If you’re an experienced keeper who wants a display centerpiece that generates genuine conversation, same answer. The variety of designer clownfish available today means you’ll find something unlike anything else on the market. The best place to source premium designer clownfish is Flip Aquatics, which carries an outstanding rotating selection of captive-bred specimens.

MARK’S TOP PICK

Designer Clownfish for most keepers, no contest. Beautiful, reef safe, hardy, available in captive-bred form, and suitable for tanks as small as 20 gallons. For experienced keepers wanting maximum visual impact in a large display, the Red Sea Purple Tang is the one fish I’d choose to anchor a 125-gallon reef build. Nothing else in the hobby looks like that fish under blue LEDs.

WHAT MOST PEOPLE MISS

The fish highest on the visual ranking are often the hardest to keep or the most tank-size demanding. The Emperor Angelfish needs 220 gallons. The Lyretail Anthias needs multiple daily feedings. The Marine Betta needs a quiet, low-traffic environment. Shopping by beauty score without reading the requirements sheet is the most common expensive mistake in saltwater fishkeeping.

BUY OR SKIP?

Buy if: You have a tank of 125+ gallons, stable water parameters, and 6+ months of saltwater experience. Designer Clownfish are the exception: buy at any skill level with a 20-gallon minimum. The Lineatus Fairy Wrasse is worth buying any time you find one in stock from a reputable source. Skip if: Your tank is under 75 gallons (most of this list doesn’t fit), you’re in your first year of saltwater keeping (avoid the Emperor Angel, Anthias, and Lineatus Wrasse), or you have an active reef with expensive corals (Flame Angel and Triggers need careful monitoring).

Should You Get One of These Fish?

Good Fit If:
- You have a tank sized appropriately for the specific fish (check stats above)
- You have at least 6 months of saltwater experience
- You’re comfortable with semi-aggressive community management
- You want a fish that becomes the focal point of the room, not just the tank
Avoid If:
- You’re brand new to saltwater (start with a designer clownfish and build from there)
- You have a reef under 75 gallons (most of this list simply doesn’t fit)
- You’re not prepared for the feeding regimen Lyretail Anthias require
- You want guaranteed reef safety (most of this list is “with caution” only)
Closing Thoughts

The saltwater hobby is full of fish that look incredible and punish inexperience in equal measure. Every fish on this list deserves to be here from a visual standpoint. Not every fish on this list is right for every keeper. The ones I’d push most people toward: Designer Clownfish if you’re building your first reef, Red Sea Purple Tang if you have the tank size for it, and Sargassum Triggerfish if you want personality alongside the color.

If you’re sourcing any of the clownfish or saltwater livestock on this list, I’d start with Flip Aquatics. They specialize in high-quality captive-bred clownfish and have a rotating selection that’s hard to match anywhere else. Get the right fish for your setup, and it’s one of the most rewarding things you’ll put in a tank. Get the wrong one, and it’s an expensive lesson.

References
- Seriously Fish: Species profiles and care data
- FishBase: Taxonomy and scientific data
- Practical Fishkeeping: Husbandry and care advice
August 4, 2016
Cheap Fish Tanks – 5 Tips to Get You the Best Deal
I started in this hobby on a tight budget, and I still remember hunting Craigslist and local fish store sales for deals on tanks. Getting a good price on a fish tank is absolutely possible. I’ve helped friends score quality setups for a fraction of retail. but you need to know what to look for and what red flags to avoid. These five tips are exactly what I’d tell anyone walking into the used tank market today.

Fish tanks are expensive. It can be very discouraging for a newcomer wants to get involved in something like a saltwater tank and then finds out how expensive the hobby is to get started. Is there such thing as cheap fish tanks? There definitely is if you know where to look and are patient to wait for good deal. Today’s post breaks down 5 tips to get you the best deal on cheap fish tanks.

How To Get The Cheap Fish Tanks (And 5 Tips)

1. The dollar per gallon sales

A few times every year, the chain pet stores, namely Petco, have a dollar per gallon sale. These dollar per gallon sales have tanks from 10, 20, 29, 40, and 55 gallon tanks all selling for $1 per gallon. You might actually get lucky in your area and have 75 gallon tanks available for $1 per gallon. These tanks are made by Aqueon, which is a quality aquarium manufacturer that has been around for years. You need to be aware of when these stores have their sales, but luckily there is one site that publishes the dates of these sales.

While you will get the tank itself for cheap, you may still be spending quite a lot of money on suitable equipment. For those looking for a cheap fish tank that has most or all of your equipment need. There is a better option.

2. Buy Used

Buying used is the best way to acquire cheap fish tanks. There are three sources I’m going to list here and explain why they are great way to get a tank
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Aquarium Clubs
- Friends and Family
- Facebook groups
Craigslist can be a cheap fish tank goldmine. You will want to search for “fish”, “aquarium”, and “tank” and then look at all the recent listings. Craigslist is a real-time classified so check often. With Craigslist, the larger the tank, the better the deal as many of these people selling are looking to off load their aquarium as soon as possible. Here are a few examples of craiglist listings that I found looking around:
- 180 gallon 6 foot long aquarium complete reef setup with lacquer stand and canopy – $750
- 120 gallon 6 foot long reef ready aquarium with canopy and stand – $450
- 46 gallon bowfront tank with canopy and stand – $99
Aquarium clubs are another great resource. The advantage with aquarium clubs is that you will usually get a high quality setup that is complete and well taken care of. You would need to check on the forums of these clubs to see if there are any tanks anyone is selling. You can check out our list of aquarium clubs to see a list of clubs in the US that are close to you.

Friends and family are potentially an avenue to get a free tank. A lot of the time these aquariums are sitting in an attic in a garage. Friends and family are usually happy to have you take their tanks. This was actually how I started out in the hobby many years ago from a 65 gallon aquarium that was sitting in an uncle’s garage unused. Nothing beats a free fish tank. You never know what is out there unless you ask around.

3. Know What Questions to Ask and What to Look Out For

Buying a used fish tank requires a some due diligence on your part to ensure you purchase a good tank. Here are a few questions to ask and what to inspect.

Questions to ask:
- Ask for dimensions and references dimensions with this calculator – It is common for Craigslist posters to post the incorrect tank volume
- Ask what the aquarium was used for and what it housed – do not purchase a tank used to house rodents or reptiles as these tanks may not be watertight or have damage to their seals
- Has the tank been drilled – watch for glass patches if they have been covered up
- Ask for a leak test – if the seller balks consider walking from the deal as most sellers should not mind this request
- Glass or acrylic tank – Acrylic tanks will be easier to repair scratches
- Where has the tank been stored? Tanks stored in a hot garage or outside are red flags as the heat can affect the silicone and cause leaks down the road.
What to inspect:
- What does the glass look like? Is it scratched, cloudy? How bad is the damage?
- Check for cracks – obvious cracks are easy to see but check for hairline cracks as well. These can go unnoticed and can hold water, but spell long-term disaster
- If glass, check the silicone seals – look for beads that are solid and pliable
- If drilled, inspect the drill sites for cracks
- Bring a flashlight with you – this will allow you to inspect cracks and scratches more easily
- Look at the stand for signs of warping, cracks, or mold damage. Scratches or peeled finish is fine as you can refinish the tank.
- For acrylic tanks, inspect the bracing and for visible signs of bowing.
4. Don’t Purchase the Livestock

Often times you will see a listing where the seller is trying to sell a complete setup with fish, coral/plants, live rock, etc included. I would advise against purchasing the livestock unless you are experienced with handling an aquarium move. Moving an aquarium, especially a large aquarium is one of the most stressful activities you can undertake in the hobby. If the seller has a rare fish or coral that you want, consider purchasing it separately and quarantining it until your tank is established. I would not factor in the price of livestock on a listing. Try to negotiate with the seller to purchase only the equipment.

Often times, the seller can give the livestock to a local fish store or advanced hobbyist who has the means to handle the move. If you chose to purchase livestock, the safest livestock to purchase would be live rock (Amazon Affiliate links ahead). Live rock can be stored in a black stock tank with cheap power heads and an aquarium heater (food grade buckets work for smaller live rock purchases). Corals can be safe to purchase as well, but given the availability of frags these days, I would recommend just getting frags from a local reefer when your tank is ready.

When purchasing live rock. The best way to move it in a display tank is to “cook” the live rock. Melev’s Reef has a great video explaining the process. The reason why we want to do this is to reset the live rock. This prevents all the pests that and the nuisance algae from entering your display tank. This also effectively quarantines the live rock from parasites if you cook it long enough (6-8 weeks while switching out containers every transfer like in the video).

5. Prices Are Negotiable

Prices for listing are often not firm – especially on craigslist. If you find a listing that is new and listed under the title of a moving sale or “must sell quickly” jump on it right away. The newer the listing, the better the chance you will have at negotiating a better price. Many of people who list on Craigslist just want to get the aquarium out of their hands as soon as possible versus getting the best price for it.

Even if they have a price listed, ask the seller what they would take for it to get it off their hands that day. You would be surprised how often you will get a lower number than what it is originally listed for. The worst thing that can happen is they say no and you just wait another week for a good listing to pop up. People exit the hobby all the time and good deals are literally a dime a dozen especially if you live in a big city.

Negotiating off an aquarium club listing is harder to do because often times the seller is willing to wait it out or knows the value of the equipment they are selling. For these listings, it may be better to consider purchasing separate components of the setup as these sellers are more open to doing this. This is a really great way on getting quality equipment. The best equipment to buy used would be:
- Controllers
- Protein Skimmers
- Sumps
- Calcium Reactors
- Lighting
- Reverse Osmosis Systems
- Dosing Pumps
- Wavemakers
Cleaning the Tank and Equipment

If you purchased a used tank setup, it will likely not be cleaned and you will need to get it ready to be used. The best cleaners to use on an aquarium and equipment would be distilled white vinegar that you can pick up cheap at a store like Target.This should be able to get most of the equipment looking like new after an overnight bath in the solution. It should be able to handle most used aquariums. I’m going to suggest some products below. Please note, affiliate links will be included for which I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you should you make a purchase)

For really bad stains and dirty tanks, Bar Keepers Friend Powered Cleanser would be a good safe solution to use on the aquarium only.

Aquarium Safe

Bar Keepers Friend

An excellent way to deep clean used aquariums. A safe solution that handles the toughest of jobs!

Buy On Amazon

For aquarium stands, it’s going to be depend on the condition of the stand. If it is in good condition, a simpler cleaner like Feed N Wax should make it looks like new again.For stands that are not in good shape, you may want to consider refinishing the cabinet with an oil based primer and paint. We recommended Kilz Oil-Based Primers and Java Gel Stain for refinishing projects. You can seal stain with Spar Urethane.

Choosing New – Cheap Aquarium Packages

While searching for a used tank can save you money, sometimes buying new makes more sense. Below are two examples for freshwater appropriate starter kits that are smaller and will get you started on your way.

Tetra 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit – Starter kit for the freshwater beginner

Best For Freshwater

20 Gallon Aquarium Kit

A reasonably priced 20 gallon kit by Tetra. It’s a cheap way to get started if you would rather buy new

Buy On Amazon

Tetra glass tanks are made in the USA and this 20 gallon starter kit comes with several things to get you started. It has an LED hood, a UL rated heater, and Tetra Whisper filter, one boxwood plant mat, and four artificial plants to get you started. The 20 gallon tank has good dimensions being 24″ in length and 16″ in height and should serve a good beginner freshwater tank. The nice addition is Tetra’s aquarium app, which provides guidance, recommendations, and reminders to help you succeed! While the whisper filter isn’t the best powerfilter out there, it is a reasonable filter for a beginner and can be upgraded later.

Aqueon 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit

Brand Name

Aqueon Start Kit

A 20 gallon aquarium kit by Aqueon. Equipped with Aqueon’s power filter and a plug and play heater.

Buy On Amazon Buy On Petco

Aqueon’s 20 gallon kit has a higher end power filter with Aqueon’s Quietflow 10, but it is a little undersized for the package. The heater is a plug and play preset heater configured to 78 degrees. You get to choose your plants and rocks with this kit as it does not come with either.

Easy to Find if You Are Patient – Tell Us Your Story

Tell us your story below in the comments about how you purchased a cheap fish tank. We also know that not all listings will include the equipment you want or need so after you purchase a used tank you can come check out our aquarium supplies for new equipment from top-quality brands. Let us know your thoughts and stories in the comment below.

If you want ideas of what tank you can build, check this out too. You can also check out our video above from our YouTube Channel. If you enjoy it, please be sure to subscribe! See you next time :).
July 6, 2016

10 Exotic Freshwater Fish Worth Keeping (My Honest Picks)

After 25 years in this hobby, I still get excited by freshwater species that most people overlook. The assumption that you need a saltwater tank for exotic fish is flat-out wrong. some of the most unusual, beautiful animals I’ve kept have been freshwater. These are the ten I’d recommend to anyone ready to go beyond the basics.

Most people assume you need a saltwater tank to keep truly exotic fish. I’d push back on that hard. In 25+ years I’ve come across freshwater species that stop people cold when they see them for the first time. The issue is that many of these fish are genuinely challenging: some are hyper-aggressive, some need massive tanks, and a few are outright scary to feed. That’s part of what makes them interesting. Here are my top 10 picks that I’ve either kept personally or studied closely enough to give you real guidance on.

Expert Take (Mark Valderrama, AquariumStoreDepot)

The word ‘exotic’ gets thrown around a lot in fishkeeping. After 25 years in the hobby and time running aquarium stores, my definition is simple: a fish that stops people cold when they first see it. Every fish on this list qualifies. Some are exotic because of their size, some because of their behavior, some because of the price tag or the commitment required. What they share is this: none of them are beginner fish, and several will define the entire tank they live in. Read each profile before you buy. The commitment level varies enormously from one species to the next.

10 Most Exotic Freshwater Fish

1. Wolf Cichlid

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons
Max Size – Around 28 inches
Temperament – VERY Aggressive
Lifespan – 30 years
Price – $20

A relatively plain-looking fish as an adult so you may be wondering why this Cichlid makes our most exotic freshwater fish list. Well, it’s because this fish is hyper-aggressive. It is easily the most aggressive cichlid you can buy and arguably the most aggressive freshwater fish commonly available.

They are a total handful, they are usually best kept alone in a tank as they will harass any other fish in the aquarium and they are scary to feed. Just look at this video by Mbuna Marcus of his Wolf Cichlid. Several times in this video his Wolf Cichlid went right for his fingers while eating and splashes water over his floors! These fish do not mess around!

9. Vampire Tetra

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons
Max Size – Around 12 inches
Temperament – Aggressive
Lifespan – 2 years in captivity
Price – $75+

This is one crazy-looking exotic freshwater fish. They have giant front teeth which are where the name vampire comes from. They are very aggressive fish that require expert-level maintenance. Most of these fish usually will not live very long in captivity, unfortunately. They usually only eat live fish and will rarely accept frozen foods. They are best suited for a species-only aquarium with most aquarists who keep them only having a single fish in the tank.

8. Red Texas Cichlid

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons
Max Size – Around 12 inches
Temperament – Aggressive
Lifespan – Around 5-10 years
Price – Usually around $150-200 at 6 inches

This hybrid cichlid was created by breeding a Texas Cichlid and a Flowerhorn Cichlid. They are difficult to find and usually available seasonally from breeders. They command a high price tag since they are hard to find.

7. African Cichlids

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 40 gallons
Max Size – Up to 24 inches though usually 6-7 inches
Temperament – Semi-Aggressive to Aggressive
Lifespan – Around 5-10 years
Most Expensive – Showcase African Varieties usually $120+

There are so many African cichlid types we could list here. Since many of them are often confused as saltwater fish by many people who see them for the first time, I felt that it was best to include most of the African lake cichlids in one group. There are some Africans that you can get for cheap like assorted Mbunas from a local fish store. However, there are specific varieties of Africans that can command prices over $100. If you are interested in learning more about African Cichlid tanks and care, please be sure to check our earlier blog post.

6. Flowerhorn Cichlid

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 70 gallons
Max Size – 15 inches
Temperament – Aggressive
Lifespan – Around 7 years
Most Expensive – Breeder Showcase Varieties $500+

A very beautiful exotic freshwater fish that originates from Malaysia. In Asia, they are considered a bringer of good luck. Flowerhorn Cichlids come in a variety of colors including reds, blues, pinks, yellows, and oranges. They are an aggressive Cichlid species and prefer large tanks all to themselves.

5. Pleco

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 70 gallons
Max Size – 18 inches
Temperament – Peaceful
Lifespan – Around 20 years
Most Expensive – L250 Pleco $10,000+

While most hobbyists will think a Pleco is a common freshwater fish, they really are a unique exotic freshwater fish. Many varieties like Snowball, Zebra, Golden Nugget and Royal Plecos are examples on how exotic-looking Plecos can be. There are common plecos which can get fairly large typically around 12-18 inches in length and there are smaller varieties like Bristle Nose Plecos which are suitable for smaller aquariums.

The most expensive Pleco to date was the L250 Pleco sold back in 2004 for over $10,000 in Japan; however, most Plecos do not sell anywhere near that. There are several types of Plecos that will sell for over $100 though.

4. Discus

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 75 gallons
Max Size – 8 – 10 inches
Temperament – Peaceful
Lifespan – Around 10 years
Most Expensive – Mated Pair Discus $1,000+

When one thinks of exotic freshwater fish, this is usually the fish most people think of. They can be expensive, have a variety of colors, are very delicate, and require excellent water parameters. Discus belong to the Cichlid genus and originate from South America. They are very social with members of their own species. They will also breed in the aquarium, which has created an industry of cichlid breeders where some top strains will sell for several hundred to thousands of dollars.

They are considered very challenging where they even intimate advanced aquarium keepers! If you are considering Discus and are new to keeping them, starting with an easier to keep discus breeder varieties like Stendker Discus or purchasing only domestically breed discuss will increase your chances to succeed.

3. Freshwater Stingrays

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 180 gallons
Max Size – Up to 3 feet
Temperament – Semi-Aggressive
Lifespan – Around 10 years
Most Expensive – Polka Dot Stingray $100,000

When most of us think about stingrays, we think about the saltwater variety. There are freshwater varieties that originate from the Amazon. Beautiful, bold, and unique looking they are difficult to resist if you have a big enough aquarium. This exotic fresh fish is also venomous. While there are no known cases of a freshwater stingray causing a human fatality, they have been cases where the sting has caused numbness at the wound site several years later!

The rarest stingrays also command high price tags. One such stingray at the Taiwan Expo featured a Polka Dot Stingray with an asking price of $100,000!

2. Arowana

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 125 gallons
Max Size – 3 Feet
Temperament – Aggressive
Lifespan – Up to 50 years
Most Expensive – Platinum Arowana $300,000

An extremely popular freshwater fish due to its prehistoric cosmetic appearance, the Arowana is well known exotic freshwater fish. They are known for jumping as high as 6 feet in the air for prey in the wild and have been known to jump out of aquariums. They get very large and are usually housed in an aquarium at least 125 gallons or larger. A common Arowana can be purchased for around $50 to a few hundred dollars.

However, certain Arowanas can fetch extreme price tags. Prized Arowana like the Platinum Arowana can sell for over $300,000!. These Arowanas are considered so valuable that they have microchips implanted into them before they reach sexual maturity to help identify and authenticate it.

1. Japanese Koi

Stats:

Minimum Tank Size – 1000 gallons
Max Size – 3 Feet
Temperament – Peaceful
Lifespan – Around to 30 years
Most Expensive – Golden Carp $2,000,000+

In Japanese culture, the Koi fish is celebrated as a noble creature. It is said that Japanese Koi are able to climb large waterfalls bravely, which symbolizes that incredible achievement is possible with hard work. It is also said in Koi lore that if a Koi fish is caught, it will lie on the cutting board awaiting its death without fear, similar to the Samurai warriors. There are also legends stating that if a Koi climbed the waterfall on the Yellow River, it would be transformed to a Koi Dragon.

With such great history, lore, long life spans, and respect for these fish, there is no question for this fish to be #1 on our most exotic freshwater fish list. In fact, the most expensive koi on the list demands a staggering price tag of over $2,000,000! You can see the prized fish in the video below:

Mark’s Pick

For keepers who want exotic without the extreme commitment, I recommend the polypterus (bichir). It looks genuinely prehistoric, handles a range of water conditions better than most exotic species, and can be kept in a 55-gallon (208 L) setup. It’s carnivorous and will eat small tankmates, but it’s not actively aggressive the way a wolf cichlid or flowerhorn can be. Of everything on this list, it gives you the most ‘exotic’ experience for the least amount of specialized infrastructure.

Exotic Freshwater Fish at a Glance

Fish	Max Size	Min Tank	Difficulty	Temperament
Wolf Cichlid	28 in (71 cm)	200 gal (757 L)	Expert	Hyper-aggressive
Flowerhorn	16 in (41 cm)	75 gal (284 L)	Intermediate	Aggressive
Polypterus (Bichir)	24 in (61 cm)	55 gal (208 L)	Intermediate	Semi-aggressive
Freshwater Stingray	18 in disc (46 cm)	180 gal (681 L)	Expert	Peaceful
Arowana	36 in (91 cm)	250 gal (946 L)	Expert	Semi-aggressive
Arapaima	120 in (305 cm)	1000+ gal	Expert Only	Predator
Koi	36 in (91 cm)	1000+ gal pond	Moderate	Peaceful

Avoid If:

You have less than 3 years of fishkeeping experience: most exotic species require established husbandry skills
Your budget for equipment is under $1,000: large exotic fish need large tanks, powerful filtration, and reliable heating
You want a community tank: most exotic species are predators or highly territorial and cannot be kept with other fish
You can’t commit for the long term: arowana live 20+ years, koi can live 30+, and arapaima are essentially permanent

Closing Thoughts

Exotic freshwater fish are genuinely rewarding, but the cost of getting it wrong is high: failed fish, wasted money, and a tank you can’t maintain. Start with the commitment level, not the looks. If you’re ready for a species-only setup, a large tank, and a long-term plan, the fish on this list will give you something you can’t get from any standard community setup.

What Has Been Your Experience With These Exotic Freshwater Fish?

Have you kept any of these fish on this list? If so, share your experiences in the comments below. We would love you hear about your experiences.

June 29, 2016

5 Real Benefits of Keeping a Fish Tank at Home (Backed by Science)

I’ve had aquariums at home my entire adult life. and I genuinely believe keeping fish has made me calmer, more patient, and more observant. That’s not just anecdote. There’s real research backing up what hobbyists have known for decades: there are measurable mental and physical health benefits to keeping a home aquarium. After 25+ years in this hobby, here are the five benefits I’ve seen hold up consistently, both in the science and in my own experience.

Thinking of keeping a fish tank at home? Not only is a home aquarium enjoyable, entertaining and a good hobby for any family member, it is also a proven benefit to your health. In a time where stress is at an all time high with pandemics, high work stress, and increased anxiety an aquarium can really help alleviate stress.

And that’s not just me being bias about my 25 years in the hobby. My statements are backed up by various medical studies made over the years. It’s not secret that keeping a pet is great for your health, and aquarium fish are no exception. Let’s good though the various benefits in this post.

An overview on the hobby

According to a study made by the 2021 American Pet Products Association (APPA), fish are the third most popular pet behind dogs and cats and ahead from birds

Pet Number (in Millions)
Dog 69.0
Cat 45.3
Freshwater Fish 11.8
Bird 9.9
Small Animal 6.2
Reptile 5.7
Horse 3.5
Saltwater Fish 2.9
Source: American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 National Pet Owners Survey¹

Freshwater and saltwater fish are separated into two separate categories on this survey. Adding them both up, that is nearly 15 million aquarium owners in the US!

The Top 5 Health Benefits of Home Aquariums

1. Reduced levels of stress

Do you have a stressful life, high blood pressure, insomnia? Studies have shown that aquarium may provide significant health benefits to you. Studies go back as far as the 80’s have shown that gazing at aquarium fish reduces stress and subsequently lowers blood pressure. It’s no wonder why it is a common site to see aquariums in doctors and dentist lobbies – they have known about the stress reliving benefits for years!

The recent study by the University of Exeter Medical School showed that exposure to natural environments and highly managed settings can have calming and stress relieving effects.

Furthermore, the study found that there was an increased stress relieving and calming effect on fish, in particular tropical and marine fish. There was a strong correlation between more biodiversity (fish and aquatic plants/corals) and reduced levels of stress and blood pressure.

Reduced stress and blood pressure are great benefits, but it goes much further than that. According to the Women’s Heart Foundation, a number of aliments have been associated with with high stress levels in daily life including heart attacks, sleep disorders, and some ulcers.

2. Improvements in Sleep Quality

According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Associate, 66 percent of stated that their aquarium help relieve them of stress. Lower blood pressure and lower stress contributes to better sleep. After all, there is a sleep condition linked to high blood pressure and stress called Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OCA).

We see even greater evidence in the hobby itself. I know of two such examples. The first is Travis from Fish of Hex. He was an ex-vet serving in the US Army who got deployed to Afghanistan from 2007-2008. He was diagnosed with PTSD after returning home and has stated on his about us page that keeping reef tanks has helped him cope ever since. He is so passionate about this, he created a Reef Tank for Veterans program where he builds reef tanks for sufferers of PTSD.

3. Lowered blood pressure and heart rate

Research has shown that keeping an aquarium can help lower blood pressure and heart rates. A study found that the presence of an aquarium reduced blood pressure and increased relaxation among patients of specialized dementia units.²

4. Decreased pain and anxiety

Ever wonder why so many dental offices have aquariums? It’s because the dentist know there are studies that show that dental patients viewing the aquariums in the waiting room experience less anxiety and need less pain medication³.

In the linked study, the key factor was the living fish. Something about viewing fish swimming in an aquarium calms are minds down. It’s no wonder we see them everywhere at Dental offices.

5. Calming effect for children and Alzheimer’s patients

Another study made by Purdue University found that display tanks of brightly colored fish may curtail disruptive behaviors and improve the eating habits of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The study also revealed that the fish tanks stimulated cognitive thoughts in Alzheimer’s patients.

Costs Of An Aquarium

One of the biggest fears for beginners is the cost of keeping an aquarium. This fear comes from advanced hobbyists like reef tank owners or people who have made many mistakes in the past from their fish-keeping journey. Aquariums are not that expensive, especially if you go with a freshwater aquarium.

Let’s compare the cost of keeping a fish to the two most popular pets in the US – cats and dogs. If we go to the ASPCA website, there is an article about annual costs for dogs and cats. According to their post, the annual cost of a dog is $1,391 while a cat is $1,149. Your initial one-time costs are $1,030 for dogs, and $455 for cats. This is before looking at grooming for a dog and dental for both pets. We total out to over $3,000 for the first year of ownership for a dog. See the summarized table below:

Type Dog Cat Freshwater Fish
Annual Costs $1,391 $1,149 $100
One-Time Cost $1,030 $455 $250
Special Costs $800 $300 $25
Total $3,221 $1,904 $375
Source: ASPCA.org

In the chart above, I’m comparing the cost of keeping a Dog or Cat vs. a 5-gallon freshwater fish tank. Here we can see that keeping a small freshwater fish tank can be nearly 10 times less than the cost of a Dog. Why did I pick a 5-gallon fish tank? Because in the freshwater hobby, the perfect fish for a 5-gallon fish tank is a betta fish. Betta fish are great individual pets, are highly rewarding, and you can bond with them as they are a single fish versus a community of fish.

This setup listed is on the higher end, using a premium Fluval Spec V and accounting for a quality diet and a fancier Betta Type variety.

Why Keep An Aquarium At Home?

Now that we know the health benefits and the cost, let’s go into further detail why purchasing a fish tank and keeping is a good idea. Sure the health benefits are great, but what about the other reasons? They are a pet after all that requires responsibility. Let’s see what else they have to offer.

Peace and Quiet

One of the biggest downsides to keeping a dog that I have personally experienced is the noise factor. Some dogs can be loud with barking or particularly needy at times. Fish tanks can be noisy as well if you invest in cheap equipment.

With the moderation of better filtration systems like canister filters, all-in-one fish tanks, and high-quality power filters an aquarium can be virtually silent.

Education Opportunities for Kids

it’s quite common in schools to have science projects involving aquatic animals. This is because a child can learn a lot about ecosystems, the nitrogen cycle, and identifying and treating aliments. It also can unfortunately a way to introduce kids to the concept of death.

Perhaps I’m sounding morbid here, but I did remember the first time my youngest son Rhys had to see a yellow tang I quarantined that ended up passed away due to marine velvet. I did the right thing quarantining the fish since that disease didn’t go into my display tank. Still, I had to explain to my son what death was.

Fish die in our hobby. Some fish live shorter lives than other pets and they can die for various reasons. The fact that I had to explain this to a pet first instead of a family member I felt was really helping in him understanding how the cycle of life worked.

Small Footprint

While it is true that aquariums can get very large and showy from shows like Tanked, we also know that smaller aquariums can fit on a desktop or countertop. With homes getting smaller from increased cost of living, it’s nice to have a pet option that doesn’t require a large backyard, a litter box, or a large bird cage.

Most aquariums that people purchase in this hobby are going to be 2 feet in length or shorter. It’s when you jump into 3 foot + fish tanks where space can be an issue in the home. Stick to smaller fish tanks and you won’t have a space issue.

Low Maintenance

Dogs require a lot of attention. Larger breeds require to be walked several miles a day. Cat need a little box cleaned, which can get unslightly if not regularly kept up.

I actually see a lot of similarities with cats and fish as both in general will be okay with an autonomous existence. The main difference is fish are in their own little world. They will be happy to see you feed them and are perfectly happy if you leave them alone. Many advanced hobbyist who perform aquascaping look at aquariums like living works of art.

The maintenance of a simple setup is low with a smaller tank and sticking to freshwater systems. Water changes are fairly painless and cleaning the tank is less work than cleaning a little box.

The Community

The aquarium hobby is a huge community. There are regular tradeshows like Aquashella that celebrate the diversity of the hobby and local fish clubs are great for getting mentored and getting pro tips on advanced topics like fish breeding.

Clubs are a great place to find friends and connect with other aquarium keepers. You can take the hobby further and enter competitions or learn to make money in the hobby by selling plants, baby fish, or even corals. The opportunities are endless in this hobby!

Aesthetics

If you are going for a large aquarium or more premium setup, the aesthetics of an aquarium have big benefits in a house. Large well designed home aquarium setups are centerpieces in rooms. Rimless aquariums really show well in homes. They can become a focal point, even a point of envy by some of your quests. Both the outside and inside of the aquarium can be show stoppers. Even the equipment is starting to look fancy!

I’ve seen happy owners show off their aquariums to guest. They pop up their cabinet and show off their decked out sumps with an IPad display. It’s pretty crazy how some of the tools of our trade resemble tech toys now and as our hobby advances in technology we will see more smart tools being integrated in our aquariums.

FAQs

Do fish like being in tanks?

In general, yes. In the freshwater side of the hobby, fish living in aquariums oftentimes live longer and healthier lives than their wild counterparts. Fish do not have the mental capacity like birds or dogs to like or dislike their situation, however, they will get stressed out of they are uncomfortable. If the fish are kept with a responsible owner, they have the potential to live long and healthy lives!

Why is it good to have fish as a pet?

Fish can be great to have as pets. Not only are they long-term cheaper than owning a cat and a dog, but they have also been proven in studies to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, improve focus, and have a calming effect.

Is it good to have an aquarium in the house?

It is a good idea to have an aquarium in the house. Studies from the University of Exeter Medical school showed that there was stress relief and a calming effect with keeping fish.

Is it okay to have an aquarium in your bedroom?

Yes, it is okay to have a fish tank in your bedroom. However, there are a few things to note. Having an aquarium will increase the humidity. There is also a noise factor if you have equipment that is loud. For bedroom or study areas, using higher-end equipment like canister filters will keep noise levels down.

Closing Thoughts

If you are looking for a stress management activity, you might consider maintaining a home aquarium or an aquarium in your workplace. Many people maintain a home aquarium as a stress management hobby. Check out our blog about setting up a saltwater tank or check out our store and shop around for aquarium supplies and equipment.

April 12, 2016

5 Steps to Consider When Selecting a Saltwater Tank (From a 25-Year Hobbyist)

Choosing your first saltwater tank is a decision I see beginners rush through. and it sets up problems that are hard to undo. I’ve set up tanks ranging from a small 30-gallon FOWLR to my current 125-gallon SPS reef, and each taught me something about what really matters at the selection stage. Get this right and everything downstream gets easier. Here are the five questions I always walk first-timers through.

Picking the right saltwater tank is a decision most beginners don’t give enough thought. and it shapes every purchase that follows. After 25 years in this hobby, the best advice I can give before you buy anything is simple: slow down and plan. The tank itself is just the start of a series of decisions about equipment, livestock, maintenance, and budget. In this guide I walk through 5 key steps I’d take before selecting any saltwater aquarium. working through these upfront prevents a lot of expensive course corrections later.

Step 1 – Budget

I’m not going to sugar coat it. A fish tank in general is expensive and a saltwater tank is even more expensive. If you put me on the spot without any research whatsoever and ask me “how much a saltwater tank setup will cost” my answer is “At least $1,000.” Keep in mind, however, that a lot of the costs will be upfront investments in the tank, equipment, rock, stand, substrates, etc. You can certainty spend less on a smaller setup and can cut cut with DIY work or used equipment, but I am going to assume that you are not a big DIYer. Over time, as you get more advanced in this hobby, it is natural to begin DIY solutions, but beginners should generally stay away from DIY. Set your budget and continue your research from there.

Step 2. Determine How Big of a Tank You Can Keep/Afford

After you determined your budget, it’s time to determine how big of a tank you can keep. Tanks come in a variety of size, but there are four rules to keep in mind that will help with your selection:

The more gallons, the more stability – bigger is better
The longer the tank, the more room for fish to swim
The wider the tank, the easier to aquascape
The taller the tank, the harder for maintenance

With these rules explained, tanks are usually divided by lengths. The key lengths are 2, 3, 4, and 6 feet. Most tank manufacturers do not produce 5 foot length tanks and if you find one, you may have a hard time getting a stand. I recommend 3, 4, or 6 foot length tanks. 3 feet I feel is the best length for those on a budget or a beginner. 4 feet allows for a complete mixed reef setup and most lighting systems are designed for 4 foot aquariums. 6 feet in length is when you get to the territory of being able to house larger fish like tangs.

Tank height is another consideration. When you go over two feet in height, you will have additional room for fish to swim up and down instead of just side to side, but you will sacrifice ease of maintenance. Saltwater tanks more than 2 feet in height will be out of reach for most hobbyist’s hands so you will have trouble cleaning algae.

Step 3. Where to Put your Tank

Your aquarium is going to be a sizable investment and will easily become the showcase and talk of your home. When friends and family visit your home, everyone is going to want to see your tank. Because of this, you really want your aquarium in a place where you can enjoy it on a daily basis. That being said, there are a few rules to follow when it comes to placement:

Keep your tank out of direct sunlight – this will lead to spikes in temperature and algae outbreaks
Think of the first floor of your home or basement before upstairs – any tank over 40 gallons in size is going to weigh a sizable amount. Tank water is about 8 pounds per gallon and then you will have sand and rock as part of the mix. If your tank will be directly placed on a floor that is part of the foundation, there are virtually no concerns with placement.
Place your tank near an outlet – or get one installed by an electrician. Your tank is going to be using power to run and so the closer the better. Make sure it is on its own circuit if you plan on having a tank more than 40 gallons as a fully setup aquarium will draw a lot of power.
Do not place your tank directly below a vent – heating and A/C vents can drastically change the temperature of your aquarium. Having a stable water temperature is critical to a healthy aquarium. Placing your tank away from a vent will prevent this issue.
If you are dead set on having an aquarium upstairs – hire a structural contractor to get advice if you are going to place a 40+ gallon tank upstairs. Better safe than sorry. A couple hundred dollars could be worth tens and thousands of dollars of prevented repairs.
Level the area – if your placement is a slightly off-level, get some shims to adjust. If the location is way off level – consider another spot

Flooring is another consideration to keep in mind. The most ideal floor for a tank would be directly on a foundation or on top of tile. Carpet can be risky because water spills will eventually build mold in the padding. Laminate can also be hit or miss, with only the higher quality laminates been ideal and sealing being key. Hardwood floors are not ideal because the saltwater from your tank can eventually wrap the hardwood. You can seal your hardwood, but it is at your risk. If you have a spill, you will need to clean it up right away. Having a wet/dry vacuum can be a lifesaver for such times.

Step 4. Standard, All in One, Reef Ready, or Custom Tank

In the industry there are four types of tanks you find available for purchase:

Standard Aquariums – Usually found at general pet stores
Reef Ready Aquariums – Pre-drilled and ready for a sump
All-In-One Aquariums – Pre-designed for ease of use
Custom Built Aquariums – Very expensive, but showcase quality

Standard aquariums are mass produced aquariums made with glass. They are of good quality and will come with black trim and rims to provide structural support. The vast majority of these tanks will have tempered glass on the bottom of the tank, which will limit your drilling of tank if you chose to do so to the back of the aquarium. Many hobbyists will purchase these tanks and customize them by drilling them and even painting the back of the tank. Standard aquariums are the best choice for a budget conscious build.

Reef Ready Aquariums are aquariums that are pre-drilled and will come with an overflow system. An overflow system is designed to skim the water surface of your aquarium to pull dissolved organics and waste out of your tank. These tanks are designed to work with a sump setup. A reef ready aquarium is the best choice for flexibility and long-term investment. They provide the best starting point for a hobbyist looking to build a complete system. The main advantage from a reef ready system over a drilled standard tank is that the reef ready tanks are drilled at the bottom. This allows you to setup a very clean and seamless look in the back of the tank without pipes sticking out. Many of the new reef ready tanks coming out these days are coming equipped with innovative overflow systems as well. If you want to start out on the best foot possible, a reef ready tank is the way to go.

All-In-One Aquariums are a recent development in the industry. They are tanks complete with overflows and even sumps to provide either a fully integrated system or as close to a plug and play solution as possible. Some All-In-One will have a Sump in the back of the tank, which will eliminate plumbing that would be required in a sump setup. All-In-One Aquariums can be more expensive then a fully setup Reef Ready Aquarium and can have limitations over a customized setup. One of the biggest limitations is the equipment you can place in it. For example, sometimes the protein skimmer chamber may be very small so you will be limited on the type of skimmer you can place or the sump that comes with the all-in-one may not have room for a refugium. If you are looking for ease of use and seamless look (as many of these tanks have wonderful aesthetics), an All-In-One Aquarium would be the choice for you.

Jimmy Butler’s Custom Boom Box Aquarium as seen on “Tanked”

Custom Built Aquariums are the most expensive setups. You can obtain an extremely unique and world class look. Custom tank makers are usually found locally as custom aquarium makers are very seasoned hobbyists or companies that create custom aquariums. If you want the “Tanked” look, a custom built aquarium is where to look to.

Step 5 – Glass vs. Acrylic

Glass vs. acrylic is a common debate when it comes to tank selection. Below is a table to show the strengths and weaknesses of glass and acrylic:

Characteristic	Glass	Acrylic
Weight	Glass is usually about 4 times heavier than acrylic and up to 10 times heavier on larger aquariums	Lightweight and easier to move
Breaking and Cracking	With a strong enough force – Glass will crack and leak	Very impact resistant
Support	Glass can support itself over distances so they can be placed in stands with an open top with little to no risk	Needs support throughout the length of the tank. Stands are limited due to this.
Clarity	The thicker the glass, the more noticeable the distortion. Distortion can be mitigated in thicker glass by the use of low-iron glass.	No distortion in clarity – superior to glass even against low-iron glass.
Scratching	Very difficult to scratch. You can even clean algae with a razor blade and be fine with glass	Prone to scratching. Fish with strong jaws can directly scratch acrylic and you can even scratch the outside accidentally with jewelry. The outside scratches, however, can be repaired with a repair kit.
Cost	Generally cheaper and mass-produced	Generally more expensive due to shipping

Overall, I would recommend going with a glass aquarium as the pros outweigh the cons. You might want to consider acrylic or even plywood though if you are considering a tank over 500 gallons due to the weight and clarity issues of glass.

Closing Remarks

I hope this guide was very useful to you. Here at AquariumStoreDepot, we like to pass down knowledge to our customers. A well informed customer is a successful hobbyist and will enjoy this hobby for years to come. We would be happy to guide you on your journey to saltwater reefing!

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide. your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.

March 16, 2016

Aquarium Stand Selection Guide – 5 Things You Must Check Before Buying
An aquarium stand is one of those purchases people treat as an afterthought. and I’ve seen that mistake end badly. A 125-gallon tank full of water weighs over 1,400 pounds, and a stand that isn’t rated for that load or isn’t level is a disaster waiting to happen. I’ve bought and assembled stands for multiple setups over the years and know exactly what to check before committing. Here are the five things I always verify first.

An aquarium stand is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll buy. and one of the most overlooked. I learned this the hard way: a stand that can’t handle the weight or isn’t perfectly level will cause serious problems, and at 125 gallons (over 1,200 lbs fully loaded) the stakes are very real. Whether you’re buying a stand for a 20 gallon community tank or a large saltwater system, there are five things I always check before recommending any stand, and this guide walks through all of them.

#1 Know the Type of Aquarium Stand

Before I can get into more detail about aquarium stands, we need to address the various types of aquarium stands you will come across. When shopping for an aquarium stand, there is a high amount of variety in quality. When it comes to a saltwater aquarium and larger freshwater aquariums, the importance of quality needs to be taken into account. and when it comes to the needs of a saltwater aquarium. The importance of quality needs to be taken into account. We are going to break down stands into four types:
- Standard Aquarium Stands – AKA big store stands
- Brand Name Stands
- Custom Built Stands
- DIY Stand
A standard aquarium stand is ones you will commonly find in a general pet store or online like the All Glass Pine Stands. They are typically made of particle board and MDF. Many of these stands are made as cheap as possible. While they can work in a freshwater setup or no sump setups, they will not suit the needs of a saltwater tank or larger freshwater aquarium in the long run. The reason why is because if a sump is installed the stand, the high humidity produced inside the tank from the sump can cause wrapping from the inside of the stand. Furthermore, spills inside of the stand from maintenance can also cause problems. Once the warping occurs, the damage cannot be reversed and can compromise the structure of the stand. It is for these reasons, that I do not recommend a standard aquarium stand from general pet stores for a saltwater or larger freshwater setup. There is simply too much investment made into your tank setup for it to be ruined by going cheap on a stand.

A Better Option

Aquatic Fundamentals Stand

A cleaner and more modern looking stand over the old all glass stands

Buy On Amazon

A brand name stand is furniture made by high-end manufacturers who specialize in making stands for hobbyist. The best example of these stands would be the stands that you find in all-in-one aquariums and rimless aquarium kits. These stands are very well designed with a wood or metal frame (typically aluminum or stainless steel). If they are wood, they will usually be designed with plywood instead of MDF. They will often have features that suit the hobby (Storage shelves, cable ports, etc). A common brand at fish stores are R&J Enterprises cabinets, which are a step up from the chain store cabinets. These stands are great choices for anyone getting into the hobby.

Best For Planted Tanks

UNS Aquarium Stand

UNS are top of the line aquarium stands designed for planted tanks

Click For Best Price

A stand is typically built by custom aquarium manufacturers or Brand name specializing in high-end builds. They are typically made to order and are the most expensive types of aquarium stand. They can be made of wood or metal. They will typically be designed with customized cabinet doors and shelves to suit the requirements of the aquarium. They are of superior quality, but suited for a high-end budget.

Custom Fish Stands are Usually Built for Maximum Utility

#2 Know the Materials

There are several types of materials for a stand that you should be familiar with when looking at either purchasing or building your own:
- MDF/Particle Board
- Plywood
- Metal
MDF or particle board is the cheapest type of wood used for stand manufacturing. It is commonly used with store chain brand stands or stands that are imported. They usually do not hold up in a saltwater aquarium because of the high humidity from your sump or wrapping over time. MDF would only be okay to use if you are either hiring a carpenter to build your stand or you are familiar with woodworking and know how to paint and seal it.

Plywood is the standard when it comes to quality aquarium stand building. It is typically used in higher-end branded stands and is the go-to material if you are considering a DIY stand. Plywood is a very strong building material and less susceptible to water damage than MDF. Plywood is also the material used to build higher-end kitchen cabinets due to its durability. It is stainable and several veneers are available for you to produce a custom look. They can be painted or sealed and the quality of the material will stand the test of time.

A metal stand is typically used for larger aquariums. They have great structural support and a mix of metal and wood can be used to build a custom stand. Because of the greater structural strength, a metal stand will be more open which will increase your access to your sump and back-end electronics stored in your stand. Metal frames are usually made with stainless steel or aluminum. Aluminum is particularly popular outside of the US, but is gaining traction in the US as they are lightweight. A stand built from T-Slot Aluminum Framing Systems is particularly useful for those attempting a custom build for a large aquarium – though can be very expensive.

Metal Stands are Typically Used for Large Custom Aquariums

#3 Know about Openings and Stand Heights of your Tank

In general, a stand will be open at the top. While this will work well for glass aquariums, you will need to support the entire bottom of the tank if it is made of acrylic. For rimless aquariums, it is recommended that you purchase a self-leveling mat. This is because, in a rimless aquarium, the wood can cause pressure points in the glass. Many manufacturers will sell the support needed for an acrylic and rimless tank. It is helpful to have an opening at the top if you are going to place a sizable sump as sometimes when the sump is placed in the stand, it will be impossible to move out of the aquarium stand once your tank is installed.

Another consideration when purchasing or making a stand is the amount of room available for equipment underneath the aquarium. Large door openings and plentiful space help in hiding the amount of equipment associated with reef aquariums. If you plan on keeping a sump under your aquarium, you will need to consider having enough room to hold all your equipment and sump while still having room to maintain it. One of the main disadvantages of many standard aquarium stands is that they have a brace in the middle of the stand that will get in the way of maintenance. Many high-end and DIY aquarium stand configurations do not have this brace.

The height of the stand will also impact your viewing enjoyment. Ask yourself if you are going to be spending most of your viewing time standing or sitting. A standard sized aquarium stand is built for viewing while sitting down and will usually be shorter than 30 inches. Many of the all-in-one aquariums and higher end aquarium stands these days will have taller stands – usually 30 to 36 inches. Most DIYers will also build a stand to 36 inches in height.

#4 Consider a DIY for Maximum Utility

Making a stand versus purchasing one is a serious consideration for experienced reefers or those with carpentry skills. Purchasing a stand is typically going to be more expensive, but you will not have to worry about constructing the stand yourself and if you are following this guide it is very likely you will end up purchasing a high-quality stand that will last throughout your aquarium journey.

For those of you considering a DIY aquarium stand, most of the DIY stands are constructed out of wood. Below is a picture frame and guide from the reefcentral forums by member RocketEngineer. This is a 21 piece design that has been used by many reefers who have ventured into DIY stands. This is a simple yet solid design that can be created with the use of common tools and common wood sizes and should work for most standard size aquariums:

The basic principle of the design is two box frames connected by four legs. The legs are made of several pieces of 2X4’s to assist in construction and seething the stand in plywood for strength and cosmetics. The bottom frame transmits the load of the tank into the floor. Covering the sides of the stand with plywood will help to stiffen the stand against twisting and shifting. Doors could then be mounted to the legs as desired. The design can also be modified to include flooring at the bottom of the tank.

If you want more of a step by guide to building a custom stand, you can check out GARF’s stand calculator. This calculator is a great tool as all you do is enter in your desired dimensions and the calculator will product a cut list, tools needed, and assembly instructions.

When painting your stand, considering sealing the inside of your stand with a Spar or Marine Varnish. An oil based primer is ideal.

#5 Canopy or No Canopy

With the advent of rimless aquariums and ceiling and tank mounted lighting systems, the canopy is starting to become less common these days. It’s really up to you regarding the look of your aquarium. Not purchasing a canopy can save you some money, but there are still a number of hobbyists who still use them. If you are concerned about fish jumping out of your tank with a topless system, you can opt for mesh screening to prevent jumping.

Top-Less Setups are More Common Now with Rimless Aquariums

Closing Comments

I hope this guide provides you with a lot of insights on what to look for when it comes to selecting a quality aquarium stand. A stand in a key part of your aquarium and needs to stand the test of time. Please share and thank you for reading.

🔧 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Aquarium Equipment & Gear Guide. your ultimate resource for filters, heaters, lights, pumps, tanks, and more.
March 10, 2016

Saltwater Aquarium Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Tank From the Start

The saltwater aquarium you start with shapes everything that comes after. your equipment choices, your livestock options, your maintenance routine. I’ve watched beginners pick tanks that were too small for their goals, or all-in-ones that couldn’t be upgraded, and they ended up restarting from scratch within a year. After setting up and advising on dozens of reef systems over 25 years, I have a clear picture of what actually matters when you’re making this choice.

The saltwater aquarium you choose at the start determines nearly every other decision you’ll make. what equipment fits, what fish you can keep, what your maintenance looks like long-term, and what your total budget needs to be. After 25 years in this hobby and helping countless people set up their first saltwater tanks, the advice I give most often contradicts what beginners expect: bigger tanks are more stable and more forgiving, not harder. The “start small” instinct usually leads to frustration. And the tank itself is just the beginning of the budget conversation. In this guide I walk through everything you need to consider when selecting a saltwater aquarium.

Owning a successful aquarium depends greatly on the time of time spent planning and researching the setup for the fish and/or corals you choose to have. There are a large number of choices when it comes to tank selection. This article should provide you some in-depth detail on saltwater fish tank selection and what to look for when purchasing an aquarium.

Saltwater Aquarium Budget

I’m not going to sugarcoat it. A fish tank in general is expensive and a saltwater tank is even more expensive. If you put me on the spot without any research whatsoever and ask me “how much a saltwater tank setup will cost” my answer is “At least $1,000.” Keep in mind, however, that a lot of the costs will be upfront investments in the tank, equipment, rock, stand, substrates, etc. You can certainty spend less on a smaller setup and can cut cut with DIY work or used equipment, but I am going to assume that you are not a big DIYer. Over time, as you get more advanced in this hobby, it is natural to begin DIY solutions, but beginners should generally stay away from DIY. If you are going to DIY, I would suggest you join a local aquarium society. There are plenty of very seasoned hobbyists in an aquarium society who will be more than willing to teach you the ropes or even offer to do DIY solutions for cheap (e.g. – drill your tank or build you a sump).

Aquarium Societies are Treasure Troves of Knowledge

Saltwater Tank Size

Tanks come in a variety of size, but there are four rules to keep in mind that will help with your selection:

The more gallons, the more stability – bigger is better
The longer the tank, the more room for fish to swim
The wider the tank, the easier to aquascape
The taller the tank, the harder for maintenance

With these rules explained, tanks are usually divided by lengths. The key lengths are 2, 3, 4, and 6 feet. Most tank manufacturers do not produce 5 foot length tanks and if you find one, you may have a hard time getting a stand. I recommend 3, 4, or 6 foot length tanks. 3 feet I feel is the best length for those on a budget or a beginner. 4 feet allows for a complete mixed reef setup and most lighting systems are designed for 4 foot aquariums. 6 feet in length is when you get to the territory of being able to house larger fish like tangs.

A beautiful 3 foot 40 Gallon Breeder tank

Tank Placement

Keep your tank out of direct sunlight – this will lead to spikes in temperature and algae outbreaks
Think of the first floor of your home or basement before upstairs – any tank over 40 gallons in size is going to weigh a sizable amount. Tank water is about 8 pounds per gallon and then you will have sand and rock as part of the mix. If your tank will be directly placed on a floor that is part of the foundation, there are virtually no concerns with placement.
Place your tank near an outlet – or get one installed by an electrician. Your tank is going to be using power to run and so the closer the better. Make sure it is on its own circuit if you plan on having a tank of more than 40 gallons as a full-setup aquarium will draw a lot of power.
Do not place your tank directly below a vent – heating and A/C vents can drastically change the temperature of your aquarium. Having a stable water temperature is critical to a healthy aquarium. Placing your tank away from a vent will prevent this issue.
If you are dead set on having an aquarium upstairs – hire a structural contractor to get advice if you are going to place a 40+ gallon tank upstairs. Better safe than sorry. A couple of hundred dollars could be worth tens and thousands of dollars of prevented repairs.
Level the area – if your placement is slightly off-level, get some shims to adjust. If the location is way off-level – consider another spot

An Aquarium is Best Placed Away from Direct Sunlight

Flooring

Flooring is another consideration to keep in mind. The most ideal floor for a tank would be directly on a foundation or on top of the tile. Carpet can be risky because water spills will eventually build mold in the padding. Laminate can also be hit or miss, with only the higher quality laminates being ideal and sealing being key. Hardwood floors are not ideal because the saltwater from your tank can eventually wrap the hardwood. You can seal your hardwood, but it is at your risk. If you have a spill, you will need to clean it up right away. Having a wet/dry vacuum can be a lifesaver for such times.

Shape of Fish Tanks

You will find multiple shapes if you go shopping for an aquarium. We are going to focus on the four most popular on the market

Rectangle – Most flexible and ideal shape for fish, width can be an issue in long formats
Corner – Good for corner setups, but sacrifices on swimming space
Bowfront – Great for viewing, but more expensive than rectangle shaped
Cube – Great for coral aquascaping, but sacrifices length for larger fish

Our recommendation is to go with a rectangular tank. They offer the most flexibility, most economical, and most fish will prefer long over tall setups.

Types of Tanks

In the industry there are four types of tanks you find available for purchase:

Standard Aquariums – Usually found at general pet stores
Reef Ready Aquariums – Pre-drilled and ready for a sump
All-In-One Aquariums – Pre-designed for ease of use
Custom Built Aquariums – Very expensive, but showcase quality

Standard Glass Aquarium

Standard aquariums are mass-produced aquariums made with glass. They are of good quality and will come with black trim and rims to provide structural support. The vast majority of these tanks will have tempered glass on the bottom of the tank, which will limit your drilling of the tank if you chose to do so to the back of the aquarium. Many hobbyists will purchase these tanks and customize them by drilling them and even painting the back of the tank. Standard aquariums are the best choice for a budget-conscious build.

Reef Ready Tank

All-In-One Tank

All-In-One Aquariums are a recent development in the industry. They are tanks complete with overflows and even sumps to provide either a fully integrated system or as close to a plug-and-play solution as possible. Some All-In-One will have a Sump in the back of the tank, which will eliminate plumbing that would be required in a sump setup. All-In-One Aquariums can be more expensive then a full setup Reef Ready Aquarium and can have limitations over a customized setup. One of the biggest limitations is the equipment you can place in it. For example, sometimes the protein skimmer chamber may be very small so you will be limited on the type of skimmer you can place or the sump that comes with the all-in-one may not have room for a refugium. If you are looking for ease of use and a seamless look (as many of these tanks have wonderful aesthetics), an All-In-One Aquarium would be the choice for you.

Jimmy Butler’s Custom Boom Box Tank as seen on “Tanked”

Custom Built Aquariums are the most expensive setups. You can obtain an extremely unique and world-class look. Custom tank makers are usually found locally as custom aquarium makers are very seasoned hobbyists or companies that create custom aquariums. If you want the “Tanked” look, a custom-built aquarium is where to look to.

Glass vs. Acrylic Tanks

Glass vs. acrylic is a common debate when it comes to tank selection. Below is a table to show the strengths and weaknesses of glass and acrylic:

Characteristic	Glass	Acrylic
Weight	Glass is usually about 4 times heavier than acrylic and up to 10 times heavier on larger aquariums	Lightweight and easier to move
Breaking and Cracking	With a strong enough force – Glass will crack and leak	Very impact resistant
Support	Glass can support itself over distances so they can be placed in stands with an open top with little to no risk	Needs support throughout the length of the tank. Stands are limited due to this.
Clarity	The thicker the glass, the more noticeable the distortion. Distortion can be mitigated in thicker glass by the use of low-iron glass.	No distortion in clarity – superior to glass even against low-iron glass.
Scratching	Very difficult to scratch. You can even clean algae with a razor blade and be fine with glass	Prone to scratching. Fish with strong jaws can directly scratch acrylic and you can even scratch the outside accidentally with jewelry. The outside scratches, however, can be repaired with a repair kit.
Cost	Generally cheaper and mass-produced	Generally more expensive due to shipping

Drilling vs. Not Drilling a Tank

A common consideration when one is deciding between a standard tank or reef-ready tank is drilling vs. not drilling. There are many benefits to drilling your tank – the most beneficial being the inclusion of a sump. When you drill your tank and install a sump, your setup becomes extremely flexible with equipment. You will be able to purchase the best equipment, hide everything outside of the tank, be able to build a section for beneficial reef organisms (known as a refugium), install tank maintenance automation (auto water top-offs, controllers, and dosing pumps), and a separate work area for most of your maintenance outside of your display tank. You miss out on all this flexibility when you do not drill and going from a not drilled to a drilled setup would require a hang-on overflow. Hang-on overflows have usually been fail-prone, the main reason why we chose not to carry them. The drilling decision is something made early on because of the large amount of work required to transition to a drilled setup. Therefore, I feel that it is best to strongly consider a drilled setup from the start.

A Standard Tank Can be Drilled with Basic Power Tools

Rimmed vs. Rimless Fish Tanks

Rimmed tanks have been the tried and true traditional aquarium type for many years. There has been a development of rimless tanks that have a very modern, aesthetically pleasing look. Many higher-end aquariums you will come across will have rimless designs. They are very beautiful aquariums, with main drawback being the price difference and water possibility leaking out when you clean algae near the top of the tank. You can’t go wrong either way.

Rimless Tanks Have Great Aesthetics!

Low-Iron vs. Traditional Glass Tanks

These days, there are tanks you can purchase that have what the industry calls “low-iron” or “high-clarity” glass. This is glass with low amounts of iron, which remove the green tint you may see from a standard tank. It is a softer glass that will scratch easier than traditional glass (though still way more scratch resistant than acrylic). Low-iron glass is more expensive than traditional glass, but some manufacturers will opt for just the front of the tank to be low-iron while the rest of the tank is traditional glass. The most important place to have low-iron glass is on the front, so if you are considering the price, low-iron on the front of the tank only can achieve a good balance of cost and clarity. Low-iron tanks also tend to come into play on larger tanks. If you are considering a small tank (3 feet or less), the difference is likely going to be minimal between the two glass types.

Low-Iron on the Left, Traditional Glass on the Right

Closing Remarks

I hope this guide was very useful to you. Here at AquariumStoreDepot, we like to pass down knowledge to our customers. A well-informed customer is a successful hobbyist and will enjoy this hobby for years to come. If you are past these steps and looking into what livestock might work with your tank, check our Top 10 Best Saltwater Fish for Any Reef Tank post. We would be happy to guide you on your journey to saltwater reefing!

📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide. your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.

March 3, 2016

Pet	Number (in Millions)
Dog	69.0
Cat	45.3
Freshwater Fish	11.8
Bird	9.9
Small Animal	6.2
Reptile	5.7
Horse	3.5
Saltwater Fish	2.9

Type	Dog	Cat	Freshwater Fish
Annual Costs	$1,391	$1,149	$100
One-Time Cost	$1,030	$455	$250
Special Costs	$800	$300	$25
Total	$3,221	$1,904	$375

Tag: Fishkeeping

10 Most Beautiful Saltwater Fish – My Personal Picks After 25 Years

What People Get Wrong

The 10 Most Beautiful Saltwater Fish

10. Volitan Lionfish

9. Marine Betta

8. Harlequin Tusk

7. Emperor Angelfish

6. Flame Angelfish

5. Lyretail Anthias

4. Lineatus Fairy Wrasse

3. Sargassum Triggerfish

2. Red Sea Purple Tang

1. Designer Clownfish

Should You Get One of These Fish?

Closing Thoughts

References

Cheap Fish Tanks – 5 Tips to Get You the Best Deal

How To Get The Cheap Fish Tanks (And 5 Tips)

1. The dollar per gallon sales

2. Buy Used

3. Know What Questions to Ask and What to Look Out For

Questions to ask:

What to inspect:

4. Don’t Purchase the Livestock

5. Prices Are Negotiable

Cleaning the Tank and Equipment

Choosing New – Cheap Aquarium Packages

Tetra 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit – Starter kit for the freshwater beginner

Aqueon 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit

Easy to Find if You Are Patient – Tell Us Your Story

10 Exotic Freshwater Fish Worth Keeping (My Honest Picks)

10 Most Exotic Freshwater Fish

1. Wolf Cichlid

9. Vampire Tetra

8. Red Texas Cichlid

7. African Cichlids

6. Flowerhorn Cichlid

5. Pleco

4. Discus

3. Freshwater Stingrays

2. Arowana

1. Japanese Koi

Exotic Freshwater Fish at a Glance

Closing Thoughts

What Has Been Your Experience With These Exotic Freshwater Fish?

5 Real Benefits of Keeping a Fish Tank at Home (Backed by Science)

An overview on the hobby

The Top 5 Health Benefits of Home Aquariums

1. Reduced levels of stress

2. Improvements in Sleep Quality

3. Lowered blood pressure and heart rate

4. Decreased pain and anxiety

5. Calming effect for children and Alzheimer’s patients

Costs Of An Aquarium

Why Keep An Aquarium At Home?

Peace and Quiet

Education Opportunities for Kids

Small Footprint

Low Maintenance

The Community

Aesthetics

FAQs

Do fish like being in tanks?

Why is it good to have fish as a pet?

Is it good to have an aquarium in the house?

Is it okay to have an aquarium in your bedroom?

Closing Thoughts

5 Steps to Consider When Selecting a Saltwater Tank (From a 25-Year Hobbyist)

Aquarium Stand Selection Guide – 5 Things You Must Check Before Buying

#1 Know the Type of Aquarium Stand

<img width="480" height="360" decoding="async" src="https://aquariumstoredepot.com/wp-content/uploads/Custom_Stand_large-1.jpg" alt="Custom Fish Tank Stand" class="">Custom Fish Stands are Usually Built for Maximum Utility

#2 Know the Materials

<img width="480" height="360" decoding="async" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://aquariumstoredepot.com/wp-content/uploads/Metal_Stand_large-1.jpg" alt="Metal Aquarium Stand" class="">Metal Stands are Typically Used for Large Custom Aquariums

#3 Know about Openings and Stand Heights of your Tank

#4 Consider a DIY for Maximum Utility

#5 Canopy or No Canopy

Closing Comments

Saltwater Aquarium Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Tank From the Start

Saltwater Aquarium Budget

Custom Fish Stands are Usually Built for Maximum Utility

Metal Stands are Typically Used for Large Custom Aquariums

Aquarium Societies are Treasure Troves of Knowledge

A beautiful 3 foot 40 Gallon Breeder tank

An Aquarium is Best Placed Away from Direct Sunlight

Standard Glass Aquarium

A Standard Tank Can be Drilled with Basic Power Tools

Rimless Tanks Have Great Aesthetics!

Low-Iron on the Left, Traditional Glass on the Right