If you are thinking about getting an aquarium there are many choices you'll have to make. With such a wide range of aquarium tanks on the market it can be difficult trying to choose the right one.

First you should think about what size aquarium tank will fit into your house, and what kind of space it will take up in the room you wish to put it in. You need to also think about the weight of the tank when it's filled with water and what you might put it on to support that weight.

Then you need to think about the surface area to ensure you can maintain a healthy environment. Maintaining a stable water chemistry in a larger tank is easier than in a small one so get the largest one you can afford and have space for.

Some species of fish also need more space than others to swim around in, even small fish, so if they are kept in an aquarium that is too small for them they might get stress-related illnesses, which can even be fatal. Also think about how big your fish will become as adults if you buy them as babies.

The design of aquarium you decide on might influence the sort of fish you can keep, due to the size and the amount of light it lets in. To maintain a healthy plant-based ecosystem there should be enough surface area to let in sufficient light from the hood.

You also have to consider where to place your aquarium and how much daylight it will receive. if an aquarium is exposed to too much sunlight the water can get dangerously warm.

You are also going to need a heater if you want to keep tropical fish but the wattage you need depends on the size of the tank and the temperature of the room it is being kept in.

Another thing to think about is the filter you need as there are several sorts available - Internal, External, Sponge, Under Gravel, and Sump filters.

Before you buy your tank get some advice on which filter you need, depending on the type of fish you plan to keep, the number of fish and the size of the tank you want.

Some other things to consider when deciding on which design is for you are the practical elements. For example, how accessible is the tank for cleaning and maintenance issues. There are some funky designs out there, such as aquariums that can be built into dividing walls but they could be difficult to access.

Once you have thought about your preferences and requirements it's time to start looking around for aquarium tanks to buy, but it's essential to do some research first. Ask experts for advice and read recommendations before you buy as keeping fish isn't cheap. It can be an expensive pastime so make sure you've looked into it before spending lots of money.