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Now, before we get carried away, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need in your cart:
Let’s break this down section by section so you know exactly what to look out for. Ready? Let’s dive in!
“Location, location, location!” It’s not just a real estate thing—it matters a lot for aquariums too. Where you place your tank affects not only how it looks but also how well your fish will thrive.
Pick a quiet, cozy spot where you enjoy relaxing. Your tank should feel like a piece of living art, not a stressor for you or your fish.
✨ Pro Tip: Use a spirit level to check if the surface is flat before placing your tank. For larger tanks (1m and above), double-check your floor’s load capacity—especially in apartments!
Now, let’s talk tanks. You might think, “Aren’t all aquariums just glass boxes?” But there’s more than meets the eye!
Glass Types: Not All Glass Is Equal!
Let’s geek out a little (in a fun way). Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common types of aquarium glass:
🔍 Pro Tip: Clear glass makes a world of difference—especially if you’re keeping colorful fish like neon tetras, discus, or bettas, and vibrant plants like Rotala or Ludwigia. Opti-white or crystal glass removes the green tint you’d get from regular glass, so every shade of red, blue, orange, and green pops just the way nature intended. It’s like switching from SD to full HD.
🔍 Pro Tip: While ultra-clear glass like opti-white and crystal glass offers stunning clarity that makes fish and plant colors pop, don’t worry if you’re using a float glass tank—most of the tanks we use in our stores are float glass too! With proper water quality, good lighting, and a well-matched background or base wallpaper, your tank can still look absolutely vibrant.
Many hobbyists choose to save on glass type and instead go for higher glass thickness and Euro bracing—a smart move that enhances both the safety and durability of the tank over time, especially for larger builds.
🔧 Need something more tailored? Whether you’re looking to customise your tank size, add a bracing system, or even build in a full filtration setup, just speak to any of our store team members. We offer custom tank builds and installation packages to help bring your dream aquarium to life—from glass to greenery.
Also, keep an eye on the silicone work:
Either way, fish often feel safer with a dark background—so don’t be surprised if they show off their best colors!
Here’s what you’ve learned in this chapter:
✅ Location matters—no direct sun, drafts, or noise.
✅ Check floor level and weight capacity—especially for large tanks.
✅ Acrylic—clearer, lighter, pricier, scratches easily.
✅ Glass—heavier, affordable, great for most setups.
✅ Float vs Opti-white vs Crystal—choose based on clarity needs and budget.
✅ Backgrounds & silicone types affect both looks and fish comfort.
Still unsure which tank suits your space, style, or setup goals? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Come chat with our in-house aquarists! We’ll help you find the perfect tank to kickstart your aquatic journey.
Proudly presented by our That Aquarium Digital Team, where innovation meets aquatic excellence.
Published on 13 June 2025
Author: Kelvin Phua
Illustrator(s): Chai Minyu, Abbie Tan
At That Aquarium, we believe that exceptional CARE is the foundation of our success. We are committed to treating each customer and every aquatic life with genuine compassion and respect. Our dedication goes beyond providing quality products and services; we strive to create a nurturing environment that delivers a therapeutic experience for our customers, our aquatic life, and our team. Guided by principles of integrity, forward-thinking mindset, and continuous improvement, we aim to foster a harmonious and supportive atmosphere. Our focus is on ensuring that every interaction reflects our dedication to excellence and our care for both our people and our community.
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