| Space limitation is hardly an issue when it comes | | | | just a handful of things to keep in mind when |
| to considering ownership of a freshwater | | | | shopping for a teensy tiny aquarium. |
| aquarium. Mini aquariums are on the rise in | | | | In terms of size, you really should not shoot for |
| popularity due to their small size and their | | | | smaller than two gallons. Many people have puny |
| relatively small monetary outlay. (Read: way | | | | tanks for Bettas that could fit in a shoe. They |
| cheaper than that tank you see at your dentist's | | | | work, but chances are those Bettas do not reach |
| office!) As always, do weigh the pros and cons | | | | their full potential in terms of beauty. Buy a |
| before running out and buying anything. | | | | two-gallon bowl or tank at the minimum. Next, it |
| The advantages of keeping a small aquarium are | | | | does not matter how often you plan on changing |
| many. Obviously the convenience of the size is | | | | the water for your one or two fish, you need a |
| number one. Aquariums are something you can | | | | filter. It really is a necessity for any aquarium. |
| enjoy in a small apartment or a college dormitory. | | | | Clean water equals healthy fish equals gorgeous |
| Most landlords will not even count small aquariums | | | | aquarium. You may need a heater for more |
| as pets! The miniature aquariums tend to be | | | | tropical fish. Also, stay away from mini aquariums |
| lower maintenance. Since less fish can be kept in | | | | that are sold as "closed" or "no-maintenance" |
| a smaller tank, less waste is produced. When you | | | | aquariums. Examples of these are "Betta-Dome," |
| do have to tidy up your aquarium, it will be much | | | | "Do-Little," and "Omnarium." There is no such thing |
| easier than cleaning a 20-gallon tank. | | | | as a no-maintenance tank. These are dangerous |
| Hold on to your seat-nothing is so easy! There | | | | environments for fish and they will die quickly. |
| are disadvantages to having a smaller tank as well. | | | | Aquarium veterans recommend a handful of fish |
| Less waste might be produced, but you will still | | | | that are perfect for smaller aquariums. One is the |
| have to clean the tank and change water often. | | | | Bloodfin Tetra. Bloodfins are tolerant of colder |
| Because there is less space the waste will | | | | water temperatures and best if kept in a school. |
| accumulate more quickly than in a regular-sized | | | | Guppies are another popular vote for tiny tanks |
| tank. Additionally in a small tank, problems tend to | | | | due to their smallness and tolerance for colder |
| occur faster. Water temperature and chemistry | | | | temperatures. Platy are adaptable and attractive. |
| can change in a matter of hours. Guard your | | | | White Clouds and Zebra Danios are great due to |
| scaly friends against swift and dangerous changes | | | | their hardiness and ability to live in colder water. If |
| by monitoring the aquarium frequently. A final | | | | you get fish that are adaptable to most living |
| disadvantage is that you can not keep many fish | | | | conditions and do not require a heater, all should |
| in a small aquarium. In their natural environment | | | | go well. |
| fish have tons of space in which to swim and | | | | Just like larger freshwater aquariums, their smaller |
| frolic, plants to hide in, and bounties of food. You | | | | cousins still require some knowledge of fish |
| can not provide much space in a small aquarium. | | | | species and general maintenance issues. Small or |
| Less fish equals less fun! | | | | large, if you invest the time in learning about |
| Still, even with all the disadvantages, having a fish | | | | freshwater aquariums, you will certainly reap the |
| or two in a small aquarium is still worth it -and if | | | | benefits. |
| you are smart about it, easier to keep. There are | | | | |