Freshwater

28
Part I: Aquarium Basics
Other Considerations
There are a few other things to keep in mind when deciding where to place
your tank.
Furniture and space
Make sure you have enough space in your home to add your aquarium without
having to sell any furniture. If you do find the need for more space, casually
suggest to your spouse that the loveseat and couch are looking kind of
shabby and need to be replaced. While your spouse is hauling the furniture
away, set up your tank. Talk up how great the new aquarium looks and hope
your mate doesn’t have the heart to make you move it after you’ve gone
through all the trouble of setting it up.
An easier method is to just make sure that you have enough room for the
tank you buy. Measure the intended spot carefully so that you know exactly
what size tank you can purchase before you buy.
Electrical
Check for electrical outlets near the place you want to set your tank. Nothing
is more frustrating than setting up a tank only to find out that you have
nowhere to plug in your aquarium equipment. Make sure that electrical outlets
(you will probably need more than one) are in good working condition
and are close to the tank so you don’t have extension cords lying around,
which can short out, look messy, are difficult to clean around, and can cause
people to trip. And make sure your outlets are up to code. If necessary, get a
professional electrician to install a new outlet; or use a multi-outlet strip.
Cleaning
Once in while, you have to do a little cleaning and maintenance on your
aquarium. Leave enough room around the tank so that you can easily reach
all sides of it without pushing against the tank itself. Trying to squeeze in
behind a tank that is too close to the wall is flirting with disaster.
Even aquariums with tight-fitting hoods tend to have drips and dribbles
every so often. So one way or another, you have to get behind your aquarium
at some point. Make sure when you are setting up your tank that you have
plenty of space to take care of any problems that may occur.