Freshwater

36
Part I: Aquarium Basics
Testing and repairing a leaker
One way to test an aquarium for leaks is to fill it
with water and let it stand on a piece of newspaper
for 24 hours. If the newspaper gets wet,
the tank leaks (make sure you aren’t fooled by
condensation drips). You should always test
new and used tanks for leaks. To repair a leak,
dry the tank, remove the old silicone with a
Acrylic aquariums
Acrylic tanks have made a big splash in the aquarium marketplace in the last
few years. These lightweight tanks are available in an amazing number of
shapes and sizes such as bubble, half spheres, L-shaped, tubular, triangular,
and convex. With acrylic, the shape possibilities end only with the designer’s
creativity. There is an acrylic tank somewhere out there to please almost
anyone’s personal taste and desire.
Acrylic advantages
There are a few advantages of acrylic:
safety razor (please be careful!). Gently wipe
the area with a soft, clean cloth to remove any
oils from your hands to ensure a good seal.
Replace the old sealer with new aquarium
sealer. Let the sealer dry for 48 hours before you
add any water to the tank.
Lighter than glass: Acrylic tanks are easier to move and produce fewer
hernias. If your aquarium is upstairs, acrylic may give you the option of
having a larger tank.
More stylish: Many acrylic tanks come with colored backgrounds, which
can be quite stunning with the proper tank decoration. The modern look
of acrylic tanks you just cannot find in a standard glass aquarium. You
also get more choices in colors and styles to match the interior of your
home or office. An acrylic tank gives any room an upscale appearance
and generally looks more expensive than glass tanks.
Much stronger: It takes an exceptional blow with a blunt instrument to
shatter an acrylic aquarium.
Cool shapes: Acrylic can be shaped into cool bubbles, tube shapes, and
other unusual but fantastic-looking aquariums.