Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Gallon Aquarium Tank - Materials Used To Construct Them

By The Aquarium Lady

A gallon aquarium tank, if you intend to keep one as a hobby, needs to be properly cared for, so that you are able to provide the right environment for the fish and marine life which live in it. But before you can actually get your hobby started, you need to first go out and get a gallon aquarium tank and then set it up.

As you will soon discover, when visiting your local pet or aquarium supply store, or by searching online, there are various different types of gallon aquarium tanks to choose from. Today they don't just come in different shapes and sizes, but they also come in a range of different materials, not just glass.

What Is The Framework On A Gallon Aquarium Tank Made From?

Generally gallon aquarium tanks made from glass will have a metal framework that helps to keep the glass in place, and will be constructed either from stainless steel or angle iron. At each corner of the frame the metal will be welded together, and the glass will then slot into it.

In order to prevent water leaking out of the gallon aquarium tank through the edges of the frame and glass putty aquarium cement, silicon or acrylic sealant will have been used to seal these. Remember that you need to make sure that the surface you place your gallon aquarium tank on, is level; if not then the chances of stress being placed on the framework is increased, and this can lead to the glass possibly cracking.

Although the framework of a gallon aquarium tank is most often made using metal, sometimes they can be made from wood, particularly plywood as it is less likely to warp after coming into contact with water. Again to prevent water escaping from the tank through the frame joints, an epoxy sealant is applied between the frame and the glass. One benefit of having a wooden, rather than metal frame, is that you can actually decorate it (paint, varnish or cover in material) to match a room's decor.

Other Materials Which Can Be Used In The Construction Of A Gallon Aquarium Tank

Traditionally when it comes to aquariums, they will be constructed using glass. However, today materials such as acrylic are becoming more popular for using, to make gallon aquarium tanks with. Although these types of tanks cost more than their glass counterparts, they weigh less and you can often purchase them in a wider range of shapes and designs.

Not only do acrylic gallon aquarium tanks weigh far less than glass ones, they are also far less likely to crack, even if they are not placed on a completely level surface. But you need to be aware that this material is much softer than glass, and it can be damaged very easily. If not cared for correctly, the material will lose its clarity, and you may find that you need to replace the tank completely in the future.

Another material that can be used on a gallon aquarium tank and will be added once it is in situ is Vitrolite. This looks similar to glass but you have a wide range of color choices, and also it comes in opaque as well. The opaqueness of this material provides the ideal way to hide away all those unsightly wires and other pieces of equipment used to run your aquarium, and keep the environment within the tank balanced.

It is important that you spend some time learning about the various different types of gallon aquarium tanks you can buy, before you spend your money. Read as many reviews as you can on those that you are interested in. The best place to get the information you need, is by going online where you can also compare the prices for the models you are interested in at the same time. - 14915

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