Some Questions to Ask Before Getting a Custom Acrylic Fish aquarium - leyu acrylic

Are you considering getting a custom acrylic fish aquarium? What an exciting thing!

Custom fish aquariums add a tranquil, beautiful element to most homes and provide hours of enjoyment. But if your aquarium journey is just beginning, there are many things you should consider before you take the final plunge. First, remember that owning an aquarium is a hobby, just like any other. It takes time, money, and dedication to get the most out of it.

What is the first dedication you have to make? A little thought and research. Careful planning and consideration will make owning your custom fish aquarium an absolute joy! An easy way to find out is to answer 9 basic questions.

1. Do I have a vision for what I want to achieve?

There is no limit to the ideas that can be put into a custom acrylic fish aquarium. The best companies can make even the most bizarre and seemingly impossible ideas come to life in wonderful, fantastic ways. However, you must first have a clear vision of what you want to achieve.

Are you looking for a specific theme? Or, is there a specific spot in your home where you want the fish aquarium built? Do you want unique lighting, enclosures, or dimensions? Take a moment to imagine the outcome.

2. How much does a custom acrylic fish aquarium cost?

You have an idea or vision, but how much will a custom acrylic fish aquarium cost? It’s crucial to have a set budget in place before embarking on this journey. When it comes to custom setups, prices can vary greatly depending on what you want to do.

But the cost may also include the acrylic fish aquarium essentials you’ll need. Be sure to ask if heaters, filters, cabinets, etc. are included in the total purchase price. If not, you’ll need to reduce your custom design budget to account for these factors so your fish have everything they need to thrive.

Aquariums are a long-term investment. Not only will the startup costs be significant, but you’ll also have to budget for their ongoing maintenance. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re not careful. Your custom acrylic fish aquarium designer will likely give you an idea of how much ongoing maintenance will cost, ironing out any issues.

3. Should I choose freshwater or saltwater for my custom acrylic fish aquarium?

Saltwater and freshwater aquariums vary greatly in cost, requirements, and the livestock that can be kept. Despite many considerations, beginners may be better off with a freshwater aquarium because it requires less maintenance. However, experienced fish keepers may appreciate the wide variety of livestock that can be found in saltwater aquariums.

If you’re not sure which one is best for you, you can find an in-depth guide on choosing an acrylic saltwater or freshwater aquarium here.

4. What kind of fish do I want?

It’s not just a matter of saltwater vs. freshwater.

Once you’ve decided on a fish aquarium, plan the types of fish you’ll fill it with. Remember that your custom fish aquarium is a delicate ecosystem; not all fish will blend well together. For example, some fish can’t stand living with their own kind. On the other hand, fish that school together naturally adapt better to large groups.

For a harmonious aquarium, research the species you want so you can find the right aquarium mates for them.

5. How big should my custom acrylic aquarium be?

That depends. If you’ve answered the first two questions, you’re probably starting to get an idea of how big your acrylic aquarium needs to be. That said, there are a few other factors to consider.

In general, it’s a good idea to go a little larger than you think you’ll need. This gives your acrylic aquarium community the flexibility to grow over time. Larger acrylic aquariums also have the benefit of containing more water to dilute toxins that could harm your fish.

But you’ll need to find a balance between the needs of your fish and the available space in your home or office. If you don’t have the room for the gigantic aquarium you want, you may need to rethink how much livestock you want to keep.

Custom acrylic fish tank - Manufacture

Custom acrylic fish tank - Manufacture

Custom acrylic fish tank - Manufacture

6. Where should I place my custom acrylic fish aquarium?

Depending on your budget and the type of fish you have, you should also consider where in your home your aquarium will be placed. Choose a level and sturdy spot with minimal risk of your acrylic aquarium being bumped or knocked over. It’s also important that your aquarium is away from windows, vents, or anything else that could cause drastic changes in water temperature.

Windows are especially dangerous.

Some fish are very sensitive to light and only thrive in a specific spectrum and intensity. Too much exposure to window sunlight could put your fish at risk, so avoid direct sunlight.

7. What temperature should the water in your acrylic fish aquarium be kept at?

All fish have fairly specific temperature requirements. Most can thrive in water heated to 75-80 degrees, but researching your species’ needs is necessary. If you only have one species of fish, you can easily meet their needs. However, if you want a more diverse collection, a safe temperature range is 76-77 degrees.

Most importantly, keep the temperature consistent. If it fluctuates too much, it can easily stress your fish and cause illness.

8. Which water filter should I use?

If you’re a newbie, figuring out the right filtration for your aquarium can be confusing at first. There are a lot of filters available, but as a beginner, the two you’ll want to stick with are:

Cartridge filters

In recent years, cartridge filters have become increasingly popular. They pump water through a riser tube to an external chamber (canister). In this chamber, the water passes through a series of filter media before returning to the aquarium. They are more challenging to maintain and more expensive than other filters, but they are incredibly efficient.

Power filters

These are usually the filters that come with your fish aquarium if you buy a kit. They usually hang off the back of the aquarium and are generally the simplest (and cheapest) filter. Water is pumped through the cartridge filter to remove impurities, then returned to the aquarium through a spillway.

While power filters may be cheap and easy to use, they can be inefficient. Because the water comes into contact with air during the filtration process, it evaporates faster than with a cartridge filter. So, the water in the aquarium must be topped up more often. Also, because the water inlet is usually directly below the spillway, most of the water that enters the filter is clean water that has just returned to the aquarium.

Simply put, while canister filters may be more expensive and challenging to build, they are far superior. On the other hand, power filters are easy to use, making them the perfect choice for new aquarists. So, it may be a good idea to start with a power filter and gradually upgrade to a canister filter as you grow more comfortable with your aquarium.

9. Do I have a reputable company creating custom acrylic fish aquariums near me?

When it comes to custom acrylic fish aquariums, choosing the right company is almost as important as choosing the right equipment. You need to find a custom acrylic aquarium builder you can trust so that you can be confident that you are getting a high-quality, efficient fish aquarium. More importantly, to ensure that your acrylic aquarium will support a large number of livestock, not just look cool.

At Leyu Acrylic, we have been designing, building and maintaining custom acrylic fish aquariums. We offer a complete aquarium solution that goes far beyond building your dream aquarium, including custom cabinetry, ongoing maintenance and a wealth of related resources.

We are passionate about our work, and we encourage you to call and discuss your vision with us. Nothing makes us happier than bringing our clients’acrylic  aquarium visions to life!

Ready for a custom acrylic fish aquarium?

Custom acrylic fish aquariums require a lot of research before you fully commit. If you want to be a responsible aquarist, it’s vital to fully understand your basics. But answering the questions above will help you start your journey with your right foot forward!

Do you still have unanswered questions? Don’t hesitate to contact Le Yu Acrylic to work together on your acrylic fish aquarium!