A fish aquarium can add a colorful and relaxing element to any home, but there are several factors that must be considered when choosing an aquarium. It is essential to consider where the fish aquarium will be situated within the home. Some aquariums are designed to be placed on desktops, while others must be positioned in corners of rooms or used as standalone pieces of furniture. Related to this decision is the shape of the fish aquarium. Rectangular, triangular or hexagonal shapes each have their own set of advantages.

In addition to choosing a fish aquarium, customers must also determine how their aquarium will be supported. When filled with water, an aquarium can exceed 200 pounds, making common bookshelves largely inadequate. Instead, customers may want to opt for furniture that has been specifically designed to support fish tanks--which can also help make the aquarium a focal point of any room.

Customers must also choose between a glass and acrylic fish aquarium. While acrylic aquariums weigh less and do not distort the view of fish as much as glass, they can be more easily scratched. In addition, the entire base of the tank must be supported, whereas only the edges of a glass aquarium need support.

In addition to a tank, there are many basic aquarium supplies that need to be purchased before fish can be added to the aquarium. For example, filters need to be installed in aquariums to keep the water clean for the fish. In addition, air pumps may be needed if your filter does not sufficiently aerate the water.