AQUARIUMS TYPES

METAL FRAMEWORK

 Most of the old-style aquariums are made with, sheets of glass which are held in a metal framework. This is usually cut of pieces of angle iron or stainless steel which are welded together at the corners.  Leakages between the glass and metal is prevented by putty aquarium cement, acrylic or silicon sealant.

Mr Fish standing by a Marine Aquarium in Singapore

 BATTERY JARS: Also known as fish bowls: This type of aquarium is used for emergency purposes, but is not to be recommended as a permanent feature. The glasses are cast in one piece and a crack, however small, may suddenly expand and cause a flood. This not only results in a loss of fishes but also necessitates the buying of a new tank as it is impossible to repair the old one.

     Moreover, when looking through the walls of these types of aquarium, there is distortion, which adversely affects ones view of the fishes.

PLASTICS: With the ever-expanding applications of plastics, it is not surprising that these synthetic products  have been used to replace glass for aquarium Plastics have the advantage of being unbreakable, but are soft enough for the surface to become scratched.

 

VITROLITE: This glass-like material is available in many different colours and some very pleasing effects can be obtained by applying it to the sides to back up the aquarium. Moreover, being opaque “vitrolite” will hide the wall and any unsightly wires or other apparatus behind the aquarium.

Wood aquarium frameworks with wood are desirable mainly for aesthetic reasons. The wooden framework however, will have to be constructed from plywood to prevent warping.

The advantage of the wood lies in the fact that it can be polished covered with upholstered rug stained or coated with colours to harmonize with the furnishing of the room.   

 

 



Gold Fish in an Aquarium Constructed by Mr Fish.