Introduction

There are many important questions to consider before deciding to purchase an aquarium including:

• what kinds of fish do you want to live in your tank?
• how big of a tank do you want and where are you going to put it?
• do you have enough money to buy the equipment, supplies and the fish?
• do you have enough time to devote to maintaining your tank?

Owning an aquarium is a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. What appears to be just a box full of water and fish is actually an entire ecosystem that is maintained in a delicate equilibrium. A disruption to that system could result in not only a loss of money, but a loss of life - which is a very serious matter. As humans we have a responsibility to ensure that all creatures under our care are given the means necessary to not only survive, but to flourish. In return for fulfilling this responsibility, you will too flourish in your life.