Quite simply, a fish tank is designed to offer marine life with a familiar and contained environment. As a hobby, fish tanks allow individuals to purchase fish as pets and keep them inside their home. The first fishkeeping, for personal use, became increasingly popular in the 1950's and was widely enjoyed through the use of glass aquariums that are still famous today.

A fish tank typically features the tank itself, along with a filter, lighting and an aquarium heater. Purchased in a variety of different sizes, a fish tank can range in size from the small to the very large models. For this reason, prices vary greatly depending on the size and features of the fish tank.

The features of a fish tank are very important to the survival of the marine life. As they are used to moving water, filtration is a must. Otherwise, the water would become cloudy and the fish would deteriorate quickly. While lighting is perhaps not as important as a quality filtration unit, it does provide a sense of a routine in a distinction between light and dark. While in the wild, marine life experiences the difference between day and night and will find a similar lighting routine to be similar to their natural habitat.

It is very important that the water in a fish tank be tested regularly with the use of a test kit. In addition, regular water changes are required of every fish tank in order to keep the fishs life clean and safe. Regular tap water, however, will likely feature contamination that may prove harmful to the fish. Chemicals and purifiers used to treat the water is found in most tap waters so, instead, a fish tank should be filled with distilled water. When changing the water in a fish tank, the owner must remove up to 20% of the current water and replace it with new , which is achieved through the use of a mix.

There are a number of ways to find the perfect fish and a fish tank to keep it safe. A pet shop is the most likely place to find rare marine life and provides the biggest selection, while many retail stores offer a freshwater fish selection. When purchasing, it is a good idea to ask if the fish comes with any type of guarantee and/or special car instructions. Fish are fragile and must be treated according to specific guidelines, which any pet shop owner will detail depending on the fish that you select.