If you are browsing this article then, you either have an aquarium or decided to have one. Let me help you in selecting the right aquarium. Though there are many practical constraints you will find while selecting your aquarium with respect to size, shape, type, location, stand, etc., I would suggest to consider the following points while selecting your aquarium.

Aquarium size: Bigger the tank size, better and easier to maintain. Bigger aquariums are much easier to care as the water condition is stable in a bigger tank in term of temperature, PH, hardness, Ammonia, Nitrate & Nitrite. Even while changing the water in a bigger tank, the water condition will be more stable than a smaller tank.

Glass or Acrylic: Both glass and acrylic tanks have their benefits and their drawbacks.
Scratching: Glass is very difficult to scratch so have a longer life than acrylic

Weight: Glass aquarium is considerably heavier than an acrylic one

Cracking: Glass can develop cracks if kept on an uneven surface. (I personally experienced this when my aquarium cracked one night – luckily my fishes could be saved)

Shape: Glass being a more rigid material the rectangular shape is common, whereas you can get an acrylic aquarium in many shapes and sizes.

Strength: Acrylic tanks are stronger than a glass one

Clarity: Glass aquarium maintains its clarity over time where as the acrylic aquarium will change its colour depending on the chemical composition of the water within and the surrounding atmosphere. That it turns pale yellow over a period of time is a common complaint.

Transportation: Acrylic tanks, being lightweight and shock-resistance, are easy for transportation.

Cost: Glass tanks tend to be less expensive than acrylic tanks.

My recommendation: Personally, I will prefer glass tanks over acrylic ones. But if you are setting up a very large tank or a non-rectangular one then you should consider acrylic as a better material.

Deepak,
I Love My Fish Tank