A number of extremely small aquariums have appeared on the market in recent months. It is very difficult to maintain the good water quality and a stable temperature required to ensure the welfare of any live animals kept in them. The larger the volume of water in an aquarium, the easier it is to maintain and manage. An absolute minimum volume of water in which fish, of an appropriate small size, should be kept for long periods is 4 litres. However, those new to fishkeeping should not usually consider using an aquarium that has a volume of less than 10 litres.

Advice on the choice of aquarium and the care of fish is readily available from reputable OATA retailers, instructions should be included with aquariums and other purchases like water quality test kits. OATA produces point of sale information including a poster entitled "Setting up your aquarium", the contents of which are available from our website. Additionally there are a range of very easy to read informative books available which should be purchased and consulted regularly.

Keith Davenport OATA Chief Executive said "It is absolutely essential that the water conditions are maintained to avoid putting at risk the welfare of the fish being kept. Water quality tests kits are an essential purchase, not an optional extra when fish or aquaria are purchased. Extremely small aquaria are certainly not products the beginner should consider purchasing."

Volume calculations

1 inch = 2.5cm

Aquarium

Length (cm) × Height (cm) × Depth (cm) ÷ 1000 = litres

Bowl

4/3 pi radius ³