In general, the larger the tank, the better the impact. A length of four to six feet adds interest to an office reception, or the living room of a home. However, it is chiefly the décor of the tank that is not only the fun to work on, but also gives it its character.On your part, try and avoid the garish plastic 'toys' that you'll encounter at most aquarium suppliers along with plastic plants. All tanks have to have a base of silica gravel that is white in colour and comes in different sizes, from coarse sand to small chips. In this, you can root various types of plants - Amazonian, combo and ludwigia - in either a combination, or many shoots of the same species. You may if you choose, not plant anything at all to give the tank a Zen like appearance, or plant it so full of vegetation that it look like an underwater jungle.

Rocks that are found near rivers--agate, chips of semiprecious gems, and rock crystal all make attractive accessories for tanks. All have the advantage of not having sharp jagged edges that might injure the fish, and are easily available at good aquarium stockist. Rocks are an important part of an aquarium from the point of the viewer as well as the fish. Arranged like alcoves or benches, fish use them to play games of hide and seek with each other. Secluded spots are also, where, in time, they'll spawn. Once you have aquascaped your tank, filled it with water and allowed the all-important micro culture to develop over a couple of week you can go ahead and add the fish. The question of how many fish and of what size is best left to your supplier. In general, those larger than four feet in length call for the larger sized of fish. In addition, if you're using smaller fish, try to have dozens of them--species like tiger barbs not only look nicer in large shoals, they lose some of their aggression in numbers!

Caring for your aquarium

1) You'll need an electrical outlet nearby for the pump and light. On the pump will be the Filtration system and the aerator, which could be an unobtrusive strip to go under the gravel.

2) The biggest advantage of an external wall mounted aquarium is that the messy, weekly job of changing 20 per cent of the water can be done from outside. Otherwise, make sure to roll up your carpet.

3) Fish feed- about a coffee-spoon daily depending on number and size of fish-has to be given daily and the light switched off at night.

4) A few fish are aggressive and can't be placed in the same tank as certain others. Ask your supplier.

5) It is possible to have a maintenance contract, leaving the messy job to others and the enjoyment for yourself.

Underwater costs

Assume an average of between Rs 20-100 for pairs of most species that would interest beginners. As glass tank of 24 in length will need 12 kg gravel, either silica or quartz (Rs 80). Expect to spend Rs 150 on live plants, Rs 100-350 on a pump, between Rs 65-350 on a filtration system, and between Rs 45-300 for a heater. Some aquarium stockists charge an integrated amount of Rs 2,000 for a full tank with your choice of accessories and 10 pairs of fish, also of your choice.