An aquarium can be the ideal "ornament" to decorate a dark corner or vacant alcove but careful consideration should be given to the final position of the aquarium as moving an established aquarium is not an easy task.

The first concern surrounding where to place your aquarium is, will the intended location be able support the considerable weight? Use the Tank Volume, Weight and Heater Wattage Calculator to establish the approximate weight of your aquarium. The question does not relate as much to whether the floor will support the mass but more to the strength of the furniture or stand upon which it will actually rest. The weight of an aquarium is usually much less than that of a full bath tub complete with bather and the floor of every home should be able to support that kind of mass. In any case try to position the aquarium stand as close to the floor joists as possible (or across the joists if you know which direction they run) and use coasters to protect against depressions in carpets.

Avoid positioning the aquarium in hallways or corridors where heavy traffic may disturb the inhabitants and try to locate the aquarium away from doorways. Doors can slam, shocking fish so severely that in some case this can cause death. Doors (and windows) are also frequently a source of drafts which, cause temperature problems and "unexplained" outbreaks of disease, particularly White Spot (Ich). Direct sunlight can also affect temperature and cause the aquarium to overheat in summer. Additionally, too much sunlight encourages algae growth so try not to position the aquarium directly opposite a sunny window. Although some aquarists actively encourage algae on the back and sides of the aquarium for fish to graze on, sunlight tends to promote floating algae that can quickly turn an aquarium in to a turbid green soup. Dark corners are usually the best location for an aquarium. Lighting can easily be controlled artificially and an aquarium can be an ideal ornament to brighten up any boring area.

Thought should also be given to the effect reflections, caused by windows directly opposite the tank or room lighting, will have on the ability to view the aquarium.

Positioning an aquarium near a radiator is often a contentious subject. It is unlikely that a radiator will emit such heat as to cause a significant rise in tank temperature. However, radiators switch on an off frequently and can cause problems maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the tank. My main concern with locating an aquarium near a radiator is that radiators convect heat. Warm air around them rises and cold air is drawn towards them in is place. This in effect creates a draft.

Other considerations as to the position of the tank relate mainly to the convenience of maintenance and the supplies to an aquarium.

Power is required to run heaters, lighting, filtration systems and airpumps therefore electrical outlets should be plentiful and convenient. Adapters and extension leads are hazardous especially if they are lying on the floor, as inevitably a spillage will occur at some point during the aquarium's life.

Think about the ease of water changes. It soon becomes a hassle if one has to lug buckets of water up and down stairs or carry them some distance to a drain. A tank that is laborious to clean often becomes neglected. Additionally, the further water must be carried to a tank, the greater the chance of spillage becomes.

Finally, allow a safe distance between the aquarium and expensive furniture or electrical equipment. Splashing is unavoidable during water changes.