faq

Can I buy direct from Dalbarb?
Dalbarb does not sell direct to the public. We sell to pet and aquarium retailers. Please contact us and we will be happy to give you the name of your nearest retailer.

Can my Dalbarb aquarium be used for freshwater and saltwater applications?
Yes! All Dalbarb aquariums may be used for either freshwater or saltwater set-ups. Remember that saltwater systems operate more effectively in larger aquariums.

What size aquarium should I purchase to accommodate my fish?
The general rule is to allow 1cm of fish per litre of water. The surface area of the tank should also be taken into consideration. You should also purchase an aquarium that will allow your fish to comfortably turn around. Once these requirements have been met, the size and shape of the aquarium is a matter of personal choice and the room you have available. We offer tanks in a wide range of sizes and shapes from 26cm to 188cm to compliment any decor.

Can I drill holes in my aquarium for external filters?
Dalbarb do not recommend you drill your own holes in aquariums. You should be aware that drilling your own holes would void the warranty on your aquarium.
Dalbarb are able to drill holes in your aquarium in sizes ranging from 21mm to 60mm. Ask your retailer to arrange for the hole(s) to be drilled at our factory.

Do Dalbarb have tanks with Filter Boxes?
Dalbarb can arrange for filter boxes in your new aquarium. They are available in these sizes: 51 x 30 x 40cm, 61 x 38 x 40cm.

What is the biggest aquarium that Dalbarb manufactures?
The largest aquarium that in our standard range is the SA-183. This aquarium is 183cm x 36cm x 46cm (6 feet in length) and holds 297 litres.
Our range also includes a number of larger sizes up to the SA244-61-61 which measures 244cm x 61cm x 61cm and holds 900 litres. These units are not kept in stock and additional manufacturing time of 3-4 weeks is required.

Does Dalbarb make custom aquariums?
We can accommodate some special order situations, however, our standard range includes aquariums from 11 litres through to 900 litres. There are 34 sizes available, as well as the additional sizes in the various shapes from octagonal to corner units. In total Dalbarb have almost 60 tanks in the standard range which means that most people are able to find a tank that will suit their requirements.
Requests for tanks outside of our standard range will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Special orders do take a little longer than stock sizes to complete and will involve additional charges. Please consult your aquarium supplier with specific questions.

I want to build my aquarium into a wall. Are there any special considerations I should be concerned with?
There are a number of considerations to be made if you wish to build your aquarium into a wall. Firstly, ensure that the structure is level and strong enough to support the weight of the tank when full of water. Ensure you allow room above the tank to allow access for feeding and cleaning. You will also need to find power for the light and filter. It is useful to have a cupboard or shelf near the tank for the filter and storing your fish food and other aquarium related items.

Why should I use Dalbarb aquarium furniture and not just put the tank on a table or sideboard?
Water is heavier than most people imagine with one litre weighing one kilogram. That means a standard 122cm (4 foot) tank weights almost 200kg. Most furniture is not designed to carry this weight. Imagine the disaster if the furniture were to collapse under the weight and tank. Fish and water would go everywhere! Dalbarb aquarium furniture is purpose built to withstand the weight of the water.

I don't like the paint colours or stains available. Can you make a special colour?
Dalbarb have a wide range of stains and a number of paint colours available as standard. However, should you not find anything that meets your requirements custom colours can often be arranged. Alternatively, many people choose to purchase a raw product and stain or paint themselves.

Do I need to drain my tank in order to move it?
Yes! Aquariums of any size should not be moved with water in them. Removing decorations and gravel is also recommended. Moving an aquarium with water and gravel in it, even a very short distance, can stress the seams and the glass not to mention your back!. This could result in leaking seams or pressure cracked glass and this type of damage is not covered under warranty. So be safe and don't take a chance!

Can I remove the centre brace of my aquarium frame?
Removing the centre brace of the aquarium is not recommended. Our aquariums require the centre brace to keep the tank from "bowing". Please note removing the centre brace or otherwise tampering with the structure of your aquarium will void the manufacturer's warranty.
Some of our smaller aquariums are made without a centre brace, so if yours does not have a brace, don't panic!

Can I keep reptiles in my aquarium?
Many people have kept reptiles in an aquarium, but an aquarium is designed for fish, not reptiles. Dalbarb have a range of enclosures specifically designed for reptiles; lizard, snake, turtle and frog which allow for ventilation, heat lamps, easy cleaning, security and cable entry.
The entry level tank is the Timber Reptile habitat. It has a ventilation side and back, sliding glass doors with lock, cable entry and provisions to hold light inside. It is available in 61, 92 and 122cm lengths. The all glass reptile tank includes sliding glass doors, with lock, foam pad, ventilation under doors, perforated metal top lid, cable entry cap.

The lizard habitat features ventilation holes, sliding glass doors with lock, and removable perforated top. It is available in 92 and 122cm lengths.

The Snake Tank has a height of 100cm giving snakes all the room they need to climb. It also features a removable glass front panel and removable perforated top. There are two side doors, key locked to provide security. The Snake Tank is available in 92 and 122cm lengths.All the above tanks come apart easily to facilitate cleaning. The Lizard and Snake Enclosures are available in our full range of stained finishes to co-ordinate with your decor.

Frogs will find themselves quite at home in the Dalbarb Frog Tank. The lid is in two sections with sliding glass at the front and perforated metal towards the back. It comes standard with two cable entry points, side ventilation and foam pad. With a height of 61cm your frog can jump to its heart’s content.

For turtle enthusiasts the Turtle tank features a removable gravel-coated platform. There is one cable entry point, foam pad and a glass/perforated metal lid as featured in the frog tank. It is available in 61, 92 and 122cm lengths.

What is the warranty on Dalbarb products?
A Dalbarb product is unconditionally guaranteed against defects in workmanship or material for a period of 12 months from the date of purchase. If any servicing is necessary during this period the product will be serviced in our factory free of charge. The guarantee only covers Dalbarb products, is not transferable and is null and void if modifications or repairs are carried out by unauthorised persons.
Ask your Retailer for a Registration Form when you purchase our product.

What if I need to purchase replacement parts?
These are available through your preferred retailer or if required replacement can be carried out at the Dalbarb factory.

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Dalbarb reserves the right to delete products or modify manufacturing specifications without prior notification.