Culture tanks range in sizes and shapes and are made with many types of materials. Tanks should be inexpensive, durable, easy to manage during production (i.e., accessible, easy to harvest, have proper drains), allow flexible use and made of non-toxic materials. Choose a size that is reasonably priced, will be easy to manage and will allow all students the desired experiences.

Aquaria are often over-looked by teachers as a practical method of introducing aquaculture into the classroom. For maintaining small and more exotic aquatic species, commercially available aquaria are adequate and reasonably priced. Aquaria are suitable for spawning, hatching and growing many fish species.

For the culture of larger "food fish" species, round tanks are nice. A circular water flow can be maintained in round tanks that makes cleaning easier (solids will move to the center of the tank), water quality will be uniform throughout the tank and the fish will metabolize food better due to constant "exercise." Square or rectangular tanks are also used for larger fish and are, generally, easier to construct, take up less space and are easier to harvest. These tanks, however, may need to be cleaned more often as solids (i.e., feces and uneaten food) tend to collect in areas where water flow is inadequate.

Tanks can be purchased directly from pet stores, aquaculture suppliers or can be improvised from material that can be found locally. It is important to remember that water used to culture aquatic organisms should only come in contact with materials that are "food grade" quality (i.e., suitable for storage of food products) and that will not leach products that are toxic to the organisms being raised or the consumers of those organisms. A few examples of materials that can be used are:

glass or acrylic plastic - Used to construct aquaria. While aquaria are under rated, these are an excellent option for teachers with or without a budget (everyone has one in their attic, garage, or cellar) or a lot of class space (can provide students with individualized learning and entrepreneurial opportunities).

fiberglass - Tanks are easy to build, modify and repair; pre-fabricated tanks can be purchased in a large range of sizes and shapes; can be expensive.

treated plywood, cement blocks or galvanized steel - Tanks are easy to construct and can be a cheap alternative; cover with a non-toxic liner material (do not use liners treated with fungicide e.g., pool liners) or paint with water proof epoxy paint.

epoxy coated steel - Expensive.

poured cement (e.g. casket liners, old septic tanks) - Potential to find some good bargains, but tough to move.

polytanks - Considered short term tanks; good (fairly cheap) for classroom aquaculture.

stainless steel (e.g. unused milk bulk tank or cheese vat) - Expensive.

porcelain bonded carbon steel (e.g. discarded silo rings) - Nice if available for free.