Quiet bubbles and a tranquil hum from the aquarium tanks at Global Leader Aquatics welcome curious and erudite aquarium owners alike. Located in Oak Ridge North, Global Leader Aquatics is a source for saltwater aquarium fish, coral and supplies.

Owner James Anson has had an interest in aquariums since he was young. His parents' interest in saltwater aquariums is what sparked his own personal interest, he said.

"As a young child, the aquarium hobby was of great interest to me," Anson said. "It's something that I've always done."

When Anson turned 25, he opened an aquarium business in Humble. He was there for seven years before deciding to move his business to Oak Ridge North, where he has been for a year.

"I moved to The Woodlands because it is expanding rapidly and offered more opportunities," he said.

Anson specializes in selling coral, which accounts for more than half of his business. Global Leader Aquatics offers small, starter coral, propagated from larger pieces, as well as bigger pieces of coral to fit in larger tanks.

Anson said that coral, while aesthetically pleasing with its vibrant coloring, is alive and contributes to the action in an aquarium tank.

"[Coral] is unique in that it behaves like a plant and uses sunlight for energy," Anson said. "But it's a predator and it captures small particles and that's why it's considered an animal."

The biggest sellers at Global Leader Aquatics are tang fish, Anson said. Tangs are colorful fish that live in tropical seas, near coral. Tangs can be blue, purple and yellow. Another big seller is the clown fish, which are commonly recognized with their bright orange coloring and white wide vertical stripes. There store also carries angel fish, which include pygmy, medium and large species.

Among the supplies the store offers include protein skimmers, lighting for the tanks, live rock and fish food.

Global Leader Aquatics offers services for clients who want to start off with small custom tanks, to commercial clients who are looking for an 800-gallon size aquarium tank. The type of material for the tank, either acrylic or glass, is a matter of preference. They both have their advantages, Anson said. Acrylic scratches more easily than glass and can yellow over time, but it weighs less. Acrylic can also be molded into shapes, said Anson.

There is no typical tank people commonly request, Anson said.

"It really ranges," he said. "It's a broad range clientele. A small custom tank can be 60 gallons and [up to] 800 gallons."

Acrylic versus glass aquariums

Aquariums are made of either acrylic or glass.

• Acrylic can scratch more easily than glass and can also turn yellow over time.
• Acrylic can be molded into shapes for custom aquariums.
• Acrylic is a popular choice because it is half the weight of glass, which is better for shipping, and it is a better insulator for aquariums.
• A good quality acrylic tank will not yellow at the rate of inferior acrylic, if at all.

Global Leader Aquatics, 27718 I-45 N., Oak Ridge North, 281-419-8882, www.glaquatics.com

Hours: Wed.–Sat. noon–7 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m., Closed Mondays and Tuesdays