The 10 Best Fish Tanks And Aquariums

The 10 Best Fish Tanks And Aquariums

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There is nothing more beautiful than a healthy and thriving home aquarium. There is something majestic about capturing the beauty of an underwater world in the comfort of your own home.

If you’ve always been curious about the aquarium hobby, there is no time like the present to give it a try for yourself. It may be easier to break into than you imagine, and it all starts with choosing the right tank.

In this article, we’ll talk about the basics of caring for aquarium fish and provide some tips for choosing the best fish tank or aquarium. You’ll also see our top 10 picks for the best fish tanks and aquariums.

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Compare Best Fish Tanks And Aquariums

Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank 1. Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best Small Fish Tank 2. Marineland Contour Rail Light Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank 3. Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Includes LED Lighting and Decor View on Amazon Read Review	Best Saltwater Tank 4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best Freshwater Tank 5. SeaClear 46 gal Bowfront Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set View on Amazon Read Review	Best Starter Fish Tank 6. Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit View on Amazon Read Review	Best Community Fish Tank 7. Fluval Hagen HG Flex Aquarium View on Amazon Read Review	Best Nano Aquarium 8. Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best Desktop Fish Tank 9. Marineland Portrait Blade Light Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review	Best Cheap Fish Tank 10. Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquarium Kit View on Chewy Read Review
Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Acrylic	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Glass	Materials Plastic
Size 5 gallons	Size 3 or 5 gallon	Size 20 gallons	Size 20 gallons	Size 15 to 50 gallons	Size 8 gallons	Size 15 gallons	Size 16 or 32 gallons	Size 5 gallons	Size 1.1 gallons
Accessories LED lights, filter, filter media	Accessories LED rail light, 3-stage filtration	Accessories LED light, filter, heater	Accessories Clip-on filter, water conditioner	Accessories None	Accessories LED rail light, filtration system, 3D background	Accessories 3-stage filtration, LED lights	Accessories LED lights, filtration system	Accessories LED rail light, 3-stage filtration	Accessories LED light

What To Look For In A Fish Tank Or Aquarium?

Aquariums and fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, so it may be difficult to choose just one. Think about the type of aquarium fish you plan to keep in your tank and consider their needs for space. You should also think about how much time you’ll have to devote to maintenance and what your budget is when you start shopping around for a fish tank or aquarium.

Here are some important things to look for in a fish tank or aquarium:

• High-quality construction. You don’t want to skimp on the construction of your tank because it will need to hold water which becomes very heavy. It also pays to choose a sturdy foundation, stand, or cabinet on which to place your tank.
• Size and dimensions. You should have some idea what type of fish you plan to keep before you shop for a tank, so choose a tank size and shape that fits your tank inhabitants. For example, angelfish require a tank that is taller than it is wide.
• Cost to purchase. Though you shouldn’t shop by price alone, you can make a smart decision when it comes to the cost of your aquarium. Some materials are more costly than others and you can sometimes save money by purchasing a starter kit.
• Included accessories. Not all fish tanks and aquariums come with accessories, but many do. If you’re looking for a simple way to break into the aquarium industry, look for a starter kit rather than a stand-alone tank.

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a fish tank or aquarium, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 10 picks for the best fish tanks and aquariums.

Our Top Picks For The Best Fish Tanks And Aquariums

Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank

1.

Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 5 gallons
• Accessories: LED lights, filter, filter media

Pros

• Affordably priced under $100
• Comes with integrated filter system
• Equipped with LED lighting system

Cons

• Tank heater is not included in the kit
• Integrated filter can be tricky to remove and change media

If you’re not quite sure what you’re getting yourself into with the aquarium hobby and don’t want to make a significant investment, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is the perfect place to start. It is a manageable size, affordably priced under $100, and comes with the filtration and lighting systems you need. Simply add water, a heater (if needed), and your choice of fish!

Best Small Fish Tank

2.

Marineland Contour Rail Light Aquarium Kit

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Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 3 or 5 gallon
• Accessories: LED rail light, 3-stage filtration

Pros

• Available in 3- and 5-gallon sizes
• Equipped with LED rail light and filtration
• Easy to set up and maintain

Cons

• Included filter is not adjustable for flow
• Doesn’t come with a tank heater

For something a little cheaper than the previous model but still a manageable size, consider the Marineland Contour Aquarium Kit. It is available in a 3-gallon and 5-gallon size, both equipped with a stylish aquarium rail light featuring both white daytime and blue moonlight LEDs. It also comes with a hidden 3-stage filtration system with adjustable flow rate.

Best 20 Gallon Fish Tank

3.

Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit, Includes LED Lighting and Decor

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Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 20 gallons
• Accessories: LED light, filter, heater

Pros

• More room for error than smaller tanks
• Comes with heating, lighting, and filtration
• Includes several décor elements

Cons

• Included equipment could be of higher quality
• Filter included with the kit makes noise

Though you might think that maintaining a small tank is easier than a large tank, that isn’t strictly true. The most recommended size for beginners is 20 gallons because it is a manageable size but gives you a little more room for error due to the higher water volume. This 20-gallon tank comes with an LED hood light, a mini heater, a filter, and several decorative items.

Best Saltwater Tank

4.

Marina LED Aquarium Kit

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Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 20 gallons
• Accessories: Clip-on filter, water conditioner

Pros

• Comes with clip-on filter and filter media
• Includes several helpful accessories
• Manageable size for a starter saltwater tank

Cons

• Limited options for sizing
• Doesn’t come with a tank heater

Saltwater tanks are very different to keep than freshwater tanks, but the aquariums themselves are not. If you’re thinking about starting a saltwater tank, however, you should start with a decent size like this 20-gallon Marina LED Aquarium Kit. It comes with a clip-on filter and several other accessories to get you started on the right foot.

Best Freshwater Tank

5.

SeaClear 46 gal Bowfront Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Acrylic
• Size: 15 to 50 gallons
• Accessories: None

Pros

• Half the weight of glass aquariums
• Acrylic is 17 times stronger than glass
• Available in a wide range of sizes 15 to 50 gallons

Cons

• Limited range of sizes, between 15 and 50 gallons
• Doesn’t include heater or filter system

If you have your heart set on a freshwater tank, the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is the way to go. It comes in a wide range of sizes from 20 gallons up to 50 gallons, all made from highly durable acrylic. Compared to glass, acrylic is half the weight but 17 times stronger. The only downside is that this aquarium doesn’t come with a heater or filter.

Best Starter Fish Tank

6.

Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 8 gallons
• Accessories: LED rail light, filtration system, 3D background

Pros

• Manageable 8-gallon size
• Attractive curved front and 3D background
• Integrated 3-stage filtration system

Cons

• Some species of fish may jump out of the open top
• No tank heater included with the kit

Some starter aquarium kits are boring, but the Hygger Horizon 8-Gallon LED Starter Kit is not. It comes in a manageable 8-gallon size and features an attractive curved front design. It also comes equipped with an LED rail light, a waterfall filtration system, and a beautiful 3D background.

Best Community Fish Tank

7.

Fluval Hagen HG Flex Aquarium

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 15 gallons
• Accessories: 3-stage filtration, LED lights

Pros

• Attractive curved front design
• Perfect size for community tank (15 gallons)
• Equipped with filtration and LED lighting

Cons

• May not be large enough for some community fish
• No heater included in the aquarium kit

One of the most enjoyable types of aquarium to keep is a community tank where multiple species of fish live in harmony. To give your fish space, you need a slightly larger tank, but it can still be a manageable size. The Hagen HG Fluval Flex 15-Gallon Aquarium is perfect because it is the right size and comes with the equipment you need. It also has an attractive curved front design!

Best Nano Aquarium

8.

Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Kit

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View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 16 or 32 gallons
• Accessories: LED lights, filtration system

Pros

• Sleek, modern design in two sizes
• Equipped with LED lights and filtration
• Perfect for a marine or reef nano tank

Cons

• Only available in two sizes, 16 and 32 gallons
• Doesn’t come with a tank heater

If you’re an experienced aquarium hobbyist looking for a challenge, a marine nano tank or reef tank is a great option. This Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium LED Kit is the perfect nano aquarium because it comes in a 16- or 32-gallon size and a compact, customizable filtration system with LED lighting.

Best Desktop Fish Tank

9.

Marineland Portrait Blade Light Aquarium Kit

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View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Glass
• Size: 5 gallons
• Accessories: LED rail light, 3-stage filtration

Pros

• Attractive glass aquarium with LED light
• Includes 3-stage hidden filtration system
• Affordably priced under $50

Cons

• Some species of fish may jump out of the open top
• No tank heater included with the kit

If you’re tired of ordinary decorations, consider a desktop aquarium. The MarineLand 5-Gallon Portrait Glass Aquarium Kit is a very attractive design with an LED rail light and a hidden filtration system. Simply fill it with water and a few decorations then enjoy your new desktop aquarium!

Best Cheap Fish Tank

10.

Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquarium Kit

View on Chewy

View on Amazon

Product Info

• Materials: Plastic
• Size: 1.1 gallons
• Accessories: LED light

Pros

• Manageable 1.1 gallon size
• Affordably priced under $20
• Can be set on a desktop or counter

Cons

• Small 1-gallon size is only appropriate for very small fish
• May require more frequent cleaning than larger tanks

There are plenty of small fish tanks out there, but not all of them are cheap. If you’re looking for something affordably priced that offers decent quality, consider the Tetra LED Half Moon Betta Aquarium. It is a manageable 1-gallon size and priced under $20.

Tips For Maintaining A Fish Tank Or Aquarium

Maintaining a healthy aquarium environment is not the most difficult task on earth, but you do need the proper equipment to make your job easier. Choose a 3-stage filtration system appropriately sized for your tank and pick the best lighting system that suits your tank inhabitants. It is also important to install a heater to keep your tank at the right temperature and to perform routine maintenance tasks.

Here are some simple tips for maintaining a fish tank or aquarium:

• Top off your aquarium once or twice a week to account for evaporation – make sure to condition the new water first to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
• Perform a 15% to 20% water change ever two weeks to help remove accumulated toxins and the by-products of the breakdown of waste.
• Do a larger 25% to 50% water change once every month or so to keep the water in your aquarium fish.
• Keep an eye on your aquarium equipment to make sure that it is working properly and test your tank water once a week to make sure your tank parameters are within the right limits.
• When performing a water change, use a gravel vacuum to remove accumulated waste from the substrate in your tank.

Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a fish tank or aquarium and how to properly maintain one, you’re ready to start shopping!

Final Remarks

Choosing the perfect fish tank or aquarium is only the starting point. From there, you also need to think about the best equipment for your tank including lighting, heating, and filtration as well as decorations and tank inhabitants. Picking out a high-quality, perfectly sized aquarium is the best place to start but don’t skimp on the rest of the necessities!

If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a fish tank or aquarium, try out one of the top 10 best picks we’ve reviewed above. One is bound to be the perfect fit. Good luck!