The 15 Best Fish Tanks (Review)

If you feel the call of the waters and dream of having your own small piece of aquatic nature in your home, you have come to the right place!

Purchasing an aquarium for the first time can be a daunting task for a newbie to the hobby. There are so many options to choose from and so many questions that may arise.

Fortunately, keeping fish is now easier than ever. Almost everyone armed with just a little knowledge can keep a beautiful fish tank that will delight everyone who stops to watch, turning any home into a quiet and relaxing living space.

In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best fish tank and help you come to the right decision that meets all your needs.

Our TOP-3 Rated Aquariums for Home (Full Reviews)

We conducted in-depth research and have 15 chosen great fish tanksю. When evaluating, we used the following indicators: price, looks, performance, and feedback from actual purchasers on Chewy, Amazon, and Petco.

1. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 5 gallons.

If you’re a newbie who has just entered an aquarium hobby and doesn’t want to shell out a ton of money, it is a perfect budget-friendly option.

If you give pride of place to eye-catching and sparkling LEDs that can guarantee a pleasant view of the entire tank, then this is a great choice. The night mode is breathtaking, and its slim design makes it more attractive to embellish. The cover is made of thin plastic with LEDs on the top.

It is an acceptable size, has a can’t-be-beat price and comes with the necessary filtration and lighting systems. Just add water, a heater (if necessary), and your choice of fish!

Key benefits:

• Comes with an integrated 3-stage filtration system.
• Features 37 powerful LED lights for nice-to-behold illumination.
• Easy to set up.

2. MarineLand 5-Gallon Portrait Blade Light Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 5 gallons.

If you’re tired of ordinary aquariums, consider purchasing a desktop tank. It is definitely a good catch for any fish lover.

This magnificent all-glass tank is equipped with a concealed three-stage filtration system and an adjustable filter pump for clean water. The built-in LED illumination system switches from flickering white to moonlight soft blue, creating stunning beauty at any time of the day or night. An expertly designed sliding glass canopy makes it easy to feed your fish or check the water with little to no hassle at all.

Key benefits:

• Built-in 3-stage filtration system with a filter pump ensures the purity of water.
• Features easy access for feeding fish.
• Simply add water, a few decorations, and some fin-buddies and you will be in business!

3. Tetra 20-Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 20 gallons.

This product is one of the best starter aquarium kits currently available on the market. This kit includes all the necessary equipment for setting up a new fish tank. And, since it is quite easy to put together, this is a great deal for a starter tank.

The LED lighting works great, and the assembly instructions are easy to understand. This product is large enough to add different fin-buddies to it. This is undoubtedly a great way to start for novices in the aquarium hobby.

Key benefits:

• The filter does not make annoying noise, and the altering light colors are amazing.
• Although this aquarium is pretty costly, given its remarkable features, you will not regret the purchase in the future.

4. Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Starter Kit

Capacity – 2.5 and 5 gallons.

This aquarium is a practical pick for a first-timer or an experienced aquarist since it has everything for a successful setup. The compact fish tank is ideal for small areas. It will look amazing wherever you decide to put it.

This kit includes an energy-efficient LED light, Aqueon QuietFlow filtration system, food samples, and a guide with clear instructions for easy setup. It also comes in several sizes and colors so you can find the one that fits your fin-buddies’ needs.

The manufacturer offers an affordable price. So, if you have scarce funds, this budget-friendly option will do for you.

Key benefits:

• Great for small spaces.
• Includes a complete guide on how to set up a fish tank.
• Energy-saving LED light.
• Aqueon QuietFlow filtration system.

5. Tetra LED Half Moon Betta Aquarium

Capacity – 1.1 gallon

If you are in the hunt for a first-class home aquarium, then you should try this product.

This product is made of high-quality plastic and is designed to have a half-moon shape. It includes a feeding hole and a transparent plastic canopy that makes it look more sophisticated. The product already comes with an LED illumination system that is quite easy to reposition.

The specific shape provides a complete viewing window. Also, this fish tank can create a convenient hub for your finned friends.

Key benefits:

• Features a convenient feeding hole.
• Energy-efficient lighting.
• Many people who are into aquarium keeping prefer this primarily because it fits any interior.

6. Marina LED Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 5 and 10 gallons.

Perfect for novice aquarium enthusiasts, the kit is equipped with everything you need to get on your first trip in the wonderful world of fish keeping.

This 20-gallon glass aquarium features a slim filter that does not take up much space. The product looks very neat. As for LED light, it is bright enough so you can grow live plants and encourage them to thrive. Note that there are only white lights, so if you’d like to have other colors, you need to purchase and put them in yourself.

Key benefits:

• Recommended for a tropical community of fish species.
• Includes a complete guide on how to set up.
• Energy-efficient lighting.

7. Koller Products 3-Gallon 360 View Fish Tank

Capacity – 3 gallons.

Are you looking to buy the best sized aquarium for first-timers? Then this product will be able to satisfy your needs. Koller Products 2-Gallon 360 View Fish Tank includes all the necessary equipment you need to get started.

Perfectly sized, it is a good choice for any environment. The energy-saving LED lighting comes with multi-color options to radiantly light your tank. Made of crystal clear, impact-proof plastic, the aquarium is leak-resistant and safe for your pet fish.

As for the price, it is quite affordable so you shouldn’t give second thoughts whether to purchase it or not.

Key features:

• Energy-saving LED lighting has seven colors.
• Powerful filtration system.
• Impact-proof acrylic offers panoramic viewing

8. Tetra ColorFusion LED Half Moon Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 3 and 6 gallons.

There is a wide variety of small aquariums out there, but not all of them are reasonably priced. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option that comes with decent quality, pay attention to the kit. It is a manageable size of one gallon with a great value for a price.

This product includes a 180º tank and an automatic color-altering submersible LED illumination unit that creates a colorful bubbling effect. It also comes with a  cartridge-based filtration system for easy and reliable maintenance.

Add gravel, plants, water, and pet fish to bring a splash of beauty to your office or home.

Key features:

• 180º seamless fish tank.
• Auto color-altering LED lighting system.
• Cartridge-based filtration unit.

9. Aqueon 10-Gallon Fish Tank Aquarium LED Kit

Capacity – 10 gallons.

Many people dream of owning a fish tank. Aside from the idea that they look amazing in any interior, many believe they can be a great mode of relaxation. Their dreams may come true if they are going to purchase the kit. This is a product designed to accommodate 10-gallon water capacity with a complete viewing window.

This product includes everything you need, including a glass aquarium, lighting and filtration systems, a pre-configured 50W heater, quality food, water conditioner, a fishnet, and thermometer. You can also count on its PRO LED power filter, which is equipped with a red LED light that flashes to indicate the period when you need to replace the cartridge.

As for the price, this product is pretty costly, but it is a good investment that will offer you many privileges to enjoy in the future.

Key features:

• Quality LED lighting.
• The filter is equipped with a red LED light on top that flashes, indicating that it is time to change the cartridge.
• The heater helps keep your aquarium inhabitants at a constant temperature.
• Comes with guide with clear instructions for easy setup.

10. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium

Capacity – 16 and 32 gallons.

If you have not yet found all you need in one aquarium, then you can have a look at this fish tank and make sure that it is the best matches what you are looking for.

This product includes a quiet submersible pump, an easy-to-alter return nozzle, and dual intakes. What makes this product a good option to consider is its ability to replicate a natural day cycle. It features automatic half an hour sunrise/sunset and one-hour moon rise/moon set functions. Besides, it comes with a 24-hour timer that has three independent channels for admirable blue, sparkling white, and color enhancing LEDs. As you can see, this is what makes your aquarium relaxing.

Key features:

• Vibrant LED lighting.
• Built-in 24-hour timer with 3 separate channels: white, blue and color enhancing LEDs.
• Automatic 30-minute sunrise or sunset and 60-minute moonrise or moon set function to mimic the natural day cycle.
• A silent submersible pump, easy-to-alter return nozzle, and dual intakes.

11. GloFish Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 1.5, 3 and 5 gallons.

If you want to add a colorful touch to your surroundings, then this kit is what you need.

This product comes with a filtration system that uses a medium Bio-Bag for easy and reliable maintenance. The aquarium is made of acrylic and has several LED lamps that emphasize the unique color of your scaly sidekicks while decorating your interior. It is also designed to occupy only small spaces in your room.

The five-gallon fish tank gives you more space to put in different pet fish. They will definitely love playing, roaming and swimming around.

Key features:

• Seamless plastic aquarium.
• Comes with Tetra Whisper filtration unit, energy-saving LED lamps, and a transparent cover.
• Consumes little energy.

12. Penn Plax Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 3.4 and 10 gallons.

The Penn Plax Aquarium Kit is made with a curved glass to give it the continuity that sea offers. The clear view gives you the peace of mind that comes with having a fish tank in your home.

This product includes an internal cascade filter that provides mechanical, chemical and biological filtration. It also features ten LED lights to illuminate your new finned family members’ home.

The Penn Plax Aquarium Kit offers 360-degree panoramic view that makes the most and very extreme aquatic dreams realistic.

Key features:

• Comes with a curved glass aquarium, a cascading internal filter, LED lighting, a rug and a hinged plastic cover.
• Made of high-quality glass for durability and transparency and uses a 3-piece construction with seamless corners.
• Suitable for a wide variety of pet fish.

13. Aqueon LED NeoGlow Aquarium Starter Kit

Capacity – 5.5 and 7.5 gallons.

If you are not well-experienced in keeping a fish tank and don’t know how to set up a new home for your scaly sidekicks, then the kit is a good place to start. This product adds a colorful zing to your bedroom, living room or work space.

It features a glass fish tank, a QuietFlow power filter, water conditioner, multi-colored gravel, artificial plants, a cartridge, natural food, and a guide with clear instructions for easy setup. The product also comes with blue LED lighting to illuminate the tank. The trial water conditioner will keep your aquarium water clean and your finned friends safe, while the food provides your pet fish with the nutrition they require.

Key features:

• Includes plants, gravel and fluorescent silicone that are brightly colored.
• Fish food and water conditioner allow you to try high-quality products.
• Comes with a guide with clear instructions for easy setup.

14. Fluval Edge 2.0 Glass Aquarium Kit

Capacity – 12 gallons.

Sometimes it can be a daunting task to buy piece by piece to have a working fish tank. The kit includes everything you need to start and maintain.

Due to the stylish design, this aquarium features a unique viewing experience, complemented by an LED lighting system. The LED mimics natural sunlight, contributing to the growth of plants. This product also comes with a multi-stage filtration system. Perfect for any home, this model can add vibrant color to any space.

Key features:

• LED lights reproduce natural sunlight to contribute to the plants’ growth.
• Features touch-switch lighting.
• Comes with multi-stage filtration.

15. Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium

Capacity – 15 gallons.

It is a stylish front bent tank. It features a remote control that gives you the ability to choose the special effects and color combinations you want.

The filtration system operates on chemical, biological, and mechanical levels. You can adjust the flow of water using a multi-directional dual output. Since the aquarium is a freshwater fish tank, the power to control the flow of water can let you keep a wide range of fish species.

Key features:

• 3-stage filtration.
• Contemporary design.
• Controlled by the included remote control.
• Allows customized water flow.

READ MORE: Saltwater fish for beginners

Buying Guide – Home Fish Tanks

Benefits of Having a Fish Aquarium

• Fish tanks have a soothing effect that contributes to peace and tranquility at home. When aquarium inhabitants move in your tank, they produce a hypnotic affect.
• It relieves stress and improves productivity. When you watch the pet fish swimming gracefully inside your fish tank, it takes your mind on a comforting slow ride of imagination and stress-free relaxation. ^[1]​
• They are not noisy compared to other pets such as dogs and cats. Neighbors will not complain about a noisy pet.
• It provides children with the opportunity to learn how to be responsible. When they feed the scaly sidekicks and clean the fish tank, it encourages a high sense of responsibility.
• It can reduce your blood pressure. This effect is achieved with the serenity and peace that the gliding fish giive. ^[2]​

READ MORE: How to Clean a Freshwater Fish Tank

Important Features to Consider

It takes a lot of effort to find the perfect aquarium and to make your pets feel comfortable in their “nest.” If you have made up your mind to keep fish as pets, you need to think of things that will make them feel comfortable. In part, this includes knowing what to consider when selecting an aquarium. You also want to make sure your fish tank will bring a splash of beauty to your space. To make this happen, here are a few important features you should consider.

• Accessories included. If you are a newbie and searching for an easy way to break into the aquarium industry, then buying a fish tank that has everything you need at your fingertips (for example, fish food, a filter, and a heater) is a great idea. Look for an all-in-one kit, rather than a stand-alone aquarium.
• Size. You want to be sure you buy an aquarium suitable for your fish family. Large fish tanks are generally more challenging, but a too-small will not be healthy for your pet fish. Check the dimensions to make sure your aquarium fits in the allocated space.
• Cost and fish type. Although the initial cost is usually high, the subsequent maintenance costs can be low depending on what type you buy. The same is true for various species. Some of them are a bit pricey, while others are budget-friendly. Firstly, determine the type of fish you want to keep before starting to think of an aquarium. And even if you choose a cheaper option, make sure it has the necessary features required to ensure the safety of your fish.

READ MORE: Best Aquarium for Betta Fish

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. ​Cracknell, Deborah, et al. “Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being: A Preliminary Examination of Dose-Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting.” SAGE Journals, journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0013916515597512.
2. ​Kinver, Mark. “Aquariums ‘Deliver Significant Health Benefits.’” BBC News, 30 July 2015, bbc.com/news/science-environment-33716589.
3. ​“What Size Fish Tank Should I Get?” Fishkeeping World, 29 June 2020, fishkeepingworld.com/what-size-fish-tank-should-i-get/.
4. ​“How to Set Up a Fish Tank in 7 Easy Steps.” Fishkeeping World, 21 Apr. 2020, fishkeepingworld.com/how-to-set-up-a-fish-tank/.