Diving into the world of pets can be daunting, time-consuming, and expensive. That’s why many people choose to start small, with a nice fish tank. Kids love watching their fish friends swim among the colorful rocks and plants, while adults find this low-maintenance pet easy to take on vacation. If you’re looking to add one or two to your home, we’re happy to help with a list of the best fish tanks according to 15 experts.
Adding a fish tank to your home is made simple with an aquarium kit like the ones we’ve rounded up. Below are the top five best aquariums for pet fish most recommended by experts! You’ll be savoring the soothing sounds of glugs and blubs in no time. We can’t wait to find out which of these top tanks is your number-one pick! Don’t see your favorite on our list? Share it in the comments below.
➡️ How Our “Best of the Best” Lists Are Made
StudyFinds’ “Best of the Best” articles are compiled with the idea of deriving work from common consumer research. Have you ever found yourself searching for a product or service on Google and reading many reviews only to find the items listed in many of them? Our Best of the Best lists are created with that process in mind, with each item ranked according to how often it appears in expert reviews or lists. With Best of the Best, you get consensus picks — making them truly the best of the best!
The List: Best Fish Aquariums, According to the Experts
1. Aqueon LED Aquarium Starter Kit
The only downside to this aquarium is that it seems to lack decor, and as we say, we’d still prefer our own! Many experts put this aquarium at the top of their list, citing the many necessary elements included to get you off on the right foot as a proud fish owner.
The Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit is a popular choice for beginners according to many sources. PopSugar highlights its affordability and key features, citing the filter, thermometer, and fish food sample which is included in the package.
Business Insider ranked it as the best overall fish tank, praising its versatility. They emphasize that the Aqueon LED 20 Aquarium Kit responsive to both freshwater and saltwater setupsmaking it a good option for a variety of aquatic life.
And PetsRadar says it will work for tropical fish friends too (say goodbye to Nemo!): They cite 100W preset heater and stick-on thermometer specifically, making sure the water stays at the perfect temperature for your fish.
2. Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
Another big name in the fishkeeping business, Marineland brings innovation and creativity to the aquascape. The highly rated Portrait Glass LED Aquarium is a striking work of art that is sure to complement any home or office! Fish Lab compliments its sleek design with a hidden filtration system and LED lighting which mimics natural sunlight and moonlight. Rounded corners and efficient filtration provide a clear view of your fish from any angle, while the hinged lid and sliding canopy make cleaning easy. Additionally, the five-gallon size offers compatibility with a variety of filter cartridges.
Aquariadise emphasizes Marineland’s reputation for quality and durability. They acknowledge that Marineland tanks may be slightly more expensive than some competitors, but the brand name has a sense of reliability and a guarantee of a well-made product.
3. Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit
Considered a small or nano aquarium, the Fluval Spec is a perfect freshwater home for bettas, small schools of fish, or shrimp. The all-in-one kit has a truly top-notch filtration system and offers five gallons of space for a comfortable fish home. The design of the Fluval Spec aquarium specifically addresses the needs of these delicate fish. The long, rectangular shape, as highlighted by The Spruce Pets, allows for a gentler flow of water compared to rounded tanks. This is important because bettas prefer calmer currents. Aquarium Store Depot reinforces this point, praising the tank’s horizontal orientation for providing more space for bettas to explore.
This model also features a integrated filter system with replaceable media, as mentioned by The Spruce Pets. This built-in filtration helps maintain a clean and healthy environment for your betta. Although the tank itself is small, some plant life can still enhance its appeal. Spruce Pets recognizes this and suggests exploring fish-safe fertilizers to support any plants you introduce. Finally, Pet Keen emphasizes the attractive design of the Fluval Spec V. The hidden filter compartment and sleek LED lighting create a clean and modern aesthetic that blends well with any home environment.
4. Marina 20G LED Aquarium Kit
Hoping for a bigger tank? This 20-gallon top pick comes highly recommended, with almost everything you need in quality accessories and a pleasant design. The larger environment allowing for healthier, happier fish and more room to add more variety. Wirecutter features it as their favorite, praising it awesome design, bright lighting, and the highly customizable filter system which effectively promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. While they acknowledge the lack of a heater, they downplay it because most kits still require additional purchases. In their opinion, the overall quality and performance far outweighed this small flaw.
Dodo echoes this sentiment, placing the Marina kit at the top of their list. They rave about how efficient it is, including a clip-on filter with extra cartridges, LED lighting that mimics natural sunlight, fish food, water conditioner, and even a handy cleaning net.
Finally, Hepper emphasizes the exceptional value of the Marina kit. They found the included accessories to be of good quality, and the price point makes it an attractive option for those considering a larger aquarium setup. The increased amount of water also contributes to a more stable environment, ultimately benefiting the health of your fish.
5. Aqueon LED MiniBow Kit
The Aqueon MiniBow stands out from the rest as a result special SmartClean technology and lightweight design. Aqueon created the all-inclusive kit to get you on your slimy way in no time. Beginners will find the Aqueon aquarium an excellent choice for their first foray into fishkeeping. Its compact size and lightweight design, at under four pounds according to Popular Mechanics, make it a perfect space saving solution for apartments or smaller houses. This also makes it ideal for housing smaller fish species.
Mother & Baby continues, praising Aqueon for its user-friendly approach. They feature both the simple setup process and the innovative SmartClean technology. This technology allows for quick and easy water changes in just two minutes, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for maintenance. In short, both reviewers agree that the Aqueon aquarium provides a stress-free and manageable fishkeeping experience for beginners.
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