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Setting up an aquarium at home or in your office should be easy and fun. But, don’t dive into the fish tank without thinking through some important considerations first. By planning ahead, you can make building out your aquarium an exciting and rewarding process.
You may even learn how to care for your beloved pets in new ways. We’ve got some tips to share with you as well as our picks for the best fish tanks by size.
Article Overview
Things To Think About Before Buying
There’s a lot to consider as you start thinking about adding a new aquarium to your world. But, here are the top four questions you should ask yourself before you take the plunge.
What Do You Want To Go In Your Fish Tank?
This includes the species, decorations, plants, etc. Certain species require different elements and may need more or less space. If you plan on placing a huge rock in your aquarium, you’ll want to make sure the rock can fit inside the aquarium, and the fish still has room to swim.
How Big Of A Fish Tank Do You Want/Need?
Another thing to consider is the footprint of the tank. If you only have a certain amount of space to work with, you’ll want to confirm that the tank you choose will fit inside that space.
How Much Do You Want To Spend?
These aquariums can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want them to be. Have a budget in mind to help you stay on track and not get carried away.
Do You Need Lights Or A Heater?
If you purchase a kit, it may include these elements, so you may not need to buy them separately. But this is something you’ll want to consider for the best aquarium kits.
Best Fish Tanks
Best Fish Tank Starter Kit | Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank | Best 10 & 20 Gallon Fish Tank | Best 30 Gallon Fish Tank
Best Fish Tank Starter Kit: Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit Review
This three-gallon cube aquarium is our pick for Best Fish Tank Starter Kit. The kit includes a three-gallon tank, LED light, pedestal base and lid with a feeding hole. The aquarium has a Tetra 3i filter, which keeps the tank clean.
This tank is ideal for small tropical fish, goldfish or betta (learn more about the best betta fish tanks) and would fit perfectly in a kitchen, dormitory, classroom or office. This aquarium is made out of clear plastic and is crack and shatter-resistant, making it the best starter aquarium.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- $42.62
- Dimensions: 10″D x 10.51″H x 10″W
Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank: Marineland Aquarium Kit Review
This Marineland Aquarium Kit is one of the best small fish tanks. It is a five gallon, curved glass aquarium and it includes a three-stage hidden filtration system and base. It has white LEDs, which replicate the effect of sunlight underwater and blue LEDs, which provide a relaxing moonlight glow.
You can also turn the lights off altogether if you’d like. There is a sliding glass canopy, which makes it easy to access your tank to feed your fish and care for the water.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- $69.98
- Dimensions: 16.8″H x 11.8″L x 11.8″W
Best 10 & 20 Gallon Fish Tanks: Marina LED Aquarium Kit Review
Our pick for Best 10 Gallon Fish Tank Kit and Best 20 Gallon Aquarium is this Marina Kit. The Marina fish tank comes in three different sizes: 5-, 10- and 20-gallon and has a natural daylight effect through the use of LED lights.
The aquarium is made out of glass and includes a Marina Slim S15 clip-on filter. The kit also includes fish food, Aqua Plus Water Conditioner, Cycle Biological Supplement, net and care guide.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- 10 gallon:
Check Amazon for availability
- Dimensions: 20″L x 10″W x 12.5″H
- 20 gallon:
$157.81
- Dimensions: 24″L x 12.5″W x 16.5″H
Best 30 Gallon Fish Tank: SeaClear Aquarium Review
This SeaClear Combo Set includes the aquarium, reflector and 24″ lighting fixture. The aquarium is made out of acrylic, so if you’re worried about the glass breaking this is a great option. Acrylic is said to be 17 times stronger than glass and only half the weight.
It is impact resistant and less prone to cracking than glass. This is a great fish tank for home or office spaces, and it’s one of the best saltwater aquariums.
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Pricing & Tech Specs
- Check Amazon for availability
- Dimensions: 36″ x 12″ x 16″
- Weight: 20 pounds
How To Setup Your Aquarium
Don’t just fill the tank up and throw your fish in it. There are a few more steps to it than that! The video below talks about the best fish tanks for beginners and how to get them set up.
How Do Saltwater & Freshwater Aquariums Differ?
Now you’re ready to be a fish parent! Whether you’re looking to care for goldfish or something more complicated and exotic, these tanks and tips can help you on your way. If you need more help getting started, you may find our article about having saltwater aquarium fish or freshwater aquarium fish helpful.
What species do you plan to keep in your aquarium?
Tagged With: Comparison, Fish
