Best Fish Aquarium Tanks for Beginners: Full Buyers Guide

Pet fish is a beautiful alternative if you have children just learning to take care of a pet. However, to maintain fish as pets, you will need an aquarium tank to house them. Unfortunately, starting the process of setting up an aquarium can be difficult due to the overwhelming number of options available and the inability to know where to begin.

Beginners should start with a tank of at least five gallons, and we recommend looking at the following tanks:

1. Penn-Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit
2. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
3. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium
4. Aqueon 20-gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
5. Koller PanaView 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit
6. Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium
7. And more…

Here’s some more detailed information about each of the options above, along with some tips and guidance on what to look for when choosing an aquarium tank…

#1. Penn-Plax Water-Word Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit

Beginners that want to keep fish may find the Penn-Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit found on Amazon appropriate for their needs. This aquarium kit is great for small spaces and can be kept on top of:

• filing cabinet
• dresser
• desk

This nano tank is ideal for small fish. It has a one-eighth-inch thick glass that has been skilfully made. To allow unimpeded views in all directions, it has two curving boundaries at the front that are entirely open. It is 9 inches wide, 7.75 inches deep, and 10 inches high.

NOTE: Almost everything you need is included in this kit, making it ideal for adults and children of any age.

Along with a 5-gallon tank, fisherman’s essentials are included in the package:

• Quick-Net Fish Net,
• ThermaTemp Full-Range Digital Thermometer
• Cascade 20 Power Hang-On Filter (20 GPH)

#2. Marineland Portrait Glass Led Aquarium Kit

To make your first foray into fish-keeping as simple and pleasurable as possible, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit sold on Amazon includes all the necessary components. Included in the package with this 5-gallon tank are:

• a fishnet with a soft mesh
• aquarium care instructions
• Nutrafin fish food
• a water conditioner
• a natural supplement

Setting up, stocking, and caring for your new fish tank will be a breeze with the items in this kit.

NOTE: The natural daylight-simulated LED lighting fitted in the aquarium canopy has a long lifespan and will enhance the appearance of your fish, plants, and decorations.

Goldfish as well as tropical fish thrive in the 5-gallon glass aquarium’s 9.5-inch by 9.5-inch by 14-inch dimensions. An integrated Marina Slim S20 clip-on filter with quick-change filter cartridges for easy maintenance is included with this 5-gallon glass aquarium.

#3. Coralife Led Biocube Aquarium

The 32-gallon Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium can be bought on Amazon and has a minuscule filtration system, a progressive recreation of dawn and sunset that lasts for 30 minutes, and shimmering LED lights for viewing pleasure.

Your fish will thrive in this environment, whether from saltwater or freshwater. In addition, it features a programmable hinge top hood equipped with color-enhancing, brilliant white and blue LEDs.

This aquarium has a built-in filtration chamber that is integrated into the back wall. This chamber can accommodate chemical, mechanical, or biological media.

The rear wall chamber has several different components:

• dual intakes
• adjustable return nozzle
• submersible pump

This beautiful aquarium is compatible with all of the BioCube add-ons.

#4. Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit

Since it comes with a filter, a thermometer for the water, and some sample fish food, The Aqueon 20-gallon Aquarium Starter Kit from Amazon is one of the best options for first-time fish keepers. Every piece of necessary equipment is contained within a single package.

This 20-gallon glass aquarium starter kit includes:

• a low-profile LED hood,
• QuietFlow power filter,
• submersible preset heater
• sample of quality fish food
• water conditioner
• fishnet
• thermometer
• instructions for setting up the aquarium

TIP: The programmed heater will keep the temperature of the aquarium at a consistent 78 degrees, which is appropriate for the majority of tropical fish species.

Brilliant cool-white LED lighting is contained within the low-profile full hood, allowing you to bring your aquatic habitat to life with the flick of a switch. The red LED light on the filter will begin flashing when it is time to replace the cartridge.

To round off the design, you may incorporate your choice of plant and décor style, both of which are sold separately.

#5. Koller Panaview Aquarium Kit

This fashionable fish tank is easy to set up and maintain and looks terrific no matter where you decide to put it. Sold on Amazon, The Koller PanaView 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit has seven excellent LED light color options in addition to its filtration technology that removes impurities from the water.

This kit comes with dynamic color options for the energy-efficient LED lights to showcase your fish vividly:

• daytime white
• blue
• green
• amber
• aqua
• purple
• red

In addition, at a flow rate of 45 gallons per hour, a powerful internal filter can efficiently remove organic contaminants from aquarium water, ensuring that your fish will continue to enjoy optimal health.

The power filter uses replacement filter cartridges manufactured by Koller Products. These cartridges can be purchased in a quantity of three (AQ10FC-30) or six (AQ10FC-60).

NOTE: Because of its transparent appearance and its construction made of impact-resistant plastic, most people are under the impression that it is glass.

In contrast to glass tanks that are kept together with silicone, this one-piece tank eliminates any uncertainties or concerns regarding the possibility of leaks. It measures 16.5” in length, 10” in width, and 11.80” in height.

#6. Tetra Bubbling Led Aquarium

The one-gallon Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium sold on Amazon is the perfect home for a single fish, thanks to these features:

• built-in power filter
• LED lights
• portable size

NOTE: This hexagonal tank with an aquarium kit is an excellent choice for housing betta fish.

The colorful bubbling disc’s stunning light show is automatically generated by cycling through a rainbow of LED light colors. In addition, it comes with a Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter powered by an air pump to keep your aquarium clean and maintain a healthy environment for your pet fish. Finally, it has a handy translucent canopy and a direct-feeding hole.

#7. Tetra Led Cube-Shaped 3-Gallon Aquarium

This Tetra LED Cube-Shaped 3-Gallon Aquarium from Amazon is ideal for housing one or two fish and features an LED lighting system. The fish will like it, and you will admire how easy the filtration system is to maintain and how amazing its LED light is.

This 3-gallon tank is an excellent choice for keeping:

• betta fish
• goldfish
• guppies
• other small tropical fish

Your fish will have a clean environment to live in thanks to the Tetra Whisper power filter that is provided in this product. An air pump drives this filter. In addition, it comes with a chic pedestal base, LED lights that can be adjusted to highlight your fish, and a few more really nice features.

NOTE: The glass canopy has a hole in it for feeding the fish which is very helpful.

The depth of the tank is 10 inches, and its width and height measure 10 inches as well. It is equipped with a Tetra 3i filter so that the tank may be kept clean and function as the perfect environment for a tropical fish community.

#8. Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit

Sold on Amazon, this 3-gallon Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit makes caring for your new fish simple. The rounded sides and transparent glass canopy make it possible to see the scene from various angles.

This tank has great features:

• daylight and moonlight simulation settings
• LED tail light
• sliding glass canopy
• user-friendly

Additionally, it has blue LEDs that give a glow reminiscent of moonlight and white LEDs that produce a shimmering effect reminiscent of sunshine. The aquarium’s complex, three-stage filtration system is concealed so viewers can better enjoy the display.

NOTE: The Marineland Contour 3 Aquarium is on the smaller side, measuring 9.5 inches by 10 inches by 10 inches.

#9. Hygger Mini Glass Oblate Fish Bowl Kit

Although many would argue that a fish bowl is not really an aquarium, others will debate the subject. A fish bowl is a perfect start for an aquarist who might be too busy to handle the complexities of a big aquarium and keep the habitat in ideal condition.  

The Hygger Mini Glass Oblate Fish Bowl sold on Amazon comes with blue glass beads and a plastic tree ornament that you can use to adorn the bowl. This mini glass fish bowl is a great item to decorate:

• homes
• apartments
• dorm rooms
• offices
• other areas

NOTE: You can create a vast number of different themes by adding a variety of additional small ornaments.

Because of the excellent glass clarity, it is possible to make out every detail included within the fish tank. The aquarium should be filled with 0.5 to 0.6 gallons of water.

A fish bowl is also straightforward to clean. The fish bowl’s overall dimensions are 7.9 inches in height, 5.9 inches in width, and 3 inches in depth. Consequently, this small glass aquarium fish bowl will not take up much space.

The Best Tank Size For Beginners

A fish tank is a solitary and safe environment for a fish. As a result, a stable environment is essential for the well-being of its residents. The more water in a tank, the less likely it is for the water to become unhealthy.

As a result, it is much simpler to maintain stable water conditions in a large tank than in a smaller one. Consequently, you’ll be able to spend less time on maintenance when caring for your fish while improving their quality of life.

Because the aquarium you choose will be your fish’s only home, it is essential to know how different fish tank sizes affect their general health and quality of life. There is a wide range of sizes of fish tanks, from 0.5 to 200 gallons. The large tank sizes increase the weight and the area it takes up significantly.

Consider the advantages and disadvantages of various fish tanks and aquarium sizes before purchasing. It is essential to examine the specific dimensions to verify that you have enough room for the new fish.

NOTE: Feeding, maintenance, and accessories like tank hoods require a few inches of clearance above your aquarium.

Fish bowls are a prime example of pH challenges and the accumulation of hazardous substances in tanks with fewer than 5 gallons capacity. Unhealthy and small environments create stress, and stressed fish are more susceptible to sickness since they have less room to move around. Because of the limited space, your aquarium needs proper filtration and pH monitoring, so your fish can thrive in a stable environment.

The Best Types Of Fish Tanks For Beginners

A wide range of aquarium kits is available for setting up a fish tank. Because of the vast range of pricing, you should have no problem locating a starter kit that fits your budget. Additional customization options include the tank’s size, form, and the aquarium’s style and décor.

Because of the multitude of options, it is best if you first pick what species you want to keep in your aquarium before you begin aquarium shopping. For example, you will need a package with a heater for a pair of beautiful neon tetras as pets since tropical fish prefer warmer water.

Before acquiring a starter aquarium, you should research the needs of the fish species you wish to keep. As an example, some fish thrive in a tall aquarium that is densely planted, while others thrive in a long aquarium that is shallow and has a lot of room for movement.

Best Starter Kits For Beginners

For the most part, aquarium manufacturers provide detailed building instructions that often include advice on how to install a brand-new aquarium properly. In addition, all the beginning kit’s components are meant to work together, so you won’t have to bother selecting additional lighting units, filters, or any other type of accessory.

You might be able to swap out some of the kit’s components in the future when you get more experience. However, because they are included in a more extensive set and have a higher cost, starter fish tanks are still the least expensive method to begin a new hobby.

Conclusion

You’ll need an aquarium to keep a fish as a pet. With so many choices, setting up an aquarium can be a challenge. Beginner fish tanks are the most affordable way to begin your aquatic hobby. However, first-time fish owners must make an informed decision when selecting a tank because of the wide variety of styles, dimensions, and features available.

To learn more about different kinds of fish, read these:

• 10 Best Aquarium Fish for Beginners
• 13 Different Kinds of Catfish
• 7 of the Most Colorful Betta Fish
• 41 Types of Fish
• 19 of the Best Online Fish Stores
• 10 Different Types of Rainbow Fish