Best Aquariums For Pet Fish: Top 5 Tanks, Per Experts

Diving into the world of pets can be intimidating, time consuming, and expensive. That’s why many people choose to start out small, with a nice, soothing fish tank. Kids love watching their fish friends swim amidst colorful rocks and plants, while adults find this pet low maintenance and easy to leave on vacation. If you’re looking to add a fish or two to your home, we’re happy to help with a list of the consensus 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 that were recommended most 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.

The List: Best Fish Aquariums, According to Experts

1. Aqueon LED Aquarium Starter Kit

The only downside to this aquarium seems to be that it lacks decor, and to that we say, we’d rather choose our own anyway! Many experts place 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 multiple sources. PopSugar highlights its affordability and essential features, mentioning the filter, thermometer, and fish food sample that come included in the package.

Business Insider ranks it the best overall fish tank, praising its versatility. They emphasize that the Aqueon LED 20 Aquarium Kit caters to both freshwater and saltwater setups, making it a good option for a variety of aquatic life.

And PetsRadar says it will even work for tropical fish friends (say hi to Nemo!): They mention the 100W preset heater and stick-on thermometer specifically, ensuring the water stays at the ideal temperature for your fishies.

2. Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit

Another big name in the fishkeeping business, Marineland lends innovation and creativity to the aquascape. The highly rated Portrait Glass LED Aquarium is an eye-catching work of art sure to complement any home or office! Fish Lab praises its sleek design with a hidden filtration system and LED lighting that mimics natural daylight and moonlight. The rounded corners and excellent filtration provide a clear view of your fish from any angle, while the hinged lid and sliding canopy make cleaning a breeze. 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 might be slightly more expensive than some competitors, but the brand name comes with 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 an ideal 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 Fluval Spec aquarium’s design caters specifically to the needs of these finicky fish. The long, rectangular shape, as highlighted by The Spruce Pets, allows for a gentler water flow 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 an 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. While the tank itself is small, some plant life can still enhance its appeal. The Spruce Pets acknowledges this and suggests exploring fish-safe fertilizers to support any plants you introduce. Finally, Pet Keen emphasizes the Fluval Spec V’s attractive design. 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 larger tank? This 20-gallon top pick comes highly recommended, including nearly everything you need in quality accessories and a pleasing design. The larger environment allows for healthier, happier fish and more room to add multiple varieties. Wirecutter highlights it as their favorite, praising its impressive design, bright lighting, and the highly customizable filter system that effectively promotes beneficial bacteria growth. While they acknowledge the lack of a heater, they downplay it as most kits require additional purchases anyway. In their opinion, the overall quality and performance outweigh this minor shortcoming.

The Dodo echoes this sentiment, placing the Marina kit at the top of their list. They commend how well-rounded it is, including a clip-on filter with extra cartridges, LED lighting that mimics natural daylight, fish food, water conditioner, and even a handy net for cleaning.

Finally, Hepper emphasizes the exceptional value of the Marina kit. They find 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 water volume 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 of its special SmartClean technology and lightweight design. Aqueon has perfected the all-inclusive kit to get you on your fishy way fast. Beginners will find the Aqueon aquarium a fantastic choice for their first foray into fishkeeping. Its compact size and lightweight design, under four pounds according to Popular Mechanics, make it a perfect space-saving solution for apartments or smaller homes. This also makes it ideal for housing smaller fish species.

Mother & Baby goes a step further, praising the Aqueon for its user-friendly approach. They highlight 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.

Sources:

• PopSugar
• Business Insider
• PetsRadar
• Fish Lab
• Aquariadise
• National Today
• The Spruce Pets
• Aquarium Store Depot
• Pet Keen
• Wirecutter
• The Dodo
• Hepper
• Popular Mechanics
• Mother & Baby

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.