The Best Aquariums
Who doesn't love a beautiful, well-maintained aquarium filled with gorgeous fish, cute scenery, and swaying greenery? We certainly do. If you're looking to start your own aquarium, now is as good a time as any to begin. To get started on your marine adventure, you're going to need a great aquarium. So how do you decide which one to get? We're here to help you answer that question.
What to Look For
Choosing the right aquarium depends entirely on which types of fish you’re planning on raising. Some fish, like Cherry Barbs, require larger aquariums, such as the highly-acclaimed Aqueon 10-gallon model. Other species would do well even in a three-gallon tank like the colorful neon one from GloFish. Depending on your home decor, you may want the Fluval Edge 2.0 black aquarium, a beautifully designed six-gallon tank that fits well into a modern aesthetic. Whichever model you choose, we believe that one thing’s for certain: you’re going to have some happy pet fish.
Aqueon Aquarium (10-Gallon)
Be in the swim of things
When you think of the average fish tank, you may picture one just like this one from Aqueon. The high-quality glass is held together using transparent silicone that’s safe for various kinds of fish. In fact, you can use it for either fresh or saltwater species. It supports different lids, filters, and other accessories without ease. We love it for bettas, shrimp, live plants, and any other aquatic species, as long as they’re the right size for the space.
Pros:
- This aquarium can also be used as a home for rodents, reptiles, and insects.
- Thick glass means this aquarium is built to last for a long time.
Cons:
- It doesn’t include a lid or filter.
Tetra Cube Aquarium (3-Gallon)
If you’re looking for a sleek aquarium to add to your office or room but you’re limited on space, the Tetra Cube could be an ideal choice. It’s small yet well-made, making it a fabulous choice for your desk, bedside table, or kitchen counter. In addition, the built-in LED light is bright and does an excellent job of highlighting your colorful fish. A filter is already built right inside of it, so you don’t even need to worry about finding one to fit. And the top has a hole that gives you easy access to feed your little pets.
Pros:
- Thanks to the built-in filter, you won’t have to hunt for a compatible filter.
- The lights work great for bright fish. It helps them keep a healthy day and night schedule.
- Small, easy-care pets work well in this tank. One beta fish, for example, would look stunning with its own little kingdom to rule.
Cons:
- There’s no heater included.
GloFish Aquarium Kit
All-inclusive convenience
For all-in-one convenience, we believe that nothing beats GloFish’s aquarium kit. It comes with everything you need to get started, including the tank, filter, bubbler, airstones, tubing, and more. All that’s left to add are the rocks, plants, and of course, the GloFish. It’s available in several sizes, too. You can choose to get a small three-gallon unit for two or three fish to a twenty-gallon tank to fit a school. We love that the specially designed LED works well to make your fish light up in the same way a black poster would.
Pros:
- The decor looks stunning under a blacklight. If you want a neon-colored aquarium, this one combined with a blacklight is a great choice.
- The pump and filter are designed for easy maintenance and setup. This aquarium takes a lot of the guesswork out of setting up your new tank.
Cons:
- The small kit doesn’t have any decor.
Fluval Edge Aquarium Kit (6-Gallon)
Better and brighter bettas
A popular but often misunderstood species, bettas are beautiful and come in tons of varieties. Many people keep them in small tanks and bowls, but the truth is that they need at least five gallons for optimal space and well-being. With that in mind, we recommend Fluval Edge’s aquarium kit to anyone looking to house bettas. Its bright LED lights are specifically made to keep your fish’s color vibrant and bold. Meanwhile, the included filter is adjustable, which allows you to lower the flow for added safety.
Pros:
- The lights use a different power cable than the pump, so you can set your lights to a timer if desired.
- The included filter works powerfully to clean the tank’s water, helping to keep it crystal clear.
Cons:
- You need to add your own heater.
Landen Rimless Aquarium (32.1-Gallon)
Stunning views
Rimless aquariums are a fantastic option for aquascapers and fish lovers. This one from Landen is especially clear and makes it easy to view your aquatic environment. You also won’t need to worry about any colors or shapes being distorted the way they can be when the tank itself has colored glass or a frame. Ultra-thick glass makes it just as safe as any other type, as well. We think you’ll love the clean lines and beautiful views that this tank offers.
Pros:
- This tank is highly photogenic. Not only can you easily make out fish and fauna in real life, but they also photograph clearly.
- The packaging for this aquarium is taken seriously. Landed does a great job of securing your new aquarium from accidental damage during shipping.
Cons:
- This is a bit on the pricier side of aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I figure out which size aquarium is best for me?
Choosing the size of your aquarium isn’t too difficult. All you need to do is narrow down which species you want to keep. For example, if you’re into bettas or shrimp, a three to five-gallon is a good choice. On the other hand, if you want goldfish or you plan to create a community tank, you’ll want to check out tanks that are sixty gallons or over.
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