The Best Twenty Gallon Fish Tanks

Ready to dive in and find your new aquarium? Whether you're a fish expert or a beginner looking to get started, finding the right tank can be a challenge. If you're on the hunt for a large, 20-gallon aquarium for your fish to call home, we've got you covered. From simple and straightforward aquariums to more comprehensive sets that have all the bells and whistles, we've found the best of the best. Check out our picks to find the one that works best for you.

Aqueon 20-Gallon Aquarium

Plenty of fish in the sea

This classic fish tank is an excellent option for your aquatic friends.
Best Overall

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Made with high-quality glass, this aquarium works for both freshwater and marine fish alike. The 20-gallon tank is finished with silicone edges for a clean look and added safety. You can fill it with water for your favorite fish, or you can use it for other small pets for the ultimate versatile design.

Pros:

  • It’s an affordable price for such a large tank
  • The heavy-duty glass makes the aquarium extra sturdy, so it holds up well over time
  • Choose from black or clear silicone edges to ensure it fits in with your decor

Cons:

  • It doesn’t ship with any padding or extra packaging

Tetra Aquarium 20-Gallon Fish Tank Kit

Deep waters

This glass aquarium has everything you need to create a beautiful home for your fish.
Best Starter Kit

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This set comes with an LED hook, a Whisper filter, artificial plants, and a heater — along with the aquarium itself — so that you have everything you need. The LED hood gives your tank a natural daytime effect for added light, while the quiet filter creates the water flow that your fish need. Artificial plants are the final touch that gives the tank an ocean feel, ensuring that your finned friends feel right at home. Just add gravel to the scratch-resistant tank and your setup will be complete.

Pros:

  • The tank comes with a hood, filter, heater, and artificial plants for an entire starter set
  • It’s made from scratch-resistant glass, so you don’t have to worry about nicks
  • The large, 20-gallon size is perfect for larger fish that need more space

Cons:

  • You’ll need to add gravel or substrate to your tank since it’s not included
  • The heater isn’t adjustable, so it may not produce the right temperature for your fish

Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium

Plant roots

This set includes several artificial plants so that you can customize the look of your aquarium.
Best Color-Changing

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This 20-gallon aquarium comes with an LED light that changes colors, allowing you to switch up the look with the touch of a button. Put the lights on a cycle or choose a single color for the ultimate customization. It also comes with anemone plants that give your fish the perfect place to hide away, along with a heater, filter, and aquarium hood. That way, you have all the things you need to get started as soon as it arrives.

Pros:

  • You can choose a single color for the LED light or put it on a rotating cycle
  • At nearly two feet long, the aquarium is the perfect statement piece in any room

Cons:

  • It isn’t the standard size for 20-gallon tanks, so it may be hard to find a stand to match

GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank

In living color

Bright and bold plants give this aquarium a technicolor look.
Most Colorful

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This set includes one yellow anemone and two plant multipacks for a vibrant and lifelike aquatic environment. The kit also includes the aquarium itself, an LED hook, a heater, filter, fish food, and a water conditioner, so you’ll have everything you need to make your fish comfortable. Simply create your colorful landscape and add your choice of gravel, and you’ll have the perfect environment for your fish in no time.

Pros:

  • It comes with thorough instructions that make it easy to set up
  • When the LED light is turned on, it gives the plants a neon look for a brighter pop

Cons:

  • The filter isn’t of the highest quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fish tanks made of tempered glass?

When they’re full, fish tanks are very heavy, so they need added support to withstand the weight of the water along with the base of rocks and gravel. As a result, most aquariums have tempered glass at the bottom to increase the tank’s durability.

Do fish tanks need air pumps?

Air pumps help move air bubbles through the water in the tank. They are typically needed when the tank is filled with still water in order to maintain the right concentration of oxygen. Depending on the type of filter you use, you may not also need an air pump.

How are fish tanks measured? 

Fish tanks are typically sized by their volume in gallons.

About the Author

Hannah is a proud dog mom to an Aussiedoodle named Penny. While she does love cats and other pets, Hannah has a soft spot for dogs and their loyal, playful nature. With all her years of experience caring for her furry friends, Hannah wants to help pet owners choose the best possible products for their pets’ health and wellness.

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