For those who are new to the pastime, starting an aquarium may be both an exhilarating and intimidating endeavor. With so many options available, finding the right small fish tank can be overwhelming.
This review will explore ten of the best small fish tanks for beginners, highlighting their features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Decorating the Small Fish tank
Decorations not only make your tank visually appealing but also provide hiding places and territories for your fish, which can reduce stress and promote natural behaviors. When decorating a small tank, avoid overcrowding with too many ornaments. Choose decorations that are aquarium-safe, easy to clean, and won’t take up too much space. Live plants can be a great addition, as they help oxygenate the water, absorb nitrates, and create a more natural environment for your fish.
1. TUBE 15 Aquarium with Standard Light – 4 Gallon
Rating: 4.4/5
Price: $160.89 (18% off from $195.99)
Brand: biOrb
Material: Acrylic
Tank Volume: 4 Gallons
Shape: Round
Special Features: Lightweight, 5-step filtration, and LED lighting
The biOrb TUBE 15 Aquarium is a stylish and compact option for beginners. Its cylindrical design offers a 360-degree view, allowing you to admire your aquatic environment from all angles. The aquarium is made of acrylic, which is 10 times stronger and 23% clearer than glass, ensuring durability and clarity.
The 5-step filtration system ensures clean and healthy water, making maintenance easy. The redesigned air pump operates quietly, and the color-coordinated lighting cords add a sleek touch.
Pros:
- Chic and minimalist design
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Strong and clear acrylic construction
- Fit for usage in freshwater as well as saltwater
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Limited to 4 gallons, suitable for small fish only
2. Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Fish Tank Kit, 16 Gallon Good
Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $328.26
Brand: Coralife
Material: Glass
Tank Volume: 16 Gallons
Shape: Square
Special Features: LED lighting, sunrise/sunset mode, built-in filtration
The Coralife LED BioCube is an excellent choice for those looking for a more substantial aquarium. It features a sleek design with rounded edges and comes with vibrant LED lighting that supports the growth of healthy corals and plants.
The built-in filtration system is customizable, making it easy to maintain. The 24-hour timer and sunrise/sunset mode replicate a natural day/night cycle, enhancing the beauty of your aquarium.
Pros:
- Supports both freshwater and marine setups
- Customizable filtration system
- Innovative lighting features
- Trusted brand with quality components
Cons:
- Higher price
- needs extra room because of its size.
3. LIFEGARD Low Iron Ultra Clear Crystal Rimless Aquarium – 5 Gallon
Rating: 4.5/5
Price: $78.66
Brand: Lifegard Aquatics
Material: Low Iron Glass
Tank Volume: 5 Gallons
Shape: Rectangular
Special Features: Rimless design, foam leveling mat, 45-degree beveled edge
The LIFEGARD Low Iron Ultra Clear Crystal Aquarium is perfect for those who appreciate clarity and craftsmanship. The rimless design with beveled edges offers an unobstructed view of your aquatic life.
The low iron glass is exceptionally clear, making it ideal for showcasing colorful fish and corals. The included foam leveling mat ensures stability and ease of installation.
Pros:
- High-quality, ultra-clear glass
- Elegant rimless design
- Easy to set up with included leveling mat
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No included lighting or filtration
- Requires additional purchases for a complete setup
4. LIFEGARD Low Iron Ultra Clear Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium – 6 Gallon
Rating: 3.9/5
Price: $80.00
Brand: Lifegard Aquatics
Material: Low Iron Glass
Tank Volume: 6 Gallons
Shape: Bookshelf
Special Features: Rimless design, foam leveling mat, 45-degree beveled edge
Similar to the previous LIFEGARD model, this aquarium features the same high-quality construction but with a unique bookshelf shape. This design is ideal for placement on narrow surfaces like bookshelves or mantels. The crystal-clear glass and rimless design make it a beautiful addition to any room.
Pros:
- Unique, space-saving design
- High-grade craftsmanship
- Clear and elegant appearance
Cons:
- Limited space for decorations and fish
- No included accessories (lighting, filtration)
5. PENN-PLAX Water-World Radius Desktop Nano Aquarium Kit – 7.5 Gallon
Rating: 4.0/5
Price: $119.99 (27% off from $164.99)
Brand: Penn-Plax
Material: Glass
Tank Volume: 7.5 Gallons
Shape: Rectangular
Special Features: Rimless design, Cascade 300 Internal Filter, LED lighting
The PENN-PLAX Water-World Radius Desktop Aquarium Kit is an excellent option for beginners. The frameless tank features curved corners for unobstructed views and comes with a fully submersible Cascade 300 Internal Filter that cycles water efficiently. The kit includes almost everything needed to get started, making it a convenient choice for new aquarium owners.
Pros:
- Comprehensive starter kit
- Efficient filtration system
- Suitable for small spaces
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- LED lighting may not be sufficient for all plant species
6. Penn-Plax Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit – 5 Gallon
Rating: 4.3/5
Price: $98.99
Brand: Penn-Plax
Material: Glass
Tank Volume: 5 Gallons
Shape: Square
Special Features: Frameless design, Cascade 20 Power Hang-On Filter, digital thermometer
The Penn-Plax Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit is designed for beginners and small spaces. Its unique frameless design with curved corners allows for a clear view from all angles. The kit includes a Cascade 20 Power Hang-On Filter, a digital thermometer, and a fish net, making it easy to create a healthy aquatic environment.
Pros:
- Compact and stylish design
- Includes essential accessories
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Limited to small fish species
- Filter may be noisy for some users
7. Tetra LED Aquarium Kit 1 Gallon, Hexagon Bubbling Fish Tank with Internal Filter,
Rating: 4.1/5
Price: $39.67
Brand: Tetra
Material: Acrylic
Tank Volume: 1 Gallon
Shape: Hexagonal
Special Features: Bubbling disc with color-changing LED lights, air pump-driven filter
The Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit is a fun and colorful option for beginners, especially for kids. The hexagon-shaped tank is compact, making it ideal for desktops or small spaces. The bubbling disc cycles through a rainbow of LED light colors, creating a visually appealing display. The kit includes an air pump-driven Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter, ensuring clean water for your fish.
Pros:
- Affordable and fun design
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Compact size, perfect for small spaces
Cons:
- Very small tank size, suitable for bettas or small invertebrates only
- Limited filtration capacity
8. MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light – 3 Gallon
Rating: 4.4/5
Price: $64.36
Brand: MarineLand
Material: Glass
Tank Volume: 3 Gallons
Shape: Square
Special Features: Hidden filtration, daylight/moonlight settings, sleek design
The MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit is a stylish and compact option for beginners. It features hidden filtration that keeps the tank clean without distracting from the view. The LED rail light offers both daylight and moonlight settings, allowing you to create a natural lighting environment for your fish. The tank’s sleek design with rounded corners and a clear glass canopy enhances the viewing experience.
Pros:
- Elegant design with hidden filtration
- Multiple lighting settings
- Easy to maintain
Cons:
- Small tank size limits fish variety
- Filtration system may require frequent cleaning
9. Tetra 1.1 Gallon Half Moon Fish Tank with Movable LED Light
Rating: 4.1/5
Price: $25.14
Brand: Tetra
Material: Acrylic
Tank Volume: 1.1 Gallons
Shape: Semi-circular
Special Features: Movable LED light, clear canopy with feeding hole
The Tetra 1.1 Gallon Half Moon Fish Tank is another great option for small spaces. Its semi-circular design provides a unique viewing experience, and the movable LED light can be positioned to light the tank from different angles. The tank is ideal for bettas and other small fish, making it a suitable choice for beginners.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Unique and compact design
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Very small tank size, suitable for one fish
- Limited lighting and filtration
10. Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration, Black Good
Rating: 4.4/5
Price: $77.99
Brand: MarineLand
Material: Glass
Tank Volume: 5 Gallons
Shape: Rectangular
Special Features: Hidden filtration, daylight/moonlight lighting, sleek design
The LED Aquarium Kit with Portrait Glass from Marineland is a
Choosing the right small fish tank can be a daunting task for beginners. With so many options available, it’s important to select an aquarium that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to maintain and capable of providing a healthy environment for your fish. Here, we’ve narrowed down the top five small fish tanks that are perfect for beginners, ensuring you get the best start in your fish-keeping journey.
11. biOrb CLASSIC 15 Acrylic 4-Gallon Aquarium
Price: $111.99
Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
360-Degree View: The biOrb CLASSIC offers a 360-degree view, making it easy to admire your fish from all angles.
Acrylic Construction: This tank is made from acrylic, which is 10 times stronger, 50% lighter, and 23% clearer than glass, offering durability and a clear view.
5-Stage Filtration: The built-in filtration system includes biological, mechanical, chemical, water stabilization, and oxygenation, keeping the tank clean and your fish healthy.
LED Lighting: The tank comes with remote-controlled multi-color LED lights that can be adjusted to different colors and brightness levels, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a natural environment for your fish.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The biOrb CLASSIC 15 is perfect for small spaces and easy to maintain, making it an excellent choice for those new to fish keeping. The comprehensive filtration system ensures that even beginners can keep the tank clean and the fish healthy with minimal effort.
12. GloFish Betta Shadowbox Aquarium Kit
Price: $59.99
Rating: 4.4/5
Key Features:
- LED Lighting System: The energy-efficient LED lights offer two modes—moonlight and sunlight—allowing you to create different atmospheres in the tank.
- 3-Stage Filtration: The tank includes a Tetra Internal Filtration system that provides mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, ensuring clean water for your fish.
- Compact Design: With a tank volume of 3 gallons and compact dimensions, this aquarium is ideal for small spaces like desktops or countertops.
- For Bettas: Designed specifically for Betta fish, this tank creates an optimal environment for these vibrant, colorful fish.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The GloFish Betta Shadowbox Aquarium Kit is easy to set up and maintain, making it an ideal option for beginners. The vibrant LED lighting and specialized design for Betta fish make it both functional and visually striking.
13. Koller Products AquaView 2-Gallon 360 Aquarium
Price: $131.95
Rating: 4.2/5
Key Features:
- Crystal-Clear Clarity: Made from impact-resistant plastic, this tank offers a clear view that rivals glass aquariums.
- 7 Color LED Lighting: The LED lighting system features seven color options, allowing you to customize the look of your aquarium.
- Powerful Filtration: The internal power filter cleans the water at a rate of 25 gallons per hour, effectively removing pollutants and maintaining water quality.
- Compact and Lightweight: With a 2-gallon capacity, this tank is perfect for small spaces and is easy to move and set up.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The Koller Products AquaView is an excellent choice for beginners due to its ease of maintenance and compact design. The powerful filtration system ensures a healthy environment for your fish, while the customizable LED lighting adds a touch of personal style.
14. biOrb CLASSIC 15 Acrylic 4-Gallon Aquarium (Black with MCR Lighting)
Price: $111.99
Rating: 4.3/5
Key Features:
Compact Design: Similar to the first biOrb CLASSIC, this model also offers a compact 4-gallon capacity, ideal for small spaces.
Acrylic Construction: The tank is made from durable acrylic, providing a clear view and strong insulation.
Multi-Color LED Lighting: The remote-controlled LED lighting allows you to choose from 16 preset colors, creating a visually appealing environment for your fish.
Comprehensive Filtration: The 5-stage filtration system ensures clean water and reduces maintenance efforts.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
This biOrb CLASSIC model offers the same great features as the first but with a different color and lighting option. It’s easy to set up and maintain, making it a great choice for beginners looking for a stylish and functional aquarium.
15. biOrb Flow 15 Acrylic 4-Gallon Aquarium
Price: $123.33
Rating: 3.9/5
Key Features:
Rectangular Design: Unlike the other biOrb models, the biOrb Flow has a rectangular shape, making it easier to place in tight spaces while still offering a good viewing experience.
Durable Acrylic Construction: The tank is made from the same strong and clear acrylic as other biOrb models, ensuring longevity and clarity.
White LED Lighting: The standard white LED lights provide a shimmering effect, creating a serene environment for your fish.
Easy Maintenance: The 5-stage filtration system ensures that the tank remains clean with minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for beginners.
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
The biOrb Flow offers a unique design and easy maintenance, making it a versatile option for those just starting out. The rectangular shape and clear acrylic construction make it a practical yet stylish addition to any space
Small Fish Tank Aquariums for Beginners: Essential Tips
Starting with a small fish tank is an excellent way for beginners to dive into the world of aquarium keeping. Small tanks are less intimidating, more affordable, and can be easier to manage with the right knowledge. However, small tanks come with their own set of challenges that require attention and care. This article will guide you through essential tips to help you successfully set up and maintain a small fish tank aquarium as a beginner.
Choosing the Right Tank Size
While it might seem counterintuitive, slightly larger small tanks (10-20 gallons) are often easier for beginners to manage than very tiny tanks (less than 5 gallons). Smaller tanks have less water volume, which means any changes in water quality, temperature, or chemistry happen much faster, making it more difficult to maintain a stable environment for your fish. A 10-gallon tank offers a better buffer against these fluctuations while still being compact and manageable for beginners.
Selecting the Appropriate Location
The placement of your aquarium is crucial. Choose a location away from direct sunlight, as excessive light can lead to algae growth and temperature fluctuations. Avoid placing the tank near heating or cooling vents, windows, or doors that could cause drafts or sudden temperature changes. It’s also important to place the tank on a sturdy, level surface that can support the weight of the tank when filled with water, gravel, and decorations.
Cycling the Tank Before Adding Fish
One of the most common mistakes beginners make is adding fish to the tank before the nitrogen cycle is established. The nitrogen cycle is a natural process where beneficial bacteria break down harmful ammonia produced by fish waste into less harmful substances like nitrites and nitrates. This cycle can take a few weeks to establish in a new tank. To cycle your tank, set it up with water, substrate, and a filter, then introduce a source of ammonia (like fish food or bottled ammonia) to kick-start the process. Test the water regularly until the levels of ammonia and nitrites drop to zero, indicating that your tank is ready for fish.
Choosing the Right Fish
When starting with a small tank, it’s essential to choose fish that are suitable for the limited space. Stress, bad water quality, and health problems for your fish might result from overcrowding. Some good options for small tanks include bettas, guppies, neon tetras, and small species of corydoras catfish. Research each species’ requirements, such as temperature, pH, and compatibility with other fish, to ensure a harmonious community in your tank.
Proper Filtration and Aeration
A good filter is essential in any fish tank, but it’s particularly important in small tanks where water quality can deteriorate quickly. Look for a filter that is rated for your tank size and offers mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. This will help remove debris, toxins, and excess nutrients from the water, keeping it clean and safe for your fish. Additionally, ensure your tank has proper aeration, either from the filter or an air pump, to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the water.
Maintaining Stable Water Conditions
Maintaining stable water conditions is critical in a small tank. Perform regular water tests to monitor parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and temperature. Any abrupt adjustments could be detrimental to your fish. Regular water changes are also essential to remove excess nutrients and waste that the filter may not catch. Aim to change 10-20% of the water weekly, using a gravel vacuum to clean the substrate and remove debris.
Feeding Your Fish Properly
Overfeeding is a common problem in small tanks and can quickly lead to poor water quality. Feed your fish small amounts of food that they can consume within 2-3 minutes, once or twice a day. It is best to remove any uneaten food to stop it from spoiling and contaminating the water. Research the dietary needs of your fish species to ensure they receive the right nutrition without overfeeding.
Regular Maintenance Routine
Establishing a regular maintenance routine is key to keeping a small fish tank healthy. Besides weekly water changes, clean the filter media every few weeks to prevent it from becoming clogged with debris. However, avoid cleaning all the filter media at once to preserve the beneficial bacteria necessary for biological filtration. Also, wipe down the tank walls to remove algae and keep the tank looking clear. By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll prevent common problems and ensure a stable environment for your fish.
Understanding Fish Behavior and Health
As a beginner, it’s important to observe your fish regularly to understand their normal behavior. This will help you quickly identify any signs of stress, illness, or aggression. Look for changes in appetite, swimming patterns, or appearance, such as clamped fins, spots, or discoloration. Early detection of problems can make it easier to address issues before they become severe. Familiarize yourself with common fish diseases and their treatments, and always quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank to prevent the spread of illness.
