Though every fish aquarium serves the same purpose, they’re not created in the same way. Having worked as a retailer for ten years, I can tell which tank best suits the type of fish.
The best fish tank is a combination of the right size, material and location. The environment also plays a key role.
Things To Consider Before Choosing a Best Fish Tank
When considering a home aquarium, remember that the health of your fish is directly related to the health of their environment. Consider the available space, time limitations, and type of fish you want. Afterward, select the best fish tank.
Material: Fish tanks are made from glass or acrylic. Glass tanks are scratch resistance and budget friendly, compared to acrylic. And, they are heavy. Acrylic tanks, on the other hand, are lighter and versatile. However, they are scratch-prone.
Weight and Placement: If you want to keep a huge quantity of fish in your aquarium, you’ll have to purchase a large tank. Ensure that the stand and flooring can support its weight.
Size: Most beginner fish owners start with a 20 to 40 gallon tank. Larger tanks tend to dilute toxins better.
Lighting: It is essential for the fish’s health and plant’s growth.
Let’s read about different fish tanks. I’ll try my best to accommodate every fish lover in this guide.
Best Overall
Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit
Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is the best small fish tank in the market because of its advanced features. It is customizable, light-induced, and filtration-powered. It is one of the larger “small” tanks, with a capacity of 9 gallons. Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is suited for freshwater and saltwater species.
Best Nano
Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit
For those with limited space, Fluval Spec 5 Gallon Tank is the best option. It offers sleek design and an integrated filtration, perfect for the care of small fish and aquatic live plants.
This planted aquarium has the best lighting, which is suitable for the fish and enhances its aesthetic appeal.
With its small footprint, the Nano tank is suitable for Bettas, Rasboras, Shrimps, and other species.
Best For Bettas

Fluval betta Premium Aquarium Kit
Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Tank is designed especially for betta fish. It offers gentle water flow, an integrated heater, a durable filter, and lighting. The tank contains a diffuser which creates less water current for fish species to swim.
I’d highly recommend getting a thermometer to ensure the right water temperature for your betta.
Best Kit For Beginners
Marina 5 Gallon LED Aquarium Kit
Marina 5 Gallon LED Aquarium Kit is designed especially for beginners. It includes a five-gallon tank, a filter with easy-to-replace cartridges, a water conditioner, an integrated LED light, a bacterial starter, a soft net, a start-up guide, and fish food flakes.
Honestly speaking, it’s an all-in-one tank. All you’ll need to add is glass cleaner, gravel siphon, or a heater (if your fish needs it).
This starter kit is best choice for fishes like Goldfish, Tetras, Guppies or Betta.
Best Upgrade Kit
Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Fish Tank Kit 16 Gallon
If you need a big setup to accommodate your fish collection, a 15-inch wide tank is an ideal choice. Opt for the Coralife LED BioCube Aquarium Fish Tank.
With a modern style design containing an integrated filtration system and a submersible pump, it holds a 24 hour light timer and an auto sunrise & sunset timer so that your fish gets the added benefit of a day and night cycle.
It is suitable for use with live plants and corals. But take note that you’ll need to buy a net and thermometer separately.
Best Budget
Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit
The only acrylic tank in the list, the Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit is lightweight and accessory-oriented: It includes essentials like lighting and filter. It is an inexpensive buy with small tank lights.
As for its limitations, it is sturdier than glass but not scratch-resistant. Moreover, it can get cloudy over time. The filter media is not durable too.
I’d recommend using only acrylic-safe scrub brush while cleaning it.
Best For Shrimp
Aquatop Venti Aquarium Kit
Next up is the Aquatop Venti Aquarium Kit. Considered as one of the best aquariums on the market, it offers an air-lift system that uses the flow and circulation of bubbles through an air pump to ensure proper filtration.
While dealing with shrimps, we need to be careful about the water flow. Shrimps are delicate invertebrates that require low water flow environment.
This kit includes everything that your pet shrimps could need, including a durable filter sponge, air pump, air line tubing with check valve, and a light.
All you need to add is a shrimp-appropriate substrate and a few live plants or moss balls.
Best Round Tank

biOrb Classic MCR Aquarium
Inspired by the classic Fishbowl, biOrb Classic MCR Aquarium’s design is feature-rich and easy to maintain. This glass aquarium comes with a low-voltage pump and filtration system. Plus, it also comes with blue and white remote-controlled LED lights with adjustable day and night modes.
This freshwater acrylic aquarium is available in black or silver colors. It comes in three sizes: 4-gallon, 8-gallon, and 16-gallon.
Although the setup is simple, the only complexity lies in its small opening, which makes water changes harder, especially for those with larger hands.
I can bet you’re gonna love this tank as an aquarist!
How Often Should You Clean a Small Fish Tank?
Maintain your fish tank every week. Clean the side of your aquarium and rinse the filters. You will need to use a gravel siphon to change water periodically.
How Many Small Fish Can I Keep in a 10-gallon Tank?
It depends on the species you have. For small tropical fish, they prefer a group of eight to ten, while others like to be alone, such as bettas.
Wrap Up
While there is a huge range of fish tanks available on the market, choose the one that best suits your fish to keep it happy and healthy!
