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  4. 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More)
  • 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More) 5

10 Best Fish Tanks of 2024 (Marina, Tetra, and More)

There are few things more beautiful than an immaculately aquascaped aquarium. But choosing a fish tank is a difficult task, especially for beginners. Even experienced fishkeepers can get overwhelmed with the variety of tanks, filters, lights, and accessories, not to mention the vast amount of misinformation put out by sellers who sacrifice a pet fish's health for money!


We've searched Amazon and done a lot of research to help you wade through all the information and make a smart choice. Our first-place tank was Fluval's Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit because of its built-in filtration and outstanding remote-controlled LED light and color settings. Whether you've had fish tanks before or are just starting out, you'll find our top 10 list and buying guide full of helpful information.

Last updated 03/15/2024
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Table of Contents

Set Your Tank Up for Success

Before you choose a fish tank and stock it with animals, we have some advice to help you create a healthy, successful ecosystem for your pets.

Do Your Research and Don't Buy on a Whim

Do Your Research and Don't Buy on a Whim

Fish are living creatures and deserve the same care as any pet. Your first consideration is to choose the right tank to match the animals you want. Although a fish bowl is a classic image, it's not ideal. The small opening restricts oxygen flow and makes the bowl hard to clean. Instead, a good fish tank should be open, not curved in at the top, to promote oxygen exchange. 


The absolute most important choice is the tank size. There's a rule of thumb which is good for beginners: "No more than one inch of fish for every gallon of water." More experienced fishkeepers know that other factors can affect the ideal tank size, but it's a good place to start.

Pick the Biggest Tank You Can Accommodate

Pick the Biggest Tank You Can Accommodate

The hard truth is that there are many unscrupulous sellers who will tell you a fish is fine in a one or two gallon tank. No fish should ever live in a tank smaller than five gallons! Can you live in a closet, especially one which is also your toilet? Sure. But will you be happy and healthy?


Fish, even bettas who are often kept alone in tiny tanks, need room to swim. A small tank concentrates waste and will require frequent cleaning, which also stresses the fish. Conditions fluctuate more rapidly, changing temperature and pH, so you are more likely to kill your livestock. A bigger tank is more humane and easier for you to take care of!


A tank under five gallons is suitable for non-fish creatures such as shrimp, marimo moss balls, or aquatic snails. Five to ten gallons is fine for a single fish like a betta, or a small school of small fish, such as white cloud minnows, tetras, or medaka (Japanese killifish). A tank over ten gallons will provide you the most options for stocking and be easier in the long run.

Add Your Fish After Your Tank Is Ready

Add Your Fish After Your Tank Is Ready

Your successful fish tank will be a balanced ecosystem. However, when you first set it up, it is totally out of balance. It takes time for all the needed microorganisms to grow, and you should not add any livestock until that happens.


Research the nitrogen cycle. Fishkeepers refer to the process of waiting for a new tank to be established as "cycling" the tank, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. If you add fish before this process is complete and water parameters are stable, they will likely die, and the ones who survive will have suffered and be weakened.

How to Choose a Fish Tank- Buying Guide

Whether you decide what kind of fish you're interested in first and then choose the best tank for them, or limit your choice of livestock based on what kind of tank you want, there are many factors to consider.

1

Decide What Kind of Tank You Can Care For

If you're inexperienced, the various options can seem overwhelming. But choosing the best ones can be fun! Here's some advice to get you started, but remember, for the best chance of success, do a lot of research and planning before you buy a tank and especially before you choose fish.

Freshwater is Easier for Most People

Freshwater is Easier for Most People

Saltwater tanks are beautiful. Who doesn't love the colorful fish, majestic corals, and other interesting creatures of a reef tank? But marine tanks are more expensive and require a bit more knowledge and maintenance than freshwater tanks do. They also need to be bigger to house larger fish.


On the other hand, freshwater tanks can be further divided into tropical (warm water) or cold water setups. Cold water fish such as white cloud minnows and medaka (killifish) won't need a heater and are very hardy. They can even hibernate if the temperatures get low enough. However, most fishkeepers choose heated tanks so they have more species of tropical fish to pick from.

Keeping the Water Clean is of Utmost Importance

Keeping the Water Clean is of Utmost Importance

Keeping a tank clean is essential, but this task doesn't have to be difficult and time-consuming. As mentioned before, the most important step is properly cycling the tank. Even so, you will likely have problems with algal growth in a freshwater tank.


If you have live plants, they will eventually outgrow the algae and take their nutrients, slowing the growth. This process can take a year or two, but after that your tank will probably require little maintenance beyond the standard weekly water changes and monthly filter changes


Having live plants is therefore easier in the long run, but it requires a little more planning to get the correct lighting, substrate (soil) and fertilizers.

Find a Filter That's Easy to Access and Maintain

Find a Filter That's Easy to Access and Maintain

Whether you have a planted tank or prefer plastic decorations, you'll need a good filter to circulate the water and trap waste. There are so many different types it's impossible to discuss them all here, but look for one that is powerful enough for the size of your tank, quiet, and easy to maintain.


Media are components inside the filter that help optimize your tank's water quality, such as sponges and carbon. You'll likely need to periodically replace your filter's media, so if you must buy these from the manufacturer, make sure to factor that into your budget. If your tank has a built-in filter, check that it's easy to access and reliable, since changing it will be impossible.

Different Flows for Different Fish

Different Flows for Different Fish

Goldfish especially are messy fish and need a lot of water and very good filtration, while bettas need filters with a gentle outflow. Check the needs of the type of fish you want. Do they like a strong current or fairly still water? 


Some filters have adjustable flow rates. If yours doesn't, you can sometimes modify it by putting a sponge over the intake or changing the shape of the tubing.

2

Consider the Location of the Tank

You may have a spot that you want to put a tank, but not all spaces are ideal. There are some location rules you need to obey or you run the risk of catastrophe!

Water is Really, Really Heavy!

Water is Really, Really Heavy!

Imagine carrying a gallon of milk. Now imagine ten gallons of milk, plus a tank, plus decorations and gravel. You must put your tank on a proper support! A ten-gallon tank weighs over 100 pounds. A shelf made of particle board won't do the job. It's risky to put a big tank on a table or desk with thin legs.


For anything over 10 gallons, consider buying a cabinet made specifically for aquariums. Even better, these cabinets have areas to hide all your equipment and supplies, so the overall look of your tank will be clean and sleek.


Another option is an acrylic tank, which is more lightweight. However, cheap acrylic is prone to scratches. Glass is less expensive than high-quality acrylic and is a more common material for fish tanks. 

Check the Environment Around the Tank

Check the Environment Around the Tank

Avoid putting your tank in a place where any direct sun can hit it. This will cause algae to grow, and with small tanks, it can make the water temperature skyrocket. You should also avoid a place next to a heater or directly in front of an air conditioner.


Make sure your tank will be safe from kids and pets. You don't want to trip over the electrical cords. Cords also need to be protected from splashes or leaks. Never use long extension cords, but place your tank near the outlet and make sure you have enough sockets for all the equipment.

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10 Best Fish Tanks

Here are our well-researched choices for all levels of fishkeeping experience and various types of fish to help you find the perfect tank for you!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Hagen

Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit

Hagen Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit 1

$159.99

Mid

A Great Kit to Create a Beautiful Planted Tank

2

Tetra

Aquarium Glass Kit

Tetra Aquarium Glass Kit 1

$308.33

High Mid

A Freshwater Tank Kit With Lots of Space

3

Tetra

PLAYMOBIL Explore Your Aquarium 10 Gallon Kit

Tetra PLAYMOBIL Explore Your Aquarium 10 Gallon Kit 1

$87.12

Mid

A Great Way to Get Children Interested in Fishkeeping

4

Marina

Marina LED Aquarium Kit

Marina Marina LED Aquarium Kit  1

$113.99

Mid

This is the Tank Your Betta Would Buy

5

Coralife

LED Biocube Aquarium Size 32

Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium  1

$379.99

High Mid

A Small Saltwater Reef Kit for Beginners

6

SC Aquariums

50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquariums Complete Package

SC Aquariums 50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquariums Complete Package  1

$849.00

High

A Gorgeous Tank and Cabinet You Can Get Customized

7

Penn-Plax

Aquaponic Tank

Penn-Plax Aquaponic Tank 1

$31.17

Low Mid

Small Aquatic Snails Make Great Pets, Too!

8

Shrimp Bubble

Ecosystem Kit

Shrimp Bubble Ecosystem Kit 1

$64.98

Low Mid

A Tiny Low-Maintenance Shrimp Tank

9

Hagen

Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit

Hagen Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit 1

$109.99

Mid

Everything You Need for a Freshwater Shrimp Tank

10

Dry Branch Sports Design

Catch and Release Beach Aquarium Kit

Dry Branch Sports Design Catch and Release Beach Aquarium Kit  1

$12.10

Low

Catch, Enjoy, and Release Our Earth's Aquatic Wildlife

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

HagenFluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit

Fluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$159.99
Mid
Reference price
$159.99
Mid

A Great Kit to Create a Beautiful Planted Tank

This Fluval tank with a bow-shaped front is a convenient way to set up a planted tank. It has built-in filtration in the back which is hidden from view and won't disturb your aquascaping. A honeycomb pattern at the top hides the waterline. But the real stand-out feature is the lighting.


The 48 white LEDs and six RGB LEDs are fully adjustable with a remote control! You can choose the colors and effects, while a 7500K LED lamp provides the correct spectrum for aquatic plant growth. You can change the look to suit your style or mood without compromising the health of your tank.


The filter has multi-directional dual outflows but no adjustable flow rate. Some buyers note that because the filtration is included in the size specs, it's actually more like a 10-gallon tank. However, there's enough room in the filter compartment for a CO2 reactor and a heater.

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No.2

TetraAquarium Glass Kit

Aquarium Glass Kit 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$308.33
High Mid
Reference price
$308.33
High Mid

A Freshwater Tank Kit With Lots of Space

If you want a really big freshwater tank, you could spend this much just on the aquarium. Or you could get this set, which comes with almost everything you need to get up and running! Tetra is well-known for decent products at reasonable prices, so this kit is perfect for beginners.


The only thing that's not included is the substrate, but you'd want to choose that yourself anyway. Everything else you need is here. Tetra products are sold everywhere too, so it'll be easy to get filter media or replacement parts


We think that although this isn't a high-end setup, it's a great place to start. Separate components like the filter or lights can always be upgraded over time depending on your needs.

No.3

TetraPLAYMOBIL Explore Your Aquarium 10 Gallon Kit

Reference price
$87.12
Mid

A Great Way to Get Children Interested in Fishkeeping

This 10-gallon set from Tetra is full of goodies for kids in addition to being a reliable tank setup. There's an activity book that will teach kids about fish in a fun way and reversible backgrounds to create a themed underground world. It even comes with a toy and play laboratory!

As far as the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants, the kit provides a heater and a Tetra Whisper Power filter. The lights are low-voltage LEDs built into the tank hood. All you need to buy is substrate, some plastic plants, and after the tank is cycled, fish!


Reviewers do mention a faulty water filter, causing water to leak, but many love how easy the setup is, how it comes with everything, and say the pump is very quiet,

No.4

MarinaMarina LED Aquarium Kit

Reference price
$113.99
Mid

This is the Tank Your Betta Would Buy

If you want betta fish, you need to be prepared to give them at least five gallons to swim around in. Don't be fooled by people saying betta fish are happy in a small tank. This is a 20-gallon tank that will truly make your fish happy! The only thing that isn't included (aside from decorations) is a heater, which will be essential for bettas or tropical fish.


We found several options but chose this because the filter current can be dialed down to make it suitable for bettas. The light is built into the canopy, but you won't need to change it. Reviewers say it's perfect for showing off their fish's colors as well as for growing live plants.

No.5

CoralifeLED Biocube Aquarium Size 32

LED Biocube Aquarium  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$379.99
High Mid
Reference price
$379.99
High Mid

A Small Saltwater Reef Kit for Beginners

This kit is a good starting point for first-time saltwater tank enthusiasts. It comes with a customizable filtration system built into the back to hide it from view. For added convenience, the cover is connected to the tank by hinges.


The lighting system is bright enough for fish and soft corals, with a 24-hour timer that replicates sunlight and moonlight for a natural daily cycle. You can choose between white, blue, or color-enhancing LEDs. The filter pump has dual intakes and an adjustable return nozzle.


Happy buyers loved that this saltwater tank was easy to set up. However, negative reviewers complained of cracks and leaking, so be sure to inspect the tank for scratches and check the seals before you fill it up.

No.6

SC Aquariums50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquariums Complete Package

50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquariums Complete Package  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$849.00
High
Reference price
$849.00
High

A Gorgeous Tank and Cabinet You Can Get Customized

This 50-gallon tank features Starfire low-iron glass, which will provide a crystal-clear viewing experience. The cabinet is included and arrives assembled for you. You can customize parts of the package as well by contacting the company.


Keep in mind that lighting is not included, nor is a cover. A few buyers have commented that some parts were missing, and that there were issues with shipping such a large item.


This is definitely not a kit for beginners. However, most reviewers said the customer service was very helpful and replied quickly, so if you run into trouble, it sounds like they'll be there for you.

No.7

Penn-PlaxAquaponic Tank

Aquaponic Tank 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$31.17
Low Mid
Reference price
$31.17
Low Mid

Small Aquatic Snails Make Great Pets, Too!

Freshwater aquatic snails such as ramshorn or pond snails are often introduced accidentally into aquariums. They're small, reproduce quickly, and survive on fish waste, algae and rotting plants.

This small tank with a potted plant on top could be a great home for them, provided you change the water and occasionally feed them sinking food pellets, so they don't eat all the plant's roots. You should also add a few washed natural shells to provide them calcium for healthy growth.


Bigger snails such as nerites or mystery snails are not suited for this tank, but red ramshorns will be quite happy and beautiful here! Two reviewers reported that their snails and peace lilies were thriving in this tank. Remember snails need to go to the surface to breathe air, so don't fill the tank all the way up

No.8

Shrimp BubbleEcosystem Kit

Ecosystem Kit 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$64.98
Low Mid
Reference price
$64.98
Low Mid

A Tiny Low-Maintenance Shrimp Tank

This little shrimp ecosystem can sit on your desktop and mostly sustain itself. Everything is included except food for the shrimp. You may have seen other products with these opae ula Hawaiian shrimp in a closed glass sphere. Those are not a humane way to house any animal. This product is different because it has an opening at the top, so the shrimp can be fed and air can be exchanged

You can perform small water changes, but be aware that this is brackish water, so check the salinity. You'll have to find an ideal location that gets enough light but not too much, or the ecosystem can get out of balance, and supplement the shrimp's algae diet with opae ula food every couple of weeks.


Several reviewers reported that their shrimp died quickly, some within a couple of weeks or months. However, other buyers said it was fun to watch the shrimp and found the kit easy to set up and maintain. They also appreciated that the shrimp arrived alive and well thanks to good packaging

No.9

HagenFluval EBI Shrimp Kit

Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit 1
Source:amazon.com
Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$109.99
Mid

Everything You Need for a Freshwater Shrimp Tank

If you've been wanting to start a planted nano shrimp tank, look no further! This kit has everything you need, except the plants. The volcanic soil substrate is suited for maintaining a neutral to slightly acidic pH, so check what kind of shrimp you want and use a different one if need be. 


The filter comes with a cover to prevent newborn baby shrimp from being sucked in. The bright 7000K LED light should be sufficient for growing any plants you add, and it has a touch-start day and night function. You'll also receive a shrimp net, enriched shrimp formula food, and water conditioner that's shrimp-friendly.


Although this hasn't been reviewed much yet, Fluval is a reliable brand, and there are few other shrimp-specific kits to choose from. Shrimp are not recommended for beginners, though; they're less hardy than most fish and it can be tricky to provide what they need to thrive.

No.10

Dry Branch Sports DesignCatch and Release Beach Aquarium Kit

Catch and Release Beach Aquarium Kit  1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.10
Low
Reference price
$12.10
Low

Catch, Enjoy, and Release Our Earth's Aquatic Wildlife

The next time you go to the lake or beach, get into the water and explore with this plastic tank for catch and release! It has a lid with a screen so you can scoop up crabs, minnows and tadpoles, observe them safely for a while, and then let them go without harm.

The lid is attached to the handle, so there's no way to lose it in the sand. The handle also acts as a float, so you won't lose it at the bottom of the water either. This is a fun gift for kids, and even adults will have their curiosity of nature aroused. What a great way to appreciate the wonder of life!


Several unhappy buyers said their tank arrived with dents or cracks. A handful others reported that the sun melted and distorted their tank and a few others had issues with an ill-fitting lid. Satisfied customers liked that the tank was both lightweight and sturdy enough for kids to use easily. The handle was also a popular feature.

Bringing Your Fish Home to Your Tank

Once you've properly cycled your tank, you're ready to add your fish! You need to make sure you safely transfer your new pets from the plastic bag to your tank. This video from Prime Time Aquatics show you how.

Top 5 Fish Tanks

No. 1: HagenFluval Flex Freshwater Aquarium Kit

No. 2: TetraAquarium Glass Kit

No. 3: TetraPLAYMOBIL Explore Your Aquarium 10 Gallon Kit

No. 4: MarinaMarina LED Aquarium Kit

No. 5: CoralifeLED Biocube Aquarium Size 32

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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