Getting your first aquarium is always special. You’re excited about the prospect of bringing the beauty of aquatic nature into your own space.
You have every right to be excited.
But, when it comes to picking your first aquarium tank, you may be suprised when you discover the best and safest way to go.
In this article you’ll discover the following:
- The best tank size that will put you in the best position to succeed.
- What you need to consider when picking your fish tank
- Reviews for beginner friendly fish tank kits
After reading this, you’ll have the knowledge needed to make the right choice when choosing your aquarium.
Excited? You should be. I am. Let’s get into it.
What’s the Best Fish Tank Size for Beginners?
Whether you’re just starting in the aquarium hobby or upgrading to a new tank, one of the first things you need to think about is tank size.
Aquariums range in size from as small as 1 gallon to hundreds of gallons and every size in between. If you are a beginner in the aquarium hobby, however, you should think carefully before settling on a tank size.
If you’ve never kept an aquarium before, you might assume that a small tank is easier to start with than a large tank.
You may be surprised to learn, this isn’t always the case. For a beginner, 5 gallons is the minimum recommended tank size, though a 20-gallon tank or larger is even better.
Here’s why:
Why should you start with a larger tank?
It all has to do with water chemistry and tank maintenance.
Your fish tank is a contained ecosystem, and you need to maintain stable conditions for your fish.
A large tank with a high water volume is less susceptible to change than a small tank with a low water volume, so it is actually easier to keep your tank conditions stable in a larger aquarium.
With this in mind, let’s talk about some of the other factors that come into play when it comes time to start shopping for an aquarium.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Tank
When it comes to selecting a fish tank, there are many options to choose from and many factors to consider.
The size and type of fish you want to keep will help determine the size of your tank and the location where you want to put it will determine the shape.
You’ll also need to think about the benefits of glass versus acrylic aquariums, factoring in details such as tank weight.
If you want to make your job as simple as possible, consider purchasing an all-in-one aquarium kit that comes with everything you need to get started.
Size and Type of Fish You Want
If you plan to keep guppies, you can probably get away with a smaller aquarium, but larger fish need a bigger tank.
Think about the type of fish you want to keep in your tank and then determine their adult size – this is an important factor to consider when choosing a tank size.
Don’t assume that getting a bigger tank means you can have more fish.
Fish size is certainly a factor to consider, but you also have to think about things like activity level, waste production, and more.
Some fish simply need more space than others, so choose a tank that will work for the fish you plan to keep.
Where Will You Keep It?
The best place for a fish tank is a location where it can be visible and accessible but not in the way. It shouldn’t be in direct sunlight and it should be away from doors and windows.
Take a look around your home and think about where you want to put your tank.
Once you have a location in mind, you can take some measurements to see what tank size you can accommodate. Keep this information in mind along with the types of fish you want to keep when choosing a tank size.
Pro Tip: When thinking about where you are going to put your tank you need to think about how you are going to maintain the quality and temperature in your tank.
Avoid putting your tank next to a door, window, or air vent because drafts and air conditioning can affect your tank temperature. Putting your tank in direct sunlight is also a bad idea because it could trigger algae growth.
Glass vs. Acrylic Aquariums: Which is Better?
The next decision you have to make after tank size is tank construction.
Aquariums are usually made from two materials – glass or acrylic. Both options have their benefits, so it is really a matter of preference which option you choose to go with.
Glass is sturdy, difficult to scratch, and affordable – it also maintains its clarity over time which makes it a good long-term investment.
Acrylic is more expensive, but it is also lightweight and less susceptible to cracking or breaking. Think about what is important to you when choosing between acrylic and glass.
But, at the end of the day, both will do the job. So don’t stress over it.
Consider The Weight
As you start thinking about whether you want a glass or an acrylic tank, you should think about the weight of the tank when it is full of water. Glass tanks are heavier than acrylic, but any tank full of water is going to be pretty heavy.
Take this into account when choosing a tank size and tank location. You may want to invest in a purpose built aquarium stand if you think your regular stand won’t do the job.
What’s in the Kit?
If you want to make your job as easy as possible, consider buying an all-in-one aquarium kit instead of piecing things together yourself.
Aquarium kits come in a range of different sizes and they typically include a light fixture and a filter.
Some kits also come with a heater and additional accessories such as a thermometer, fishnet, water conditioner, fish food, and even tank decorations.
My Top Picks For Beginner Fish Tanks
Now you’re well informed on what you need to consider when choosing your first fish tank, you can use the following product reviews to make an informed buying decision.
1. Fluval Flex 9 Gallon Aquarium Kit
I LOVE this aquarium kit. I have a breeding colony of blue neocaridina shrimp in mine.
Just like the Spec, all the filtration is kept in a tidy compartment, but it’s on the back of this one, instead of the side. It’s really easy to access the filter media and pump in the back compartment, making maintenance a breeze.
I don’t have a heater in mine, since there’s only shrimp in there, but there’s an open slot in the compartment where you can put a small heater if you need one.
The front glass of this tank has a super cool bow shape to it that slightly magnifies your view of the inside.
The light is a bit smaller on this tank, but I’ve had great luck with it as far as growing plants goes. But, unlike the Fluval Spec, the LEDs in this light are color changing and controlled with a nifty remote. My only gripe is that there’s not a built-in timer for the lights.
Pros:
- Sleek all-in-one design
- Bright light that can grow live plants
- Color changing light that comes with a remote
- Easy to get to filter for maintenance
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a heater
- No timer for lights
Last update on 2024-05-07 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Fluval Spec 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit
This is an awesome little aquarium kit. I love Fluval products and really believe in their reliability. My dad has had one of these aquariums for several years and it’s been great.
It’s a great home for a Betta, some shrimp or a few nano fish. Just be aware that you’ll need to add a heater if you want to keep tropical species.
The filtration is hidden in a compartment on the side of the tank. There is a small open space in this compartment where you can add a small heater if you want.
It’s easy to access the filter and pump for any maintenance you might need to do.
The light is great for growing plants, even fussier medium to high-light plants. It has both a white daylight setting and a blue “moonlight” for nighttime viewing. I just wish the light had a built-in timer.
Pros:
- Sleek all-in-one design
- Bright light that grows plants very well
- Easy to get to filter for maintenance
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a heater
- Light only has white and blue settings
- Light doesn’t have a timer
Last update on 2024-05-07 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Aquatop Pisces Curved Bowfront Aquarium Kit 5 Gallon
If you’re looking for a truly unique looking aquarium, look no further.
This tank has curved glass along with a bright LED light that can grow low to medium-light plants.
It has a large filter compartment that has lots of room for biomedia, always a big plus with me.
The filter can be a bit strong for some Bettas, but adding driftwood or other decor can break up the flow.
Pros:
- Unique tank shape that will magnify fish inside
- Light is bright enough for live plants
- Built in filter with lots of room for filter media
Cons:
- Flow can be too strong for BettasÂ
- Doesn’t come with a heater
- Light doesn’t have a timer
Last update on 2024-05-07 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Available in 5, 10, and 20-gallon sizes, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit is a great buy for anyone getting started in the aquarium hobby.
This kit features a glass aquarium with a clip-on filter complete with quick-change filter cartridges. Knowing me, long-term I’d switch the filter out for a sponge filter, but this one is still good for beginners.
It also comes with an LED lighting module incorporated directly into the hood as well as a net, thermometer, water conditioner, biological supplement, and fish food.
The lights being built into the lid are nice, but they’re not very strong. You’ll be able to see your fish, but I doubt that they’d be strong enough for live plants, even low-light plants.
Pros:
- Comes with a nice range of accessories
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Lights are built right into the lid
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a heater
- Light isn’t strong enough to grow plants
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Which Tank Should I Pick?
Personally, I’d recommend the Fluval Flex 9 as the best tank for beginners. It’s easy to set up and maintain. I love how adjustable the light is. This tank gives you a fairly good amount of water volume without being huge. I really, really love mine.
I hope you find this article helpful.
I wish you and your fish the very best!
