The Best Fish Tank
A good fish tank is essential for those who love aquatic animals. A safe, sturdy, and comforting place for your fish to live allows them to stay healthy and happy and for you to enjoy their company for years to come. But which fish tank is right for you? We've decided to rank a few that we think stand (or swim) above the rest.
What to Look For
In our research, we asked ourselves the following questions: Is the material sturdy? Is the filter strong but not overbearing for the fish? Is it simple to clean and maintain? We found a number of tanks that pleased us to no end. Koller’s 3.5-gallon aquarium won out as the top pick for its powerful filter and excellent assortment of decorative lights. But we also had to give praise to Marineland’s tank, which features a sleek modernist design that looks great in the home. No matter what type of pet fish you have, there’s a fish tank for you somewhere on our list, so ready those fins and read on.
Koller Products AquaView 3.5 Gallon Fish Tank
Beautiful and practical
This fish tank delivers just about everything you could want, no matter what your aquarium needs may be. A powerful filtration system, various LED color options, and immaculate see-through plastic make this the perfect way to observe your fish and keep them healthy. With a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour, the filtration system can clean up after even the messiest fish. This fish tank is a great go-to for quality you won’t have to worry about.
Pros
- This fish tank is easy to clean thanks to the clear plastic and convenient curves.
- We appreciate that it comes packaged with a complimentary selection of water treatments.
- This tank is very inexpensive for the level of quality you receive.
Cons
- The glass is not especially thick, so avoid bumping into it.
Lightahead Artificial Mini Aquarium
Plastic fish can bring as much joy to children as real ones, and this artificial fish tank proves it. Dazzling LED lights make this a great decoration or night light for your child’s room. The lights are vivid but soothing, making this the perfect gift for kids with sensory issues or trouble sleeping. If you want a fish tank for a child but aren’t sure they’re ready to take care of real fish, this tank is a worthy option.
Pros
- We found that this tank works well as a toy for curious cats.
- It also doubles as a nice office decoration for yourself or other fish lovers in your life.
Cons
- The sound of the fish clicking around can be either soothing or annoying, depending on your perspective.
Koller Products AquaView 2.5 Gallon Fish Tank
Turn up the power
A power filter is practically an essential feature for a fish tank, and this unit has one of the best. With a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour, this tank swiftly and cleanly disposes of any waste your fish might produce. Plus, its LED lights come in many varied patterns and colors that add a great visual flair to the tank.
Pros
- At 2.5 gallons, it makes a great, roomy home for one mid-size or several small fish.
- The tank is raised slightly above whichever surface it sits on, which means moisture won’t be trapped as easily.
- We appreciate the included guide for ordering more LED lights in case the included ones burn out.
Cons
- The clear plastic is a little too easy to scratch and scuff, so handle with care.
Koller Products 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit
If you own a number of fish that need one roomy home, this 5-gallon fish tank is a great option. This robust tank comes in one piece and is made of impact-resistant plastic, ensuring that your fish have a secure place to swim. And with a powerful filter and LED lighting, it has the amenities you should expect from a good fish tank. There’s room enough for all your finned friends in this deep yet cozy fish tank.
Pros
- The spacious design allows room for all the plants and aquatic decorations you desire.
- For a filter this powerful, we found that it runs surprisingly quietly.
- The one-piece design and easy setup make this a great beginner tank for kids or first-time fish owners.
Cons
- The filter can be too powerful for some smaller fish, so feel free to swap it out accordingly.
Marineland Portrait Glass LED 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit
Aquatic style
Functional and stylish, this fish tank is an attractive decoration for any living space. This tank’s fetching, minimal design extends even to the filter, which is unseen yet powerful enough to keep your aquarium clean at all times. Add day-and-night LED light cycles, and you have a superb way to observe and home your fish. This fish tank is truly the ultimate meeting of form and function, and every fish lover should take notice.
Pros
- The filter pump is adjustable, allowing you to modify it precisely to your fish’s comfort.
- We love that there’s a designated space for a heater if one chooses to add one.
- Its lid is form-fitting and slips tightly over the top.
Cons
- We found that the LED lights are on the flimsy side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the right size of fish tank for my pet fish?
It generally depends on the size of your fish, but we find that between 2 and 5 gallons usually hits the right balance. Go smaller, and your risk cramping your fish and compromising their health; go too big, and you have an intimidating space that’s a chore to clean.
Should I go for a high or low-powered filtration system?
We generally believe that a fish tank with adjustable filter pressure makes the best choice in this regard. However, if that isn’t an option, try to find one that is strong enough to clean out your tank consistently without being so powerful that it unnerves or immobilizes your fish.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.