Top 5 Aquariums for Beginners: Expert Advice for a Thriving Tank

 

As an aquatic veterinarian, I stress the importance of a fish's tank environment for their wellbeing. For new owners, bigger tanks are better, but it's crucial to identify needs and wants. Plan your setup carefully, considering space and compatible species. Most tanks on this list are large to help beginners overcome water quality mistakes. Choose the right tank and equipment to keep your fish happy and healthy. Proper planning and setup will ensure a thriving aquarium for years to come, and I'm excited to share my expert advice with you

No 1 . Top Pick for Beginners

Tetra 29-Gallon Glass Aquarium

We Love: - Sturdy and well-constructed tank for durability - Highly customizable to fit your aquatic vision - Generous 29-gallon water volume for a healthy environment - Easy cleaning access for hassle-free maintenance Room for Improvement: - No accessories included, so be prepared to add your own equipment

Why Bigger is Better for Beginners When starting out, a larger aquarium is a smarter choice. It's not about overcrowding with fish, but rather creating a stable environment that's easier to maintain. This 29-gallon tank is a blank canvas, waiting for your personal touch. Customize filtration, decorations, and accessories to suit your desired species. With a little extra research, you'll be rewarded with a thriving aquarium that your fish will love. The extra effort will pay off, and your fish will thank you! Capacity: 29 gallons

No 2 . Affordable Excellence

Tetra Complete 29-Gallon Aquarium

We Love: - Solid tank and hood with lights - a great foundation for your aquarium - Easy to assemble - get started quickly and effortlessly - Good for a wide variety of fish - versatility at its best! Room for Improvement: - More customization options would be a plus - Upgrading the filter would take this aquarium to the next leve

Looking for a budget-friendly starter kit? Check out the Tetra Complete 29-Gallon Aquarium package! This kit includes everything you need to get started with fish quickly. You'll get a 29-gallon tank suitable for goldfish or small tropicals, a cover with built-in lighting, a heater, water conditioner, filter, air pump, and more. It's the same tank as our top pick with average equipment. While it's not the most customizable option, it's a great starting point. We recommend replacing the filter media with a longer-lasting alternative like the Hipanda Filter Sponge. You'll also need to buy food suitable for your fish. Otherwise, you're ready to add fish and start cycling! Cover, lights, and net included.

No 3. Alternative Recommendation

Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit

We Love: - Smart design ideal for fish with big fins, like bettas - High-quality filter media (sponge, carbon, ceramic) Room for Improvement: - No heater included, a notable omission

Top Choice for Bettas: This tank is a hit with my betta patients! Its integrated filtration system, designed to FLUVAL's high standards, provides a gentle flow that won't stress your fish. The tank's smart design includes a soothing intake that lets bettas rest without harming their fins. With a 5-gallon capacity, water quality monitoring is crucial, but the tank's easy access and removable LED light make maintenance a breeze. Note that a heater is not included, but there's space for one next to the filter intake. Overall, a great choice for betta owners who want a reliable, easy-to-use tank

No 4. Easy to use

Aquatop Venti Aquarium Package

We Appreciate: - Gentle water flow, perfect for sensitive species - Thoughtful design with shrimp-keeping in mind - Comprehensive filtration components included Room for Improvement: - Filtration capacity could be enhanced for better water quality - Limited versatility, not ideal for non-shrimp aquatic life

Best for Shrimp: Shrimp tanks require gentle water flow, making the Aquatop Venti Aquarium Kit ideal. Its air-lift system uses bubbles for circulation and filtration, creating a low-flow environment perfect for delicate shrimp. This comprehensive kit includes: - Durable filter sponge - Air pump - Air line tubing with check valve - Light Add shrimp-friendly substrate and plants, and you're ready for your shrimp. Two-gallon capacity

No 5 . comprehensive and high-quality design

Lyphard All-in-One 110-Gallon Aquarium

We Love: - Ample 110-gallon capacity for a diverse aquatic community - Fully integrated sump system for optimal water quality and circulation - Highest quality tank construction for durability and clarity - Quiet operation for a peaceful environment Room for Improvement: - Sump media not included, requiring additional purchase

Dive into the world of aquarium-keeping with a bang! The LYPHARD AQUARIUM 110-gallon All in One Aquarium offers a spacious and feature-rich environment for your fish. With 110 gallons of swimming space, you can create a thriving ecosystem with ease. This fully integrated system includes: - Spacious stand and storage cabinet with customized sump - Integrated LED lights for easy access - Ultra-low iron glass for crystal-clear views While some filter media requires separate purchase, this tank is designed to provide years of enjoyment and growth. Perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists, this setup is designed to make your fish dreams a reality. Dimensions: 49.6 x 23.7 x 31.5 inches

FAQs from The Animal Kingdom

Can I keep my fish in a bowl? Absolutely not. No fish should live in a bowl. How often do I need to clean my new tank? Once your fish have moved in, you'll likely be doing some extra cleanings to keep New Tank Syndrome under control. After the first few months, you'll likely need to clean your fish tank at least once a week or every other week. Check out our list of the Best Aquarium Cleaning Supplies to ensure your tank stays clean and healthy. Should I get a glass or acrylic tank? Most fish tanks will be glass, but they can be very heavy, especially with the added water weight. Acrylic tanks are lighter, but since the material is softer, the sides are easily scratched, both inside and out, causing decreased clarity. Glass tanks are recommended over acrylic tanks since they are longer lasting and more durable. What is the best size fish tank for beginners? The best size fish tank for beginners is the largest one you have room for. When it comes to beginning in fish keeping, maintaining water quality, especially through the cycling stage, is the most challenging part and the most common cause of catastrophe in the first few months. The smaller the tank volume, the more concentrated toxic fish waste products will be and the bigger hassle the tank will become. The bigger the tank, the more water you have to dilute your mistakes. That doesn’t mean you can add more fish, however; see our notes on “stocking your new aquarium” above. Why Trust The Animal Kingdom? Dr. Jessie Sander, DVM, DABVP (Fish Practice), is the owner and chief veterinarian at Aquatic Veterinary Services, a mobile all-aquatic veterinary practice serving California and Nevada. Her veterinary practice cares for pet fish (koi, goldfish, bettas, cichlids, and more) and aquaculture facilities for farms and aquariums. She is one of only 10 board-certified fish veterinary practitioners in the country. Dr. Sanders is the aquatic expert for The Animal Kingdom and has provided informed guidance along with product recommendations for the best saltwater filters, aquarium heaters, fish tanks, light kits, powerheads, and more.