The 10 Best Fish Tanks For Beginners

Instruction Manual

Exactly what characteristics define a high-quality aquarium set-up kit?

• Complete with everything you need to get out on the right foot, this package is ideal for beginners. Discount coupons are often included in the kits you buy.
• It’s important to think about the kit’s contents. If you can get the components separately for less money, the kit probably isn’t a good deal.
• What is the expected lifespan of the kit’s components? If your aquarium develops a leak or your filter stops operating within two months of purchasing a beginning kit, the investment will have been for naught. The price and quantity of goods in a kit are less important than the quality of those products.
• Get a kit that comes with a good guarantee or can be returned easily. From time to time, even the best items fail to wow. Having the option to return or replace components can save you time and money if you receive a kit with easily broken pieces or a tank that wasn’t properly sealed.
• If you’re going to spend extra money on a kit, you may as well get one with interchangeable components and a good guarantee. When your aquarium’s filtration system fails, would you rather spend $200 on a new part or a whole new kit?

Things to think about while shopping for an aquarium beginning kit:

• What kind of aquatic pets, if any, do you hope to keep? Cherry shrimp just need a fraction of the room a goldfish does, and a much less powerful filter will do the trick.
• If you’re thinking about getting an aquarium, how much room do you have? A smaller kit and a strategy for smaller or fewer fish or invertebrates will serve you better than attempting to push a larger tank into a spot where it may not lay flat or be susceptible to being bumped if your only option is a desk.
• How busy are things around your house? Have you considered getting an aquarium, but worried that your kids would scratch it? Then you should probably go with glass. Do you have a dog who likes to jump in each puddle it sees or a cat that would try to paw at the fish? To that end, you should search for a secure tank with a lid.
• When do you have free time to tend to your fish tank? More robust filtration and fish that provide less bioload to the tank will function better than six goldfish and a pleco if you can only maintain and clean your aquarium once a week or two.
• Your budget is . No matter how much money you have to spend, an aquarium is a long-term investment.
• Where will your equipment be kept securely? Which kit has the longest electrical line to safeguard against water seepage into the socket if a tank is placed on a high shelf? Do you have a sturdy table or desk that won’t get knocked over if you decide to set up shop in a high-traffic area of your home?

Conclusion

Which aquarium equipment should you recommend to enter the exciting world of fish farming? While keeping fish can be a very enjoyable and rewarding pastime, it can also be quite challenging.

Hopefully, after reading these reviews by BestForPets (bestforpets.org), you will be better equipped to choose the best fish tanks for beginners or newbies.

We recommend the Koller Products Tropical Aquarium Starter Kit as an affordable alternative to the Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquatic Kit.

We recommend the Fluval Spec Aquatic Kit if you’re looking to spend a bit more on a more complex and visually appealing setup.

Consider your available space, the type of fish you want to keep, and the number of fish you want to keep before deciding to purchase an aquarium set from our collection. Before you know it, your new fish will be ready to go home with you!

Reviews

Superior All-Around Performance with the Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquarium Kit

Our top option for an entry-level aquarium is the Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon. The acrylic in this 3-gallon tank is lightweight, and you get a full view of your aquatic inhabitants from every angle.

Acrylic is far more portable and distortion-free than glass, making it an ideal material for aquariums. At its widest point, the tank is a little over 12 inches, and its half-moon form allows it to rest neatly against a wall.

Included in this package are a filter, filter cartridge, lid, air pump, air tubing, and an air curtain with built-in LED lights for use under water.

While the lights cycle through a spectrum of hues automatically, the filter and air curtain take care of the necessary filtering and oxygenation.

If you have the room, this tank with its lights and bubbling water might be a soothing addition to your office. There is a tiny, open feeding window in the transparent plastic top.

This tank is ideal for novice fish keepers who want to start with goldfish, bettas, or smaller fish like guppies and tetras. The tank’s size means it may house 1-3 little goldfish, however regular water changes may be necessary.

Pros

• Filter and air pump included in whole starter set
• When compared to glass, the transparency of lightweight, break-proof acrylic is superior.
• 360-degree uninterrupted viewing
• Waterproof air curtain with LED lights that change color
• The half-moon shape may be mounted flush to the wall.
• Discreet pricing

Cons

• Acrylic is readily marred.
• This aquarium might become too small for goldfish too soon.
• Curious pets might potentially reach into the tank through the feeding glass.

 

Affordable and Comprehensive Tropical Aquarium Starter Kit by Koller Products

Because of its low cost and high efficiency, the Koller Products Tropical Aquarium kit is the perfect aquarium beginning kit for beginner fishkeepers. It comes in kits of 2, 3, or 6 gallons.

This tank’s transparent, lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate allows you an unobstructed view of your fish from any angle. The 3-gallon tank measures little over 10 inches across and over 15 inches high at its highest point.

The kit comes with a sleek black hood illuminated by multicolored LEDs. The lights may be fixed on any one of seven different hues or configured to automatically cycle between them.

Most other pets won’t even bother trying to open the tank since the lid is so hefty. A notch has been carved into the lid to accommodate the accompanying filter when it is placed on the tank.

The kit’s versatility across three sizes makes it a solid choice for first-time goldfish, Corydoras, tetra, and betta keepers alike. Unlike the smaller 2- and 3-gallon designs, the 6-gallon tank gives goldfish some breathing room before they outgrow their current home.

Pros

• Transparent, lightweight plastic
• Fabrication to withstand impacts
• Smooth viewing in all directions
• Low-energy consumption
• Economical pricing
• The tank cover has built-in, multicolored LED lighting.

Cons

• Plastic is readily scratched.
• Children may simply open the hood because it does not have a latch.
• Although goldfish can develop swiftly, they may quickly outgrow the smaller sizes.

 

The Best Fish Tank Starter Kit Ever, the Fluval Spec

Among the many high-quality aquarium starter kits available, we recommend the Fluval Spec Aquarium. The modern aesthetic is at home in a variety of settings, from workplaces to kitchens to corridors.

The 5 gallon glass tank has dimensions of 20.5″ x 7.5″ x 11.6, is see-through on three sides, and has an easily accessible cutout in the top of its transparent, low-profile cover.

Tank’s metal framing matches that of the attached overhead light fixture. White and blue light settings on the LED make it useful during the day and at night. In order to promote plant development, white light is used.

The water filtration system in this kit has three stages and should be able to significantly enhance the quality of the supplied water. The filter is concealed within a compartment at the tank’s rear.

This 5-gallon setup is suitable for a wide variety of fish species, but it really shines for little goldfish due to the fact that they tend to do best in long, narrow tanks. This kit is more of an investment than others due to its hefty price.

Pros

• The long, slim profile works well in a variety of settings.
• Triangular perspective
• There’s a secret chamber for the three-stage filtering mechanism that comes standard.
• Sleek and contemporary design
• Perfect form for goldfish.

Cons

• Soaring cost
• As a non-shatterproof material, glass can impair vision and is easily broken.
• As the lid opens, kids and dogs may be able to go in.
• Algae may respond well to intense LED lighting.

 

Aquatic Life Aqueon – LED Aquarium Starter Kit

The Aqueon LED Aquarium kit is an excellent choice for a beginner’s aquarium if you have a bit more room. The 20″ x 10″ x 12″ glass aquarium comes with a full set of accessories, including the tank itself, lighting, and a filter, but not the ornaments or fish.

A filter, filter cartridge, cover with built-in cool-toned LED lights, heater, stick-on thermometer, mesh fishnet, aquarium setup instructions, and sample fish food and water conditioner are all included in this package.

This kit’s filtration is on the robust side, so it may not be ideal for fish and invertebrates that have trouble swimming, such bettas.

This kit is ideal for those who want to start keeping a semi-tropical tank because of the included heater, which can achieve temperatures of up to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The included sample of fish food is designed for tropical fish in particular.

There will be plenty of time to get the hang of fishkeeping before you need to update the tank, so you can either start with more fish or give your fish ample area to develop. When you consider the quantity of pieces and the size of the tank you acquire, this set is a steal.

Pros

• Plenty of room in the 10-gallon tank
• Kit has everything you need, including a heater.
• Considering the quantity, the pricing is really reasonable.
• Includes sample tropical fish food and is a great starter package for a tropical fish aquarium.
• Features a getting-started manual for aquariums

Cons

• Hood stands out among this group.
• Those who aren’t strong swimmers may be overwhelmed by the filter’s effectiveness.
• This larger size may not be appropriate for all rooms.
• There is a significant weight difference between glass and acrylic.

 

LED Aquarium Kit with Framed Marineland Portrait Glass

If you have more vertical than horizontal room and can afford a moderately priced setup, the Marineland Portrait Glass Aquarium is an attractive alternative.

The tank has dimensions of around 11 inches on a side by 17 inches on a height and has glass on the front, sides, and top. The fourth wall is black. The 5-gallon capacity tank has rounded corners and a stand.

The kit’s filter, which features three stages of filtration, is concealed towards the back of the tank. The color of the LED light may be changed from white to blue to simulate the sun or the moon.

The light can be quickly swung out of the way of the tank since it is mounted on a hinge. The glass cover of this one-of-a-kind tank slips on and off without the need to remove the tank from the ground.

Pros

• The tall, slim profile is ideal for confined quarters.
• Visible from all three sides with smooth curves
• Consists of a unique tank base.
• Containing a covert three-stage filtering system
• Maximum capacity of 5 gallons

Cons

• A reasonable cost
• Compared to the other kits on this list, this one has less features.
• Turning on and off the lights is necessary.

 

GloFish 29236 Marine Fish Aquarium

For less expensive pet needs, the GloFish Aquarium kit is a great option for keeping tiny fish and crustaceans. The 1.5- and 3-gallon kits are both plastic and have a transparent tank cover.

This 1.5 gallon tank has dimensions of 7.25 inches by 8.5 inches by 11.5 inches, and it rests on a sleek black pedestal. The tank is constructed of one piece of plastic and has a sleek, dark backdrop.

This package comprises a two-stage filter and an LED-lit hinged cover for convenient access. This tank, like other GloFish aquariums, is illuminated by blue LEDs, which not only accentuate the already vibrant colors of GloFish but also those of goldfish, guppies, tetras, bettas, and many other brightly colored fish and invertebrates.

This tank’s unique lighting design makes it an eye-catching centerpiece everywhere it is displayed, be it a desk, corridor, or even a bathroom.

Pros

• Economical pricing
• Locking, see-through cover
• Available in two sizes
• The accompanying plastic is seamless and has a solid black backdrop.
• With 2 levels of filtering,
• Embedded blue LEDs in the lid illuminate the aquarium and highlight the vivid colors of the fish and decorations.

Cons

• Compared to other tanks on this list, this one has less optional extras.
• Plastic is readily scratched.
• Being so compact, it can only support a limited population of fish.
• Due of their little size, regular water changes may be necessary.

 

LED Aquarium Light Kit for Glass Tanks by Hygger

The Hygger Horizon aquarium is a glass tank that curves in front and holds 8 gallons of water. The kit’s steep price tag is offset by the fact that the tank’s unusual design will be a focal point of any room it’s placed in. Size-wise, the set is 19″ x 11.8″ x 9.6″.

A detachable LED light with brightness, color temperature, and timer controls is included with this package. You may move the light to illuminate a tank up to 19 inches in height.

A two-stage filtering system that produces a waterfall-like flow is also included in the package. The output of the filter, together with the LED lights above, gives the pond an authentic feel. A fake rock wall forms the tank’s backdrop.

Given the lack of a top, this tank may not be the best option for households with both children and pets. This tank barely contains around 6 gallons of water due to the open top and fake rock backdrop.

Pros

• A discussion starter of interest
• Water and lights that seem very natural
• Structures with artificial rock facades
• LED light with different brightness and color options, which is removable and modifiable.
• With 2 levels of filtering,

Cons

• Soaring cost
• The open top may not be safe for households with kids and animals.
• With the lid open and the fake pebbles in it, the container can only store around 2 gallons.
• Tank might use up a lot of floor space or shelf room.

 

Kit de départ for Marina Betta

The plastic aquarium included in the Marina Betta Starter kit is around 6 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches and holds 0.5 gallons of water.

The tank is elevated, and you may select from a variety of backgrounds. The tank features rounded corners and a white, opaque cover, allowing observation from three sides.

This set has everything you need to care for your betta fish: a tank, a backdrop, some gravel, betta food, and water conditioner.

This aquarium is too tiny and doesn’t have adequate filtration to support fish over the long term, but it might be OK for snails and other invertebrates. Make sure nothing you install in this aquarium needs any kind of special filtration.

Pros

• Alternatives for the backdrop
• A triad of perspectives
• Easy to move around and perfect for tight quarters

Cons

• Not big enough for fish to live in for very long.
• Not even a trickle of water can get through without filtering.
• no lights
• Plastic is readily scratched.
• Plants and other ornaments can hardly breathe here.

 

LED Biocube Aquarium with Coral Reefs

The Coralife Biocube is an expensive tank with several extra features. Both a 16-gallon and a 32-gallon cube version are on offer.

The dimensions of the tank that holds 32 gallons are around 21 by 21 by 21 inches. This acrylic fish tank has rounded corners and three smooth viewing sides.

If you don’t want to shock your fish with sudden bright light, you may use the day/night timer on the kit’s hinged hood to gradually brighten and dim the LED lights over the course of 30 minutes.

Controlling the lighting is a breeze using the analog panel. This tank’s built-in, space-saving filtration mechanism makes it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater installations. Plant and coral development will be encouraged by the LED lighting.

Reviewers have found that the filter canister is sometimes hard to open and that the product has cracked without any prior damage. This tank does have readily accessible replacement components, however they are prohibitively costly.

Pros

• Water type independency: suitable for both fresh and saltwater installations
• Plant and coral development can be stimulated by LED lighting.
• Light-emitting diode-equipped hinged lid
• Timer settings are shown on an analog screen.

Cons

• Typical tank construction: bulky
• There have been reports of cracking.
• It could be challenging to get to the filtering system.
• Premium pricing
• Acrylic is readily marred.
• High cost of repairs

 

Tank for Betta Fish by Penn Plax

Size-wise, the Penn Plax Betta tank kit’s plastic rectangle measures in at 8.5″ x 6″ x 9.5″. It has smooth corners and access from all sides, making it ideal for observing your fish. It stands out because to its transparent top and black base.

A filter pad and a single-color LED light are also included in this set’s tank canopy.

The suction cups on the filter don’t always stay attached to the inside of the tank, according to several reviews. Slow filtration output means this is best for invertebrates, tiny fish like neon tetras, and bettas.

This tank holds just 1.5 gallons of water, therefore it is not suitable for keeping fish for an extended period of time. There are several species of fish that thrive and live the longest when given greater room to swim.

There isn’t much room to put in some plants and fish tank decorations in this tank. This tank is ideal for long-term housing of shrimp and snails of a similar size.

Pros

• 360-degree perspective
• Glass-like container
• Built-in LED lighting and a specialized filter

Cons

• The 5-gallon tank is too little for most fish to live in comfortably for any length of time.
• It’s possible that the filter’s suction cups won’t hold.
• Reduced room for houseplants and ornaments
• The water may not be sufficiently purified due to the filtration process’s inefficiency.
• LED bulbs can only be turned on and off instantly.