Congratulations on wanting to become an owner of an aquarium – the hobby can be extremely rewarding.
First things first, you need a good quality fish tank – the tank is supposed to be a sturdy and safe shelter for your fish and plants.
Remember, it needs to look good too, which is the whole point of aquariums.
This post will act as a fish tank buying guide and also offer some of the best fish tanks in 2025 that you can buy. These aquarium tank reviews will help you choose the best home for your aquatic buddies – they deserve no less!
Let the quest for the best aquarium kits begin.
Aquarium Buying Guide: Factors to Consider
Tank Size
This is the most important factor when it comes to selecting an aquarium; it largely depends on how many fish you want to have and the size of each one – the fancy word for it is bioload.
When it comes to fish tanks, the bigger the better. Contrary to what you’d expect, bigger tanks require less maintenance than smaller ones.
This has to do with the fact that a smaller volume of water gets dirty really fast. Also, water conditions don’t fluctuate too much when there’s a high volume of water, making it easy to maintain them and avoid drastic changes that could harm your fish.
Moreover, if you buy a large tank, there’s room for expansion later on. Consider the adult size of the fish you want to get before you make your decision.
The bottom line is, avoid anything less than 10 gallons. Preferably, get something more than 20 gallons – your fish will thank you for it.
Buying Aquarium Starter Kit Vs Buying Just the Tank
This is the next decision you have to make: are you buying just the tank or do you want the necessary equipment as well?
If you ask us, we’ll advise you to buy just the tank and purchase the rest of the equipment individually. That way, you can carefully pick and choose the best (as well as the most affordable) pieces of equipment tailored to your specific requirements.
It’s alright to buy supporting equipment for the tank itself, such as its stand, lids, and lights, with the tank purchase.
On the other hand, if you are new to the hobby and want to quickly set up your tank, an aquarium starter kit will be convenient for you. The best aquarium kits will have everything you need at an affordable price.
Tank Dimensions
The next factor to consider is the dimensions of the tank. Generally, the preference is for a long tall tank that doesn’t take up much area and is easier to place. Such dimensions also allow for good visibility inside the tank.
Certain fish will like certain dimensions; for instance, angelfish like tall tanks because of their vertical shape.
On the other hand, a tank with a bigger surface area will have more water-to-air interface, allowing for efficient exchange of oxygen and CO2. Bigger area will also give fish more space to spread out and avoid overcrowding.
Material
Most aquariums are made up of two materials: glass and acrylic.
· Glass Tanks – Glass tanks are heavy, fragile, and susceptible to cracks, but they are also scratch-resistant and offer the best clarity. Since they’re affordable, go with glass if you’re looking for cheap aquariums.
· Acrylic Tanks – Acrylic is lighter than glass and is in fact 17 times more durable, but it is prone to scratches and yellowing from UV light. It is also more expensive than glass, but you can get a large variety of shapes that you don’t get with glass.
Where Can I Buy A Fish Tank
If you’re looking for aquarium tanks to buy, you can head over to the nearest aquarium store.
Alternatively, you can order them online, although you have to give special consideration when shipping such a large item – the last thing you want is your tank to be damaged on arrival.
We’ll provide you with some of the best quality fish tanks to get you started.
Best Fish Tanks in 2025: Here Are Your Choices
Marina Aquarium Kit – 20 Gallon Fish Tank – LED
The Marina Aquarium Kit is one of the best aquarium kits you can get your hands on.
It comes with (almost) everything you need to get started, including a hang-on-back filter, filter cartridges, LED lights, water conditioner to make tap water safe, biological supplement, fish food, a fish net, and a care guide.
It is missing a heater, and you may have to buy gravel separately.
The LED light has a daylight effect and is built into the canopy, but it is not strong enough to sustain most aquarium plants.
20 gallons is a good size and the long and tall dimensions is pretty much standard. It is made up of polished edged glass; the black borders give it a neat look.
Being made of glass, the tank will be resistant to scratches and will offer optimal clarity.
The canopy has cutouts for feeding the fish and installing/accessing the filter, making things much easier for you.
Now, the issue with the cartridge filter is that it requires periodic replacements – in fact, you need to replace 3 separate pieces; it will add to the maintenance costs.
The hang-on-back filter can get noisy if the water level falls, making the water splash hard.
What Our Testers Say:
It is a solid compact tank good for beginners. As we feared, the LED light is not intense enough for plants. The filter is actually quiet when the water level is high.
What We Like
- Aquarium kit has almost everything you need
- Scratch-resistant polished glass
- Canopy has convenient access for feeding and filter
- Good size and dimensions
What We Don’t like
- Doesn’t include a heater
- Filter cartridge replacements can be costly
- LED Lights not strong enough for plants
Allcolor Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium Tank Low Iron Glass 21 Gal – Top Glass Canopy
The Allcollor rimless aquarium is made up of exhibition-grade low-iron glass, which offers excellent clarity so that you can admire your beautiful fish.
The dimensions make it a tall tank with a good area, so there’s plenty of room inside for your fish.
The rimless design gives it a sleek elegant look – it helps the tank blend seamlessly into the background.
It is kind of expensive for a standalone tank though – it just comes with a lid, a base mat, and a cleaning cloth.
Moreover, the weakest link in the tank is the lid. Many complain of the lower quality of the lid compared to the tank. It is also not a tight fit over the top, which means certain escape artists can get out of the tank.
What Our Testers Say:
The high-quality construction and the rimless nature give it a beautiful and elegant look. The lid is just a flimsy strip of glass with two plastic attachments.
What We Like
- Low-iron glass offers high clarity
- Rimless tank gives an elegant look
- Precise seamless construction
What We Don’t like
- Lid is not of great quality
- Lid is not a tight fit
- Bit expensive for a standalone tank
hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit for Starters
This hygger fish tank is certainly an interesting one. Its unique features are its innovative curved side that makes it easy for viewing and 3D rock background décor.
The rock décor is non-detachable, so while it is pleasing to the eyes, it takes up valuable space within the tank and you can do nothing about it.
The tank volume is 8 gallons, which is in effect 6 gallons when you take the rock into account – it is not an ideal water volume for an aquarium.
It comes with a highly adjustable LED light mounted on an extendable bracket that can extend to 19 inches. It has a digital controller with a timer and brightness control. The downside is there is no automatic timer – you have to press the button every day. You have a combination of white, red, and blue LED options.
The 7W 110GPH internal filter has 2-stage filtration and can work with low water levels. It has multiple water outlets for even distribution. The issue with the filter is that fish smaller than 2 inches will be sucked in.
The manufacturer promises to ship it in sturdy packaging with 3 separate layers so that you get it in one piece.
What Our Testers Say:
This tank is innovative and pleasing to the eyes, but it is not for serious aquarists because of its low volume.
What We Like
- Innovative curved side for easy viewing
- Comes with 3D rock background décor
- Adjustable LED light · Sturdy packaging
What We Don’t like
- Tank volume is too small
- Rock décor is non-detachable, takes up space inside
- No automatic timer
- Filter can suck in fish less than 2 inches
Tetra Glass Aquarium 29 Gallons, Rectangular Fish Tank
This standalone tank from Tetra is of a good size – 29 gallons is good enough to house most fish, even having a good number of them.
It is a rectangular tank that is long and tall – dimensions that is easy to place in a house with limited space and offers the best viewing experience. It is perfect for pets such as angelfish.
It is made up of tempered glass that is resistant to scratches, offering the best possible clarity and sturdiness.
You just get the tank when you buy this – there is no lid, stand, or accessories. You have to buy them separately.
Some people have complained of leaks with this tank; if you buy it, make sure you do a leak test on it before you introduce any fish.
What Our Testers Say:
Seems like a sturdy tank made with good-quality glass. We tested for leaks and found none.
What We Like
- Great size for an aquarium
- Convenient dimensions
- Scratch-resistant tempered glass
What We Don’t like
- No lid or stand
- Some cases of leaks
Tetra 55 Gallon Aquarium Kit with Fish Tank
This is a good-sized aquarium for serious hobbyists – you can have any fish you want in it.
The aquarium kit has everything you need to get started, including a filter, heater, digital thermometer, LED lights, water conditioner, and fish net. It even has 2 plant multipacks and a boxwood plant, made of plastic and silk. The only thing you don’t get with the purchase is a stand.
The tall and long tank is big, but doesn’t take much space due to its dimensions; it also presents the best view.
There are two hinged hoods above with openings for feeding the fish.
Keep in mind the tank can get really heavy – it can reach 521 pounds. Make sure the stand and the floor can support it.
One common issue with this kit is the LED lights – many complain that it flickers on and off. The fake plants do not exactly look appealing. The filter cartridge replacements can take a lot of bucks out of your pockets.
What Our Testers Say:
While we didn’t encounter the flickering issue with the LED lights, it is not intense enough to sustain plants. The large tank looks sturdy enough
What We Like
- Large tank, good for most use
- Convenient dimensions
- Kit has almost everything you need
- Lid has an opening for feeding fish
What We Don’t like
- Some complain of flickering lights
- No stand
- Fake plants don’t look great
- Filter cartridge replacements can be costly
