We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links. The LA Times editorial staff was not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more

Upgrade Your Fish’s Home with the Best Aquarium

  1. Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium
  2. Fluval SPEC Freshwater Aquarium
  3. Aqueon 15 Gallon Column Deluxe Aquarium
  4. Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium
  5. Tetra GloFish Boxed Kit 10 Gallon Aquarium
  6. Bio Bubble Aquarium Bundle
  7. Aqueon Evolve 4 LED Aquarium Kit
  8. Hagen Marina 360-Degree Aquarium Starter Kit
  9. Tetra 3 Gallon Bubbling LED Desktop Aquarium Kit
  10. Aqueon Aquarium Betta-Bow 2.5 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium Kit
  11. Hagen Marina 360-Degree Aquarium Starter Kit
  12. Fluval Chi 10506 Aquarium Kit 5 Gallon
  13. Aqueon Evolve 4 LED Aquarium Kit
  14. GloFish Globe 1.8 Gallon Aquarium Kit With Waterfall
  15. Jellyfish Art Deluxe Kit (6 Gallons)
  16. RedSea MAX S-Line Reef Aquarium
  17. Innovative Marine NUVO Aquarium 24 Gallon
  18. Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium
  19. Coralife BioCube
  20. Buyer's Guide

Aquariums are no longer a basic little plastic or glass box to be forgotten about in the corner of a child’s room. The kits available nowadays come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many look like works of art all on their own with sleek edges and modern colors. There are so many aquariums out there to choose from it’s usually best to first decide what fish you would like to house. There are desktop tanks that can range anywhere from 1 gallon to 20 gallons, and provide environments for Betta Fish, Goldfish, Guppies, Tetras, and more.

There are also larger scale freshwater tanks that usually range anywhere from 10 gallons up to 60 gallons so that you can accommodate multiple species at once.  For those that are truly experienced and up to the challenge of maintenance, there are also saltwater tanks for more complex species such as coral.  Though you can find them as small as 6 gallons, most people prefer a saltwater setup to be a minimum of 20 gallons. Although the initial phase of choosing and setting up an aquarium can be overwhelming, the payoff is worth it. Having an aquatic environment either at home or at the office can be a stress reducer and provides a serene display for anyone in the room. Many are often surprised by the personalities their fish display and the bond they develop with them.

For more information on what to look at in selecting the best aquarium in 2021, We have listed below the best aquarium available for you to help you decide what product is best to buy.

Here are the best aquariums of 2021

Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium - Best Aquarium Overall

The Fluval Accent Aquarium is the perfect freshwater set-up for those advanced hobbyists or anyone looking to expand their freshwater collection. The Fluval Accent Aquarium is a sleek glass tank with modern features that has come to be expected of Fluval tanks. It has an espresso trim (with matching cabinet sold separately) and a decorative stone column to discreetly house the integrated filtration system. It features an exclusive cutting-edge SimpleTec system, a one-touch filter cleaning/water changing/maintenance system. It comes with anything you could possibly need for a freshwater aquarium: an energy efficient LED light with day light and night light options, a Fresh & Clear filter cartridge, a 150-watt pre-set heater, a water collection bucket (for water changes), Fluval Biological Enhancer, and Fluval Conditioner. The Fluval Accent Aquarium makes for an amazing set-up with very little hassle for its size.

Fluval SPEC Freshwater Aquarium - Runner Up

With its crisp six-sided glass frame, sleek back column to house the filtration system, and modern color choices of black, white, or pewter the Fluval Edge 6 gallon aquarium will look good anywhere in your home or office. Its compact size, yet full sized appearance, makes it the perfect starter tank for any beginner wanting to mimic the feel of the Fluval Accent but not yet ready to take on the work of a 25 gallon tank. The Fluval Edge comes complete with an Edge clip on 3-stage Power Filter to extend the water quality between cleaning times. The care and maintenance is also extended thanks to an overhead ventilation grill to accommodate the Fluval Edge’s 21 LED lighting system. The ventilation grill helps to prevent moisture building up from the heat of the lights, which can accelerate the growth of bacteria and algae in your tank. The Fluval Edge provides everything to start it up except the fish: an Aquarium Care Guide, 30mL Nutrafin Aqua Plus Conditioner, and 30mL Nutrafin Cycle Biological Aquarium Supplement. With the Fluval Edge 6 gallon, you’ll be a freshwater expert in no time!

Aqueon 15 Gallon Column Deluxe Aquarium - Honorable Mention

The Aqueon 15 Column is a 15 gallon freshwater tank with a unique and polished look. It features an integrated Fluorescent Light Hood and Full Spectrum T5 Light. The Aqueon 15 Column comes complete with its own QuietFlow Power Filter, replaceable filter cartridge, and food. Although its distinct vertical form makes for an impressive appearance, not all aquatic life thrives in the set-up. Some species (like African Dwarf Frogs) require less depth and horizontal spacing. However, the Aqueon 15 Column does include some bonus items most kits don’t provide: a thermometer to monitor the water temperature if your fish require heat, and a fish net. As long as you’ve researched the fish and they can handle the pillar shape, the Aqueon 15 Column Deluxe Aquarium Kit makes for a beautifully unique addition to any home or office.

Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium - Consider

The Aqueon Bow Front Kit is your “basic” freshwater tank, disguised as an attractive upgrade. This makes for a great starter tank for new hobbyists and is available in a 16, 26, or 36 gallon set-up. The Aqueon Bow Front Kit includes a QuietFlow Power Filter, fluorescent hood with replaceable bulb, and disposable filter cartridge. This great beginner kit also comes with food, conditioner, and both a set-up and care guide for your convenience. The Aqueon Bow Front Kit, with all the fundamentals for a freshwater tank and multiple sizes, can house a myriad of aquatic life making it the perfect option for someone wanting to use it for years and try out all kinds of fish! You’ll definitely get your moneys worth with this kit.

Tetra GloFish Boxed Kit 10 Gallon Aquarium - Best Freshwater Aquarium

The GloFish Boxed Kit makes a very fun tank for the hobbyist wanting to try something new or children becoming interested in the aquatic world. Although its original intent was to provide an optimal lighting experience for GloFish fluorescent fish, the blue LED light creates a unique environment for many types of freshwater fish. The glass tank also features a glass canopy, and a Whisper Internal Filter with replaceable Whisper BioBag cartridge. The kit also includes food, water conditioner, and a set-up guide. Special GloFish plants, decorations, and gravel may be purchased separately to enhance your GloFish experience. The GloFish Boxed Kit is entertaining for all ages.

Bio Bubble Aquarium Bundle - Best Betta Aquarium

With it’s unique 360-degree dome and innovative expandable sleeve, the BioBubble Aquatic tank makes a functional and beautiful environment for a Betta to live in. The BioBubble holds about 4 gallons of water, and comes complete with its own customized filtration system and LED Cap Lite to illuminate the colors of your Betta. To access the environment inside the BioBubble you must twist and lift the dome to reveal its expandable accordion-like sleeve, then unlock 4 safety latches that connect the dome to the sleeve. This feature makes the BioBubble the perfect tank for a household with other pets or small children. Although the BioBubble Aquarium can run as high $160, the system can be used for years to come. Thanks to the patented expandable sleeve, you can even purchase accessories and add-ons to convert your BioBubble into a hamster or mouse cage, or even a small bird cage for future use. It’s modern design will look good anywhere in your home, from a child’s bedroom to a kitchen countertop.

Aqueon Evolve 4 LED Aquarium Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

The Aqueon Evolve LED Kit features a QuietFlow Power Filter hidden behind an overflow wall with a switch on the pump to adjust the current ensuring that your Betta is content and his fins won’t tear. The Evolve has an adjustable LED light allowing you to choose a bright daylight, a blue moonlight, or no light at all. This makes the Evolve a great option for a children’s nightstand, doubling as a nightlight. This kit includes a set-up and care guide to make your life easier when preparing your tank and comes in three sizes- a 2 gallon, 4 gallon, or 8 gallon. The Aqueon Evolve is a great basic starter for anyone wanting to venture into the Betta world.

Hagen Marina 360-Degree Aquarium Starter Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

The Marina 360 is a sleek and modern tank, making it perfect for an at-home or office desk. It is 2.65 gallons, making it a sufficient size to keep your Betta happy while still small enough to fit into confined spaces. It includes a filtration system, tastefully hidden behind the tank, with a pump that provides a constant circulation and outflow of water at a gentle pace at the top of the tank. This tank creates a serene environment for both you and your Betta. The Marina 360 comes with a removable cover, adjustable LED light, two filter cartridges, and even water conditioner to prevent chlorine in your tap water from harming your fishy friend.

Tetra 3 Gallon Bubbling LED Desktop Aquarium Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

With a unique curved front and flat back the Tetra Bubbling Aquarium can fit most anywhere in your home or office. It features an automatic LED bubbling disk that provides an amazing light show and added oxygen flow to your Betta’s home. It provides an internal Whisper filter and a small BioBag cartridge to get you started. The plastic lid on top even has a feeding hole for your convenience. Although the Tetra Bubbling Aquarium seems to be a bit flimsier than some other models, it’s a great starter kit for any household that doesn’t have pets or young children that may try to grab at it or knock it over.

Aqueon Aquarium Betta-Bow 2.5 Gallon Acrylic Aquarium Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

Though the Aqueon MiniBow and BettaBow Kits are the minimum gallons we’d recommend for a Betta, they come with all the essentials making them the perfect starter kits for a home with young children hoping to be future fish enthusiasts. Due to their smaller size these Aqueon kits may require cleaning more often than other tanks, but still feature their own filtration systems making once-weekly water changes sufficient. The kits come complete with everything you need including a set-up guide, water conditioner, and even betta pellets for feeding your new family member! We do suggest checking the expiration dates provided on the conditioner and pellets to ensure your kit hasn’t been sitting in the box too long. As long as the tank is being kept clean, and your betta(s) are provided with plants and shelter to keep them busy these little tanks are perfect for getting your Betta started.

Hagen Marina 360-Degree Aquarium Starter Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

The Marina 360 is a sleek and modern tank, making it perfect for an at-home or office desk. It is 2.65 gallons, making it a sufficient size to keep your Betta happy while still small enough to fit into confined spaces. It includes a filtration system, tastefully hidden behind the tank, with a pump that provides a constant circulation and outflow of water at a gentle pace at the top of the tank. This tank creates a serene environment for both you and your Betta. The Marina 360 comes with a removable cover, adjustable LED light, two filter cartridges, and even water conditioner to prevent chlorine in your tap water from harming your fishy friend.

Fluval Chi 10506 Aquarium Kit 5 Gallon - Best Desktop Aquarium

The Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit is not only a great size for any desktop tank, but also the ultimate serene environment for both you and your fish. Inspired by the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, the Fluval Chi includes a pebble tray, natural pebbles, and an in-tank plant basket. The filtration system is hidden inside the pebble tray that sits on top of the water line, providing the tranquil sound of bubbling water. The tank also includes a lighting system with a manual REED switch, NutraFin Aqua Plus Conditioner, and NutraFin Cycle Biological Aquarium & Filter Media. The easy setup and maintenance combined with the Feng Shui design makes for a stress-free environment on any given day.

Aqueon Evolve 4 LED Aquarium Kit - Best Betta Aquarium

The Aqueon Evolve LED Kit features a QuietFlow Power Filter hidden behind an overflow wall with a switch on the pump to adjust the current ensuring that your Betta is content and his fins won’t tear. The Evolve has an adjustable LED light allowing you to choose a bright daylight, a blue moonlight, or no light at all. This makes the Evolve a great option for a children’s nightstand, doubling as a nightlight. This kit includes a set-up and care guide to make your life easier when preparing your tank and comes in three sizes- a 2 gallon, 4 gallon, or 8 gallon. The Aqueon Evolve is a great basic starter for anyone wanting to venture into the Betta world.

GloFish Globe 1.8 Gallon Aquarium Kit With Waterfall - Best Desktop Aquarium

Although the GloFish Globe Aquarium Kit is the smallest on the list at 1.8 gallons, it provides the largest visual display. Designed with fluorescent Glo Fish in mind, this glass globe features a domed light with multiple blue LEDs to showcase the colors of any aquatic life and accessories inside. The lighting system has an on/off switch for the LED lights and flips up to make cleaning your globe a cinch. The GloFish Globe Aquarium has its filtration system built into a waterfall feature and comes complete with a Whisper BioBag cartridge and set up guide. The filtration system and LED lighting system are both powered by a single low-voltage power cord and AC adapter, making a great energy efficient option for any home or office.

best Jellyfish Art Deluxe Kit (6 Gallons)

Jellyfish Art Deluxe Kit (6 Gallons) - Best Desktop Aquarium

Although Jellyfish Art can be purchased as a single tank or kits with one or three Jellyfish, the Deluxe Kit is definitely the most bang for your buck. The Jellyfish Art Deluxe Kit includes everything you could possibly need for your Jellyfish habitat, and more! The kit initially arrives direct to your front door with a 6 gallon glass tank, aquarium salt, water heater, a Water Quality Test Kit, algae cleaner magnet, floating thermometer, vacuum hose, substrate to line your tank, Nutrafin Cycle 1 ounce bottle, Whisper Quiet Air Pump, Airline hose with adjustable valve, check valve, hydrometer, LED Power Supply and color-changing LED lighting with remote. That’s a lot of stuff! The waterflow is optimized for sensitive Jellyfish, but the system can also house fish or invertebrates. You will also receive a Brine Shrimp Hatcher and feeding pipette as well 120mL of Jellyfish food. Once your tank is fully set up and the water is just right your three Large Moon Jellyfish, two Red Leg Hermit Crabs, and two Cleaner Snails will be shipped overnight. The costs of your new creatures and their shipping fees are all included in your initial kit price. You receive full instructions with your kit, but if it all seems overwhelming there are also step-by-step instructions on the company’s website, as well as how-to videos for your convenience. The set up is very simple and user-friendly for such a complex habitat, and you’ll have the most unique little tank kit in the neighborhood!

RedSea MAX S-Line Reef Aquarium

RedSea MAX S-Line Reef Aquarium - Best Saltwater Aquarium

The RedSea MAX S-Line tank series is the perfect setup for saltwater/reef tanks. The tank can be purchased in multiple sizes (up to 650 litres/142 gallons). There are six color options: Black, Pearl, Graphite, Ultra Marine, or Merlot. All of the color trim for the tank can be easily replaced for a myriad of decorative options. The tank itself is made of 12-15mm low-iron glass, and is supported by saltwater resistant plastics and anodized aluminum framing. The RedSea MAX includes a unique slide and swivel lighting setup with 3 individually switched units and a dual timer lighting controller. It comes complete with a reef filtration system that includes a surface skimmer, main system pump, C-Skim 1800 protein skimmer, mechanical and carbon filtration media, and piping to connect a chiller and auxiliary reactors. There is even an Integrated Power Center for the one-plug MAX filtration system with 10 individually switched power sockets to accommodate all pumps and accessories. There is an integrated circuit breaker for added safety. Though a saltwater reef system can be difficult to care for, the RedSea MAX S-Line makes set-up easy with a very simple home assembly. All gluing, sawing, and wiring comes ready for you. The hardest part will be picking out your inhabitants and prepping their water.

Innovative Marine NUVO Aquarium 24 Gallon - Best Saltwater Aquarium

This 24 gallon, 6mm bent glass tank is one of the most sleek and sophisticated looking saltwater setups. The tempered glass lid and clips, and modern acrylic pedestal give this kit a refined look that would spruce up any space. The tank is available in a black or white backdrop and features an acrylic filter wall with dual overflows to conceal the filtration system. The kit includes 2 media baskets, mechanical sponges, activated carbon sponges, phosphate sponges, 2 flare nozzles for water flow, and a MiniMax Reactor. A SkimMate Protein Skimmer and lighting can all be purchased separately for true customization of your saltwater habitat. Be sure to check out the video links on the Innovative Marine website to get the full experience of their tanks. The NUVO Aquarium provides a refined and serene encounter.

Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium - Best Aquarium Overall

The Fluval Accent Aquarium is the perfect freshwater set-up for those advanced hobbyists or anyone looking to expand their freshwater collection. The Fluval Accent Aquarium is a sleek glass tank with modern features that has come to be expected of Fluval tanks. It has an espresso trim (with matching cabinet sold separately) and a decorative stone column to discreetly house the integrated filtration system. It features an exclusive cutting-edge SimpleTec system, a one-touch filter cleaning/water changing/maintenance system. It comes with anything you could possibly need for a freshwater aquarium: an energy efficient LED light with day light and night light options, a Fresh & Clear filter cartridge, a 150-watt pre-set heater, a water collection bucket (for water changes), Fluval Biological Enhancer, and Fluval Conditioner. The Fluval Accent Aquarium makes for an amazing set-up with very little hassle for its size.

Coralife BioCube - Best Saltwater Aquarium

The newly redesigned Coralife BioCube accommodates saltwater environments, while having the appearance of a desktop starter tank. Available in a 14 gallon or 29 gallon tank, stands can be purchased separately to create your own saltwater exhibit. Included with the BioCube is an integrated wet/dry biological filtration system and an intricate lighting system to enhance the colors of your fish and/or coral. There is a 4-button controller with separate power cords for 2 fluorescent lamps: day-lighting and actinic lighting, and 3 Lunar Blue LEDs. Accent LEDs can be purchased separately to customize your environment. The tank features a hinge-top canopy, submersible pump, upgraded cooling system, and a clear glass back panel for enhanced decorating. The Coralife BioCube makes for a great basic saltwater setup.

Buyer's Guide

Buying an aquarium for your fish sounds fun. However if you’ve been to a pet store before, you would know that there are a variety of aquariums present in the market - available in different materials, size, color, and shapes.

So, how exactly would you know which one is the best option? With the help of this buying guide, you will be able to pick the best aquarium for your fish. We have outlined all the important things you need to be aware of before purchasing one for yourself. Read down below to find out.

Factors you need to consider for buying the best aquarium

Dimensions

The dimensions of your fish tanks is one of the most important factors that need to be considered as it helps you determine how many fish you can keep in the aquarium. The tank size also contributes to the proper flow of oxygen in the tank.

Moreover, the dimensions are also important as they would help you decide whether or not you would be able to fit the aquarium where you would like it to be placed. Majority of the time it is better if the height of the tank is tall as most of the freshwater and marine environments benefit from wide and tall aquariums.

Size

The bigger the aquarium - the more difficult it would be to manage, which is one of the reasons you should look for an aquarium under 10 gallons if it's the first time you’re purchasing one.

In smaller aquariums, toxins can build up quickly, hence they need to be cleaned regularly. Also, you need to take extra care of water chemistry and temperature changes as even the slightest variation can cause a dramatic drop in the ideal living environment for the fish.

Your best bet is to choose an aquarium with a capacity of 20 gallons or more. Not only will this option be easier to manage, but you will also be able to work with different environment levels as bigger aquariums are more forgiving of errors you might make.

Weight

One thing to keep in mind while looking for the best aquarium is that the weight of aquariums with a capacity of more than 15 gallons exceeds 200 pound when filled. Therefore, rather than placing these on a desk or a shelf - you should place these on a stand.

Moreover, the aquarium should be kept away from direct sunlight or other external factors that can affect the temperature in the tank. If your tank is heavy, you wouldn’t be able to move it from one place to another easily, so you might want to find a suitable spot that you wouldn’t need to change later.

Cost

A lot of people who are interested in purchasing an aquarium see the price tag on a special package deal and think that it’ll only take them a few dollars to get started. However, that is not the case. A decent aquarium can cost you anywhere in between $150 to $200. Purchasing cheap quality aquariums won’t only be a waste of money, but could also harm the fish you intend to keep.

If the price of a decent aquarium exceeds your budget, then it's always better to save up and invest in a high-quality fish tank once and for all - rather than purchasing a low-quality tank.

Number of Fish

Ultimately, the size of the aquarium you should get depends on the number of fish you plan to keep. Different fish species require a different amount of water volume in order to survive. Hence, you might want to research a little about the fish species you would put in the aquarium. It is always better to start off with a few small, easy to care for fish species.

Heat and light

As mentioned above, almost all fish species require a certain level of water temperature to survive. Hence, you would need to cool down or warm up the water temperature according to the requirements.

Therefore, make sure that the aquarium you purchase comes with an in-built heater. Majority of the tropical fish survive best in water temperatures ranging from 75° and 80° F. Goldfish, on the other hand, are an exception as these can survive in cooler temperatures.

Moreover, lighting in the aquarium is also essential for live plant growth, which is necessary for the healthy life of fish in a tank. You can choose between a variety of tank light fixtures.

Acrylic or Glass - Which one is better?

Aquariums are usually made from two types of materials - acrylic or glass. As compared to glass aquariums, acrylic ones are much easier to handle and lightweight. Also, these offer less distorted views than glass aquariums. However, acrylic aquariums get scratches very easily, and even though the scratches can be repaired, you will need to go through extra hassle to take care of this aquarium.

Glass aquarium is recommended for any tank under 150 gallons. Though glass aquariums are comparatively heavier, they are easier to take care of. Also, these are much cheaper and don’t get scratched easily.

FAQ's

Q: What is the most essential factor for maintaining a successful aquarium?
The quality of the water is the most important factor that contributes towards a successful aquarium. However, there are certain elements that determine the quality of the water itself - these include cleanliness, temperature check, pH level, oxygen level, and more.

Q: Are aquariums an expensive hobby?
Yes, aquarium keeping is a pretty expensive hobby. Even though purchasing the aquarium and the fish is a one time cost, there’s a lot that you would be required to spend on the maintenance and necessities of the aquarium later on.

Q: Why are small aquariums not recommended for beginners?
This is because smaller tanks hold a lesser volume of water. Hence, even the slightest change in the temperature or pH level of the water would cause a drastic change in the condition of the water. Whereas, it is much easier to maintain an ideal living condition for fish in a larger aquarium.

bestcovery team.jpg
Our research team searches out the best of everything so that you can confidently pick the perfect products and services for your needs.
Related Content
Go to top