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It’s so satisfying to watch an aquarium after a long day at work – colorful fish are playing around and fresh green plants are swaying.
While large aquariums may take up a lot of space and cost you a dime, small fish tanks turn out to be suitable options for beginners, especially those on budget. You still can enjoy the beauty of an aquarium without paying a large amount of money.
Today small fish tanks are meticulously designed and fit into any decoration. They look amazing on a desk, in the living room, bedroom, or even office. Besides, it just takes about 5 minutes a day to care for this small aquarium.
After combing through the aquarium equipment available at popular online retailers, we are introducing the best small fish tanks, helping you make the best buying decision.
1. Fluval Evo V Marine Aquarium Kit
Dimensions: 24.5 x 11.8 x 16.3 inches
The Fluval EVO V is made for housing marine fish, reef invertebrates, and coral. It’s constructed of glass with a volume of 5 gallons. This put the Evo V in the nano aquarium class of marine fish tanks.
This small fish tank consists of a bright 11000K high-output LED light encased in stunning aluminum housing. The LED lights are white and blue, specifically designed for saltwater corals, so it’s not compatible with freshwater plants.
Moreover, the package includes a 3-stage filtration system (mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration) with numerous prominent features:
- Be mounted inside the aquarium in the black honeycomb shape, making the filter box will blend in
- Have relatively large room for adding filter media
- Include a Fluval foam filter block with handles, making it easier to maintain
- Include a Fluval Biomax bio media and activated carbon
The Fluval Evo V is the best choice for small reef fish and soft corals with an attractive design and super-clear glass. One thing to note is that you’ll need to install a submersible heater to keep a stable water temperature.
2. Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon Led Grass Aquarium Kit
Size: 8 gallons
Dimensions: 19 x 11.8 x 9.6 inches
This small fish tank sports a curved front which broadens the view of the aquarium. Featuring a detachable 3D rockwork background, the tank can only contain 6 gallons of water.
It comes with a 7W 110GPH internal power filter pump with adjustable water flow and 2 rain showers. Besides, there is an 18W white, red, and blue lighting system with an external digital controller. The controller allows you to set a timer for 3, 6, or 13-hour increments, adjust the brightness from 10% to 100%, and choose among 3 different light modes. These light modes highlight the colors of the tank and let you mimic both daytime and nighttime conditions.
3. Tetra 1 Gallon Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit
Size: 1 gallon
Dimensions: 8 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches
The Tetra aquarium kit comes with a sleek design, providing a 360-degree view of the aquarium. It is made of durable plastic, making it safe for children.
Specially tailored for Pico-sized aquariums, the tank’s Whisper Internal Filter uses replaceable Whisper bio bag filter cartridges to keep the water clear. Besides, this small fish tank includes an auto-changing bubbling fisk and an air pump to drive both the filter and airstone.
The manufacturer recommends keeping one Beta or up to two community tropical fish. You should avoid housing goldfish in any kit smaller than three gallons because they might produce a lot of waste.
One thing to note is that you need to install a heater. And 5-watt heaters would be great for this aquarium to raise small tropical fish and freshwater shrimp.
4. Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit With Rail Light
Size: 3 gallons
Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 10 inches
The Marineland fish tank is mounted on a black pedestal with a built-in filter and LED light rail. The glass canopy on top ensures easy access for feeding.
Hidden in the back wall of this small fish tank, its internal 3-stage filter system includes mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration, which will keep your aquarium water crystal-clear. The filter also comes with a water pump for promoting circulation and Rite Site Z filter cartridges to eliminate particulate matter, colors, and odors.
Moreover, there is LED lighting showing off this fish tank in the best light. White LEDs generate shimmering light that simulates the natural underwater effect of sunlight, while blue ones create a relaxing moonlit glow for evening and nighttime enjoyment.
However, a heater is necessary for you to keep tropical fish. The manufacturer recommends keeping small freshwater fish like betta, shrimp, or a frog.
5. ERAARK Smart Aquarium
Size: 4-5 gallons
Dimensions: 15.6 x 6.6 x 10.3 inches
If you’re a fan of smart gadgets, this small fish tank is the go-to choice.
The color of LED lights can be easily adjustable via an app, so you can change the scheme from red to yellow or green or purple by pushing a button. You’ll find a combination of cool and warm colors, but no matter which shade you set, the lights remain soft to prevent disturbing your finned friends.
The aquarium filter runs by using a mix of physical and biological filtration. Multiple filter cotton excellent get rid of impurities and fish manure, ensuring a clean and safe environment for the fish. Plus, its water pump helps generate abundant bubbles and water flow to provide sufficient oxygen for your tank’s inhabitants.
The ERAARK Smart aquarium is a suitable option for small fish like bettas, angelfish, or gouramis goldfish.
6. Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Starter Kit
Size: 5 gallons
Dimensions: 15 x 10.67 x 15.44 inches
Developed by true aquatic hobbyists, Aqueon offers a wide range of aquarium solutions to maintain healthy, life-sustaining aquatic habitats. The Aqueon LED Mini bow kit is suitable for both first-time and experienced fish keepers. You can put these desktop aquariums in your bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices; they will be a stunning addition to your space.
The small fish tank comes with a clear acrylic vessel, low-profile LED hood, filter cartridges, elevated base, water care and food samples, and a setup guide that helps you get started more easily. Noticeably, each kit includes a uniquely designed power filter with SmartClean technology, which allows you to change the water in less than 2 minutes.
Remember to replace cartridges every 4 weeks to maintain optimal performance. You also need to install a heater to keep small tropical fish.
7. Koller Products AquaView
Size: 5 gallons
Size: 4.5 gallon
Dimensions: 14.75 x 10.75 x 13.25 inches
This small fish tank from Koller comes with seven different colors of LED light and four transitions to illuminate the beauty of your fish and attract any attention. Either on a shelf or a desk, the Koller Products Aquaview aquarium will look stunning.
The tank has a simple design with a rounded acrylic rectangle – there are no seams or sharp corners. You can watch the fish from any angle because the power filter only occupies a small amount of room at the top of the aquarium’s rear. Within the filter, dual-sided cartridges wrap activated carbon in a poly fibre floss, which strains floating particles out while the carbon handles water odors and discolorations. It’s crucial to note that this filter is relatively powerful – you might need to put a piece of mesh over the inlet to save long-finned or weak-swimming fish from being sucked inside.
Moreover, the bright LEDs shining down make the aquarium great for places where it might sometimes be knocked. These lights can be changed into seven colors, including aqua, amber, green, blue, red, purple, and white. Plus, you can set the lights locked to a single shade or a certain cycle.
Conclusion
| # | Product Name | Image | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fluval Evo V Marine Aquarium Kit |
| $ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 2 | Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon Led Grass Aquarium Kit |
| $$ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 3 | Tetra 1 Gallon Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit |
| $ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 4 | Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit With Rail Light |
| $ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 5 | ERAARK Smart Aquarium |
| $$ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 6 | Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Starter Kit |
| $ | Buy on Amazon! |
| 7 | Koller Products AquaView |
| $ | Buy on Amazon! |
Of the seven small fish tank options mentioned above, which one will satisfy your requirements?
Compared to larger fish tanks, these small aquariums have their own advantages, like:
- Small fish tanks let you raise your pet even when you don’t have much space in your house.
- Small fish tanks often cost far less than their bigger counterparts and require fewer accessories like substrates, gravel, plants, or decorations.
- Small fish tanks save you much time, taking you a few minutes to change water or filters.
Of course, larger aquariums would bring you a better view or give you much more flexibility when choosing fish to raise. But with a limited budget and limited space, you still can enjoy your time with your lovely pets in small tanks. You can check out this list for more small fish options: 10+ Best Fish for Small Tanks.
