Last Updated On July 5th, 2022
Are you thinking of getting involved with fishkeeping for the first time? Maybe you just love the idea of being able to watch fish swimming around in your living room or garden at home. As any fish enthusiast will know, there are a lot of different things required to care for fish properly. You’ll need the right food to keep your fish well-nourished, as well as a good filter to keep their tank clean and fresh. Of course, the most important purchase of all comes with finding the best fish tank.
Your choice of aquarium impacts more than just your fish’s home. It also influences the way that your house looks. After all, a stunning fish tank can add some beauty and elegance to a bedroom, living room, or even your bathroom. Of course, there are a lot of components that you’ll need to consider when choosing your aquarium. For instance, how large do you want the tank to be? What kind of fish are you going to be storing in it, and what sort of added extras will you include to improve your fish’s quality of life?
With so many things to think about, it’s easy to see how people could get overwhelmed when looking for the ideal tank. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ve scoured through countless stylish, spacious, and modern fish tanks to bring you a list of some of the most incredible homes for your friends with fins. By the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re sure to find something that suits you and your aquatic pets.
Our Favourite Fish Tanks Compared
Best Fish Tank Reviews – Top 10 Picks
1. Diversa Aquarium with Guardian Glass (Editor’s Choice)
If you’re looking for something simple and effective, like the tanks that you’ll see in most standard pet stores, then you can’t go wrong with the Diversa Aquarium.
Features
Designed to support a range of different fish requirements, these tanks come in a wide variety of sizes all the way up to 300 litres. There’s also the option to purchase additional covers and cabinets for your tank, too, so you can design the aquarium that’s ideally suited to your needs.
The Diversa aquarium range includes float guardian glass throughout, which provides excellent transparency for viewing your fish. Furthermore, its state-of-the-art durability is guaranteed to stand the test of time. What’s more, you can rest assured that your tank has been manufactured according to the highest European safety standards. The double silicone joints prevent leaking, while the slightly blunted edges of the tank reduce the risk of any injuries or accidents.
Although this tank might not come with any special bells and whistles like filters, pumps, and even LED light to help you view it all through the night, it’s great for beginners who want to design their own aquarium from scratch. If you’d rather take the DIY approach in finding the excellent components for your aquarium, then this tank will give you the durability and stability you’re looking for.
One point to note is that the glass is a little thinner than you might expect, which can worry some people who are storing rare and exotic fish. Additionally, the silicon looks a little bit messy in the corners, although you can cover that up with gravel.
- Excellent range of sizes available
- High-quality transparency in glass
- Strong and reliable performance
- Blunt edges
- With aquarium mat included
- Glass is quite thin
- Silicon seems a little messy in the corners
- Some people complained of poor packaging
2. Blagdon Affinity Octagon Weave Pool (Luxury Choice)
These days, there are fish tanks out there to suit any taste. If you’re looking for a beautiful garden feature that will make your yard look amazing while providing your fish with a fantastic habitat, then you’ve got to consider this Blagdon Affinity Octagon Weave pool. The aquarium is designed to fit perfectly into almost any garden space, with an interior that’s large enough for even the most exotic fish.
Features
If you’ve ever dreamt of having a koi pond in your garden, or your indoor aquarium just isn’t large enough for your growing collection anymore, then this could be the ultimate upgrade that you’ve been waiting for. The Affinity Living Feature pools give you access to the stunning sight of aquatic creatures enjoying their natural habitat. There’s nothing remotely fake or industrialized about this tank. However, the aquarium does come with a few added features for convenience. Some of these include 5-watt UV clarifiers for a crystal-clear view of the water and stunning LED lighting.
To help you add more mystery and magic to your aquarium, the Blagdon Affinity pool also comes with baskets where you can plant water lilies and other aquatic plants. There are also water flow displays, and a step-by-step set-up guide to get you started. To give you some extra peace of mind when it comes to making a substantial investment, the Blagdon affinity pool kit includes a fantastic 3-year guarantee.
With extra planting baskets available for those who want to make the most out of their fish tanks, and plenty of features to love, the Blagdon Affinity pool is a great choice. However, it’s not exactly easy to put together. You’re going to need some help setting this fish tank up, but you’ll love the outcomes when you’re finished.
- Huge outdoor pool large enough for tropical fish
- Easy to maintain
- Illumination included for night-time viewing
- 3-year guarantee
- Stunning fountain displays
- Not easy to put together
- Instructions are a little tricky to follow
3. Marina 360 Aquarium (Best Lighting System)
The Marina 360 Aquarium makes an excellent choice if you want a smaller fish tank with versatile lighting options. We also love its enhanced viewing capability, thanks to an entirely clear design.
Features
This lightweight, thick plastic fish tank has a 10-litre capacity. The clear construction enables viewing from all angles, even through the top. For some added style, the plastic has green-tinted edges to make it look more like a real glass tank.
To further complement your viewing experience, a multi-coloured LED lighting system changes the appearance of the water. It features red, blue, and green lighting options, and you can easily switch between colours using a remote control from anywhere in the room.
For easier access and cleaning, the cover on the Marina 360 is removable. It comes with an integrated filtration system featuring two filter cartridges that can be pulled out to replace or rinse. The pump has a fast flow rate to help keep the water clean but still remains relatively quiet.
Keep in mind, this fish tank has a smaller tank capacity, and the plastic construction could create a cloudier or hazier appearance than glass. Additionally, the flow could be too powerful for betta and other smaller fish, but it still makes a good choice for a couple of decent-sized fish.
- 360-degree viewing
- Multi-coloured LED lighting
- Remote control
- Quiet pump
- Integrated filtration system
- Smaller tank capacity
- Plastic construction may look cloudier than glass
- Pump flow could be too strong for smaller fish
4. Fish R Fun Deco O Aquarium (Most Stylish)
If you’ve been searching for one of the most stylish fish tanks that money can buy, then it’s hard to go wrong with this fantastic Fish R Fun Deco O tank.
Features
Designed specifically for indoor use with smaller aquatic life, this unique tank is made from clear glass. Thus, you can get a complete view of your finned friends at any time. The filtration kit is cleverly hidden within the tank itself. You won’t have to worry about that getting in the way of the product’s design. Additionally, there’s built-in state-of-the-art lighting, which helps to create an impressive range of shimmering ripples across the surface of the water. That’s quite ideal for when you want a truly relaxing home environment.
The art deco design of this fish tank is sure to suit anyone who likes the minimalist style. Plus, there’s enough space for multiple fish, too – depending on the kinds you choose. Unfortunately, there are no instructions included on how to use it or set up the filter, which is a bit of a problem for some people. Additionally, the filter is quite loud in the evenings, which is quite annoying when you’re trying to get to sleep.
- Beautiful, stylish design
- Magic touch-lighting feature
- Advanced lighting for night-time relaxation
- Excellent hidden filtration system
- No instructions included
- Quite loud in the evening (filtration feature)
- Slightly awkward to clean due to the shape
5. Hozelock Ltd Above Ground Outdoor Pond (Best for Outdoor)
If you are searching for an outdoor fish tank that comes at a great value, the Hozelock Ltd Above Ground Outdoor Pond is our top pick. It is a less permanent, more convenient alternative to a traditional pond and makes a great addition to your lawn, garden, or patio area.
Features
This large box-shaped fish tank has an open top and small round viewing windows on three of the sides. It also features a bubbling fountain in the centre to help circulate the water and provide a pleasing sound and visual effect.
Unlike a traditional outdoor pond, you will not need any tools or shovels for digging to add this fish tank into your outdoor space. It has a twist and lock design that clicks into place and comes with the interior lining needed to get you started.
Potential cons for this fish tank include it not being designed for indoor use, having smaller viewing windows on the sides, and not coming with a pump or filter included. You should also know it might require some strength to click the pieces together during assembly but overall, it still is a great value option.
- Tool-free assembly
- Convenient and versatile
- Above-ground outdoor design
- Great value option
- Three round side viewing windows
- Could require some strength to assemble
- Does not come with the pump or filter needed for operation
- Not designed for indoor use
- Smaller viewing windows on the sides
6. Superfish Start 30 Tropical (Best Starter Kit)
When it comes to finding a great starter kit for tropical fish, the Superfish Start 30 has everything you need and more. It does not only come with all of the basics required to get you started but also includes a few bonus accessories as well.
Features
This rectangular glass fish tank has a large 25-litre capacity. It comes with essential fish tank items like an internal filter and filter starter, plus LED lighting and Superfish Eco Heater which is essential when maintaining a tropical fish tank.
The Start 30 also offers a collection of bonus accessories like fish food, a water conditioner, a thermometer, and a fishnet. This kit makes an excellent gift and is also good for anyone new to owning a fish tank.
With this option, however, you may find that the filter detaches from time to time, and there could also be issues with quality control, but it seems customer service is able to remedy any problems fairly quickly. It also has relatively thinner glass walls when compared to other top options on our list and has an opaque lid that restricts viewing your fish from above.
- Great starter kit for tropical fish
- Internal filter and Eco heater
- LED lighting for enhanced viewing
- A wide range of accessories included
- 25-litre tank capacity
- The filter may detach occasionally
- Relatively thinner glass
- Possible issues with quality control
7. Marineland Portrait (Best Compact)
The Marineland Portrait fish tank makes a fantastic all-around choice. It has a sleek and stylish design that is sure to compliment your home decor. Plus, the upgraded features provide easier access and viewing from multiple angles.
Features
This beautiful fish tank has a unique portrait orientation that looks nice and also has a smaller footprint. The glass has rounded corners and a sliding clear glass canopy so you can view your fish from above as well.
To ensure your fish swim in clean and clear water, this fish tank comes with a 3-stage filtration system. The entire system is hidden behind an opaque back panel to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance overall.
Marineland equipped this fish tank with versatile LED lighting. The lights can be used to create either a sunlight or moonlight effect in the water for your viewing pleasure. The lights are also hinged, so they shouldn’t interfere with removing the lid and accessing the interior.
While this fish tank looks stylishly sleek, it may have a noisier pump and a weaker light, but that can easily be replaced. Lastly, there is a chance you will get a relatively shorter life from the pump and light.
- Unique portrait orientation
- Hidden 3-stage filtration system
- Sunlight and moonlight settings
- Sliding clear glass canopy
- Rounded corners
- The pump could be a bit quieter
- The light could be a bit brighter
- The pump and light could burn out faster
8. Fish R Fun Hexagonal Aquarium (Best Value)
If you’re looking for the best fish tank to make your home look amazing, keep your fish happy, and make sure that you don’t bust your budget, then this could be the aquarium for you.
Features
The Fish R Fun hexagonal aquarium is a stylish and sophisticated tank with plenty of features to delight you and your friends with fins. One of the coolest fish tanks that we’ve seen on the market, the unique shape of this product means that it’s sure to be an attractive feature in every room of your home. It’s definitely an eye-catcher when it’s filled with colourful live plants and exotic fish.
Importantly, this is a relatively small glass tank, so it’s not intended for some of the bigger fish on the market. You should be able to get about 21.6 litres of water into it according to the manufacturer. However, though it might not be too massive, this tank is fine for those who just want to look after a few smaller fish and guppies. This glass aquarium kit includes a filter that’s been conveniently built into the hood. Thus, it’s hidden from sight and doesn’t detract from the style of the glass tank.
There’s also a modern energy-efficient lightbulb included within the tank. Therefore, you can easily see and care for your fish at all times of the day – even when it’s pitch black. However, you may need to replace that bulb somewhat regularly. According to reviews that we read, one issue is that it takes closer to 35 litres to fill than 21. Additionally, some of the edges of the glass tank seem a little tacky, as you can see where the silicon is glueing them together.
- Unique hexagon shape is beautiful
- Energy-efficient lightbulb included
- Filter is hidden within the hood
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Not big enough for some fish
- Poorly put together in some places
- Need to replace the filter and bulb regularly
9. Playlearn Jelly Fish/Sea Turtle Aquarium with Mood Lamp (Most Beautiful)
For the most part, people looking for beautiful fish tanks are those who want somewhere stunning to store their live fish. However, if you want all the beauty of an aquarium without the constant pressure of having to feed your pets, then you could always look into this option from Playlearn instead.
Features
Designed to give you everything you need for a stunning fish tank (including the fish), this decorative aquarium is sure to improve the appearance of virtually any room.
It’s an LED lamp cleverly disguised as a fish tank complete with jellyfish that swim through the water – thanks to motor propellers. This is an excellent option for someone in search of an easy way to entertain those with ADHD and autism, as the combination of lights and colours are fantastic for stimulating the senses. The Jellyfish tank is also a great choice if you’re just looking for something to help you relax before you go to sleep.
To make this piece of home décor even more appealing, it comes with a safety mode that automatically turns it off after four hours of constant operation. What’s more, if you’re looking for a fish tank for beginners, this is a great option, as it’s easy to use. You can simply fill the aquarium with tap water, insert the jellyfish and turn it on. There’s always the option to add your own fish and filter if you want to as well.
According to some of the reviews that we read, this tank kit can seem a little tacky to some. Likewise, setting it up is more cumbersome than you would expect, as the jellyfish tend to group towards the corners of the tank. Additionally, you might need some patience to get everything running as you like.
- Great if you don’t have time for live fish
- Stunning decorative display
- Ideal for visual and sensory stimulation
- Easy enough to use
- Safety mode included
- Cumbersome to set up
- Not actually for live fish
- Noisy motor
10. Ciano Black Aqua 60 LED Aquarium (Best Tropical Design)
From fake fish to something slightly more demanding, the Ciano Black Aqua fish tank is a stunning piece of home décor that also happens to be an excellent habitat for fish.
Features
Complete with an internal filter, lights, and even a heater to get you started, the Ciano Black Aqua kit comes with everything you need for a fantastic indoor aquarium.
If you’ve been planning on keeping exotic fish for a while now, and you think you’re ready to jump in at the deep end, then this tank will start you on the right foot. The kit includes all the equipment you need to look after your fish with confidence, no matter what their requirements might be. There’s also a high-quality filtration system to ensure that the water remains fresh for as long as possible.
While you might need to do some research into the kind of atmosphere that you need to create for your fish first, once you’re done with your homework, you should be able to get most of the must-have tools you need from the Ciano tank. The included plants and unique backdrop also help to give this aquarium a wonderfully exotic and professional appearance. With all its fantastic features, we’re dubbing this piece as the best tropical fish tank of this rundown.
Just keep in mind that the instructions provided for setting up this tank weren’t as great as they could be. Additionally, some of the reviewers suggest that you might have to replace the filter on this aquarium quite regularly, particularly if you’re keeping certain kinds of fish. Keep that maintenance factor in mind if you’re looking at this for your new tropical tank.
- Lights and heater included
- High-quality filtration provided
- Beautiful design for aquatic or glass fish
- No instructions provided for certain parts of the tank
- Filter needs replacing regularly
- May need to upgrade parts of the tank as you go
Choosing Your Ideal Fish Tank
Just like when you’re in the market for hamster cages, finding the ideal home for your fish isn’t easy. There’s more to it than deciding you want a 20-gallon fish tank, or that you want your aquarium to be square in shape. You also need to think carefully about what kind of fish you’re going to be caring for, how much space your tank is going to take up, and even what added extras you might need.
If you get your choice of tank wrong, then you won’t be able to enjoy the beauty of your fish anywhere near as well as you could. Additionally, choosing the wrong aquarium could increase the chances that your fish will suffer from health and growth issues, too.
So, how do you choose the right aquarium for your home?
Sizing Up Your Fish Tank
The first and most obvious thing you’ll need to consider when selecting your aquarium is how big it needs to be. This is a decision that will be driven by the kind of fish you’re going to be housing and the number of finned friends you need to look after.
You’ll also have to think about where you’re going to place your tank. For instance, if you’re building an outdoor tank, then you’ll probably have a lot more room than if you’re working with the space you have on your living room table.
Keep in mind that there are different kinds of fish tanks on the market depending on your species of fish, too. For instance, some are designed to hold up well to the abrasive factors of saltwater when you’re looking after saltwater fish. On the other hand, a freshwater tank won’t require nearly as much durability or maintenance.
The size and species of your fish will have a massive impact on the kind of tank you need to choose. Remember that the more fish you have, the more potential pumps and filters you’ll need to invest in, too. Thus, you can keep their water clean and clear. Another point to consider is that your fish tank can come in different materials. Some home fish tanks use acrylic and allow you to access a wider range of shapes, like globes and domes. On the other hand, cheaper tanks are usually made of glass, which typically provides a more attractive appearance.
Importantly, acrylic tanks can sometimes be more robust than their glass counterparts, because they’re less likely to fall victim to cracks and overheating.
Shopping for Home Fish Tank Accessories
Another thing to keep in mind is whether you’re going to want extras inside of your tank to improve its appearance and make your fish’s home more appealing. Many tank owners love filling their aquariums with plants, gravel, and other toys.
It’s not just gravel and fake plants that you’ll be thinking about when choosing the accessories you need to care for your fish either. For instance, you’ll also need to look into pumps and filters that keep the water of your tanks clean and fresh. Some fish species also need their water to be heated to a specific temperature. So, you’ll need to keep that in mind, too. You might also want a stand that can hold and display your aquarium.
Do some research into precisely what you need to care for the species of fish that you have chosen and allow the information you find to guide your decision when you’re picking the perfect aquarium.
Finding Your Ideal Fish Tank
Finding the best fish tank isn’t easy. Different fish have unique requirements, which means that you’ll have various factors to keep in mind when making your choice, from size and material to the type of water you’ll be using. Think carefully about the fish that you’re caring for before you begin your buying journey.
The Diversa Aquarium with Guardian Glass fish tank is our number one pick and Editor’s Choice. Available in different sizes, this rectangular fish tank boasts highly transparent float Guardian glass with double silicone joints. Constructed according to European safety standards, the basic design allows you to add your desired accessories or create a theme. This spacious tank is not only ideal for aquatic pets but also for tiny fur friends such as hamsters.
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