As an aquatic veterinarian, I know firsthand how important a fish’s tank environment is to their overall well-being. When it comes to fish tanks, bigger is better, but you must identify what you want and what you need.
The proper setup requires a solid plan before any fish swims into your life. It is best to start with the space you have in mind and then pick compatible aquatic species, or have a desired species list and create the tank around them.
You may notice that most of the fish tanks on this list are very large, but this is to help get your fish through many beginner mistakes with water quality. Finding the correct tank setup will go a long way in keeping your fish happy and healthy for years to come.
The Winners
My top recommendation is the Tetra 29-Gallon Glass Aquarium. You will need to add on the essential components yourself, but it will allow you to completely customize the tank to suit your fish. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tetra Complete 29-Gallon Aquarium comes with almost everything you need to get started. There are few other fish tanks I think are worthy of your consideration before you dive into fish ownership.
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When it comes to beginner fish tanks, more water is key. No, this doesn’t mean you can just add more fish, but a larger volume of water will be so much easier to maintain than a standard 10-gallon aquarium. This 29-gallon beauty of a fish tank is just that—a large tank with no accessories.
What is ideal about this for beginners is that you can customize all the filtration, decorations, and other accessories to perfectly fit your desired species. Yes, you will need to do a bit more research, but that’s the idea. The more you understand about your fish’s environment, the easier it will be to maintain. Once you have everything assembled, you can create an amazing custom home for your new fish. They will appreciate all the extra effort!
29-gallon capacity
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If you are looking for one kit for a lower price point, be sure to check out the Tetra Complete 29-Gallon Aquarium package. This kit includes everything you need to get started with fish fast.
It includes a 29-gallon tank, suitable for a goldfish or some small community tropicals, a cover with built-in lighting, a heater, a water conditioner, a filter, an air pump, and more. Essentially, this is the same tank as our overall best choice, bundled with some average equipment.
This option isn’t as customizable as some of the other options listed, but it will get you started. We strongly recommend swapping out the filter media in the filter for something that will last longer, such as this filter sponge from Hipanda, which can be cut to the correct size. You will need to purchase food better suited for your desired fish, but other than that, you should be ready to add a few fish and get cycling.
Cover, lights, and net included
Why I’m The Expert
I’m Jessie Sanders, DVM, DABVP, a private practice aquatic veterinarian and one of the first certified aquatic veterinarians through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. For over a decade, I have been assessing and advising fish owners on proper setups for their personal aquariums. I have firsthand experience with all the products on this list and have recommended them to my clients.
Other Tanks We Considered
Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit: This all-in-one kit comes in two sizes, 9-gallon and 15-gallon, and includes reliable filtration components, including a sturdy sponge, carbon, and ceramic filter media. My main gripe with this tank is that the curved front glass makes cleaning slightly difficult.
Tetra 55-Gallon Aquarium Kit: This is similar to our best budget pick, but larger (55 gallons vs. 29 gallons). The bigger the tank you can start with, the easier the initial startup will be. Since this is such a large tank, you will likely require a separate stand, which is not included in the price of this all-in-one system.
What to Look For
Know Your Aquatic Species
It is imperative that you do thorough research before bringing home any fish from the store. What one zebrafish requires is much different from what one betta requires. And don’t forget to make sure their water quality parameters match!
You cannot mix fish simply by looking, but take into consideration how much room they need, their aggressiveness, diet, companions, or schooling behavior, and water quality requirements.
Once you have ascertained how many fish you will be stocking in total, add them in small batches. This will allow your tank filtration to slowly get up to full capacity rather than shocking it all at once. Invertebrates, such as snails and shrimp, will also make an impact on your overall biological load (or bioload) of the tank, albeit a smaller one.
Size
Not all fish are created equal in how much space they will require. The myth of “one gallon of water per inch of fish” is a disastrous guide. For example, one goldfish will easily require at least 20 gallons to start, likely moving up to 50 gallons minimum within a few years.
We recommend you start with one of these two entry points:
- Make a list of the aquatic species you want to care for and then research how much space they need.
- Determine how much space you have in your home for a tank, and then select aquatic species that will thrive in the space you have.
The other myth of “fish grow to the size of their container” is actually “fish are stunted to the size of their container.” If you don’t have room for a full-grown fish, do not bring them home.
Accessories
In addition to the tank, you will likely need a filter, substrate, lighting, heater (may or may not be required for your species), thermometer, food, and more. A few of our recommendations come with accessories, but we strongly recommend reading the Complete List of Aquarium Essentials for Beginners on The Spruce Pets, along with these product recommendations.
More We Recommend
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Best for Bettas: All of my betta patients love this tank. It has all its filtration fully integrated, with room for an additional heater. The flow from the filter is directed along the long axis of the tank, so it won’t toss your fish around.
Many bettas like to take naps against the gentle intake that holds them up without damaging their fins. This is the bare minimum tank volume for bettas, so be sure to keep a close eye on their water quality to ensure they stay healthy.
The integrated filtration is made to the high Fluval brand standard and will easily last the life of your fish, and maybe even the next few fish after. The sleek tank design allows for easy access to decorate and clean with an easy-to-remove LED light that fits over the tank, just above the required cover. Although the tank does not include a heater, there is space for it in the back next to the filter intake tube.
Five-gallon capacity
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Best for Shrimp: When dealing with a shrimp tank, water flow is critical. Shrimp can be very delicate invertebrates and require a very low water flow. That is why we recommend the Aquatop Venti Aquarium Kit, which is run entirely on an air-lift system.
An air-lift system uses the flow and circulation of bubbles through an air pump to drive its filtration. As you can imagine, this creates a tank with a very low filtration capacity, which is perfect for your detritus-loving shrimp!
This kit includes everything your shrimp colonies could need, including a durable filter sponge, air pump, air line tubing with a check valve, and a light. All you need is a shrimp-appropriate substrate and a few live plants or moss balls, and then you can add your shrimp.
Two-gallon capacity
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Best Upgrade: It may be your first fish tank, but who said you can’t go big? If you are looking to make a solid investment in a tank to last you a long time and suit a wide variety of fish, including large ones, then check out Lyphard Aquariums’ 110-gallon All in One Aquarium.
With 110 gallons of swimming space, you can consider a larger variety of tank inhabitants and larger decorations. This fully integrated system includes an ample stand and storage cabinet containing a customized sump.
In addition to the sump, the lid has integrated LED lights with a prop for easy access. The ultra-low iron glass produces exceptional clarity and transparency, making your fish easier to see and appreciate.
Yes, you will need to add some filter media, such as filter socks and plastic or ceramic balls, but this tank will give you years of enjoyment with lots of room to grow. This entire setup is designed to help beginners succeed no matter what their fish dreams may be.
Dimensions are 49.6 x 23.7 x 31.5 inches
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Best Saltwater: For beginner marine hobbyists, larger tanks offer more stability and room for saltwater fish, corals, and live rocks. This 32-gallon capacity tank from Coralife provides ample room without taking up quite as much space as some other models, with its sleek, rounded-edge design. It sports dual intakes, an adjustable return nozzle, a built-in integrated filter positioned at the back of the tank, and a quiet submersible pump, making setup and maintenance a breeze.
The tank also has a built-in 24-hour timer and color-adjustable LED lights with automatic settings—30-minute sunrise/sunset and 60-minute moonrise/moonset modes—to mirror natural day and night cycles, which help fish, coral, and plants flourish in their environment. However, the tank kit is missing a few essentials, such as a heater, thermometer, and skimming net, which are easy enough to add on.
Sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset functions
FAQ
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Can I keep my fish in a bowl?
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How often do I need to clean my new tank?
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Should I get a glass or acrylic tank?
Most fish tanks are glass, but they can be very heavy, especially with the added water weight. Acrylic tanks are lighter, but since the material is softer, the sides are easily scratched, both inside and out, causing decreased clarity. Glass tanks are recommended over acrylic tanks since they are longer-lasting and more durable.
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What is the best size fish tank for beginners?
The best size fish tank for beginners is the largest one you have room for. When it comes to beginning fish-keeping, maintaining water quality, especially through the cycling stage, is the most challenging part and the most common cause of catastrophe in the first few months.
The smaller the tank volume, the more concentrated the toxic fish waste products will be, and the bigger a hassle the tank will become. The bigger the tank, the more water you have to dilute your mistakes. That doesn’t mean you can add more fish, however; see our notes on stocking your new aquarium above.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets
Jessie Sanders, DVM, DABVP (Fish Practice), is the owner and chief veterinarian at Aquatic Veterinary Services, a mobile all-aquatic veterinary practice serving California and Nevada. Her veterinary practice cares for pet fish (koi, goldfish, bettas, cichlids, and more) and aquaculture facilities for farms and aquariums. She is one of only 10 board-certified fish veterinary practitioners in the country.
Dr. Sanders is the aquatic expert for The Spruce Pets and has provided informed guidance along with product recommendations for the best saltwater filters, fish tanks, light kits, and more.
