Best aquarium

A small aquarium on a desk with a betta fish in it.
(Image credit: Unsplash)

An aquarium is the first thing you'll need if you plan on keeping fish as pets. From size to type, it can be overwhelming to work out what precisely you need. There are options for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, along with different size tanks so that your marine friends have a good home. We've put together the best options for a variety of habitats and the animals that live inside them!

Best overall

A 5 gallon aquarium filled with fish and vegetation.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Marine land 5 gallon aquarium

See every angle

Trying to make your aquarium dreams come true in a small space? Check out this vertical option from Marine Land! The small 5-gallon tank comes with a hidden filter and LED lights. It also provides four sides of viewing to give you better angles of your lovely fish friends. 

Best saltwater

A saltwater aquarium filled with reefs and a few clownfish.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Fluval saltwater fish tank

Built for beginners

Hoping to build your first saltwater habitat? This 5-gallon aquarium kit comes with a powerful 3-stage filtration system and high-output LED to support coral growth, as well as mechanical, chemical, and biological media. Its small size and simple setup will have your little marine world thriving in no time. 

Best versatile

A small square aquarium filled with plants and fish.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Coralife LED aquarium

Light it up

If you're looking for an option capable of supporting either a saltwater or freshwater setup, the Corelife LED Aquarium is an excellent option. This attractive aquarium setup comes with three different lighting channels so you can find the perfect light range to show off your gorgeous fish. It also comes with a customizable filtration system, 

Best high capacity

A dark aquarium filled with lit plants and small fish.

(Image credit: Amazon)

Tetra colorfusion aquarium

A colorful array

If you want a larger number of fish, then you'll need a higher capacity aquarium. The Tetra colorfusion aquarium is a 20-gallon option, with plenty of extras. It comes with artificial plants and a swaying, lifelike anemone to perfect your habitat. Since it also includes a filter kit, LED light, and thermometer, this aquarium kit is all you need to create a beautiful underwater environment. 

Bottom line

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Keeping water-based animals can be easier than taking care of mammals or reptiles, but you need the right aquarium for the job. While there are various stellar options out there, our favorite is the Marine Land 5 Gallon Aquarium. It's perfect for children's rooms or for just getting started with marine life. It also features LED light to illuminate the tank and comes with a hidden filter!

Jen Karner
High Yield Editor

Jen is a writer and editor for multiple Future Publishing brands, with more than 8 years of experience writing about everything from video games to kitchen gadgets. An award winning author of Fantasy & Horror novels, Jen is a self confessed introvert who prefers to spend their time at home with their dogs (Fionn, Allie, & LB), her orange rescue cat Scotchie, or curled up with a blanket and a good book. You can find Jen all over the internet @Articulatedream.