Do you have a small aquarium? Maybe it doesn’t meet your needs anymore? If so, then you need to consider upgrading your aquarium.
Aquariums are usually made of glass or plastic tanks, which have been designed to hold water and different types of aquatic life.
Some people prefer them as decoration, while others use them to grow plants or even house small pets.
The best thing about these tanks is that they are easy to maintain, come in various sizes and shapes, and most importantly, you can find many types and styles online, so you can tailor your purchase to your tastes.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 |   | AquaClear Acrylic Aquarium | ||
2 |   | Jajale Aquarium Tank & Stand Bundle | ||
3 |   | SCA 50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquarium | ||
4 |   | Tetra Aquarium Kit | ||
5 |   | SeaClear System II Aquarium |
However, choosing the right aquarium stand isn’t easy because there are many different types of aquarium stands available on the market.
If you want a tank that will help your fish stay healthy and happy, then this article has all the information you need. So, read on and learn how to choose and buy an aquarium!
AquaClear Acrylic Aquarium
AquaClear aquariums are created from 100% acrylic and feature strong, durable construction.
This makes them much more impact-resistant than glass aquariums, so they are safe around kids and pets.
They come with a clear lid, allowing you to easily spot your fish and decorations.
The clear acrylic design allows the water to shine through, creating a stunning view that will make your home look fabulous.
Acrylic aquariums are much lighter than glass ones, and they are much cheaper to maintain.
And unlike glass, they are non-porous, meaning there is no need to use special chemicals to clean your aquarium.
Simply rinse out the tank with warm water, shake off the excess and let the water run until the tank is clean.
AquaClear aquariums are designed to withstand saltwater conditions, but if you want to keep your aquarium freshwater, simply change the water every two weeks using fresh tap water.
It may take up to three days for the new water to settle fully before adding your fish. Once all the new water has settled, add your fish and decorate as desired.
Plus, you get to choose between six different sizes ranging from 14L (36cm) to 28L (72cm), depending on the size of what exactly you are looking for in your home aquarium (see heaters).
Pros
- The acrylic this tank is made from is very durable.
- The acrylic also allows for high levels of visibility of whatever is inside, whether that’s your animals, the scenery, or even inspecting the filter equipment.
- Has several options for colors.
- The tank has light and reflectors incorporated into its design.
Cons
- The fluorescent bulb used in this tank, whilst functional, casts the interior in a weird light that might not be to everyone’s taste.
Also Available From: Fish Tanks Direct
Jajale Aquarium Tank & Stand Bundle
If style is your aim whilst looking for the perfect tank of this size, then Jajale’s Bundle set may be just what you are looking for!
The aquarium stand is made of high-grade wood and steel materials, which can withstand damage in daily life and the environment and is very durable (see 75 gallon).
Its dimensions are: 31.5(L) x 14.5(W) x 25.5(H) inches. The actual water capacity is 48 gallons.
It Includes 5 pairs of adjustable shelves, a water pump 22w 320 GPH with a 1m power cord, a filtration system of filter media with an inner diameter of 26 (L)x9.9 (W)x12.6(H) inches, and a 3pcs air hose.
The water pump and filter system are easily installed. This product is suitable to breed marine life, fishes, corals, and aquatic plants. It can also create a sense of luxury in your living space.
The wooden material is resistant to corrosion and has a natural appearance, which makes it look beautiful. You can choose between two styles, redwood and black walnut.
The stand is designed for maximum stability, making it perfect for any fish tank.
Needless to say, this aquarium looks great! It looks like it would fit in (style-wise) in any home, and has a cozy feel to it thanks in part to the wood finish on the tank lid and stand.
It has a nice large opening that allows plenty of room for cleaning.
The stand looks good too and fits nicely into our home decor. We are happy to have found such a quality product at such an affordable price. We highly recommend them.
Pros
- This tank comes with a stand built into its design, and it looks just as great as the tank itself!
- This bundle includes not just the stand and tank, but a water pump and filtration system as well!
- The crystal glass this tank is made from is incredibly tough, able to hold plenty of water without danger of damage.
Cons
- Assembling this aquarium can be difficult for people who are new to aquarium maintenance
- This is certainly on the higher end of many people’s budgets.
Also Available From: U-Buy
SCA 50-Gallon Starfire Glass Aquarium
Looking for a beautiful and functional aquarium? Wanting to add some character to your home or office?
If you’re a little more experienced in owning fishes, as well as maintaining and running home aquariums, then you may not just be looking for a bigger tank when it comes to your next aquarium upgrade.
You may be wanting to try and be a little more hands-on with how you’re interacting with your tank.
If this sounds like you, then you should consider taking a look at SCA’s Starfire tank and stand combo!
The aquarium comes with a heavy-duty cabinet with two sliding glass door panels. It features a large capacity, easy-to-clean sump, a skimmer, a return pump, a return tube, and a filter.
The standpipe is made from durable stainless steel and includes a return tube, a return hose, a bulkhead, and a filter. The bulkhead is attached to the bottom of the tank via screw threads.
We are extremely pleased with the quality of the aquarium and the service we received. There were no problems with the delivery or installation.
We love how easy it is to clean the aquarium as there is no glass top. We also like the fact that there is no need to buy extra filters.
The tank has plenty of room for plants and fish. We highly recommend this product!
Pros
- The design of the tank and stand is both simple, yet very refined.
- The tank comes with an in-built return pump and skimmer as standard.
- The design of the tank and stand allows for other tanks and part connections between this and its family of other products.
Cons
- This is certainly not a beginner-friendly tank. If you are not familiar with keeping fish and their tanks well-maintained or have little to no experience when it comes to plumbing, you should look elsewhere.
Also Available From: Aquarium Reefers
Tetra Aquarium Kit
The Tetra Aquarium Kit comes with everything you need to start your very own tropical fish aquarium.
It includes a 55-gallon tank, Easy Balance Plus, Tetra Min, Aqua Safe, 6″ fishnet, 200W heater, a WPF 60 filter, stick-on digital thermometer, and a boxwood plant.
The included lighting system gives your aquarium a “daylight effect”, adding natural light to the environment and allowing you to view your fish from all angles.
By using the included heater, you can also enjoy keeping tropical fish without having to worry about heating your home.
The Tetra Aquaria kit has been designed to maintain optimal conditions for your fish. The included filter reduces ammonia and nitrite levels, keeping your fish healthy.
The included plants are easy to care for and keep your aquarium looking fresh and clean. They also absorb toxins in the water, making it safe for your fish.
This is the perfect starter kit! There is a lot of stuff included, but it’s not overwhelming or confusing. Everything is easy to understand and there are instructions on how to put everything together.
The tank looks great, and the lights are bright enough to see what’s going on inside. We were able to set it up within an hour.
There were no frustrating surprises when we assembled the tank. Everything fit into place like it was supposed to, which is a great mark of how beginner-friendly this product is.
We love having a large tank and would recommend this kit to anyone looking to get rid of their old tank and start fresh with a new one. Overall, we are extremely happy with this purchase.
Pros
- This tank comes with a fish and aquarium tank starter car kit as standard (see 30 gallon). A great addition for tank newbies!
- The shape of this tank gives your fish the freedom to move around as they would in their natural habitat.
- This tank comes with an in-built filter and heater too, for those tropical fish you’ve wanted to keep!
Cons
- Whilst there is a stand option that comes with this tank, it does not come as standard.
- The filter for this tank is quite loud, which may become irritating for some buyers.
Also Available From: Walmart
SeaClear System II Aquarium
If you love living creatures and want to create a home for them, SeaClear System ll Acrylic AquaRite Aquarium is the right solution for you.
This aquarium features a full hood with a 24-inch fluorescent light bulb (not included), allowing you to enjoy natural lighting while keeping your fish healthy and happy.
It has a very efficient biological filtration system and it comes with a prefilter so you can easily clean out debris from your tank without having to remove it from the aquarium.
This aquarium is made from acrylic, making it strong and durable.
The 17 times stronger material means that it can withstand high water pressure, ensuring that your fish won’t be affected by the force of the water flow.
It also weighs half as much as its glass counterpart, meaning it’s exceedingly manageable when empty.
With a quick change prefilter, cleaning is easy. Simply unscrew the prefilter and pull it out of the aquarium.
Once you’re done cleaning, simply screw the prefilter back onto the aquarium. With the air injection nozzle, you can quickly and efficiently add oxygen to your aquarium when needed.
Pros
- The acrylic material this tank is made from not only gives you an amazing view of your fish and seascape, but is almost 17 times more durable than glass (see 10 Gallon)!
- The edges on this tank are almost completely seamless, giving you even more viewability of your interior.
- Also comes with plenty of extras, such as a heater, skimmer, and even a bio-material filter!
Cons
- The installation instructions for this tank can be a little hard to follow for first-time fish owners
Also Available From: Fish Tanks Direct
Tank Equipment You Need
Owning and looking after fish isn’t just about the tank, of course. There are plenty of other pieces of equipment that you should keep in mind whilst you are out hunting for the right tank.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Filter
This is by far the most important accessory to keep in mind whilst you are looking for a tank.
If you’re going to be keeping fish then you’ll need a filter.
Filters work by removing waste products from the water, so that the water your fish are swimming and living in does not become toxic, potentially causing illness that could be fatal!
Because it is such an important piece of equipment for the welfare of your fish, many tanks now come with some type of filter built into the tank itself.
However, if you do decide to purchase one separately, there will be different types available.
Some filters have a pump that circulates the water around the tank, others use gravity feed, and still others rely on a combination of both methods.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you buy a good quality filter.
You don’t necessarily need to buy the best filter possible – there are plenty out there that are affordable and effective enough. But, the better the filter, the cleaner your water will be.
So, if you’re planning on spending money on any kind of accessories or upgrades later on, it might be worth investing a bit more at the start.
Heaters
Heaters are essential if you have any kind of tropical fish or reptiles.
A good heater will help maintain the temperature inside your tank at around 26°C. Heaters come in different sizes, shapes, and wattages.
They all serve the same purpose, though – they heat the water.
The biggest factor to consider when choosing a heater is how much power it consumes.
This is because heaters usually run off a 12V battery pack, and these batteries will need replacing once their charge has been used up.
As such, bigger heaters consume more power, therefore being more expensive in the long run with their consumption of batteries.
Smaller ones may cost less, but won’t last quite as long, and may not be enough to heat a 50-gallon tank.
It’s always a good idea to get a thermostat too. These offer temperature readings so you can always keep your water in the sweet spot for your beloved aquatic family.
UV Lights
Although these aren’t strictly necessary, UV lights offer benefits to the health of both fish and plants.
A UV light works by emitting a small number of ultraviolet rays into the water, which helps deter the growth of troublesome algae and bacteria.
Also, although many people think that sunlight is harmful to plants, UV lights emit a form of light known as UVC radiation which is shown to promote plant growth.
Skimmer
Keeping your aquarium clean requires regular skimming. Your skimmer removes waste from the surface of the water.
A good quality skimmer is essential if you want to ensure that your aquarium stays clear and free of algae.
LED Lighting
While fish aren’t quite as sensitive to lighting as plants and certain other animals, they still need some sort of light source.
Traditionally, people have used incandescent lighting in their aquariums, but this isn’t such a great idea anymore.
Incandescent lights heat the water, which can cause pet health problems. LEDs, on the other hand, emit virtually no heat, which is why they’re a much better option.
You should also consider the color of your lighting. For example, blue lights may harm certain species of invertebrates while reds might stress out some fish.
Make sure that you buy a high-quality lamp, as many cheaper ones will give a poor color balance and end up hurting your fish instead of helping them.
Water Conditioner
The water conditions inside your aquarium will affect the health of your fish. Using water conditioners ensures that the pH level is ideal and the hardness of the water is kept steady.
Most water conditioners come with their built-in filtration system, or at least as part of one, so they require no additional maintenance. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions before use.
Some water conditioners also contain medications that can help treat diseases in fish.
Other Features To Keep In Mind When Buying A Fish Tank
Shape & Form Of Your Tank
There are four main forms of tanks: rectangular, round, curved front, and square.
Rectangular tanks are generally considered the most popular choice, as they’re easy to build and maintain, yet can hold large amounts of water.
Curved fronts are often preferred by freshwater enthusiasts who enjoy viewing their aquarium from a single viewing point.
Round tanks are great for marine life, as they allow plenty of room for movement and tend to look more natural than rectangular tanks.
Lastly, square tanks offer the best combination of space and stability.
Material Of The Tank
When it comes to choosing a tank material, glass is the most popular option, especially for beginners looking for a small aquatic habitat, but plastic is lighter, far less expensive, and is easier to maintain, making it a shoo-in for those looking for larger tanks.
If you want to save money, opt for an acrylic tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Fish Can I Keep In A 50-Gallon Tank?
This will depend on the type of fish you plan to keep. 50 gallons is a reasonably large enough tank to allow for quite a large shoal of smaller fish, see (55 Gallon tank), such as guppies or betta.
For slightly larger fish, such as goldfish, you’ll probably be able to fit several in comfortably.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that your fish will need plenty of space to have active lives, so try not to crowd up your tanks too much.
Also, remember that bigger fish have a habit of eating smaller ones. So, if you have two small fish then it probably won’t be wise to add another larger species, especially carnivorous ones.
What Is The Best Type Of Lighting For My Aquarium?
Lighting is very important in any aquarium. You should choose either fluorescent or LED lighting.
Fluorescent bulbs are cheap and simple to install, but they aren’t energy inefficient. They don’t last long and can even cause problems such as algae outbreaks.
LEDs are much better due to being highly efficient and lasting longer. Be careful though; do not place LEDs directly above feeding areas or near heat sources.
Can I Use Saltwater And Freshwater Together In One Tank?
No. Freshwater and Saltwater fish, for the most part, cannot survive for long in levels of salinity outside their natural habitats.
Mixing saltwater and freshwater will simply ruin the salt levels in your water for both types of fish.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen, there are many factors to take into account when buying an aquarium. While the cost may seem like the biggest deciding factor, your budget shouldn’t dictate which tank you get.
Instead, think about how you’d like to set up your new home and what sort of environment you’d like your fish to live in.
There’s nothing wrong with splurging on something nice, just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into first!
