Best fish tanks in 2020: SeaClear, Marineland, Fluval, and more

Keeping pet fish is something of a science. To build a great aquarium for your fishy friends, you need a good fish tank and a few accessories.
Whether you want to start out small or go big and bold, the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is the perfect beginner fish tank and our top pick for the best fish tank overall.

There is something about a beautifully maintained aquarium that eases the mind and soothes the soul. Lush aquatic plants, natural decor elements, and colorful fish come together to create something amazing that anyone can appreciate and any aquarium hobbyist can be proud of. Keeping a fish tank at home does come with its challenges, but the beauty of a healthy and thriving aquarium is a reward in and of itself.

Whether you are a seasoned aquarium enthusiast or a newcomer, your success in the aquarium hobby hinges on the choices you make when starting out, from your tank to fish food. First and foremost, you need to choose the proper fish tank to sustain the kind of aquatic environment you want to cultivate. From there, you'll need to outfit the tank with the necessary equipment and decorate it according to your liking before adding your fish and other tank inhabitants.

Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes — they can even be made from different materials. Before you start shopping for your own tank, you would be wise to learn about the different options available to you. If you have no idea where to start, you're in luck because we've done the hard work for you.

We've scoured the reviews to bring you our top picks for the best fish tank overall as well as the top choices in five other beginner-friendly categories. We've also included the substrate, filter, and light you'll need for a planted tank. 

Here are the best fish tanks and accessories you can buy:

Best fish tank overall: SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Best betta fish tank: Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit 
Best fish tank with less than 10 gallons: Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit 
Best 20-gallon fish tank: Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit 
Best glass fish tank: Marina LED Aquarium Kit 
Best beginner saltwater fish tank: SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit
Best substrate for planted tanks: CaribSea Eco-Complete 
Best filter for planted tanks: Fluval External Filter 
Best light for planted tanks: Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights

Prices and links are current as of 4/29/2020. We are currently testing new products for an update to this guide.

The best fish tank overall

If you're looking for a beginner tank that offers the ideal combination of durability and good design, look no further than the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set. 

When shopping for the perfect beginner tank, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, you want the tank to be well constructed and sturdy. The two most common materials for fish tanks are glass and acrylic. Acrylic is generally the better choice for beginners because it is 15 times stronger than glass but half the weight. It also doesn't hurt if the tank comes in a variety of different sizes or if it comes as a combo set with all of the equipment you need for set up. Our top pick for the best overall fish tank for beginners that meets these requirements and more is the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.

Not only is SeaClear one of the oldest and most trusted names in the aquarium industry, but its Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set comes in a wide range of sizes from 15 to 50 gallons. Constructed from break-proof acrylic, this aquarium is virtually leak-proof and safe for both freshwater and saltwater use. It comes with a fluorescent light fixture and reflector so you can showcase your fish. You'll need to purchase additional equipment such a heater and filtration system, but most aquarium hobbyists prefer to choose their equipment on their own.

Pros: Available in sizes ranging from 15 to 50 gallons, made from break-proof acrylic for durability, half the weight of a glass tank, rounded seamless corners, clear view all the way around, easy to clean, comes with a fluorescent light fixture

Cons: Not available in sizes under 15 or over 50 gallons, doesn't come with a filter or heater, some assembly required, included fluorescent light may not be adequate for planted or reef tanks

$353.97 from Amazon

The best betta fish tank

The Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit includes everything you need to get started with your betta tank, and it has a unique design that will show your fish off both day and night.

If you've never kept aquarium fish before, you should start out with a species that is beginner-friendly. Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, are a great option for beginners because they are relatively hardy and easy to care for. One thing to keep in mind is that males of the species are highly territorial and should be kept in a tank by themselves. This is perfect for the beginning aquarium hobbyist, however, because you only need to worry about meeting the needs of a single fish. If you choose to get your feet wet in the aquarium hobby by starting out with a betta fish, we recommend the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit.

With a sleek, modern design, the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit is the ultimate desktop tank and the perfect choice for a betta fish. Available in 3- and 5-gallon sizes, this fish tank is constructed from clear glass with rounded corners to give it a unique appearance. The aquarium kit includes a 3-stage filtration system hidden behind frosted glass as well as an energy-efficient LED light fixture and a hinged glass lid for feeding and cleaning.

Heavy describes the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit as a stylish aquarium with bonus features like a hinged light rail and a hidden filter. Similar to the Marineland Portrait 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit, the Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit offers two options for size and a slightly different lighting system. Either model would be a great option for a betta fish, especially considering that both models are available at a similar price point.

Pros: Made from clear glass with rounded corners, available in 3 or 5 gallons, comes with a hidden 3-stage filtration system, included LED light fixture with white and blue lights, hinged glass lid for easy feeding and cleaning, perfect for desktop use, room to install a heater

Cons: Doesn't come with a heater, may be difficult to remove and replace the included filter, stock lighting could be stronger, water flow from the filter is not adjustable  

$59.81 from Amazon $59.81 from Chewy

The best fish tank with less than 10 gallons

With an integrated three-stage filtration system and included LED light fixture, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit has everything you need to get started.

Small fish tanks under 10 gallons in capacity are often referred to as "nano tanks." While maintaining a healthy environment in a tank this small comes with its challenges, a small tank offers certain benefits. It is a great option for people with limited space for a larger tank and it is cheaper to run. Some aquarium hobbyists also enjoy the challenge of cultivating a thriving aquatic ecosystem in such a small space. Our top pick for a fish tank with less than 10 gallons is the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit.

Made from durable etched glass with a contemporary design, the Fluval Spec V 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is an impressive tank for its size. With an integrated 3-stage filtration system and included LED light fixture, this tank comes with everything you need to get started. Its 5-gallon capacity is large enough for several small fish but not so large that it takes up a lot of space in your home.

Equipped with 37 LEDs to give your tank a gorgeous glow, this tank will keep your fish looking their best while the integrated 3-stage filtration system will keep them feeling their best. The tank comes with a foam block for mechanical filtration, activated carbon for chemical filtration and BioMax Bio rings for biological filtration. The combination of the three will ensure excellent water quality to keep your fish healthy and thriving. 

Pros: Made from durable etched glass, contemporary design with an aluminum trim, included tank hood with LED light fixture, integrated BioMax 3-stage filtration system, filter has an adjustable flow rate, small enough for desktop or dresser, 5-gallon capacity can hold several small fish

Cons: Doesn't come with a heater, integrated lighting could be stronger, doesn't include gravel or other tank decorations, included filter may be difficult to remove and replace

$99.99 from Petco

The best 20-gallon fish tank

With its classic rectangular shape and ensemble of included equipment, the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit is a great option for beginners.

If you are new to the aquarium hobby, you might assume that smaller fish tanks are easier to maintain than larger tanks. In reality, however, the opposite is true. A fish tank is a delicate, enclosed ecosystem and changes in water chemistry can be lethal for fish. Tanks with larger volumes of water allow wastes and toxins to be more diluted, reducing the danger that they might have a negative impact on your fish. For this reason, 20-gallon tanks are what many aquarium enthusiasts recommend for newcomers to the hobby. Our top pick for a 20-gallon tank is the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit.

Made from scratch-resistant glass in a classic rectangular shape, the Tetra 20-Gallon Aquarium Kit comes with everything a beginner needs to get started. In addition to a three-stage filtration system, this kit includes a mini heater and an energy-efficient LED light fixture. The kit even includes several artificial plants to get you started in decorating your tank — just add gravel and fish and you are good to go!

The LED light fixture changes colors and the included filter has an adjustable flow rate. This aquarium kit is included in Best Reviews' top five picks for fish tanks. Not only do the writers comment on the tank's size, which is ideal for multiple fish, but they also speak to the fact that the kit comes with all of the necessary equipment to get started.

Pros: Made from scratch-resistant glass, comes with everything you need to set up a basic tank, 20-gallon size is manageable for beginners, includes a LED hood light, comes with a mini heater, includes several fake plants for decoration

Cons: Included equipment could be better, filter included in the kit may be noisy, may be too simple for experienced aquarium hobbyists

$127.80 from Amazon

The best glass fish tank

Surprisingly affordable for a combo kit that includes all of the things you need to get started, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit is our top pick for glass fish tanks. 

Most aquariums are made from either glass or acrylic. While acrylic may be lighter and more resistant to impact, glass is less likely to scratch and it can support more weight. In terms of price, glass also tends to be more affordable than acrylic which makes it a great option for beginner tanks. Our top pick for the best beginner glass fish tank is the Marina LED Aquarium Kit. This kit comes in three sizes — 5, 10, and 20 gallons — and it is made from clear glass in a classic rectangular shape.

The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is perfect for the beginner aquarium because it comes with everything you need to get started. In addition to the glass tank itself, this kit includes a clip-on filter that takes quick-change filter cartridges for easy maintenance. The included LED light module is seamlessly integrated into the tank hood and it offers energy-efficient lighting to enhance the appearance of your fish. Also included is a bottle of water conditioner, a mesh net, fish food, a thermometer, and an aquarium care guide full of advice on how to set up and maintain your new tank.

Best Reviews gave the Marina LED Aquarium Kit its "Best Bang for the Buck" award, commenting that this tank is sturdy and perfectly sized for the beginning aquarist. The site also mentions the fact that the kit includes all of the necessary equipment to get started as well as some extras. 

Pros: Made from clear glass in three sizes, simple rectangular design, comes with a clip-on filter with easy-change media, energy-efficient LED lighting integrated into the hood, comes with extras like fish food and water conditioner, includes an aquarium care guide

Cons: Packaging from online order insufficient to prevent breakage, lighting system could be too powerful for some fish, limited options for sizes, doesn't come with a heater 

$93.50 from Amazon $96.99 from Chewy

The best beginner saltwater fish tank

The SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit is the ultimate beginner tank for aspiring saltwater aquarium enthusiasts.

Cultivating a thriving saltwater tank is a unique but rewarding challenge. When it comes to keeping the water quality in a marine tank high, you need more than just a standard filtration system. You'll need a protein skimmer to remove organic wastes from the water column as well as a system of powerheads to facilitate water flow. You will also need to work out a system for performing water changes without changing the salinity of the water or causing the tank to overflow. If you're looking for the perfect beginner tank to help you break into the saltwater aquarium hobby, we recommend the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit.

The SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit includes a rimless 50-gallon tank with a classic cube design and a heavy-duty cabinet with plenty of storage space. The aquarium itself is highly durable so you never have to worry about cracks or leaks, and the cabinet offers unwavering support. Also included in this aquarium kit are a protein skimmer and return pump, a sump system, and a filter with all of the necessary media for three-stage filtration. All you need to buy is your choice of fish or other marine inhabitants and a lighting system customized to their needs.  

In addition to the premium 50-gallon glass tank, this aquarium kit comes with a heavy-duty cabinet and all of the equipment you need to get started. Though it comes at a hefty price, buyers and numerous review sites agree that the SCA Starfire 50-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit is the best comprehensive aquarium kit for beginning saltwater enthusiasts. 

Pros: Includes a 50-gallon rimless aquarium, made from durable and algae-resistant Starfire Glass, comes with a heavy-duty cabinet for storage, includes a 3-stage filtration system and filter media, comes with a protein skimmer and return pump, includes a sump system

Cons: Requires a significant amount of assembly, cabinet stand does not come pre-assembled, installation of equipment may require additional connectors, doesn't come with a light, protein skimmer doesn't come with a removable cup

$845.00 from Amazon

The best substrate for planted tanks

Loaded with 25 nutrients, including those that live plants need most, CaribSea Eco-Complete is the only planted tank substrate you're going to need. 

When it comes to keeping aquatic plants alive, it all comes down to the substrate. In a typical freshwater aquarium, gravel or sand are the top choices for substrate because they are inexpensive and attractive. These substrates do not provide any nutrients, however, which makes them a poor choice for a planted tank.

The best substrate for a planted tank will not only provide rooting material for the plants themselves, but it will also contain essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, nitrogen, and magnesium . Our top pick for the best planted tank substrate is CaribSea Eco-Complete.

CaribSea Eco-Complete is our top pick for planted tank substrate because it is attractive, easy to use, and contains all of the nutrients live plants need. This substrate can be added directly to your tank without rinsing, and it comes in the form of tiny porous grains that absorbs waste products more quickly than other substrates. Simply put, it is the best all-in-one substrate on the market, and it even comes in a "live" version infused with beneficial bacteria.

Pros: Contains more than 25 nutrients to support plant life, does not need to be rinsed and won't cloud water, porous granules to absorb wastes, cost-effective compared to other options, new formula supports root development, dark color is attractive

Cons: May have an odor when you first open the bag, could affect aquarium pH (tends to be a little alkaline)   

$22.06 from Amazon

The best filter for planted tanks

Available in many sizes with options to customize both the filter media and flow rate, the Fluval External Canister Filter is a versatile choice for any planted tank.

Filtration is incredibly important in any aquarium but particularly so in a planted tank. In a planted tank, a filter helps to remove both solid and dissolved wastes from the water column before they can negatively affect your water chemistry. Filtration also helps to limit algae growth which is good for your plants because algae compete for the same nutrients.

Though filters come in many forms, we recommend canister filters because they offer high-quality filtration with options to customize both the filter media and the flow rate. Our top pick for the best filter for planted tanks is the Fluval External Canister Filter.

Though it may be at the higher end of the spectrum when it comes to price, the Fluval External Canister Filter is unmatched in performance and versatility. This filter comes in many sizes, and it has plenty of room for several types of filter media. With options to customize both the filter media and the flow rate, this filter enables you to find the perfect setting for your planted tank. As an added bonu...

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