The best cheap fish tank - Chicago Tribune
Although your finned friends are not typical pets, the benefits of an adorable, water-loving fish are plentiful. Seeing them swim to and fro in their tank, hiding behind coral or resting in the tiny fish castle is both relaxing and soothing.
The good news is that finding a fish friend doesn't have to be expensive. A cheap fish tank can make for a perfect and easy beginning to aquarium ownership. If expense and limited space are a concern, the MarineLand 5-Gallon Portrait Fish Tank delivers on quality and has a hidden filtration system, ideal for countertops and small tables.
What to know before you buy a cheap fish tank
Before you dive in and buy a cheap fish tank, you'll want to get into the swim of things by considering a few features.
Material
There are two choices of material for your fish tank: glass or acrylic. Glass-fish tanks are the most traditional and are nearly always rectangular. Cheap fish tanks are hard to scratch and the glass is less expensive than acrylic, making it a perfect beginner choice. Acrylic-fish tanks come in various shapes, including square, semicircular and round. Acrylic tanks tend to be lighter but do scratch more easily and need solid-base support.
Shape
Traditional fish tanks are usually rectangular. This shape is an ideal choice for your finned friend's health as it exposes a larger area of the water to air, resulting in improved oxygenation. If space is a concern, and a rectangular tank isn't an option, you'll also find cheap fish tanks that are tall in shape, cubical, domed-front and even round.
Lid
To reduce water evaporation and prevent your fish from jumping out, you'll want to be sure your tank has a lid. Basic lids have hinged glass and will require the use of an individual light fixture. Hooded lids already incorporate a light fixture that illuminates the tank.
Cheap fish tank features
Filtration
Fish tanks require a filtration system to remove fish waste, remaining food particles and toxins from the water. There are many choices when it comes to filters, but a popular option for new tank owners is a power filter that hangs on the back of the tank.
Thermometer
You can keep track of your water's temperature by using a simple submersible thermometer that attaches to the tank, making it a breeze to monitor the water temperature. Many models are inexpensive and easy to read.
Substrate
Gravel is inexpensive and the most common fish tank substrate. It comes in various colors and supports your fish with beneficial bacteria, which keeps the water balanced. The addition of gravel leads to a healthier tank environment for your fish.
Cheap fish tank cost
Price is primarily based on size, material and included supplies. Because of this, it's challenging to generalize aquarium prices. You can expect cheap fish tanks to max out around $60. You'll get a smaller tank with additional pieces of basic equipment, such as the light and heater. Power filters and other bonus features usually must be added separately.
Cheap fish tank FAQs
Should I test the water in my fish tank?
A. Yes. As an aquarium owner, you will want to test the water's pH and ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels with a testing kit.
Where should I put my fish tank?
A. Your fish tank should be located near an electrical outlet so that you can plug in items like the fish tank's filter, light and heater. Fish also need a reliable cycle of light and darkness, so positioning it near a window is also recommended.
Which cheap fish tank should I get?
Best of the best cheap fish tank
MarineLand Portrait Glass LED 5 Gallon Tank: available at Amazon
Our take: With an upright shape, this fish tank is perfect for countertops and small spaces. It's ideal for Betta fish, goldfish and some small tropical fish.
What we like: This attractive curved glass tank has a hidden three-stage filtration system with LED lights in blue and white. The white lights cast a daylight effect, while the blue ones offer a moonlit glow.
What we dislike: Some consumers report the filter housing is challenging to clean.
Best bang for your buck cheap fish tank
Tetra Cube 3-Gallon Tank: available at Amazon
Our take: This mini-fish tank is perfect for showing off your Betta fish or a few of your favorite goldfish.
What we like: Shatter and crack resistant, this acrylic 3-gallon tank includes a pedestal base with a whisper-quiet filter, accessories and LED-light fixture. There is a hole in the clear canopy for easy feeding.
What we dislike: The tank is only large enough to hold a few fish.
Honorable mention cheap fish tank
MarineLand Contour Glass 3-Gallon Fish Tank: available at Amazon
Our take: The advanced three-stage filtration system keeps this contoured-glass tank clean and features a slick, hinged light design.
What we like: With an easy-to-use glass canopy, you'll be able to easily slide it back and forth for convenient feedings and water care. The glass tank has rounded corners and features an adjustable flow filter pump.
What we dislike: Some have reported that the pump can run too strong for particular fish like Bettas and requires adjusting.
Honorable mention cheap fish tank
Aqueon LED MiniBow Tank with SmartClean Technology: available at Amazon
Our take: The Aqueon MiniBow Tank has SmartClean™ Technology, which allows changes in less than two minutes, improving water quality for a healthier, happier fish.
What we like: With impressive construction and design, this 1-gallon acrylic tank has an elevated base and a full-coverage hood available in various colors. The tank includes a power filter and cartridge, water conditioner and complete set-up guide.
What we dislike: The filter requires some adjusting as it can be too strong initially for Betta fish.
Honorable mention cheap fish tank
Koller Products Aquaview 360 2-Gallon Fish Tank : available at Amazon
Our take: With a trendy, unique design, this 2-gallon break-resistant plastic tank offers impressive clarity and a choice of seven LED-colored lights.
What we like: The energy-efficient LED lighting offers seven dazzling color selections and a timer for turning them on and off. It has a robust internal filter that purifies the tank water and removes organic pollutants.
What we dislike: Some consumers say that the light is dim.
Rachel Pintarelli is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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