The Best Fish Tanks For Your New Aquatic Friend - The Dodo

You want to make your new fish feels right at home, which means finding him the perfect tank.

Not all fish tanks are the same, so you'll definitely want to do some research before purchasing one.

When shopping for the best fish tank, it should be the right size for the kind of fish you have (and how many you have) and should be able to be placed on a flat surface or on an aquarium stand that can hold its weight.

We spoke with Mario Musa, a certified aquarist and owner of Epic Aquarium, for more insight on the best fish tanks and what to look for when shopping for one. Here are our top picks:

How to find the best fish tank

"The size specifications for a fish tank will vary depending on the type of fish you're keeping," Musa told The Dodo. "For example, goldfish require a 20-gallon fish tank (at minimum), while bettas (the most popular fish among home aquarists) need at least 3 gallons."

Also keep in mind that saltwater tanks typically need to be larger than freshwater ones since saltwater fish need more space (so opt for at least 5 gallons for a saltwater tank).

And if you plan to keep more than two fish in the tank, you'll want to opt for a larger tank so they have plenty of room to swim around in.

But don't forget, the larger the tank, the more there is to clean and the more space it'll take up in your home.

If the aquarium is the right size for your fish, your space and your lifestyle, and can sit on a flat surface, consider the accessories it comes with. According to Musa, in order for your fish to live his best life, his aquarium should have the following:

  • Filter — Essential to the health and well-being of your fish, a filter helps to keep the water clean and free of debris, as well as aerated and oxygenated. Filters also help to remove harmful chemicals and toxins (ammonia and nitrates) from the water that can be detrimental to your fish's health.
  • Heater (if you're keeping tropical fish) — Most tropical fish (like bettas) need their water temperature between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the fish you'll be taking care of, an aquarium heater may not be essential, but it's recommended to maintain a consistent water temperature. A sudden change can cause stress and lead to illness in your fish.
  • Accessories — A fish tank needs decorations, live plants or other objects (rocks, woods) to provide hiding places for your fish. A hiding spot provides your fish with a sense of safety and security, which is crucial for his well-being.
  • Lighting (if you decide to include live plants in your tank) — Lighting is essential for the growth and health of aquarium plants. Plants need light for photosynthesis, which is how they create their food.

7 best fish tank options

Based on expert guidelines and product reviews from pet parents, we've come up with some pretty cool options for your new aquarium.

Here's to your fish's new aquarium! He'll feel right at home in no time.

We independently pick all the products we recommend because we love them and think you will too. If you buy a product from a link on our site, we may earn a commission.

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