The Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank

Fish traditionally don’t get as much love as our furry friends, but that doesn’t make them lesser pets. They still deserve the very best, from the food they eat to the water they swim in. If you’re a fish owner, you know the importance of a good aquarium, which is why we made a list of the best aquariums available online today. From starter kits to luxury setups, there’s something for everyone.

What to Look For

When narrowing down the best aquariums on the market, we considered product design, price, and extra features. For example, if you want a saltwater fish tank with all the extra features you need, you should consider the Fluval Sea Evo V saltwater fish tank. If you just wanted something nice for a beginner, the GloFish aquarium fish tank kit may be more your speed.

Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit

Just keep swimming

This well-rounded tank is made with real glass and comes at a great price.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for a sleek aquarium at a modest price, this is one of the best. This modern tank features all-around glass panels and a glass top, with no plastic substitutes. It also has a hidden filtration system, so your fish get fresh water without a bulky machine obstructing your view. Aside from being an aesthetically pleasing tank, it’s built well and comes at a great price.

Pros:

  • The sliding glass canopy allows you to see in from the top and each side, so you’re guaranteed a good view of your fish.
  • This tank comes equipped with both white and blue LED lights for different moods, from daytime shine to a shimmering evening glow.

Cons:

  • The rear quarter that holds the filtering system is extremely narrow, so it’s hard to clean.

Aqueon LED MiniBow Kit

Squeaky clean

Thanks to its efficient, user-friendly system, this aquarium won't be a pain to clean.
Runner Up

Find on Amazon

One of the most crucial parts of taking care of fish is making sure their tank stays clean. With this aquarium from Aqueon it’s hassle-free. The SmartClean(TM) technology helps you perform water changes in less than 2 minutes. It has all the necessary parts and a setup guide to help beginners learn the ropes. Whether you’re a rookie or a pro, this aquarium is built to make fish keeping simpler than ever.

Pros:

  • This aquarium kit comes with all the accessories you’ll need to get started, so it helps cut down on shopping around.
  • The price is great, considering all the items included in this aquarium kit.

Cons:

  • The filter current may be too powerful for some fish, so consider your fish size before buying.

Fluval Sea Evo V Saltwater Fish Tank

Stay salty

This saltwater tank comes with a powerful filtration system and touch-sensitive lighting.
Best With Filter And Light

Find on Amazon

Amateurs may not know this, but freshwater and saltwater fish require very different accommodations when it comes to aquariums. The world of saltwater aquariums can get extremely complicated, but this tank serves as a quality introduction to that world. It comes with a filter, LED lights, a multi-functional canopy, and more. All things considered, this is a great bargain for the quality of accessories in this aquarium kit.

Pros:

  • The filtering system is a three-part system that uses mechanical, chemical, and biological elements to thoroughly filter water.
  • The tank design conceals the filter while still leaving plenty of room for the fish within so you can enjoy watching your fish without mechanical parts getting in the way.

Cons:

  • The touch feature on the LED lights is prone to malfunction, so lighting can be tricky.

GloFish Aquarium Fish Tank Kit

Save some clams

From lighting to filtration, this cost-effective fish tank comes with everything you'll need.
Best On A Budget

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for an ultra-affordable way to get all the essentials, this may be the aquarium for you. This tank includes a filtering system, LED lights, and a hood with a feeding hole, making it a complete setup. For beginner fish keepers and hobbyists alike, this tank is a great way to get your start. With GloFish, giving your finned friends a new home doesn’t have to break the bank.

Pros:

  • The included lights are blue LED lights that can help bring out the colors of fluorescent fish.
  • This product line features options for different add-ons, including plant life, a thermometer, and more, so you can accessorize your tank with ease.

Cons:

  • This tank is made of plastic instead of glass, so it’s lightweight but not as sturdy.

LANDEN Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank

Simple and effective

This rectangular tank provides your fish with adequate space and natural lighting.
Best Rimless Design

Find on Amazon

When it comes to aquariums, sometimes less is more. If you’re looking for a simple home for your fish, it can’t get any simpler than this. This sturdy rectangular tank features thick walls and highly transparent glass. This means more light gets in to light up your fish, and you can even see them better from the outside. If you like the simple things in life, not much can top this classic aquarium.

Pros:

  • This item is shipped surrounded by styrofoam, double boxed, and wrapped with bubble wrap to ensure safe arrival.
  • This tank has crystal clear glass with mirror edge grinding, so it provides a great view from any angle.

Cons:

  • It comes with a branding sticker attached to the face of the glass, but this is easy to remove.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size aquarium should I get for my fish?

A general rule of thumb is that you should have one gallon of water for each inch long your fish is. So, for example, if you have a fish that’s five inches long, your fish tank should be at least five gallons.

Do I need a light for my fish tank?

Not necessarily. Fish need light to determine whether it’s day or night, but as long as they’re kept in an area with a lot of natural light, they should be fine. If you keep it in a basement or other area that’s not as well-lit, artificial light can help.

About the Author

Mitchell is a proud dad of two rescued feral cats, and he is very fond of their curious nature. He knows that it takes some time for cats to open up to their humans, and he knows exactly how daunting it can be to be a first time cat owner. He hopes to share his expertise and his experiences with his own cats with other cat owners so they can give their pets happy, healthy lives.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.