If you are looking to get started in fish keeping, then getting a 5-gallon fish tank is the best decision that you can make. A fish tank of this size is more than enough to add a stylish feel and look to any space, while also being much easier to maintain than larger tanks. However, this doesn’t mean that you should go for the first 5-gallon tank you see at the aquarium store. Instead, you need to do your research and find the best option possible. Here is where our expertise comes in.
We know that finding the best 5-gallon fish tank is not easy for new hobbyists, and this is why today, we are lending a helping hand. We researched the best 5-gallon fish tanks for betta and other colorful small fish. Now, we will list their pros and cons so that you have an easier time making the correct decision. You may want to stick around for the end because we will present an in-depth buying guide and also answer the internet’s most asked questions about small aquariums.
Check out the buying guide below to learn what are the most important features the best 5-gallon fish tank kit needs to offer:
Filtration System
The filtration system is a crucial component of any aquarium, and therefore, you should make sure that the 5-gallon fish tank you decide to purchase has a good one. Every product featured on our list comes with a filtration system. We highly recommend the Marina LED Aquarium Kit.
Lighting System
This may come as a surprise, but the lighting system is also one of the most important accessories that a 5-gallon fish tank kit needs to offer. The LEDs put the fish into the spotlight, but that’s not all. They also enhance their colors and make the underwater habitat look livelier by simulating the natural day cycle.
The Design
It’s highly likely that the reason why you want to start fish keeping is because you want to add beauty to a space. Thanks to this, the design of the aquarium should be at the top of your priority list. Sure, you can get a regular fish tank for cheaper, but a premium tank that sports a stylish design will look so much better.
If you are a beginner, you may want to consider buying a premium 5-gallon fish tank kit that includes all the necessary tools for the fish to thrive. The Fluval Sea Evo Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit is one of the best choices that you can make, shipping with a stylish honeycomb design that looks great in any setting. Whether you want to set up the aquarium at the office or in the living room, the Fluval Sea Evo Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit will do a fantastic job of refreshing the room. The aquarium uses an all-aluminum casing that is durable and waterproof.
Since we are talking about the sleek design of the Fluval Sea Evo Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit, we want to mention that it features a convenient LED light day/night illumination system that is going to make your fish look amazing. To make things even better, the honeycomb design manages to conceal the aquarium’s rear side to keep the filtration system hidden. Leaving the design aside, the 5-gallon aquarium impresses us with its powerful 3-stage filtration system that incorporates chemical, mechanical, and biological filter media patented by Fluval. The manufacturer has also equipped the fish tank with a multi-functional canopy that provides easy access for maintenance and feeding.
Pros:
Honeycomb design;
Easy to maintain;
LED lighting system (day/night functions);
A powerful 3-stage filtration system;
A multi-functional canopy that provides easy access.
Are you looking for the best 5-gallon aquarium for betta fish? If that is the case, then you are going to love the AquaTop Pisces Cube. The modern and stylish design is ideal for colored fish because it puts them in the spotlight. Everyone is going to notice the fish tank right from the very first moment that they step into your living room. While the modern cube design may look stylish, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. The manufacturer used high-grade unobtrusive silicone and an internal multi-stage filtration system that ensures the water stays clean and safe. Furthermore, the fish tank is bundled with a submersible pump, and a drop-in filter cartridge activated with premium carbon and ceramic ring to provide the best possible biological filtration.
The feature that makes the AquaTop Pisces Cube stand out from all the other products reviewed by us today is the super-bright 4.3W LED lighting system. The system features different settings that will make your betta look better than ever. We highly recommend the moonlight mode that recreates a natural environment for the fish. Another important benefit that the cube design brings is that it doesn’t take up too much space. Thanks to this, you can place the AquaTop Pisces Cube on any surface without having to worry about buying a dedicated stand or making room for it. In addition, the 5-gallon aquarium is designed for both freshwater and saltwater use.
Pros:
Small footprint;
Unique design;
It includes Bio-plates;
It includes Quick-Change Filter Cartridge;
Super-bright 4.3W lighting system.
Cons:
The cube design limits the type of fish that you can keep.
The DaToo 5 Gallon Aquarium Betta Fish Tank is made from low-iron glass that provides a clear view of your fish at all times. In fact, this material provides up to 91.5% more clarity than regular glass, and to top it off; the DaToo 5 Gallon Aquarium Betta Fish Tank features 2-3 more sharpness in the corners. Pair the ultra-clarity of the glass with the fish tank’s built-in lighting system, and your fish are going to look amazing at any hour of the day. It’s also worth noting that the lighting system features both white and blue lights. Finding the perfect setting is super easy.
The DaToo 5 Gallon Aquarium Betta Fish Tank is a starter kit, and this makes it ideal for new hobbyists who don’t want to spend too much on extra accessories. The 5-gallon fish tank kit comes with a powerful 3W water pump that supports adjustable flow settings. The filtration system runs quietly. It produces less than 20db. Therefore, you can set up the fish tank in your bedroom, and you will still be able to fall asleep as usual. The last thing that we want to note about the 5-gallon fish tank kit is that it includes a glass lid and bracket that make it easier to keep the water temperature at sable levels.
Pros:
It uses ultra-clear glass;
It features a built-in lighting system;
Powerful 3W water pump with adjustable flow settings;
The filtration system runs quietly;
It comes with a glass lid and bracket.
Cons:
Some users said that the mounting instructions are not clear.
Marina LED Aquarium Kit is available in the following size options: 5-gallon, 10-gallon, and 20-gallon. Therefore, you are guaranteed to find a size that is ideal for the setup that you desire. This is a started kit, and it comes with a bundle of accessories that you would otherwise have to purchase separately. Fortunately, this will not be the case if you get the Marina LED Aquarium Kit. You will get a clip-on aquarium filtration system and quick-change filter cartridges that will keep the water clear and safe to use. Another useful accessory that the Marina LED Aquarium Kit includes is the Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner. The conditioner can be used to make regular tap water safe for your fish.
The trick to making a 5-gallon aquarium look lively is to use a proper lighting system. Luckily, you are not required to purchase one separately for the Marina LED Aquarium Kit. The fish tank uses a special lighting system that simulates natural daylight effects through LEDs. The lighting system is incorporated into the fish tank’s canopy so that the light is always beaming down, and you have easy access to it. Other notable features are the aquarium fishnet, Fluval Cycle Biological Supplements, and Fluval Max Fish Food.
Pros:
The starter kit includes a bundle of accessories;
It ships with a LED lighting system that simulates the natural light cycle;
Available in multiple sizes;
It features aquarium design items (fishnet);
You will get a clip-on filter and quick-change filter cartridges.
Tetra is a leader in the industry, and there is a good reason for that. The company designs some of the best 5-gallon fish tanks on the market, and the Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit is the perfect example of that. The aquarium uses a crescent-shape design that gives it a curved front side so that you always have the best view. The aquarium features a subtle aluminum trim that makes it look that much more premium. The 5-gallon aquarium comes as a full kit that includes an energy-efficient LED lighting system and a Tetra Whisper internal filter paired with a bio-bag.
You usually don’t get many customizing options when it comes to aquariums, but this is not the case for the Aqueon Fish Aquarium Starter Kit. The manufacturer is offering the fish tank in the following size options: 5-gallon, 5.5-gallon, 7.5-gallon, and 10-gallon. That’s not all. You can also pick from a variety of unique shapes such a rectangular, cube, hexagon, and column! Since this is a starter kit, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find out that it includes a filtration system, small cartridge, and fish food to help you get started.
Pros:
The futuristic design looks amazing;
Available in multiple size and shapes;
It includes all the accessory that you need;
It comes with fish food and interior design items;
It features a black background that highlights your fish.
Cons:
You will need to add a heater if you want tropical fish.
Sporting a stylish design with rounded corners and ultra-clear glass, the Marineland Aquarium is one of the best 5-gallon fish tanks for beginners. The rounded corners are a great feature because it ensures that you get a clear view of your fish, no matter from what angle you may be looking. Nothing will obstruct your view, especially since the filtration system is hidden behind the black back panel. The filter uses a 3-stage system to provide fast performances and silent. Thanks to this, you can place the aquarium in your bedroom or the office space without worrying about the noise it makes.
The LED lighting system is hinged so that you have quick access. The LEDs feature two settings. You can either go for white light to create a shimmering sunlight effect or the blue effect to make it look like moonlight. Since we previously mentioned easy access, we want to highlight that the 5-gallon fish tank kit from Marineland is equipped with a clear glass canopy that can easily be removed to feed the fish or do maintenance work. In addition, the kit comes with Marineland’s custom Rite-Size Z Filter Cartridges.
Pros:
Sleek design;
Rounded corners that provide a clear view;
LED lighting system with daylight/moonlight settings;
Sliding glass canopy;
It uses a 3-stage filtration system.
Cons:
The panel that hides the rear compartment is made from plastic.
On the eight spot, we have the Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit that is a good choice for both beginners and experts. You can get the 5-gallon fish tank in black or white, and no matter what you choose, the modern design is going to look amazing either way. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit is equipped with an aluminum trim that gives it that premium feel and look, which can’t usually be found on regular 5-gallon aquariums. As a result, this is an Amazon bestselling product that is often recommended on aquarium-dedicated forums. The cool design is not the only thing that you will get by going for the Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit. Instead, you will also receive a 3-stage filtration system that provides superior water quality.
The highlight feature of the Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit is undoubtedly the lighting system. This is the first 5-gallon fish tank kit that is bundled with a high-output 7000K LED system. You can be sure that your fish will look extraordinary under the spotlight produced by the LEDs. Another important thing to note here is that the lighting system can be used to enhance plant growth. Moreover, the aluminum case is fully waterproof so that you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Size:Â 3-gallon, 5-gallon, 10-gallon, and 20-gallon
Weight:Â 11.02 pounds
The GloFish Aquarium Kit is crescent-shaped, and you can get it in the following size options: 3-gallon, 5-gallon, 10-gallon, and 20-gallon. All size options are sold as a kit, and therefore, they include a crescent-shaped tank, bio bag filter cartridge, LED lighting system, and a black canopy with an easily accessible feeding hole. The lighting system is well hidden, and it shines blue LEDs that will make your fish look fluorescent. The black hood is another great selling point of the GloFish Aquarium Kit because it helps reduce evaporation and keeps the fish from jumping. This is a “must-have” feature if you are planning on keeping beta fish.
Even though most aquarium kits do not ship with a free heater, this is not the case here. The GloFish Aquarium Kit is one of the best 5-gallon fish tanks that you can get because it gives you the freedom to keep any type of fish you want. Do you like exotic fish? Then, you should be pleased to know that the manufacturer included a heater and a stick-on thermometer. That’s not all. You are also getting two packs of Glofish plants and Glofish anemone.
On the last spot, we have another product from Aqueon. The company is a household brand in the aquarium industry, and the Aqueon Neoglow Aquarium Kit is one of its bestselling products. The 5-gallon fish tank kit uses a rectangle design that looks great. However, the best thing about the rectangle design is that it has a small footprint to set it up anywhere you want. Creating a thriving underwater habitat requires many accessories and the Aqueon Neoglow Aquarium Kit has everything that you need. Starting with the gravel and ending with the plants, the Aqueon Neoglow Aquarium Kit has you covered.
Aqueon Neoglow Aquarium Kit is equipped with a blue LED lighting system that will make your fish look livelier and showcase the pink paint touches in the silicone seams that keep the tank together. You should also be pleased to know that the 5-gallon aquarium comes equipped with a power filter and medium cartridge that guarantees the water stays clean and safe. Furthermore, the Aqueon Neoglow Aquarium Kit uses a black background panel that is the best choice if you plan on keeping colored fish, especially when you pair it with the blue LEDs.
The most popular pick for 5-gallon tanks is betta fish. Even though they are small, they are colorful and have lots of personality. That’s not all. Betta fish are also easy to keep.
How many Fish can go in a 5-Gallon Tank?
The answer depends on what kind of fish you intend to keep. The general rule of thumb that you should follow is to fit one inch of fish per gallon.
What is the lowest Maintenance Fish?
If you would love having a fish tank, but don’t feel like doing maintenance work that often, then you are in luck. There are many types of fish that require maintenance. Here the most popular ones: bettas, platies, black molly, swordtail, and goldfish.
What is the best Size Fish Tank for beginners?
What takes most beginners by surprise is that smaller fish tanks are more challenging to keep than others. It’s best to start with a minimum of 5-gallons because otherwise, you will have to deal with lots of maintenance work.
Do I need a Filter for a small Fish Tank?
Yes, the filter is one of the most important components of fish tanks. They keep the water clean and safe for the inhabitants. Fortunately, almost all 5-gallon fish tanks are sold as kits, and they include filtration systems.
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