Setting up a big 90-gallon fish tank in your home can seem like a daunting experience for new hobbyists. However, this is not always the case. Finding the right aquarium and deciding what species you are going to pick is half the fun. There are many options for big aquariums that you can choose from, and they all come with their fair share of pros and cons.
Now that you are decided to go for a 90-gallon aquarium, the next step is to decide what model you want to purchase. If you don’t too much about aquariums and picking a good one seems hard, then you are in luck. Today we are going to help you make a final decision by presenting you with the top five 90-gallon aquarium options that you should pick from.
Cheap & Good | Our Favorite | Customers Choice | |
 |  |  | |
Clear-For-Life 90R | Seapora 59216 Standard Aquarium | Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow | |
Size | 48 x 18 x 24 inches | 30 x 30 x 34 inches | 32 x 24 x 24 inches |
Capacity | 90 gallons | 90 gallons | 80 gallons |
Weight | 109 lbs | 30 lbs | N/A |
Color | Blue | Clear | Black |
Our Rating | |||
Aquarium Buying Guide
More than often, new aquarium owners have bad experiences with their first tanks. There are many things to take into consideration when buying a big 90-gallon aquarium, but you don’t need to worry about it because we have your back. Check out our buying guide below.
Cost
We are going to start with the most obvious, but also the most important factor. One big mistake that new hobbyists make is that they decide to go with cheaper aquariums in order to save a couple of bucks. This is not a good idea because you will end up spending more money on repairs and additional tools that cheaper aquariums don’t offer, such as a water filtration system. Your best bet is to wait until you have a bigger budget rather than to go for something cheaper, but not of good quality.
Filtration Equipment
As previously noted, there are many additional tools that are considered essential items for a thriving aquarium. This is why it’s best to check and see if the tank that you are interested in purchasing is bundled with filtration equipment. Buying an aquarium that ships with a pre-installed filtration system is cheaper than having to modify a fish tank that doesn’t have one.
Freshwater vs. saltwater
One of the most important decisions that you need to make as a hobbyist is between freshwater or saltwater. The reason behind this is that the equipment needed for saltwater aquariums is often more expensive than freshwater. However, saltwater fish make up for the cost with their beautiful colors.
The Size
The size of the tank that you want to purchase matters more than you think! Right from the start, we want to advise you to stay away from tanks under ten gallons if this is the first time that you are setting up an aquarium. Even though it might seem that the maintenance work for smaller tanks is more manageable and that you will get off cheaper, this is not the case. You will need to pay more attention to a smaller 10-gallon tank than you would to a 90-gallon aquarium. The reason behind this is that toxins and water chemistry changes occur quicker in a few gallons of water.
The Weight
Another essential factor that can lead to a bad experience if you don’t pay attention to it is the weight of the aquarium. Some 90-gallon aquariums weigh as less as 30 pounds when not filled, but the water makes them pretty heavy. Just take, for example, 15-gallon aquariums that weigh more than 200 pounds when they are filled. This means that you need first to determine if your furniture can sustain the weight of your new aquarium or if you need to purchase a special stand, such as a cabinet.
Fish Tank Construction and Glass Thickness
The final factor that you should take into consideration is the fish tank construction and glass thickness. If you go for a premium fish tank that is equipped with a durable construction, then you will be able to use it for the years to come. You will pay a bit more, but it’s definitely worth it. Additionally, you should try and pick fish tanks that use thick glass. Therefore, you will never have to worry about leakage.
The Best 90-Gallon Aquarium
1st Seapora 59216 Standard Aquarium
Specifications
- Dimensions: 30 x 30 x 34 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Capacity: 90 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Color: Clear
- Shape: Rectangular
The Seapora 59216 Standard Aquarium is first on our list, and there is a good reason for that. We have chosen to kick things off with this beautiful tank because it’s perfect for new hobbyists. The tank is easy to use, and you don’t need to do anything else other than to fill it up with water and hook up the essential hardware such as the water filtration system, for example. The style used in the design is simple, yet sleek, and it will do a fantastic job of highlighting the beauty of your fish.
One of the biggest problems that people deal with when buying new tanks is finding the right spot to place them. Luckily, this is not the case for the Seapora 59126 Standard Aquarium. This 90-gallon fish tank weighs in at only 30 pounds when empty, and it measures in at 30 inches x 30 inches x 3.4 inches. You are going to have an easy time finding an excellent spot for it in the living room. Additionally, the fish tank ships with a low voltage adaptor for LED lighting systems.
Pros:
- Beautiful design;
- Easy to use;
- It weighs in at only 30 pounds;
- The feeding hole with lid is located conveniently;
- Low voltage adaptor.
Cons:
- It doesn’t ship with a top.
2nd Reefer XL 425 Rimless Aquarium
Specifications
- Dimensions: 47 x 22 x 22.6 inches
- Weight: N/A
- Capacity: 88 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Color: Blue
- Shape: Rectangular
If you are looking for a premium tank that will not only proudly display your fish but also act as an essential interior decoration item, then you can’t go wrong with the Reefer XL 425 Rimless Aquarium. What makes this aquarium special is the rimless design. Thanks to the rimless design, your fish will become the focal point of attention. Furthermore, the fish tank is ready to use, and it ships with an integrated automatic top-up system that is paired with a reservoir. You also don’t need to use any gluing since the pipes are assembly-ready.
One of the reasons why this 90-gallon aquarium is considered a premium product by experts is because it offers a stylish cabinet that acts as a stand. The cabinet is made especially for aquariums, and it features laminated and water-resistant plywood. Since the cabinet acts as a stand, then it should come as no surprise that it also features adjustable feet that will help you find the perfect angle.
Pros:
- It offers an integrated automatic top-up system with a reservoir;
- Rimless design;
- Stylish cabinet;
- Adjustable feet;
- The pipes are assembly-ready.
Cons:
- The price is high.
3rd Clear-For-Life 90R
Specifications
- Dimensions: 48 x 18 x 24 inches
- Weight: 109 pounds
- Capacity: 90 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Color: Blue
- Shape: Rectangular
On the third spot, we have the Clear-For-Life 90R aquarium. Right off the bat, what makes this fish tank unique when compared to the other ones featured on our list is the mesmerizing Sapphire Blue back panel that it ships with. One of the oldest tricks in the book when it comes to aquariums is to use a solid color back panel, such as the one that is included in the price of Clear-For-Life 90R aquarium. The colors of your fish will come alive!
This amazing 90-gallon fish tank is equipped with a light, safe and strong glass that is guaranteed to last for years. In fact, the manufacturer of this aquarium is so confident in the glass that it is offering a full-time warranty against leakage. We also want to highlight that the Clear-For-Life 90R aquarium weighs in at 109 pounds, which is quite heavy. Moreover, the aquarium features the following dimensions: 48″ (L)x18″ (W)x24″ (H).
Pros:
- The glass is strong and very durable;
- Lifetime warranty against leakage;
- Sapphire Blue back panel;
- The ultra-clear glass makes it perfect for freshwater, saltwater, reef, and planted aquariums.
Cons:
- It weighs in at 109 pounds.
4th Elos Diamond Series 120
Specifications
- Dimensions: 47.24 x 22.44 x 34.25 inches
- Weight: N/A
- Capacity: 90 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Color: Black
- Shape: Rectangular
Aquarium Elos Diamond Series 200 offers a very good option for people who want to build their own underwater landscaping. There is a possibility to purchase a cabinet, a pump, and an overflow directly with it. This offers the advantage that all equipment is perfectly coordinated. Who needs only one part, however, can also purchase only this.
Pros
- Diamond Glass with 60cm tall with polished edges
- ELOS QuietDrain overflow and protection against snails
- Metal Frame and Magnetic PVC panel
- Provides an unusual vision because of the hight
- After gluing the aquarium is “seasoned” for at least 25 days before being moved to ensure quality of incomparable bonding.
Cons
- Supplies must be purchased separately.
5th Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow
Specifications
- Dimensions: 32 x 24 x 24 inches
- Weight: N/A
- Capacity: 80 gallons
- Material: Glass
- Color: Black
- Shape: Rectangular
Last but not least, we have the Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow. This is an 80-gallon fish tank that is classified as a bestselling product on Amazon. The “secret” behind this tank’s popularity is that it uses a rimless design, which is excellent for showing off the beautiful colors of your fish. However, the best feature that this tank offers is the fact that it uses Starfire glass. This is a high-quality material that is found only on premium products, and the Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow is not an exception to that rule.
Another fantastic feature that the Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow offers is pre-drilled drain and return. Therefore, you will not be required to visit a specialist and spend extra money to drill the channel. If you are looking to make things even simpler, then you should be pleased to know that the seller is also offering a sump and cabinet as a package deal. The measurements are 32x24x24″. Additionally, the return T Pipe (dual return), Loc Lines, and Durso Stand are included in the bundle.
Pros:
- Starfire glass (premium quality);
- Rimless design;
- Pre-drilled drain and return;
- It includes a return T Pipe (dual return), Loc Lines and Durso Stand;
- Black back panel.
Cons:
- There aren’t any.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have any questions left unanswered about 90-gallon fish tanks, then you should check out the FAQ below.
How much does a 90-Gallon Tank cost?
Obviously, the answer to this question depends on what kind of tank you are interested in purchasing. Generally, most 90-gallon tanks are priced around $100, but they can also go up to $1600 if they ship with a stand and useful gadgets. You can also purchase a second-hand model that costs $100-$200. However, the risks for purchasing second-hand aquariums are high. You will never the actual history of the fish tank, and it’s not guaranteed to last. Buying from a reliable seller is always a good choice.
Why is my Aquarium Water cloudy?
There are multiple factors that can cause an aquarium’s water to get cloudy. The problem can usually be determined by taking a closer look at the color of the water. Is it green? If that is the case, then you probably have an algae issue. This problem can be solved by keeping the aquarium out of direct sunlight or by installing a UV filter. Is the water white or grayish? The gravel residue is the culprit in this case. You will need to drain the tank and rinse the grave until the water runs clear.
Should I use Live Plants in my Tank?
The most fun part about owning an aquarium is getting to decorate it. Adding live plants to a freshwater tank is the fastest way to decorate it. Not just that, but adding plants will also bring many benefits to your fish. For example, plants will help increase the oxygen level in the aquarium and fight against excess growth that can make the water go green. Another important benefit that we want to mention is that they will provide shelter for the fish. Fish like to have secluded spots to hide and get away from light. This helps reduce their stress level.
Can you over filter a Fish Tank?
One of the most frequent questions that we get from new aquarium owners is if it is possible to over filter a fish tank. Proper water filtration is essential for the aquarium’s ecosystem to thrive, and the answer is no. You can filter the water for as long as you want. The only bad thing that can happen is that the fish might be annoyed by the movement caused by the water.
How long do I have to wait for my Tank to cycle?
Since we previously talked about water filtration, we are going to answer another popular question that is related to upkeep. When it comes to cycles, you need to wait until the nitrite spike is gone, and the nitrates begin to rise. This takes between two to eight weeks, so you need to be patient. Experts are saying that you should always wait until the end of the cycle because otherwise, the pressure will cause harm to your plants and fish.
