Saltwater aquariums are very popular, and this is all thanks to the fact that saltwater fish are very colorful. Pair them with some beautiful décor elements such as an underwater castle, and you will build a fantastic aquarium that is going to blow you away every time that you look at it. However, many hobbyists make the mistake of thinking that a saltwater aquarium is easy to maintain. This is not always the case, and you need to make sure to search for the best marine aquarium to make your job easier. Here is where we come in.
Today we are going to share with you the top 10 best saltwater aquariums and list their most important features. While an aquarium that is filled with saltwater species is tricky to maintain, the effort is all worth it. You should make sure to stick around for the end because we are also going to explain what are the best features to look for in a reef tank and answer the internet’s most asked questions about saltwater fish and aquariums. Now that we got that out of the way let’s jump right into it.
Cheap & Good
Our Favorite
Customers Choice
Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED
MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
If you are new to aquariums, then finding the best one might sound like a daunting task. However, you don’t need to worry because we have your back. We are going to present the top three most important features that a saltwater aquarium needs to feature to be considered a premium product.
Glass vs. Acrylic
The first thing that you need to do before searching for the best marine aquarium is to ask yourself if you want glass or acrylic. Glass is the cheaper option, and it doesn’t get scratches quickly. However, there is a downside. Glass will shatter pretty easily. On the other hand, we have acrylic that is more expensive but also very durable. In addition, acrylic aquariums come in various shapes.
The Weight of the Aquarium
What you should never overlook when deciding what aquarium to buy is the weight. Even though a 10-gallon fish tank might weigh in at only 20 pounds when empty, it can quickly go over 150 pounds when filled with water. This is why you might want to consider going for one that is bundled with a dedicated stand. The Reefer Deluxe Concept 170 is an excellent choice here.
Filtration and Maintenance Tools
If there is one thing that you want to avoid when setting up a new saltwater aquarium, then this has to be finding a sound filtration system and getting all the extra maintenance tools that you need, such as a pump, for example. Therefore, we highly advise you to go for premium saltwater aquariums that ship with their own filtration system and maintenance tools.
We are going to kick things off with the budget-friendly MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit. Despite the affordable price tag, this is one of the best reef aquariums that you can get from Amazon. It ships with a beautiful design that features sleek looking rounded corners and a clear glass canopy that allows viewers to admire the beauty of your saltwater fish from multiple angles. If the outstanding design is not enough to convince you that this is a premium product, then you should know that the tank is bundled with bright white LEDs that create a remarkable sunlight effect. Considering that saltwater fish have vibrant colors, the sunlight effect will do a fantastic job of helping them stand out.
The MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit is an excellent choice for beginners because it doesn’t require any additional purchases in order to function. The manufacturer has included an advanced, 3-stage filtration system that is cleverly located out of sight. You don’t have to worry that the filtration system will ruin the view. Feeding the fishes and doing all the other required maintenance for a saltwater aquarium is going to be quite easy if you choose to go for the MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit. The reason why we are saying that is because this reef fish tank is equipped with a sliding glass canopy that gives you quick access.
Pros:
5-gallon;
Sleek design;
Rounded corners;
Clear glass canopy;
LEDs included;
Sliding glass for easy access;
3-stage filtration system;
Easy to assemble.
Cons:
It’s difficult to clean behind the filter due to the narrow area.
If you are just getting started with aquariums, then you can’t go wrong with the Marina LED Aquarium Kit that is available in the following models: 5 gallons, 10 gallons, and 20 gallons. The reason why we are saying this aquarium is one of the best reef fish tanks for newbies is that it ships in a package that contains everything that you need for a thriving ecosystem. Starting with clip-on filters and ending with a fishnet, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit has all the extra tools that a saltwater aquarium requires. The highlight feature of this tank is the long-lasting, natural daylight effect that is provided by the premium LED lighting module. Moreover, the LED module is incorporated into the canopy, and it will make the colors of your species stand out.
One of the biggest problems that people deal with when it comes to aquarium maintenance is finding water that is safe for the fishes. Fortunately, this is not going to be an issue if you choose to go for the Marina LED Aquarium Kit because it offers a Fluval Aqua Plus Water Condition that makes tap water safe for all fishes. Not just that, but you are also getting a Fluval Cycle Biological Supplement and Fluval Max Fish Food that guarantees your fish will be healthy. Learning the art of the craft will be super simple with this high-quality marine tank because the manufacturer is including an Aquarium Care Guide that offers essential advice on how to set up and maintain all types of aquariums, including saltwater ones.
Pros:
Ideal for beginners;
Available in the following size options: 5 gallons, 10 gallons, and 20 gallons;
On the third spot, we have the amazing looking Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED fish tank. As we can see in the image featured above, the manufacturer has equipped the reef aquarium with a sleek modern hood that is paired with colorful LED lighting that makes saltwater environments pop out! The outstanding design is not the only thing that you will be getting if you choose to go for this tank, and instead, you will also receive an integrated 24-hour timer. The timer features three independent channels that display a natural blue color. Another impressive feature that you are going to love is the automatic 30-minute sunrise/sunset. That’s not all. You can also set the function to display a 60-minute moonrise/moonset in order to replicate the natural day cycle.
No matter if you are planning to set up a medium or large saltwater aquarium, the Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED tank is always the best choice. The manufacturer is offering the aquarium in the following size options: 16 gallons and 32 gallons. Furthermore, the saltwater aquarium is bundled with a compact built-in filtration system that is easy to set up. To make things even better, the filtration system is customizable so that you can find the perfect set up. The last thing that we want to mention about the Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED tank is that it contains a free submersible pump with dual intakes and adjustable return nozzle to make the maintenance work more manageable.
Pros:
Available in the following size options: 16 gallons and 32 gallons;
Built-in filtration system (easy to set up and customizable);
Submersible pump with dual intakes and adjustable return nozzle;
Colorful LED lighting system;
Modern design;
24-hour timer;
The lighting system replicates the natural day cycle.
Fluval is a leader in the aquarium industry, and the Sea Evo Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit is one of its bestselling products. This is all thanks to the fact that this is not a simple saltwater aquarium, and instead, it is a full kit that contains all the tools that you usually need to purchase separately. You can get the marine aquarium in the 5 gallons or 13.5-gallon size options. The 5-gallon choice is perfect for saltwater fish, but we do need to mention that a smaller fish tank requires more maintenance work. Nonetheless, the Sea Evo Saltwater Fish Tank Aquarium Kit comes with a unique honeycomb design that conceals the filter in order to put your species in the spotlight and not take away their beauty with tubes that go in the filtration system.
Since we previously mentioned the built-in filtration system, we want to highlight that the fish tank is equipped with a 3-stage system that features oversized mechanical, chemical, and biological Fluval filter tools. You will never have to worry about purchasing a third-party filtration system. The case is built from lightweight and durable waterproof aluminum that is paired with a LED system with day and night illumination modes. The LED system features a high-output of 11,000K, and it is equipped with a touch-start system that makes it easier to enable the day and night modes. Additionally, you will be getting a circulation pump with an output nozzle.
Pros:
Available in the following size options: 5 gallons and 13.5 gallons;
11,000K LED system (day and night mode);
Circulation pump with an output nozzle;
Built from waterproof aluminum (durable and lightweight);
Are you searching for a budget-friendly saltwater aquarium that is great for beginners? If that is the case, then you might want to give the Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium a try. The fish tank is available in multiple size options, and it includes a back filter that is hidden behind a black panel. Therefore, your saltwater fish will always be in the center of attention. Even though the marine reef aquarium might look like it features a simple design at first glance, this is doesn’t do it justice. The manufacturer used an ultra-clear 45-degree precision cutting system to create the simple, yet sophisticated design of the Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium that is all tied together with invisible glue joints.
If the crystal-clear clarity of the saltwater aquarium is not enough to impress you, then you should know that the manufacturer included the following accessories in the bundle for free: a submersible pump, carbon media, top drain, bottom drain/plug, bio balls, bottom insulation pad, and sponge filters that transform maintenance work into a pleasant pastime activity. In fact, you can use the bottom drain or plug to adjust the directional flow to make it much easier to clean the water. The all-black design of the back panel is also worth a mention because dark colors do a fantastic job of helping colorful fish stand out even more.
Pros:
Available in the following size options: 4.1 gallons, 9.98 gallons, and 24 gallons;
Built-in filtration system;
Ultra-clear glass;
Stylish design;
All-black back panel;
Adjustable directional flow;
Easy to maintain;
It contains lots of useful accessories (sponge filters, bio balls).
Whether you are interested in setting up your first saltwater tank or want to upgrade, 10 gallons is always a good choice because it’s easy to manage. The Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium fits in the “nano tank” category, and it features a sleek rimless design that is paired with a built-in filtration system and all the technology that you need for a thriving ecosystem. Nano tanks are all under 10 gallons, and despite common opinion, the maintenance work that goes into a smaller marine reef takes longer. The reason behind this is that smaller saltwater tanks get dirty faster. On the bright side of things, the manufacturers in charge of the Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium have made sure that maintenance is never going to be a problem. They bundled the tank with their latest reef-keeping technology that includes filtration and circulation systems.
This beautiful marine tank ships with essential features such as a Prime HD LED lighting system that supports Wi-Fi control options. Therefore, you will be able to change the lighting modes of your saltwater aquarium without ever having to get out of the couch. You are in total control. Furthermore, the manufacturers are including an automatic top-off unit and an easy-access power center. Despite the small size, you still need to find a safe spot to place the Red Sea Max Nano Aquarium because it measures in at 21.4 x 21 x 22 inches, and it weighs in at 60.9 pounds without water.
If you are planning to build a reef inside your saltwater aquarium, then you need to get ready to be faced with lots of challenges. Reef fish tanks are tricky to maintain, but the payoff is all worth it. The JBJ Nano Cube LED Aquarium is designed to help you build a healthy and beautiful ecosystem, and it will make all the challenges much easier. For example, the JBJ Nano Cube LED Aquarium is equipped with a 3-stage filtration system. This means that you will never have to worry about setting up filtration to keep your saltwater fishes and reef healthy. That’s not all. The JBJ Nano Cube LED Aquarium also comes with a transparent filter basket.
You can get the JBJ Nano Cube LED Aquarium in 6 gallons or 12-gallon options, and this size is ideal for beginners. You don’t want to buy a 25-gallon marine tank and become overwhelmed with all the tasks that you need to do. Moreover, this is one of the best saltwater aquarium options on the market because it features a really cool looking design that provides a dynamic panoramic view of your species. No matter where you are sitting in the room, you will always have a good view. Also, JBJ Nano Cube LED Aquarium comes with a high-intensity LED illumination system.
Pros:
Available in the following size options: 6 gallon and 12 gallons;
Dynamic panoramic view;
3-stage filtration system;
Transparent filtration cube;
Unique design;
High-intensity LED illumination system;
It weighs in only 24.8 pounds (without water).
Cons:
There is only one plug for night or day lighting modes.
We are going to end our list with the best reef fish tank from Red Sea. This company established its name as a household brand by producing some of the best fish tanks available on the market, and the Red Sea MAX NANO Rimless Aquarium with ReefLED 50, which supports 20 gallons is the perfect example of that. The Red Sea MAX NANO Rimless Aquarium with ReefLED 50 uses 8mm ultra-clear glass on both panels that are paired with smart beveled edges top and bottom to provide the viewers with a jaw-dropping experience. The saltwater aquarium ships with a next-generation LED lighting system that supports Wi-Fi to give you access to multiple functions. You can change the appearance of the aquarium right from the comfort of your couch.
The highlight feature of the Red Sea MAX NANO Rimless Aquarium with ReefLED 50 is the high-performance filtration system. The European Eco Pump provides a power of 240 GPH, and it can circulate the entire water volume 12 times in a single hour. Now, this is impressive! Talking about water filtration, we want to note that the manufacturer has equipped the fish tank with an automatic top-off unit that is hidden behind the back panel. Maintenance is not going to be annoying anymore if you choose to go for this product. Another feature that stands out is the beautiful cabinet stand that sports weatherproof doors and multiple shelves where you can store the fish food and other tools.
How much does it cost to start a Saltwater Aquarium?
The cost of setting up a saltwater aquarium depends on your plans. Do you want a big aquarium that can hold up to 20 species? If that is the case, then you are probably going to spend somewhere between $600-$1000 for a high-quality fish tank. You can always go for something smaller and pay $200-$500.
Can Saltwater Tanks use Tap Water?
Even though tap water goes through a purification process so that we can drink it, it’s not safe for saltwater tanks. The reason behind this is that the purification process doesn’t get rid of all the chemicals that can harm fish. We want to mention that fish tanks such as Marina LED Aquarium Kit are equipped with special tools to make tap water safe.
How small can Saltwater Tank be?
Generally, the saltwater tank can be as small as you want it to be. However, it’s always better to go for a bigger tank. This is thanks to the fact that a large marine ecosystem will do a better job of handling the daily fluctuations in water quality. Not just that, but a larger saltwater tank doesn’t require too much maintenance work. You can do it only once per week.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The first thing that you need to do before searching for the best marine aquarium is to ask yourself if you want glass or acrylic. Glass is the cheaper option, and it doesn’t get scratches quickly. However, there is a downside. Glass will shatter pretty easily. On the other hand, we have acrylic that is more expensive but also very durable. In addition, acrylic aquariums come in various shapes.
What you should never overlook when deciding what aquarium to buy is the weight. Even though a 10-gallon fish tank might weigh in at only 20 pounds when empty, it can quickly go over 150 pounds when filled with water. This is why you might want to consider going for one that is bundled with a dedicated stand. The Reefer Deluxe Concept 170 is an excellent choice here.
If there is one thing that you want to avoid when setting up a new saltwater aquarium, then this has to be finding a sound filtration system and getting all the extra maintenance tools that you need, such as a pump, for example. Therefore, we highly advise you to go for premium saltwater aquariums that ship with their own filtration system and maintenance tools.
