Hey fish enthusiasts, are you looking to start a new aquarium but not sure where to begin? Look no further, because we’ve compiled a list of the top seven 10 gallon fish tanks you’ll find anywhere.
A 10 gallon aquarium is the perfect size for beginners or for those who have limited space but still want to enjoy the beauty of a home aquarium. These tanks are small enough to fit on a desk or a small table, but still provide plenty of room for a variety of fish and aquatic plants. They are less than 100 lbs when filled so you don’t need an overwhelmingly reinforced piece of furniture to support them either, which gives you some flexibility in placement.
The 7 Best 10 Gallon Aquariums
Now, let’s dive into the best-of-the-best 10 gallon tanks to help you get started on your fishkeeping journey.
1. Aqueon LED 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit
This tank comes with everything you need to get started, including a built-in LED light, a power filter, and a heater. The tank itself is made of strong glass and has a black plastic hood to keep your fish in and debris out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with everything you need to get started | Not as customizable as other tanks |
| Built-in LED light and power filter | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| All the equipment needed to get started in one box | |
| Five stage advanced filtration |
2. Tetra 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit
See this tank on Amazon
This tank comes with everything you need to get started, including a filter, heater, and LED light. It also features a panel to give you a better view of your fish.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with everything you need to get started | Not as customizable as other tanks |
| Easy Setup | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Comes with a fish net and other tools | |
| Energy efficient hood |
3. Aqua Culture 10-Gallon Glass Aquarium
See this tank on Amazon
This affordable tank comes with a hood and light, making it easy to set up and maintain.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Silent filtration | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Comes with a hood and light | Limited options for customization |
| Energy-efficient LED lighting |
4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
See this tank on Amazon
This tank features a sleek, modern design and includes a powerful LED light to show off your fish in style. It also comes with a filter and heater.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, modern design | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Powerful LED light | Not as customizable as other tanks |
| Includes a filter and heater | Can be expensive |
5. PENN-PLAX Water-World Radius Desktop Nano Aquarium Kit
See this tank on Amazon
This tank is a perfect fit for small spaces such as a desk and features a curved front design. It includes a powerful LED light and a filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. The kit also includes a heater to keep your fish comfortable in any temperature.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and easy | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Powerful LED light | Can be expensive |
| Cycles water at 70 Gallons per Hour | |
| Includes a heater |
6. Glofish 10 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank Kit
This tank is perfect for those who want to keep small fish. It features a powerful LED light and a filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. The kit also includes a heater to keep your fish comfortable in any temperature.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for GloFish and other small fish | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Powerful LED light | Can be expensive |
| White and Blue LED lights | |
| Includes a 50-watt aquarium heater |
7. Aqueon Standard 10 Gallon Glass Rectangle Aquarium
This tank is a great budget-friendly option and features a simple, classic design. It’s a barebones tank which gives you your own options to purchase lights, heaters, or filters that might be better than the equipment that comes in an all-in-one kit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple, classic design | May not be suitable for large or messy fish |
| Impact-resistant glass tank | Need to purchase heaters, filters, lights separately |
| Budget friendly |
One of the biggest benefits to owning one of these smaller aquariums is that it’s a great way to learn about fishkeeping without making a huge commitment financially or time wise. These tanks are relatively easy to set up and maintain, and they’re a great way to get your feet wet (no pun intended!) in the hobby.
Another benefit is that it’s a great way to add some color and life to a small space. Whether you’re living in a dorm room or a small apartment, a fish tank can add a touch of beauty and tranquility to your space.
As always, do your research before buying any fish, learn how to cycle the tank before adding any livestock and make sure the animals you choose are compatible not only with each other but with the environment you are providing. Keep in mind that a 10-gallon tank is not suitable for all types of fish, and some species may outgrow or become uncomfortable in such a small space. So, it’s always best to stick with small and peaceful community fish for a tank this size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I buy a 10 gallon aquarium?
A: There are several places where you can buy one of these tanks. Some options include:
- Pet Stores: Pet stores such as Petco, PetSmart, and Petland carry a wide variety of fish tanks, including 10 gallon tanks. They also have a variety of other equipment and supplies for fish keeping. You can visit the store in person or shop online.
- Online Retailers: There are many online retailers that specialize in aquarium and fish keeping equipment. Websites such as Amazon, Chewy, and Drs. Foster & Smith carry a wide selection of fish tanks, including 10 gallon tanks.
- Aquarium Specialty Stores: There are also aquarium specialty stores that carry a wide variety of fish tanks and equipment. These stores often have a larger selection of tanks and equipment, and the staff may have more knowledge about fish keeping. They may also have used tanks available.
- Local Fish Stores: Local fish stores may carry a limited selection of tanks, but they may have a better selection of equipment and supplies. They may also be able to order specific tanks or equipment for you.
- Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces such as Ebay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace can be a good source for used tanks. Be sure to check the condition of the tank and all its components before making a purchase.
Q: What type of fish can I keep in a 10 gallon tank?
A: Some suitable fish for a 10 gallon tank include Betta fish, Guppies, Neon Tetras, and small species of shrimp. However, it’s important to research the specific needs of the fish you’re interested in keeping to ensure that a 10 gallon tank is suitable for them.
Q: What type of heater do I need for a 10 gallon tank?
A: A submersible aquarium heater with a wattage of between 25 and 50 watts is suitable for a 10 gallon tank.
Q: Can I keep a betta fish in a 10 gallon tank?
A: Yes, you can keep a betta fish in a 10 gallon tank, as long as you provide them with a suitable environment. Bettas require warm water, around 78-82°F, and a heater is needed to maintain this temperature.
Q: Can I keep a shrimp in a 10 gallon tank?
A: Yes, you can keep shrimp in a 10 gallon tank, as long as the tank is set up correctly and the shrimp have enough room to move around.
Q: How do I cycle a 10 gallon tank?
A: Cycling a tank is the process of establishing beneficial bacteria in your tank. To cycle a 10 gallon tank, you can do fishless cycling, which involves adding pure ammonia to the tank and monitoring the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate until they reach a balance.
Q: How do I decorate a 10 gallon tank?
A: You can decorate a 10 gallon tank with a variety of items such as plants, rocks, and ornaments. It is important to choose decorations that are safe for your fish and do not take up too much space in the tank. Also, make sure your decorations do not impede the flow of water in the tank and do not affect the water chemistry.
Tips and Tricks
- Regular water changes: It’s important to change at least 25-30% of the water in your tank every week to keep the water clean and clear.
- Clean your tank: Keep the inside of your tank clean by regularly vacuuming the substrate and removing any debris or uneaten food.
- Test the water: Test the water parameters regularly to ensure that the pH, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are within safe ranges for your fish.
- Proper Lighting: The lighting should be appropriate for the fish or plants you’re keeping, as some require more light than others.
- Feeding: Feed your fish the appropriate amount and type of food for their species. Overfeeding can lead to dirty water and a buildup of harmful chemicals.
- Quarantine new fish: When introducing new fish to your tank, be sure to quarantine them for at least two weeks before adding them to your tank to ensure they are healthy and not carrying any diseases.
- Research the fish species you want to keep: Before you decide on the fish you want to keep, research their natural habitat, temperature range, water pH range, and other important information.
Tim Priest, a renowned aquarium expert with over 15 years of experience in aquatic gardening and fish education, is dedicated to helping enthusiasts create stunning and thriving aquatic environments. As the founder of LearnTheAquarium.com, Tim shares his wealth of knowledge, passion, and expertise through engaging articles, educational resources, and personalized advice.
Discover the secrets to creating captivating underwater landscapes and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. Join Tim on an exciting journey and let your aquarium adventure begin!
