5 Gallon Fish Tanks

Antonio Mata
12 min readSep 28, 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the best 5-gallon fish tanks available on the market! Whether you're a seasoned aquarist or a newcomer to the fascinating world of fishkeeping, we've got you covered. In this roundup, we'll be showcasing the most popular, durable, and visually appealing options for a 5-gallon tank that will make your aquatic friends feel right at home.

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Reviews

Aqueon LED MiniBow SmartClean 5-Gallon Fish Tank

Aqueon LED MiniBow SmartClean 5-Gallon Fish Tank | Image

Experience the convenience of fishkeeping with the Aqueon LED MiniBow SmartClean Fish Aquarium Kit. This compact, all-in-one solution is perfect for first-time or experienced fishkeepers, as it includes everything you need to set up a comfortable and healthy environment for your small fish. The SmartClean technology ensures easy and efficient water changes, while the included power filter maintains a pristine aquatic environment. Whether you're looking for a stylish addition to your home office or a lovely feature for your bedroom, the Aqueon LED MiniBow SmartClean Fish Aquarium Kit is a great choice for fish enthusiasts of all ages.

Tetra Glofish 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit

Tetra Glofish 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit | Image

The Tetra Glofish Aquarium Kit offers a charming and practical solution for avid fish enthusiasts. With a 5-gallon capacity, this aquarium is a perfect size for small living spaces, yet large enough to house a variety of fish species. The clear acrylic design offers a seamless view of your underwater friends, while the curved front adds a stylish touch to your home or office. The set comes with a convenient feeding hole, detachable LED light, and on-off switch for easy management. Additionally, the low voltage power cord and AC adapter ensure your LED light operates efficiently and safely. Overall, this 5-gallon fish tank is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced fish owners alike.

Tetra Open Glass 5.5 Gal Fish Tank

Tetra Open Glass 5.5 Gal Fish Tank | Image

The Tetra Open Glass Fish Tank is a stunning choice for housing your underwater friends. With its versatile 5.5-gallon capacity and rectangular design, this glass aquarium pairs seamlessly with Tetra's assortment of filtration, lighting, and water care products. Easily customize your tank to suit your preferences with a variety of decorative elements and accessories. Perfectly sized at 16 inches wide, 8 inches deep, and 10 inches high, this excellent addition to any home aquascape comes from a trustworthy Tetra brand dedicated to aquatic enthusiasts of all levels.

Betta Puzzle Kit: Colorful, Linkable Home for Your Betta Fish

Betta Puzzle Kit: Colorful, Linkable Home for Your Betta Fish | Image

The Aqueon Betta Puzzle Kit offers a unique and convenient home for your beloved Betta. With a puzzle-shaped design, this kit can be easily linked to others, creating a colorful and visually appealing display. Made of high-quality materials, it includes all the essentials needed for your Betta's well-being, such as a frosted wall to ensure privacy, a decorative gravel and small plant, as well as food and water conditioner samples. Its compact size makes it suitable for any living space, making it a top choice for Betta enthusiasts.

5 Gallon Fish Tank Aquarium Starter Kit in White by Top Fin Essentials

5 Gallon Fish Tank Aquarium Starter Kit in White by Top Fin Essentials | Image

Bring the magic of an underwater world into your home with the Top Fin Essentials 5-gallon Desk Aquarium. This versatile tank comes complete with all the essentials, including a glass tank, LED lighting, a power filter, and more. Choose from a variety of colors and designs to suit your style, and start creating your own vibrant ecosystem at PetSmart. Remember, always have an adult present for setup, maintenance, and fish care.

Marina LED 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with Stylish Canopy

Marina LED 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with Stylish Canopy | Image

Meet the Marina iGlo 5G Aquarium Kit, a perfect little home for your fishy friends! This top-rated kit comes complete with a five-gallon tank, a beautiful LED light, biological water supplement, water conditioner, and a powerful filter with three types of filtration media. The filter can be easily clipped to the back of the tank and holds replaceable filter cartridges, ensuring clean water for your aquatic companions. With easy setup and a quiet filter, this kit is ideal for beginner aquarists looking to provide a cozy abode for their fish. And with a natural-looking LED light, your fish will enjoy a daylight effect that adds a touch of realism to their underwater world.

Aqueon LED MiniBow 5 SmartClean Aquarium Kit - 5 Gallon Fish Tank with SmartClean Technology

Aqueon LED MiniBow 5 SmartClean Aquarium Kit — 5 Gallon Fish Tank with SmartClean Technology | Image

Experience effortless water changes with the Aqueon LED MiniBow 5 SmartClean Aquarium Kit. Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike, this sleek 5-gallon aquarium comes with everything you need to easily set up and maintain a thriving fish habitat. Equipped with SmartClean Technology, water changes become a breeze in just a few minutes, ensuring a clean and healthy environment for your small fish like Betta. The low-profile LED hood adds an attractive touch, while the filter cartridge and included setup guide make it easy for anyone to get started. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or home offices, this innovative aquarium will surely enhance your home's ambiance.

Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set: 5-Gallon Fish Tank

Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set: 5-Gallon Fish Tank | Image

Savor the essence of tranquility with the Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set, a stunning 5-gallon wonder that seamlessly blends enchanting aesthetics with unparalleled functionality. Created with your well-being in mind, this elegantly designed water feature promotes serenity as well as a positive flow of energy in any living space. The captivating combination of calming sounds and gentle motion is the perfect addition to infuse life into any area. This charming aquarium comes equipped with powerful filtration ensuring your water remains crystal clear and your fish thrive in optimal health. With the ease of setup and the inclusion of bright LED lighting, the Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set serves as the perfect foundation for your water world. Simply add water, fish, and your preferred tank decor to elevate your surroundings to a truly mesmerizing spectacle of style and relaxation.

5 Gallon Desktop Aquarium Kit - Shrimp and Small Fish Perfect

5 Gallon Desktop Aquarium Kit — Shrimp and Small Fish Perfect | Image

Introducing the Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit by Penn-Plax, a versatile and captivating option for both novice and dedicated aquatic enthusiasts. Boasting a sleek frameless tank and crystal clear glass lid, this 5-gallon wonder offers a panoramic view with minimal obstruction. The Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit is an excellent addition to any room, whether it's a cozy bedroom, professional office, or vibrant classroom setting.

Designed as an all-inclusive kit, it ensures convenience with its easily accessible features. The Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit includes a hang-on filter, thermometer, and fish net, all perfectly tucked away for effortless storage. With its spacious capacity, this kit is ideal for housing small fish, shrimp, and snails, making it a fantastic home for your underwater friends.

5 Gallon Fish Tank Starter Kit for Decor and Aquatic Life

5 Gallon Fish Tank Starter Kit for Decor and Aquatic Life | Image

Experience the delightful underwater world with a 5-gallon fish tank that boasts a self-cleaning system and vibrant LED lighting. Perfect for bettas, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures, this stylish, modern aquarium is sure to become the centerpiece of your home or office. Made entirely of glass, it's both durable and an exceptional choice for room decoration, adding a touch of tranquility to your surroundings.

Aqua Culture 5-Gallon Glass Aquarium Starter Kit

Aqua Culture 5-Gallon Glass Aquarium Starter Kit | Image

Elevate your aquarium game with Aqua Culture's 5-gallon glass aquarium starter kit. This stylish and practical setup includes a filter, pump, and LED-lit slim hood, providing the perfect living space for your fish. With a simple setup process and an affordable price, it's an excellent choice for first-time aquarium enthusiasts.

Top Fin Split Bowfront 5-Gallon Aquarium Tank in White

Top Fin Split Bowfront 5-Gallon Aquarium Tank in White | Image

Experience the splendor of a split world with the Top Fin Split Bowfront Aquarium. This unique 5-gallon tank features a removable divider for separate housing if desired, as well as a convenient feeding door and mesmerizing LED lights. Perfectly suited for PetSmart and effortless to set up, immerse your pet fish in a stylish underwater haven.

Fluval 5-Gallon Evo V Saltwater Aquarium Kit: Stylish and High-Performing Mini Reef Tank

Fluval 5-Gallon Evo V Saltwater Aquarium Kit: Stylish and High-Performing Mini Reef Tank | Image

Experience the beauty of a mini reef with the Fluval 5-Gallon Evo V Saltwater Aquarium Kit. This sleek, honeycomb-designed tank boasts powerful filtration and a high-output LED, ensuring optimal conditions for your coral growth. Perfectly sized for any countertop, it's the ideal choice for those seeking endless possibilities in a convenient package.

Buyer's Guide

When it comes to choosing the right 5-gallon fish tank, there are several factors to consider. From compatibility with accessories to the material used in the construction, you'll want to make sure you're making an informed decision to best suit your needs and the health of your aquatic pets. In this buyer's guide, we'll cover the most important features, considerations, and general advice to help you select the perfect 5-gallon fish tank for your home.

Material

Aquarium tanks are typically made of plastic, glass, or acrylic. While all are suitable materials for a 5-gallon fish tank, there are differences in durability, weight, and ease of cleaning. For a basic 5-gallon tank, plastic is a budget-friendly and lightweight option. Acrylic or glass tanks offer higher durability and resistance to scratches, but they tend to be heavier and more expensive.

Shape

When selecting a 5-gallon fish tank, you'll need to consider the shape of the tank. The most common shapes are rectangular and square. Rectangular tanks provide a larger surface area for the fish to swim, while square tanks offer more swimming space vertically. Depending on the size of the fish and the amount of decoration in the tank, one shape may be more suitable than the other.

Accessories

A 5-gallon fish tank may or may not come with accessories. While most tanks will come with a filter and heater, you may also want to consider a hood or lid to prevent evaporation and maintain consistent water temperature. Additionally, a water conditioner and decorative elements can enhance the tank's appearance and promote a healthy environment for your fish.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for the health of your aquatic pets. Make sure to clean the tank regularly, test the water for pH and ammonia levels, and feed your fish a balanced diet. It's also essential to replace the water periodically to maintain a clean and safe environment. By investing in a high-quality 5-gallon fish tank and committing to proper maintenance, you'll enjoy a thriving aquatic ecosystem in your home.

FAQ

What is the ideal size of a 5 gallon fish tank for a beginner?

A 5-gallon fish tank is an excellent choice for beginners as it's small enough to accommodate a limited number of fish and provide proper care, yet still big enough to give your fish a comfortable environment. It's also an affordable and convenient option for those with limited space or time to maintain a larger tank.

If you're planning to keep guppies or other small fish species, a 5-gallon tank would be a suitable choice. It's also an ideal size for experimenting with different types of aquatic plants and decorations before moving up to a larger tank. However, be prepared to monitor your tank more frequently, as it requires more frequent water changes to maintain the proper water chemistry for your fish.

What types of fish can I keep in a 5-gallon fish tank?

The type of fish you can keep in a 5-gallon fish tank depends on several factors, including the temperature of your home, the amount of light the tank receives, and the species-specific requirements for water chemistry. Many small tropical fish species, such as Guppies, Neon Tetras, and Dwarf Gouramis, would thrive in a tank of this size. Some smaller, hardier freshwater species may also be suitable.

It's essential to research the specific requirements and compatibility of each fish species you're considering before purchasing them, as well as the tank's capacity to accommodate the fish's size and activity level. Also, consider that mixing different species of fish can increase the risk of disease and aggression, so it's often best to stick to a single species in a small tank like this.

What are the benefits of using a filter in a 5-gallon fish tank?

Using a filter in a 5-gallon fish tank is highly recommended, as it helps maintain water quality, keep the tank clean, and reduce the workload for the fish in terms of maintaining water chemistry. A filter works by circulating water through mechanical, chemical, and biological processes to remove waste, uneaten food, and excess nutrients, ultimately creating a healthier and more comfortable environment for your fish.

Moreover, using a filter in your 5-gallon fish tank can help combat the buildup of ammonia and nitrite, which can be toxic to your fish. By providing consistent water circulation and filtration, you can promote a healthier, more stable environment for your aquatic pets, leading to a more enjoyable and worry-free aquarium experience.

What are the best types of heaters for a 5-gallon fish tank?

There are various types of heaters available, but the best option for a 5-gallon fish tank is typically a submersible heater with a wattage rating between 25 watts and 50 watts. This will provide the appropriate heating for your tank while being energy-efficient and minimizing the risk of overheating or causing damage to the tank material.

When choosing a heater, look for models with adjustable temperature settings, as this will allow you to maintain an optimal water temperature for your fish species. Also, make sure to select a heater with a thermal safety switch or a thermostat, as these features will help prevent overheating and protect your fish from potential harm.

Can I add aquatic plants to a 5-gallon fish tank?

Yes, you can add aquatic plants to a 5-gallon fish tank, as long as you choose low-maintenance plants that don't require a lot of space or resources. Some suitable options include Java Moss, Anacharis, and Dwarf Hairgrass. These plants can help create a natural environment for your fish, promote healthy water conditions, and provide a visual interest to your tank.

When adding plants to your 5-gallon fish tank, consider the lighting conditions and the plants' specific requirements to ensure they thrive. Additionally, be mindful of the tank's overall balance and the potential for overcrowding, as adding too many plants could negatively impact water quality and the well-being of your fish.

What are some tips for maintaining a healthy 5-gallon fish tank?

Maintaining a healthy 5-gallon fish tank requires regular attention to water quality, proper filtration, and the appropriate environment for your fish species. Some tips for ensuring a healthy and thriving tank include performing regular water changes (e. g. , every 1-2 weeks), monitoring water chemistry and pH levels, keeping the tank clean, and properly feeding your fish.

Additionally, be sure to consult with a local fish or pet store or do online research to learn about the specific needs of your chosen fish species and adhere to a proper maintenance routine. This will help prevent common issues like algae growth, disease, and poor water quality, ensuring your fish remain healthy and happy in their small but meaningful aquatic home.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualified purchases!

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