Five Gallon Fish Tanks

Richard Torres
11 min readSep 25, 2024

Welcome to our roundup of the best five-gallon fish tanks on the market! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned aquarist, we've got you covered with our selection of top-quality tanks that can accommodate a variety of fish species. Get ready to dive into the world of aquatic pets and create a stunning underwater habitat in your home.

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Reviews

Tetra 5.5-Gallon Glass Aquarium for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish

Tetra 5.5-Gallon Glass Aquarium for Freshwater and Saltwater Fish | Image

Introducing the Tetra Aquarium - an exquisite home for your finned friends! Available in different sizes, this freshwater and saltwater aquarium comes with a sleek design and is perfect for enhancing your water world. The Shippable Clear Aquarium seamlessly pairs with Tetra's extensive range of filtration, lighting, water care products, décor, and accessories, making it incredibly versatile. Don't forget to consult with your fish retailer to select the ideal size for your underwater companions, and get ready to create a vibrant and lively ecosystem.

Ultum Nature Systems 45 Mitered Rimless Aquarium - Ultra Clear, Low Iron 91% Clarity Glass for Fish Keeping

Ultum Nature Systems 45° Mitered Rimless Aquarium — Ultra Clear, Low Iron 91% Clarity Glass for Fish Keeping | Image

Experience the ultimate in clarity and quality with the UNS 5-gallon Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium. This elegant, minimalist design features a stunning 91% clarity glass and 45-degree mitered edges, providing a seamless, uninterrupted view of your underwater world. The German silicone construction ensures a sturdy, dependable tank that aquarium enthusiasts can trust. Included in the package, a black leveling mat ensures hassle-free tank delivery. Perfect for indoor use and suitable for a range of aquatic creatures, this rimless tank elevates the art of aquascaping and showcases your underwater environment to its fullest extent. Say goodbye to the noise and mess of traditional tanks and embrace the serenity and style of the UNS Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium.

Full View Aquarium with Built-In Filter - 5 Gallon

Full View Aquarium with Built-In Filter — 5 Gallon | Image

Experience a new perspective of fish viewing with the Lifegard Full View 5 Gallon Aquarium. Standing at 14 inches tall, it's the perfect compact addition to any room, featuring a unique angled front that maximizes your viewing area, eliminating the need to bend or strain your neck. Say goodbye to conventional flat tanks and welcome a full view, immersive experience.

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.

Marineland 5-Gallon LED Aquarium Kit with Portrait Glass Design

Marineland 5-Gallon LED Aquarium Kit with Portrait Glass Design | Image

Introducing the Marineland Portrait Glass 5 Gallon LED Aquarium Kit, a stylish and easy-to-maintain fish tank that will bring a touch of underwater magic to any room. Featuring a 3-stage hidden filtration system, adjustable flow filter pump, and Marineland Bio-Foam, this kit ensures optimal water quality for your aquatic friends. The LED lights create a mesmerizing display, mimicking the shimmering underwater effect of sunlight and providing a relaxing moonlight glow. With a unique glass canopy that slides to the back for easy feeding and care, this beautifully designed aquarium is sure to delight any fish enthusiast.

Stylish 5-Gallon Fluval Spec V Fishtank with Advanced Filtration System

Stylish 5-Gallon Fluval Spec V Fishtank with Advanced Filtration System | Image

The Fluval Spec V is a sleek 5-gallon Nano aquarium, ideal for desktop and countertop use. Its innovative design features a hidden filtration area, providing both style and functionality. This kit also boasts an advanced filtration system and powerful LED lighting for optimal plant growth. Despite minor drawbacks, user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the tank's convenience and aesthetics.

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.

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.

Buyer's Guide

Five-gallon fish tanks, also known as betta fish tanks, are designed to accommodate a single fish. These small tanks require less maintenance and are suitable for those who live in apartments or have limited space. In this buyer's guide, we will provide you with essential features to consider, helpful advice, and important factors to consider before purchasing a five-gallon fish tank.

Tank Material

The material of the tank is crucial, as it can influence its durability and lifespan. Most five-gallon fish tanks are made of acrylic or glass. Acrylic tanks tend to be lighter, scratch-resistant, and safer for children. However, they are more expensive than glass tanks. Glass tanks are affordable but can easily break if dropped. Choose a tank made of the material that suits your needs and budget.

Tank Size

A five-gallon fish tank is compact and suitable for a single fish. Make sure to choose a tank that is the right size for your desired fish species, as some fish require larger tanks. Always read the recommended tank size for your chosen fish before purchasing. Additionally, ensure that the tank has enough room for filtration, heating, and aeration equipment.

Lighting

Betta fish require low light levels. Some five-gallon fish tanks come with built-in LED lights, which can be beneficial for the fish's environment and visual appeal. If purchasing a tank without lights, consider adding an external light source for the fish's well-being. Avoid using fluorescent or incandescent lights, as these can heat up the tank, causing stress for the fish.

Filter and Heater

Filters and heaters are essential for maintaining the tank's water quality and temperature. Look for a tank that comes with an easily accessible filter and heater, as this can make maintenance tasks more convenient. If the tank does not come with a filter, consider purchasing a hang-on-back or canister filter. For heaters, choose a submersible heater that can maintain a stable temperature for your chosen fish species.

FAQ

What size is a five-gallon fish tank?

The five-gallon fish tank has a volume of five gallons and is typically no larger than 12.4 inches (31.8 cm) in height, 8.8 inches (22.4 cm) in width, and 9.6 inches (24.4 cm) in length. These dimensions allow the tank to fit comfortably on most desktop surfaces, making it a perfect choice for small spaces.

Moreover, the compact size of the five-gallon fish tank makes it easy to maintain, clean, and move around as needed. It is also an energy-efficient option, reducing the expense associated with running a larger tank's filtration and heating systems. Overall, the five-gallon fish tank is an affordable and practical choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists, offering a great way to experience keeping fish at home.

What types of fish are suitable for a five-gallon fish tank?

Due to its limited size, the five-gallon fish tank is best suited for smaller, low-maintenance fish species. Popular choices include guppies, platies, neon tetras, and a few species of tiny fish like the pygmy sunfish or the rice fish. These fish are known for their peaceful nature and minimal space requirements, making them perfect for small tanks like the five-gallon fish tank.

When planning the fish ecosystem for your five-gallon fish tank, consider factors such as the fish's size, temperature preferences, dietary requirements, and potential compatibility. It is essential to avoid mixing aggressive or territorial species that might harm or become stressed by living in such a small space. Additionally, ensure that the tank provides adequate space for each fish to swim comfortably without overcrowding the other inhabitants of the tank.

Is a five-gallon fish tank easy to maintain?

Yes, the five-gallon fish tank is indeed easy to maintain, making it a beginner-friendly option. Weekly water changes, regular cleaning of the tank, water filtration, and a balanced diet are key aspects of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for your fish. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the tank is properly heated and oxygenated to create an adequate environment for your fish to thrive.

To simplify the process, many five-gallon fish tank kits come equipped with a small filtration system and a heater, providing everything needed to create a comfortable habitat for your fish. Furthermore, the five-gallon fish tank's compact size makes it easier to monitor and inspect regularly, ensuring that any potential issues are quickly identified and addressed.

How often should I clean a five-gallon fish tank?

To maintain a healthy and clean environment for your fish, it is recommended to clean the five-gallon fish tank at least once a week. During the cleaning process, you should remove all the water from the tank, and thoroughly clean the tank's inside surface and decorations. Once the gravel has been left to dry, you can carefully rinse it under water to remove any waste or decaying particles.

By consistently performing these maintenance tasks, you'll ensure that the water in your five-gallon fish tank stays clear and free of harmful contaminants. In turn, this will help to provide a healthy and stress-free environment for your fish to live in and thrive. Remember to also monitor the water pH and temperature during the tank's cleaning process to maintain a stable environment for your fish throughout the entire process.

What is included in a standard five-gallon fish tank kit?

A standard five-gallon fish tank kit generally contains all the essential components needed to establish an aquarium environment. These components typically include a fish tank container, a filtration system, an aquarium heater, and a decorative gravel substrate. Some kits may also provide additional items like an air pump for oxygenation, a water testing kit, decorative items, a feeding tool, and an instruction manual.

These items are specifically designed for use in small, five-gallon fish tanks, making it simpler for beginners to select the correct products. The inclusion of these essential items ensures that setup, maintenance, and water quality management are more straightforward tasks for the aquatic enthusiast. By choosing a five-gallon fish tank kit, you can focus on building a thriving aquatic ecosystem without the need for searching for individual products and determining compatibility across various brands and models.

Are there any benefits to choosing a five-gallon fish tank over a larger aquarium?

The five-gallon fish tank offers several benefits over larger aquariums, especially for beginners. One of the primary advantages is the reduced water volume, which simplifies maintenance tasks such as water changes, cleaning, and monitoring. The smaller size also makes it easier to heat and maintain a stable water temperature, which is essential for the health and well-being of the fish.

Moreover, the five-gallon fish tank requires minimal space, making it ideal for students living on campus, people with small homes, or those who enjoy keeping fish in their office space. Additionally, the compact size of the five-gallon fish tank helps to reduce the overall cost of the aquarium and accessories, making it an affordable option for those on a tight budget. Lastly, since the five-gallon fish tank is less complex to manage, this size allows new aquatic enthusiasts to gain hands-on experience in fish care and learn how to properly maintain a healthy aquatic environment.

As an Amazon Affiliate, we may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you.

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