Keeping fish has never been easier. One of the best ideas since sliced bread is the option to purchase an aquarium kit. An aquarium kit is a collection of fish keeping supplies that generally offer the bare essentials in keeping your fish alive. This is helpful for people who want to push the easy button instead of having to buy everything separately.
Itâs difficult knowing where to start with so many aquarium kits on the market. And all you want is to find the best aquarium kit for your needs. This article covers everything you need to know to find the best aquarium kits available. Iâve also provided you with plenty more information on what to look for when shopping for a kit and other aquarium essentials that may not come with the kit.
Buyerâs Guide: Finding the Best Aquarium Kit for Beginners
When searching for an aquarium kit, whether itâs for your home, office, or as a gift, there are a few things you need to consider before taking the plunge. Some main points to consider is an acrylic or glass aquarium, the shape and size of the tank, and the type and number of fish you want to keep.
Type of Fish You Want to Keep & How Many: The type and number of fish you want to keep in your aquarium are dependent upon the shape and size of your tank and whether or not you have a filter. Luckily, pretty much all aquarium kits include filters. When choosing an aquarium kit, youâll need first to figure out if you want a single fish like a betta, or a few small fish to start with like neon tetras or guppies. Consider the adult size of the fish, and if partnering with other fish and you have a small tank, make sure the fish are 100% compatible.
Acrylic vs. Glass: The most significant difference between glass and acrylic tanks is the clarity and surface durability. Most aquarists highly recommend getting a glass aquarium because acrylic tanks are scratch very, very easily. Cleaning the gravel can even add several scrub marks. Acrylic tanks also tend to yellow with age, while glass aquariums are relatively scratch resistant and have a constant clarity. Acrylic tanks have their benefit though, and are said to be lighter, more variability in shapes, and have better impact resistance than glass.
Shape of the Tank: Most people donât realize that the shape of the tank can affect its inhabitants. If you have chosen a tall, narrow aquarium for your fish, then it allows for less oxygen because thereâs less surface area. Of course, this can be fixed with a filter or air pump, but itâs something to consider nonetheless.
Size of the Tank: Smaller is not always easier. But if youâre okay with a little more maintenance and water changes, then the smaller tanks will be fine. With a small tank, the temperature and water quality changes very quickly. Smaller tanks are also for people who donât have a lot of space in their home or want something nice to set on a larger desk at the office.
Top 6: Best Aquarium Kits for Beginners
1. Hygger Horizon Aquarium Kit
- đ ăHygger Aquarium Kit Includesăone 7W...
- đ ăMutil-modes LED LightăThe aquarium led...
- đ ăDurable Power FilterăThe aquarium power...
- Filter can be set like a waterfall off of the attached rock décor
- Four LED lighting triggers
- Ultra-quiet
- Unique curved design
- Low water feature
- Canât remove dĂ©cor
The Hygger Horizon Aquarium Kit is an 8-gallon, curved, glass fish tank that includes all of the basic needs to start an aquarium. This includes a filter, decorations, background, and lighting.
This incredibly unique design has great reviews about the curvature and compact size. The front of the tank has a convex arc curve shape with a cushion pad on the bottom. The glass is durable and ultra-transparent, and the tank stands at 17.5 inches in length with a 3.2-inch width and 2.6-inch height.
The Hyggerâs Horizon has a low water power filter that is ultra-quiet and energy saving. Itâs easy to install either vertically or horizontally, the water flow is adjustable, and it has two rain shower tubes. The low water option allows you to have the water line higher than 2.5 inches. It will keep your water crystal clear if you change the water out once every couple of weeks.
The decorations are an interesting addition as they are attached to the background. They are specially designed for this tank and are firmly stuck to the backboard with waterproof glue. The décor is a 3D rockery mountain that climbs up the back wall. A brush can easily clean it if there is extra algae, and many people like to attach live or fake plants for a more lively effect.
The LED lighting can last up to 20,000 hours and is removable. It has two brackets to attach it to the tank and comes with four buttons: light brightness, light modes, lighting time setting, and on/off.
2. Fluval Edge Aquarium
- Unique cube shaped aquarium provides amazing...
- LED Lighting, Filtration & Wiring is easily hidden...
- Powerful bright white 7600K high luminosity LED's...
- 360-degree viewing
- Spectacular LED lighting (daytime and moonlight)
- Sealed, clear top to prevent evaporation
- Compact design with an attractive floating base
- Easy assembly and maintenanc
- Can be hard to clean
- Can only fit very minimal, small fish
The Fluval Edge Aquarium is a very stylish and contemporary-looking 6-gallon tank. It can also come as a 12-gallon, but this review is for the smaller size. It comes with an LED light, clear glass cover, and filter. Most reviews say this aquarium is easy to handle and has a powerful, efficient LED lighting system. The Fluval Edge is a 360-degree viewing water cube, and it can be filled to the very edge of the tank.
The LED lighting is beneficial because it is bright enough to grow plants in the aquarium, and it can easily take the place of a tabletop lamp. It uses 21 LED bulbs (18 white and three blue), and it can be turned on for either full illumination or with just the blue, moonlight effect. When the water quality is spot-on, the LED lighting creates a natural, clear appearance which helps the fish and décor look amazingly vibrant.
The Fluval Edge Aquariumâs powerful and efficient 3-stage filter is located in the top, back column. Besides being attractive, the black column also conceals all of the wirings to give it a clean, minimalist look. The filter pump can be loud upon the initial setup, but once the water starts to filter through and lubricate the pump, it is nice and quiet.
The pedestal bottom gives the Edge an architecturally pleasing floating appearance and is notorious for being an easy setup. The only common complaint is that it can be difficult to clean, but can be made easier with a magnetic tank scrub and siphons.
3. LifeGard Aquatics Aquarium
- FULL-VIEW AQUARIUMS: Maximize your viewing...
- AQUARIUMS WITH BUILT-IN FILTER: Seamlessly...
- COMPLETE AQUARIUM KIT: When opting for the...
- Spectacular viewing capabilities with the angled front
- Comes with extra accessories like a magnet cleaner, heater, thermometer, and net
- Minimalist, low profile lighting system
- Functional back filter design
- More bottom space for aquascaping
- Filter can be difficult to set up as many complain it doesnât come with instructions
- Lighting can slip off easily
The Lifegard Aquatics Aquarium Kit is a full view, 7-gallon tank with an LED light, heater, net, algae magnet, thermostat, and built-in back filter with pump. It has a singular design in that itâs angled front allows the user a much larger viewing area inside the tank. This means you wonât need to bend down so much to enjoy whatâs inside!
The 10-inch, 12v low voltage LED light is a minimalistâs dream as it is low profile, but can be changed from full spectrum to moonlight. The coated metal legs can easily set on the side edges of the tank but can slip off if theyâre not positioned correctly.
The Lifegard Aquatic has a super functional back filter design without a filter head. The filter is equipped with a Quiet One 400 pump, multi-grade mechanical sponge, activated carbon bio balls, directional jet flex nozzle, integrated CO2/O2 dispensing capability, and a water level control with a waterfall.
The complete kit also comes with a magnetic algae cleaner which is very useful in cleaning the glass from possible algae build-up and a small telescopic aquarium net. The LED thermometer and 100-watt preset heater are great additions as these can be costly if purchased separately.
4. MarineLand Portrait Glass Aquarium Kit
- SLEEK DESIGN: Rounded corners and clear glass...
- DAYLIGHT/MOONLIGHT LIGHTING: Bright white LEDs...
- EASY ACCESS: Hinged LED lighting and sliding glass...
- Has a sleek, modern look
- Compact design suitable for small spaces and beginners
- Easy to clean
- Advanced, strong filtration for a small tank
- Small, but illuminating LED lighting with sunlight and moonlight settings
- Tall, narrow shape should be used for certain types of fish
- Less durable
The MarineLand Portrait Glass Aquarium Kit is a 5-gallon tank that is taller than it is wide, and has rounded corners for a modern look. The product dimensions are 11.8 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and 17 inches tall. It comes with a filter, a light, and a sliding glass canopy.
The MarineLand Portrait filter is an advanced 3-stage hidden back panel filtration system. It boasts an adjustable flow filter pump so that you can match the flow to whatever kind of fish or live youâve chosen for your tank. The 3-stages it focuses on is the mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration needed to help remove impurities from the water.
The small, narrow LED light bar allows for a minimalistic approach as well as functional in that it adds enough illumination for plant growth and to act as a small lamp. The white LED lights are used for daytime sunlight inspiration, while the blue LED lights to give a moonlight effect.
The clear lid is hinged and attached to the light. You can easily slide the canopy lid back to feed your aquatic pets. Itâs also easy to access the interior of the tank and the filter for any maintenance and cleaning. This tank is rated very highly for being a great beginner starter kit.
5. Aqueon LED Aquarium Kit
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box
- Kit includes: glass aquarium, low profile LED...
- Preset heater will keep your aquarium temperature...
- Great price for all thatâs included
- Traditional design
- Comes with fish food and water conditioner
- Two LED lighting options: sunlight or moonlight
- Larger size allows for more or bigger fish and plants
- Equipment designed for smaller tank or less fish
- Flimsy plastic and less desirable filter
The Aqueon Aquarium Kit is your traditional-style aquarium, but comes with all of the necessities to start a tank, minus the fish! This 20-gallon, 24-inch long glass tank boasts a hood, lighting, filter, heater, guide, fishnet, and thermometer. They even toss in a sample size of fish food and water conditioner to get you started.
The hood is black and slightly curved for a modern, sleek look and contains vibrant, and cool-white LED lights that will illuminate the whole tank. The hood covers the entire top portion of the aquarium, which helps to decrease the amount of evaporation, and the filter attaches to a cut-out in the back. There is also a convenient feeding door in the front of the hood, and breakout sections along the back to store extra accessories.
The Aqueon Aquarium Kit has a QuietFlow 10 LED Pro power which flashes a small, red LED light to notify you when itâs time change the cartridge. One less thing to have to remember! The filter is a very basic, traditional-looking hang-on filter that is an enhanced 5-stage system. Although, reviews have said the filter is a little too small for the tank â possibly for a 10-gallon aquarium. This will depend on how many and the type of fish you have in your Aqueon Aquarium.
Itâs also helpful to have the included stick-on thermometer, fish food, and water conditioner since these usually are not included in many other aquarium kits.
6. EcoQube Aquarium
- LOW MAINTENANCE, SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEM đ Plant...
- EASY TO SET UP COMPLETE FISH TANK KIT đ...
- IMPROVES WELL BEING đ A Touch of Nature Livens...
- Comes with a complete kit
- Unique aquaponics filter system
- Very low maintenance
- Very small and compact
- Grows plants
- Can only fit small fish or a single betta
- Price
The EcoQube Aquarium Kit is an ultra-compact, 2-gallon aquarium kit best used for a single fish like a betta. Itâs super easy to use and has a minimalist design, which makes it great for a small home or an office desk. It includes an aquaponics filter, a wireless remote control, LED lights, aquarium sand, glass cover, mountain rock dĂ©cor, and basil seeds.
What makes this EcoQube unique from the rest is that itâs a simple aquaponics tank, which helps to grow and automatically water your plants. Many people choose to grow kitchen herbs, such as green onion or basil. The plant will help to filter and purify the water by removing the waste and nitrates built up by fish.

The EcoQube is a self-sustaining system that leaves you with only two main tasks: to feed your fish and maintain the water level. The LED light sits above the plant so that it has adequate lighting to survive. The LED UV sterilizer helps to remove bacteria in the tank that may have been caused by overfeeding or adding a new fish. The filter sits below the plant. If youâre patient to wait at least three weeks for the basil seeds to grow and start to filter the water itself, then this tank is for you.
The goal is to help people reconnect with the environment. It includes a free science project curriculum guide about ecosystems that is perfect for kidsâ science projects. Not to mention, they will have a functional and decorative result.
What Aquarium Kits May Not Include
When youâre buying an aquarium kit, they will always come with some essentials like a cover, a filter, and a lighting system. There are plenty of other items that youâll have to have to keep your aquarium world healthy. Iâve rounded up the essentials and listed them here for you.
Water Conditioner:Water conditioner is a type of solution that is specially made to add to tap water to make the water safe for the fish to live. The majority of tap water has toxins that are relatively safe for humans and most animals, but to fish, it could be lethal.
Basically, it changes the condition of the water by breaking down the chemical bonds by removing chlorine from the water. Better water conditioners will also remove heavy metals in the tap water, and some provide a type of slime that adds extra protection to the fishâs scales. Howâs that for added armor?
Gravel/Substrate: Not only does gravel or substrate add an attractive flair to your fish tank, but it also serves a fundamental purpose for most types of fish or aquatic pet. Gravel helps to house beneficial bacteria.
You wouldnât usually think to add the terms âbeneficialâ and âbacteriaâ together, but in this case, the bacteria help to decompose and eliminate waste by-products made by fish, leftover food, and if debris from live plants if you have them.
Gravel is also suitable for providing more a softer-looking habitat for your fish and is crucial to properly housing live plants.
Fish Net: There will no doubt be a time in your fish-parent life that youâll need to use a fish net to scoop something out of your aquarium. Times you may need a fish net are when there is an injured or sick fish, dead fish, thick debris at the bottom of the tank, or if youâre moving house or tanks and need to empty the aquarium. Itâs not always easy to catch fish in a net, but itâs helpful to have it handy for when the time comes.
Algae Scrubber/Magnetic Glass Cleaner: Whoever invented the algae scrubber or the magnetic aquarium cleaner is officially my hero. Because of these cleaning tools, cleaning an aquarium is much easier. Algae is a normal part of having a fish tank, and some have more algae than others.
Although algae eaters like the Plecostomus are notorious for helping to keep the tank clean, they canât always get it all clear. Insert the handled scrubbers and magnetic cleaners here. They can be used to scrub the algae off of the tank walls gently. You can also use the handled scrubbers to clean the decorations.
The magnetic cleaner is also fun and easy for kids to use, and you donât have to worry about getting your hands wet or dripping water anywhere.
Siphon: An aquarium siphon is a manual vacuum for a fish tank. Itâs so handy to have because it helps to clean all of the gunk out of your gravel. Itâs a long plastic tube that you insert one end into the tankâs water, and the other end either has a pump to pull the water.
When the water begins to flow, place one end into a bucket, and use the other end in the water to dig and pull up the gunk from the gravel and throughout the tank. This is one of my favorite cleaning tools for any aquarium, and even the water is like pea soup for a little while, it eventually filters out.
The water then looks squeaky clean. Ah, but donât forget the bucket.
Bucket: Youâll need some kind of bucket or two for a variety of reasons, but mostly for cleaning purposes. If youâre using a siphon to clean the gravel, the dirty water will have to go into something⊠like a bucket.
Most people recommend a 5-gallon bucket as youâll still need to be able to pick the bucket up to dump it. You may also need the bucket to transport items to and from your fish tank, to temporarily isolate aquatic animals, or to hold dĂ©cor if youâre doing extra deep cleaning.
Air Pump: Air pumps are optional, but can be crucial to a fish tank. An air pump helps to oxygenate your fish tank. This is important because, although fish live in water, they need oxygen to survive. They breathe oxygen gas bubbles from the water into their gills.
An air pump doesnât make air bubbles. It works by agitating the surface of the water to create air bubbles. The air bubbles are oxygen and help the fish to breathe. The times an air pump is not necessary is when your fish tank has an adequate filter that creates enough disturbance in the water to provide air bubbles.
Deep tanks, warm water tanks, and heavily stocked and planted tanks are three excellent reasons to invest in an air pump.
Water Test Kit: (ammonia, nitrite, pH) Toxic water quality is the #1 fish killer. I know youâve read that overfeeding is, but itâs the water quality that occurs after the overfeeding that kills the fish. This accounts for water changes and adding new fish, too.
You can consider how important it is to maintain water quality by thinking of the water is for fish as the air is for us. If the air we breathe is toxic, weâre in deep trouble. The same is for fish, which is why itâs important to make it a habit to test your water.
The three main water tests youâll need to perform is for nitrites and nitrates, the pH level, and ammonia (also known as the silent fish killer). If you follow the instructions âto a tâ, then you should be good to go!
Heater: A fish tank heater is an often-overlooked necessity for a tank. Itâs essential to have the right size heater for your aquarium for tropical, warm water fish and for the cold season when your water temperature drops.
Most fish need the water temperature to be consistent and stable, which is what an aquarium heater brings. There are a few different kinds of heaters, such as submersible, hanging, external or inline heaters. You should consider the type of fish and the size of the tank when looking for the perfect tank heater.
And, if youâre going to have a heater, you should have a thermometer.
Aquarium Kit FAQs
Does the aquarium kit come with a filter?
So far, every reviewed aquarium kit comes with a filter. A kit doesnât seem like a kit without one!
What is the best aquarium kit?
There are so many types of aquarium kits on the market that I could relate a whole website just to that. I have listed some of the most popular and reliable aquarium kits, so this is a great place to start. It depends on what kind of aquarium youâre looking for, what items you prefer to have included in the kit, what price range, and what type of fish you want. Once you know these things, you can narrow down your options.
Will the aquarium kit house a hermit crab or turtle?
Some aquarium kits can be used for hermit crabs or turtles. The smallest ones are not ideal as they wonât give the animal much space to roam. Some aquarium kits have filters that allow the water level to stay very low if needed for, like a turtle.
Do aquarium kits come with gravel?
Sometimes, but many aquarium kits come with the basics such as a light, a cover, and a filter. Some aquarium kits will include a small bag of gravel and a piece of decoration, and others will include water conditioner and/or fish food. It depends on the type of aquarium kit.
Should I get a heater for my aquarium kit?
Most common aquarium fish require warm water, so getting a heater is dependent upon which type of fish youâre getting and if your water temperature usually is colder than normal. Itâs best to err on the side of caution and keep your fish from freezing to death.
Final Words
Looking for the best aquarium kit for your needs doesnât need to be complicated. Following the advice in this article, you should be well-equipped to make a well-informed decision on how you will care for your aquatic pet and in what style of aquarium.
Having all of the proper essentials to take care of your fish is part of being a good fish parent. An aquarium kit is a great way to start, especially for beginners. Whether you choose to take the minimalist or the traditional aquarium kits route, over time, you can build on your expertise and expand your aquarium accessories.
Related Topics
If you like the article above, here are some other similar articles you should check out!
How to Setup Your First Aquarium
Best Aquarium Heaters â Buyerâs Guide
Best LED Lighting for 125-150 Gallon Aquarium
Last update on 2022-05-15 at 13:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API