6 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks: Perfect Picks for Beginners

Below are our in-detail reviews of the best 10-gallon aquariums we’ve found. You’ll also find some helpful tips for choosing and setting up your ideal model.
By
James Palmer
James Palmer
Editor
James is a leading resource for unbiased and reliable reviews on fish products. Throughout his career, he has honed his writing skills through his contributions to several f read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Keily Brown
Keily Brown
Expert Writer
Keily is a valuable asset to the team and a dedicated contributor to the site's success. Keily's education in veterinary science has given her a deep understanding of the an read more
Last updated: August 14, 2023
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Fish are known as living art. More than a simple pet, they are a conversation piece that’s sitting right in your modern office, your bohemian living room, your Zen bedroom or any other space that needs positive energy. A combination of art and a beautiful living creative, fish aquarium tanks lay the foundation for the wow factor.

Below are six of the best ten-gallon fish tanks on the market today. We’ve chosen them taking some essential features into account. We made sure to include all-in-one kits for those who’ve never had an aquarium before as well as for those who don’t want to spend time looking for all the extras separately. Also, there’re models of different designs and shapes to suit any home décor. Looking for an aquarium with advanced lighting system? We got you covered. In a word, keep scrolling and find your ideal fish home.

Quick Summary

  • "Fantastic for beginners, this model provides simple and easy to use filter and heating systems from Aqueon as well as beautiful colors, and bright red lights."
  • Best with Curved Corners: Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit
    "Bring your vision to life with this beautifully curved model that fits perfectly anywhere with a seamless and frameless design."
  • Best Starter Kit: GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank
    "This model comes with the essentials for a successful fish tank, including LED lights, power filter, heater, thermometer, and easy to follow set up guide."
  • "This model offers outstanding design features that can turn any aquarium into a work of art, with its low iron ultra clear crystal, beveled edges and rim less glass."
  • "With features like wall mounting capabilities, beautiful design, multi-stage aquarium filter with bio-media and charcoal filtration, and a siphon cleaner, this panoramic aquarium will be a phenomenal discussion piece."
  • "This model provides impressive features such as a bold curved design, led lamp, plant life support, and a superior three stage filtration system."
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9739 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.8
1
Features
  • Dimensions: 20.3 x 10.5 x 13.1 inches
  • Lighting: full coverage hood with blue LED lighting
  • Filter: QuietFlow LED PRO filter
  • Heater: pre-set
  • What’s included: aquarium, LED hood, power filter, filter cartridge, heater, fish food, water conditioner, fish net, thermometer, setup guide, multi-colored gravel, decorative plants and black backing

Other features: vibrant orange fluorescent silicone rims

This sleek and stylish aquarium comes with a built-in LED light that creates a mesmerizing glow, perfect for any room in your home. The built-in LED light creates a beautiful and relaxing glow, and the tank is a good size for smaller fish or bettas. Plus, the included internal filter keeps your water healthy and clean. If you’re looking for a modern and chic aquarium, the Aqueon Fish NeoGlow LED Aquarium is perfect for you.

Compared to, for example, GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank (comes further on the list), this kit contains everything you need – even gravel and fish food – all to set up and enjoy your mini marine world right away.

    What stands out?
  • We were impressed that the LED light is available in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect one to match your decor. And if you ever want to change the color of the light, it's easy to do with the touch-sensitive panel. The internal filter is also super quiet, so you won't be disturbed by any noise while you sleep.
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • The only downside we mentioned is that while this aquarium comes with a built-in LED light, it doesn't have additional lighting features, so you can't change the color or intensity of the lights. Some customers also report too much silicone inside the tank, which comes off rather easily though.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4507 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.6
2
Features
  • Dimensions: 17.8 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches
  • Lighting: silver LED light lamp
  • Filter: Cascade 300
  • Heater: none
  • What’s included: aquarium, LED light, internal filter, hinged glass lid; mat

Other features: bent glass design

This model is a beautiful addition to any room, inside or out. The sleek silver LED lamp brings an exciting accent to the corner of the eye-catching glass aquarium. The Cascade 300 system gives you up to three times the filtration power of other hang-on filters, for crystal clear water. The aquarium is rather compact (yet spacious enough) in size and has a bent glass design that gives it a unique look.

The Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit looks much more compact than the Aqueon Fish NeoGlow LED Aquarium with a footprint of just 11.8 x 12.6 inches. It also doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles, as the Aqueon, though includes all the essentials like a filter, lighting and a mat.

    Why did it make our list?
  • The most obvious advantage we noticed is that this aquarium kit comes with a curved and rimless design, perfect for minimalistic interiors. It has a high quality glass for durability and clarity as well as an unobstructed viewing on all sides including the top. Additionally, the kit comes with a mat, filter, and LED light. The Cascade 300 filter is especially impressive and quiet.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The main drawbacks are that the LED light has no switch on/off button and the lid can't be opened without pushing the light out of the way. Also, when you open the package, you discover that the accessories are sealed to the bottom with silicone which makes it difficult to clean and maintain.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9175 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.3
3
Features
  • Dimensions: 18.5 x 10.5 x 13 inches
  • Lighting: white and blue LED lights
  • Filter: Tetra(R) Whisper(R)
  • Heater: 50-watt
  • What’s included: aquarium, low-profile hood, LED lights, power filter with cartridge, fluorescent plants, heater, thermometer, fish food, setup guide

Other features: colorful, neon display

GloFish Aquarium is a complete kit that will provide you with everything that you need to house your fish. The kit comes with the tank, a hood, a filter, and LED lighting. It also includes a full range of accessories including fish food, conditioner and fluorescent plants.

In comparison to the Aqueon (our top pick) model, the Glofish offers not just blue, but also white color LEDs. However, it lacks the colorful (actually, any) gravel which comes with the Aqueon Fish NeoGlow LED Aquarium. Nevertheless, it’s another awesome starter kit which will look fantastic in any interior.

    What makes it stand out?
  • We loved the looks and functionality of this model greatly. The top and bottom rims of the tank are made of shatterproof plastic, so the aquarium durable and safe. The LED lighting creates a beautiful glow for the included fluorescent plants. The kit also includes a feeding guide and information on how to care for your fish.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The only drawbacks that we could find with this aquarium kit are that it would be more complete if it came with gravel and a water test kit, and that the filter isn't of the highest quality. According to users' reviews, the filter doesn't stand the test of time and needs to be replaced very soon. Our advice - buy another one together with the kit - the Cascade 300 is a decent choice.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4687 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
4
Features
  • Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 12 inches
  • Lighting: bought seperately
  • Filter: built-in back filter
  • Heater: bought seperately
  • What’s included: aquarium, Quiet One submersible pump, bio balls, carbon media, sponge filters, back filter and a bottom insulation pad

Other features: rimless design; bottom plug and/or drain to simplify maintenance

The Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium is a great starter kit for anyone looking to get into fishkeeping. It’s 18 x 12 x 12 inches in size, making it perfect for small spaces. The built-in back filter keeps the water clean and clear, while the rimless design makes it easy to clean. Plus, the bottom plug and/or drain make maintenance a breeze. And if that wasn’t enough, a Quiet One submersible pump and bio balls, carbon media, sponge filters are all included.

Compared to another rimless model on our list, the one from Penn Plax, the Lifegard Aquatics aquarium is a bit bulkier, but it looks much sleeker thanks to the hidden back filter. This aquarium is best for people who have a bit of experience in taking care of fish, as it doesn’t come with a lot of the necessary accessories. Unlike the Penn Plax, it comes with no LED light or heater, which means you need to choose and buy those seperately.

    What makes it special?
  • We're sure that this model is a great choice for those looking for a simple and easy-to-maintain tank. We loved that the built-in back filter looks concealed and, nevertheless, guarantees good water circulation and filtration, while the rimless design allows for easy cleaning. Additionally, the bottom plug and/or drain make it easy to remove water for cleaning or changing your fish’s environment
    What cons did we find?
  • The main drawbacks of the Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium are that it comes with a very small sponge filter, which doesn't last long, and only includes 6 bio-balls, which may not be enough for the tank. Additionally, we noticed that the nozzle on the included Quiet One submersible pump is a bit loose, making it difficult to get a precise flow of water.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7083 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
Features
  • Dimensions: 68 x 4.5 x 17.5 inches
  • Lighting: energy efficient LED light fixture
  • Filter: with bio-media and charcoal filtration
  • Heater: bought seperately
  • What’s included: aquarium, mounting brackets, filter, siphon cleaner, grabber tongs, fish net, multiple marine background, custom fit lid, LED fixture

Other features: wall-mounted; all the hardware included

The Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Panoramic Wall Mounted Aquarium is a 68 x 4.5 x 17.5 inches in size wall-mounted fish tank that comes with a marine background and a bio-media and charcoal filtration system. It also has an energy-efficient LED light fixture. The installation hardware is all included, and it also comes with useful accessories, like siphon cleaner, grabber tongs, and fish net.

The best way to compare this model with the rest of the competitors is by looking at their price tags and overall looks. The GloFish, for example, comes in a variety of sizes, but the 10-gallon option costs about $110 on Amazon, while the Aussie Aquariums 2.0 Panoramic Wall Mounted Aquarium can cost more than ten times as much. However, it goes without saying that the Assie Aquariums looks much more luxurious and sleek, which is why it’s best for homeowners who are willing to spend a bit more money.

    Why did it make our list?
  • We love that the model takes up no floor space, which is perfect if you are tight on room. Additionally, the bio-media and charcoal filtration system keeps your fish healthy and the energy-efficient LED light fixture saves you money on your electric bill. Plus, the marine background gives your aquarium a realistic look. And finally, the useful accessories that come with this aquarium make set-up and maintenance a breeze.
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The two major disadvantages we noticed are that the aquarium is a bit pricey and the setup takes some time and effort. In addition, because the aquarium is not integrated into the wall like some other options, it can look a bit bulky on the wall. However, these drawbacks may be worth it for those who are looking for an energy-efficient LED light fixture and a high-quality filtration system.
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8040 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.7
Features
  • Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.8.5 x 12.8 inches
  • Lighting: 36 white and 3 RGB fully adjustable 1900 LUX LEDs; dimmable 7500K LED lamp
  • Filter: oversized mechanical (foam), chemical (carbon), and biological (Biomax) media
  • Heater: bought seperately
  • What’s included: aquarium, LED lamps, 3-stage filter, remote control

Other features: the water line remains hidden, curved front, top cover opening for convenient feeding

The Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium is a sleek and stylish 10-gallon fish tank that features 36 white and 3 RGB fully adjustable 1900 LUX LEDs. It also comes with an oversized mechanical (foam), chemical (carbon), and biological (Biomax) media filter, which helps keep your fish tank clean and healthy. Plus, the water line remains hidden from view and the curved front provides a more naturalistic viewing experience for your fish.

In comparison to another minimalistic model on our list, the Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium, the Hagen 15004HG doesn’t come with many bells and whistles. However, it offers slightly superior lighting capabilities and more discreet water line, so might look even sleeker, especially in dark interiors.

    What are our favorite features?
  • In our opinion, the best benefits of the Hagen Fluval Flex Aquarium are its hidden water line and curved front. This makes it a great option for those who want a stylish and discreet fish tank in their home. Another cool part is that the top cover opening allows for convenient feeding, so you don't have to remove the entire lid every time you want to give your fish a snack.
    What could be better?
  • The unpleasant drawback of this tank is that the lights are controlled via the remote control only. This means that if you lose the remote or it stops working, you'll have to purchase a new one. Additionally, this aquarium is not suitable for "Beta" fish because the water flow is too intense, so you might need to purchase a different tank if you have those types of fish.

Things to Consider

Many people think a 10 gallon tank is best for a beginner. However, you can’t just go out and buy one of these tanks without doing some research. Luckily, we have done this research for you! Below is a helpful buying guide to help you choose the right aquarium for your needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Having an Aquarium in Your Home

Aquariums can be a great addition to any home. They can add color and life to a room, and they can provide a relaxing environment for homeowners.

Having a fish tank in your home can be beneficial for people who are looking to have pets, but may not have the time or space for larger animals. Fish are a low-maintenance pet that can be enjoyable for people of all ages. Aquariums also provide a place for fish to live, which can help reduce the population of unwanted fish in local waterways, which, however, has the other side of the coin.

However, aquariums also come with some drawbacks. They can be difficult to maintain since they require a filter and regular cleaning. Another disadvantage is that it can be easy to neglect the needs of your fish, and they may suffer as a result.    If you are not careful, an aquarium can become dirty quickly.

With this in mind, homeowners should carefully consider whether to get an aquarium, and if so, how best to maintain it. Fish tanks can be great additions to many homes; however, they require some special considerations to best enjoy them.

6 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks: Perfect Picks for BeginnersWhat You Need in Your Starter Kit

When you are first starting out with an aquarium, there are a few things that you will need. The best 10 gallon fish tank kits are available online, and they include everything that you need to get started. They typically come with everything needed, including a tank, hood light, gravel, water conditioner , thermometer , food, and other essentials.

  • A tank. 10 gallons is a good size to start with. It’s big enough for a few fish, but not so big that it becomes difficult to manage.
  • A filter. This is important for keeping the water clean and healthy for your fish.
  • A heater, if you live in a cold climate. Fish need water of a certain temperature to thrive, and a heater can help you maintain that.
  • A light. Fish like to live in an environment that is bright and cheerful.
  • Gravel or some other substrate for the bottom of the tank. This is necessary to provide a place for your fish to live and play.
  • Some decorations. These can be anything from plastic plants to driftwood. Fish love to explore and play in their surroundings, so make sure you add some things to your tank.
  • A net. This is essential for catching fish when you need to clean the tank or move them to a new home.
  • Water conditioner. This will help you get your water ready for your fish by removing chlorine and other impurities.
  • A test kit. This is used to test the water condition in your tank, so that you can make sure it’s at a healthy and comfortable level for fish.
  • Food and treats for fish. Fish like to eat! Make sure you get some food that your specific type of fish will like.

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing a 10-Gallon Tank

A ten-gallon fish tank is the perfect size for a beginner. It is not too big and not too small, making it easy to take care of.  The tank is also big enough to hold a good number of fish, making it a fun addition to any home. When buying a ten-gallon fish tank, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Size

6 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks: Perfect Picks for BeginnersThe first thing is the size of the tank. Make sure that you have enough space for the tank and that it will fit in your desired location. Pay attention to the measurements of the tank when you are at the store choosing one and make sure it will fit in your house before you buy it. Don’t go too big or too small though; pick a size that is perfect for where you want to put it.

Setup

Next, keep in mind how you are going to set up the tank. The type of setup that you choose depends on your preferences and what kind of look that you want for it. You can have a fish tank with or without a hood, as well as a variety of types for the lid itself. With a lid, you will be able to see inside, but if you choose not to have a lid, the tank will be more like an aquarium. You can also choose to have a planted tank or an unplanted tank. The choice is up to you.

Number of your fish

Another thing to consider when buying a ten-gallon fish tank is the number of fish that you want to have in it.

A good rule of thumb is one small (one-inch) fish per gallon of water, so you will need to figure out how many fish you want and then buy a tank that can accommodate that many fish. If you are not sure how many fish you want, then choose a tank that can hold at least three or four fish.

Backgrounds

Another thing to consider when setting up your tank is the background. This is the part of the tank that will be behind your fish. There are a few different types of backgrounds that you can choose from, but make sure that you get one that will fit the size of your tank.

Decorations

You can also add decorations to your tank to make it look more fun and colorful. Again, make sure that you get decorations that will fit the size of your tank and will go in the location where you want to put them.

Maintenance

Finally, keep in mind the maintenance that will need to go into maintaining your ten-gallon aquarium. Ten gallons is not too large of an aquarium, but it still requires daily cleaning and regular changes of the water. Make sure that you are  going to have time for this before you get a tank. Also, remember that with a ten-gallon aquarium, it is easier to maintain the water quality so you will not need as frequent of a water change.

6 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks: Perfect Picks for BeginnersHow to Set Up a 10-Gallon Fish Tank

Now that you know what to consider when buying a ten-gallon fish tank, let’s take a look at how to set one up. The steps are pretty simple and easy to follow, so you will be able to have your tank up and running in no time.

  1. Assemble the tank

Once you have the tank, it is time to assemble it. This should be a pretty simple process; just follow the instructions that come with the tank.

  1. Add water

The next step is to add water to the tank. You will need to use dechlorinated water, so make sure to do this before you add it to your tank. The water level should be about an inch below the top of the tank so that there is room for the decorations and fish.

  1. Add the filter

The next thing that you need to add is the filter. This will help keep the water clean and healthy for your fish.

  1. Add the decorations

6 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks: Perfect Picks for BeginnersNow is the time to add any decorations that you want to your tank. Make sure that they are compatible with the size of your tank and that they will fit in the location where you want to put them. Make sure you do it with clean hands, or, better in gloves.

  1. Add the light and hood if needed

Make sure you add the light and the hood to your tank. If there is no lid, then use an aquarium background behind it to keep bubbles from forming on top of it. You can also choose not to have a lid or a background, which will let more air into the tank so

  1. Add the fish

Finally, add your fish to the tank and enjoy watching them swim around. Make sure to keep an eye on the water quality and make changes as needed.

Now that you know how to set up a ten-gallon fish tank, it is time to get one and start enjoying the beauty of fish swimming in their own little world. Just make sure that you consider all of the things that we talked about in this article so that you can have a tank that is perfect for you.

FAQ

How many fish can I put in my 10-gallon tank?

You can put up to 10 average-sized fish in a 10-gallon tank. Just make sure that the fish are compatible, as some types of fish can be aggressive and territorial toward other types of fish. For example, goldfish may not do well with tropical freshwater aquarium fish, such as Neon Tetras.

Can I use tap water in my fish tank?

You should not use tap water in your 10-gallon tank, as it may contain chlorine or other chemicals that could be harmful to your fish. Instead, use dechlorinated water or bottled spring water.

What kind of filter should I get for a 10-gallon aquarium?

You should get a filter that is rated for 10 to 20 gallons. This will give your fish plenty of room to swim and still help keep the water clean. Make sure you check the instructions on the back of the box, as filters may have different requirements.

What kind of fish can live in a 10-gallon tank?

You can keep a wide variety of fish in a 10-gallon aquarium, including freshwater community fish or goldfish. Just make sure that you research the types of fish before you buy any and that they will do well together. For example, certain breeds may nip and even eat others.

Our verdict

If you’re looking for a modern and chic aquarium, our top pick, the Aqueon Fish NeoGlow LED Aquarium, is perfect for you. The tank comes with a built-in LED light that creates a mesmerizing glow, and the included internal filter keeps your water healthy and clean. Plus, the sleek and stylish design will surely look great in any room in your home.

If you’re looking for the best 10-gallon aquarium that offers quality, an all-inclusive package and good value, the Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit is your best choice. The curved design gives it a sleek look, perfect for modern interiors. The best part? You don’t have to do much – this aquarium kit is easy to set up and maintain.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, high quality and futuristic fish tank, the GloFish Aquarium Kit is a great option. The LED lighting gives it a beautiful glow and sets the mood for your fish. If you’re not too keen on intricate features and prefer more simplistic designs, this setup will be best for you.

References

1.
Standard Fish Tank Sizes Made Simple | LoveToKnow
Shopping for an aquarium tank means determining not only the size of the tank, but the weight once it's filled with water, rocks, decorations and fish. It helps to go in knowing what standard size options, even if sizes may vary slightly between manufacturers.
2.
How to set up an aquarium: Step by step
A step-by-step guide to addembling and installing your new aquarium properly.
9,8
Total Score
Aqueon Fish NeoGlow LED Aquarium - Editor’s Choice
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