🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks

Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.

Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

Explore Content

More to Explore

BEST PICKS

Best Fish Tanks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 19th, 2024

🐟Adding a fish tank to your home can bring a peaceful vibe and a touch of natural beauty. Plus, it's a great way to give your aquatic pets a happy and healthy home.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been at this for years, picking the right tank is really important for your fish. After a lot of research, we've rounded up the best fish tanks of 2024, keeping in mind various needs and budgets.

🥇
Overall Best: Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit

Fluval Flex 15 Aquarium Kit - Fish Tank for Fish & Plants - Comes with LED Lights, Filtration System & More - 16" x 15" x 15" - 57 L, 15 Gal. - Black Black 15 Gal.

The Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is our top pick for its blend of sleek design, exceptional functionality, and versatility. With a 9-gallon capacity, it's perfect for small fish species, providing them ample space. One of its standout features is the integrated filtration system, which maintains excellent water quality. The kit also includes customizable LED lighting, allowing you to create a captivating and ever-changing underwater landscape. This combination of aesthetics and practicality makes the Fluval Flex a top choice for both new and experienced aquarists.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$172.20 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Fluval Flex 15 Aquarium Kit? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🐠

How strong is the water flow from the pump in the Fluval Flex 15?

The water flow from the pump in the Fluval Flex 15 seems to be pretty effective for its size. From what we found, the pump is built to have a strong and adjustable flow, which is handy because you can tweak it for different needs in your aquarium. This helps keep the tank environment healthy for your fish and plants. It turns out that many folks think the pump strikes a nice balance between being powerful enough without being overpowering. The adjustable flow rate is a nice touch too, as it lets you dial things in depending on the types of fish or plants you have. One thing to watch out for is that the water flow might be affected by how you set up your tank. Things like decorations or plant placement near the pump's outlet can change how the water moves around. So, you might have to play around with the setup to get it just right. Don't forget to keep an eye on the pump by doing regular maintenance. Fish waste and plant debris can sometimes mess with how well it works, so routine cleaning can help keep it running smoothly. In general, the pump in the Fluval Flex 15 gets good marks for its water flow. Just be prepared for a little bit of trial and error to find the settings that work best for you. If you run into any issues, checking out the manual or reaching out to customer support might help. Enjoy setting up your aquarium!

🐠

What is the actual usable volume of the Fluval Flex 15 Aquarium Kit?

The Fluval Flex 15 Aquarium Kit is popular among aquarium lovers for its sleek design and good features. When talking about its actual usable volume, it's important to note that while it's marketed as a 15-gallon tank, the effective space you can use is a bit less. This is because part of the volume is taken up by the built-in filtration system and anything else you might add, like decorations or substrate. If you're thinking about filtration, there's something to keep in mind. Our research shows that some folks are concerned about the strength of the water current from the filtration system. Certain fish, like bettas, can be sensitive to strong flow. A few tweaks can help with this. Some people have had success using [foam pre-filters](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfoam%2Bpre-filters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or [spray bars](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dspray%2Bbars%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to soften the pump's output, which makes the environment better for fish that like calmer waters. Also, if you've got smaller fish or fry, there's a chance they might get pulled into the intake because of its strength. A common suggestion to prevent this is to wrap [filter sponge blocks](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dfilter%2Bsponge%2Bblocks%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) around the intake. This can protect your fish from getting sucked in and still keep the filtration system working efficiently. Despite these considerations, the Fluval Flex still has a lot of fans, thanks to its modern look and ease of use. Making a couple of changes can really help, especially if you're keeping fish that like still water. This way, you keep the tank looking great while ensuring a comfortable setup for your fish. So, even though it's advertised as a 15-gallon tank, remember the actual usable space is a bit less due to internal components. Just keep that in mind when planning your tank setup.

🔧

Does the Fluval Flex 15 come with intake covers to prevent small fish from being sucked into the filter?

If you're thinking about getting the Fluval Flex 15 for your small fish, you should know that it doesn't come with intake covers specifically designed to protect them from the filter. From what we've found, while the tank's powerful 3-stage filtration system does a great job at maintaining clean water, it can sometimes be a bit too strong for smaller fish or shrimp. If you're worried about them getting too close to the filter, some people have successfully modified their tanks by adding a fine mesh or sponge over the intake areas. So, you could consider getting or making your own intake covers. The tank's flexible design includes multi-functional rear compartments. These are pretty handy if you're into customizing things, whether it's adding an intake cover or fitting extra gear. This adaptability is actually one of the reasons folks like to tweak and personalize their Fluval Flex. There's also no heater included, according to the manufacturer's description, but these compartments make it easy for users to add their own if needed. So, while the Flex 15 doesn’t come with all the extras, it gives you room to adjust and make it your own. If you've got small fish, just be ready to add a little DIY touch to keep them safe and comfy.

View All Answers for

🥈
Runner-up: Aqueon LED 20 Aquarium Kit

Our runner-up, the Aqueon LED 20 Aquarium Kit, is an excellent all-rounder, particularly if you're a beginner. This kit comes with everything needed to set up a thriving aquatic ecosystem: a robust filter, efficient LED lighting, and a submersible heater. The 20-gallon capacity makes it easier to maintain stable water conditions, making it suitable for a diverse range of fish species. It's highly regarded for its simplicity and comprehensive features, making it a strong contender for anyone starting their aquarium hobby.

Available at Amazon

View at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit

Tetra Aquarium Kit, Fish Tank with Filter & Lights

For those looking for a budget-friendly option, the Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit is an affordable but high-quality choice. This compact 5-gallon tank includes integrated LED lighting and an efficient filtration system to keep the water clean and clear. Although smaller in size, it offers excellent functionality and is perfect for beginners or casual hobbyists. One thing to note is that the tank is made of acrylic, which requires extra care to avoid scratches.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$69.99 at Amazon

Best for Small Spaces: Marineland Portrait LED Aquarium

Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

If space is a concern, the Marineland Portrait LED Aquarium is designed to fit perfectly in smaller environments. Its vertical, portrait-style design maximizes viewing angles and brings a unique style to any room. With a 5-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for small fish or shrimp. The aquarium also features advanced LED lighting and a three-stage filtration system, combining style and function in a compact package.

Lowest at Amazon

$77.99 at Amazon

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$59.39 at Bonanza

Best for Bettas: Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Kit

For betta enthusiasts, the Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Kit is specifically designed to cater to the needs of these delicate fish. This kit includes a pre-set heater and an effective filtration system to ensure optimal water conditions. Its elegant design and small footprint make it a practical yet stylish choice for anyone looking to house bettas. The attention to detail in its design ensures a comfortable and beautiful environment for your fish.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.95 at Amazon

Get ShopSavvy

ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers