Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank

By Alberto Roy

Updated on:

Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank

When newcomers to aquarium maintenance start to consider incorporating an aquarium for their c frequent concern is distance. An 5 gallon fish tank is a wonderful solution for this.

They will frequently come in measurements of approximately 16″ x 8″ x 10″ and will fit on almost any surface or desktop. Yet still they can be large enough to be paired with a heater and filter securely that most fish will need to flourish and have happy lives.

Fish deliver a different awareness of life into the air of an area. There’s not anything better than just taking from the beauty of fish swimming peacefully.

We’ve chosen five of their top 5 gallon fish aquariums. We also produced a buyer’s guide which tells you exactly what to look for when searching for the perfect aquarium.

Fish Tank /Aquarium

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API Aquaview 360 Aquarium Kit

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KollerCraft 6.5 Gallon Aquarium Kit

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Marineland ML90609 Portrait Aquarium Kit

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Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

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Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit

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Quick Navigation

  • Fish Tank Buyer’s Guide
  • Features of a Fish Tank
  • Components
  • Acrylic Versus Glass Fish Tanks
  • Acrylic Fish Tanks
  • Glass Fish Tanks
  • Classifications
  • Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank Reviews
  • AquaView 6-Gallon 360 Fish Tank with Power Filter and LED Lighting
  • KollerCraft 6.5 Gallon Aquarium Kit with Internal Filter and LED Lighting
  • Marineland ML90609 Portrait Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
  • Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
  • Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
  • The Best Fish Tank From Our Reviews

Fish Tank Buyer’s Guide

Features of a Fish Tank

Components

The typical 5-gallon fish tank comes equipped with a filtration system, artificial light and a few add a heater. A shirt, that is distinct from the central region of the scooter, is normally where the light process is placed.

The filtration process is a very important part of the 5 gallon tank. That is what distinguishes them by fish bowls. Fish bites aren’t healthful places to bring fish up as with no filter that the water immediately becomes cluttered and filled with toxins out of fish waste.

Fantastic water quality would be the basic principles of superior fish maintaining – which is the reason why we’d advise upgrading from this fish bowl into an aquarium such as such 5-gallon kinds below.

Acrylic Versus Glass Fish Tanks

When shopping around for your first tank you will possibly see a diverse of designs and a variety of prices – and you may be thinking “what is the difference?”. One primary difference is the materials that you aquarium will be made from.

Acrylic Fish Tanks

The advantages of acrylic fish tanks are:

  • Super clear viewing
  • Lighter than glass
  • Can be moulded into cool shapes

The disadvantages of acrylic fish tanks are:

  • Prone to scratches
  • Porous so can absorb chemicals
  • Can yellow over time
  • Generally more expensive

Glass Fish Tanks

The advantages of glass fish tanks are:

  • More scratch resistant
  • Won’t ‘yellow’ over time
  • Non-porous (so don’t absorb chemicals)
  • Generally cheaper than acrylic tanks

The disadvantages of glass fish tanks are:

  • Heavier
  • Less design shapes available

In general, as long as you are fully aware of the points above, you will be capable to make a sound selection. We truly believe a glass tank is best value as that material holds up over time. It doesn’t discolor and it is resistant to scratches as you clean it.

Classifications

Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank

There is also the option of selecting aquariums according to classifications. The most common of these types of characterizations are:

  • The Freshwater aquarium, which is the most popular – especially for beginners
  • The Marine or Saltwater aquariums, which are more work to maintain thereby, less popular to beginners.
  • The Brackish Water aquarium, which combines elements present in both Freshwater and Marine tanks.

With so many options on the market, it may be challenging for you to decide which 5 gallon fish tank is the best choice. You want something that is bright enough to accentuate the room, yet not so huge that is requires its own specialist aquarium stand.

It is even more critical that you find a tank that fully satisfies the needs of your fishes. Here are five possible options for fish aquariums for you to consider.

https://youtu.be/sPCZDJLLUiY

Best 5 Gallon Fish Tank Reviews

AquaView 6-Gallon 360 Fish Tank with Power Filter and LED Lighting

A compact aquarium that is kid-friendly and resistant to impact.

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Dimensions: 11 x 19-3/4 x 11 inches
Size: 6 gallons

This small aquarium holds six gallons of water and has a cylindrical shape that offers a 360-degree view. The tank is the ideal choice for homes, dormitory rooms and offices where a bit of subtle style is necessary.

The LED lighting is energy efficient and offers seven different colors which is a unique characteristic.

This aquarium has the Superclean 10 internal power filter that purifies your tank at a flow rate of 45 GPH. Discolorations and odors are the first to go when this cleaning mechanism is activated.

You can get a clear view of your fish with the seamless acrylic construction of this tank. The AquaView fish tank is resistant to impact and kid-friendly. Beginners get all the tools needed to start a freshwater aquarium habitation.

Pros

  • Great outward design

  • Unique shape which doesn’t take up much bench space for a 6 gallon tank

Cons

  • Heater not included and may be fiddly to fit into a ‘perfect’ place

  • Acrylic tank may not suit some aquarists needs

KollerCraft 6.5 Gallon Aquarium Kit with Internal Filter and LED Lighting

A beginner tank that comes with enough supplies to last a month.

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Dimension: 11 x 18 x 12.5 Inch
Size: 6.5 gallons

This aquarium is the perfect starter kit that lets beginners get a taste of 6.5 gallons worth of fish care. Equipped with a filter that cleans at a 45 GPH flow rate for clear water results. The Tetra Whisper X filter cartridge within the filter purifies water so that discolorations and odors are things of the past.

Great value aquarium for beginners.

Another perk associated with this product is the LED lighting that is energy efficient and diverse. Amber, Aqua, and traditional blue are three of many colors that emulate the light. The kit that comes with this tank provides everything you need to start a freshwater aquarium.

This tank is the ideal choice for fish lovers but could cause bodily harm to other creatures such as frogs.

Pros

  • A unique and interesting shaped aquarium

  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • LED light does not work with a timer

  • Acrylic tank may not suit everyone

Marineland ML90609 Portrait Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon

The Marineland fish tank has a three stage filter for great water conditions

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Dimension: 11.8 x 11.6 x 17 inches
Size: 5 gallons

The Marineland aquarium is of a portrait orientation – this is good for those that do not have much desk / table top space as the tank is not as wide as other 5 gallon fish tanks.

The fish tank has some great design finishing touches such as the modern black frame.

The design is enhanced further with a hidden back compartment which houses the included advanced 3 stage filter. (plus there is enough room for you to squeeze in a small heater)

Bright LED lighting is included on a hinged over hanging frame and makes part of the well thought out design of the tank. The lighting has two settings, white and blue (night mode), that could support some easy care live plants.

Pros

  • Great for first-time fish owners

  • 3-stage filtration system for great water quality

  • Hidden back compartment keeps filter and heater out of view 

Cons

  • Portrait design means fish have less horizontal swim  space 

  • Lid is a little fiddly

Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

Energy efficiency and hidden LED lights are cool features offered by the Tetra.

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Dimension: 16.6 x 11.2 x 13.2 inches

Size: 5 gallons

Energy efficiency and lighting are at the helm of the Tetra fish tank. Several LED lights are hidden within the design of this aquarium. A mechanical filter neatly fits on the back of the tank and works quietly to keep water conditions optimal.

This aquarium kit is ideal for beginners.

The Tetra aquarium comes with a kit that makes it easy for beginners to start. Ultra Activated carbon is incorporated for more efficient removal of odors and discoloration.

The size and shape of this tank makes it a great fish tank for a betta fish.

Pros

  • LED lighting is bright

  • Great size and shape

Cons

  • Lid is quite flimsy

  • Acrylic tank is not for everyone

Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon

The Fluval Spec is a 5-gallon nano aquarium with a powerful LED lighting system.

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Dimension: 17.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 Inches

Size: 5 gallons

The Fluval Spec V is a super stylish aquarium. It is made from glass and has an aluminum trim which helps give it it’s modern look.

There is a hidden compartment which keeps the advanced three stage filtration system out of sight – for your fish viewing pleasure.

This compartment can also keep a heater out of sight. The heater is not included and only one of a certain size will fit. The one we use is the Hydor 50 and it fits great!

The robust 37 LED lighting system which seems to hover above the tank will support low / medium care live plants​.

The 17.2 inch length of this tank is bigger than most 5 gallon fish tanks. This offers more horizontal room for the fish to swim than other options which may suit certain types of fish. We also rate this tank as the best betta fish tank.

Pros

  • Great quality and stylish product

  • Advanced filtration system included

  • Hidden compartment keep wires tidy and tank free of hardware

  • LED lights included which can support live plants

Cons

  • Even though adjustable the pump can be too strong (for betta fish)

The Best Fish Tank From Our Reviews

 

The Fluval Spec V is our best 5 gallon fish tank. With its eye-catching design, advanced 3 stage filter and LED Lighting is the clear winner among the five fish tanks.

There is a high quality that is expected with Fluval products and the Spec delivers. The hidden compartment keeps all hardware out of view and gives plenty of room for your fishes to swim.

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