10 Best Small Aquariums 2025 in the United States

The Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit is a compact 2.5-gallon tank designed for both novice and experienced fish keepers. Its SmartClean Technology is one of its standout features, allowing for water changes in under two minutes, promoting better water quality and making maintenance easier. This is particularly beneficial for busy individuals or those new to aquarium keeping, as it minimizes the effort required to maintain a healthy environment for fish.

The rectangular shape and black acrylic material give it a sleek, modern look, making it a suitable decoration for any room, whether it's a home office, living room, or bedroom. The included accessories, such as the power filter, small filter cartridge, fish food, and water conditioner, provide a comprehensive starter kit that simplifies the setup process.

The 2.5-gallon capacity may limit the number and size of fish you can keep, making it best suited for small fish or a few shrimp. This aquarium kit is ideal for anyone looking to start a small aquarium without overwhelming maintenance demands, but potential buyers should assess their fish selection carefully due to size limitations.

The Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium is a compact 1-gallon rectangular tank made from durable acrylic, making it lightweight and less prone to breaking compared to glass. Its small size is ideal for tiny spaces like desks or shelves and suits small freshwater fish or simple aquatic setups. One of its standout features is the SmartClean™ Technology, which helps you perform water changes quickly—under two minutes—making tank maintenance easier and helping keep fish healthier.

The kit includes a power filter with a small replacement cartridge, essential for maintaining good water quality, and an LED hood that provides gentle lighting suitable for small fish and plants. However, the tank does not have a built-in heater, so if you plan on keeping tropical fish, you might need to buy a separate heater to maintain the right temperature. The package comes with fish food, water conditioner, and an easy setup guide, which is great for beginners.

Its compact size means it’s best for very small fish or a few tiny species, but it’s not suitable for larger or more active fish that need more space. Also, the 1-gallon capacity limits water volume, so water parameters can change quickly, demanding frequent care. This aquarium serves as a solid choice for first-time fish keepers or anyone wanting a small, low-maintenance aquatic display, especially with the helpful SmartClean feature and included accessories.

The Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit is an attractive choice for anyone looking to start a small indoor aquarium. With a 5-gallon capacity and a sleek, modern design featuring rounded corners and a clear glass canopy, it allows for a beautiful view of your aquatic life from multiple angles. The included LED lighting system offers both bright white for daylight and blue for moonlight, creating a visually appealing environment for fish and enhancing the ambiance of the room.

One of the standout features is its hidden 3-stage filtration system, which keeps the aquarium looking clean and minimizes clutter. The tank is also lightweight and easy to assemble, making it a good fit for beginners. The kit includes essential components like filter cartridges and instructions on setting up the aquarium, which is especially useful for first-time aquarium owners.

However, while the filtration system is effective, some may find the need to replace the filter cartridges every 2-4 weeks to maintain optimal water quality somewhat tedious. Additionally, the tank's size limits the number and types of fish you can keep; it's best suited for smaller species. The absence of a heater means that if you want to keep tropical fish, you'll need to purchase one separately, which could add to the initial setup cost.