10 Best Small Aquariums 2025 in the United States

The Fluval 107 Performance Canister Filter is designed for aquariums up to 30 gallons, making it well-suited for small aquarium setups. Its compact plastic body is lightweight and durable, fitting easily alongside your tank without taking much space. The filter uses Fluval's patented eTEC technology, which offers strong, consistent water flow while running very quietly—about 25% quieter than older models. This makes it a great choice if you prefer a peaceful environment around your fish tank.

Energy efficiency is another plus, as it uses about the same power as an LED light bulb, helping to keep electricity costs down. The filtration system is reliable and effective at maintaining clean, healthy water for your fish, contributing to their well-being. One user-friendly feature is the EZ-Lift media baskets with a handy center handle, allowing you to remove and replace filter media quickly and easily, which simplifies regular maintenance.

With a solid reputation and positive customer ratings, this Fluval filter serves as a practical choice for anyone looking to keep their small aquarium clean and their fish healthy without much noise or fuss.

The Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit is a solid pick for anyone new to fish keeping or those wanting a simple, compact tank. Its rectangular glass design offers a clear view and a 10-gallon capacity that works well for small tropical fish or a beginner community tank. The included low-profile LED hood provides bright, natural-looking light that helps showcase your fish and plants without being too harsh. A handy feature is the QuietFlow power filter with a red LED indicator that lets you know when the filter cartridge needs replacing, making maintenance easier. The preset heater maintains a steady 78 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for most tropical fish, so you don’t have to adjust it manually. This starter kit comes with almost everything you need: the tank, filter, heater, fish net, thermometer, food, water conditioner, and a setup guide — which is great for beginners.

While the 10-gallon size is manageable, it limits the number and size of fish you can keep. Also, the included heater is preset and not adjustable, which may not suit all species if you want more temperature control. The glass material is durable and clear but can be heavier and more fragile than plastic options. This kit is user-friendly and thoughtfully assembled, making the initial setup less intimidating, but if you’re planning a larger or specialized aquarium, you might eventually want to upgrade components.

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.