One of the frequent questions I face from my friends who want to get their hands on a new fish tank for the first time is, ‘What is the best 5 gallon fish tank available in the market?’

Clearly, this is a common concern of many beginners, who are trying to start their new hobby of fish keeping, which is why in this article I will give all the required details and reviews, you may need, to choose the best fish tank of 5 gallons for you.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Five Gallon Fish Tank?

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An aquarium enthusiast can avail numerous types of fish tanks from the market but not all of them are equally suitable for everyone. So, let’s have a look at the benefits that you will get from one of the 5 gallon fish tanks.

Easy Learning:

While opting for a big aquarium, like that of 10 or 20 gallons to pet fishes, it is troublesome for any first timer to handle all those dedicated work skillfully.

That is why it is always recommended to start with a 5 gallon fish tank starter kit in order to fix all your errors and gain enough experience to move on to the next upgrade.

Pocket-friendly:

The 5 gallon tank set is among the cheap aquarium kits available in the market. This kit has all the required equipment that you may need to set up an aquarium, however, you must buy the best fish tank available in the market to ensure quality.

Space Adjustment:

 Those who have a limited space, yet want to have an aquarium, 5 gal tank is definitely the best choice for them.

Easy Upgrade:

After you have gained enough experience and want to go for a big aquarium, you can easily sell this small one and try for the new tank.

A Great Gift:

A five gallon fish tank is the best-suited gift for any person as it will not eat up space or need extensive care.  Other than that, these tanks are budget-friendly and the acrylic made tanks are easy to carry also.

Top 5 Gallon Fish Tank Reviews:

Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit: Editor’s Choice

The best 5 gallon fish tank set that you can avail from the market at an affordable price is the Fluval Spec V aquarium kit which has the perfect combination of all the required equipment that a starter may need for his fish keeping hobby.

Features:

• Unique shape that can be easily mounted over countertops or any small area.
• Manufactured with etched glass and aluminum trim.
• Included with the most powerful LED lighting system consisting of 37 lights.
• The kit is added with foam block with a convenient handle.
• Added with activated carbon and Biomax bio rings.
• Also, comes with a powerful circulation filter with output nozzle upgraded for adjusting facility.

Material: This kit from Fluval Spec is made of etched glass which gives a sleek and stylish look to the tank.

However, etched glasses have the tendency to break faster than normal glass because of the acidic etching, but the Fluval spec has given the glass more sturdiness by their unique manufacturing technique.

Lighting: The LED lighting system includes 37 LED lamps that are designed to overhang over the arches of the tank which will give your plants and other decors the perfect illumination.

Filter: The 3 stage filtration system is powered by an efficient circulation pump which has the adjustable output nozzle. The filtration media includes a porous foam block that comes with a convenient handle, Biomax rings and activated carbon for proper mechanical, biological and chemical filtration.

Easy to clean: All the set-up of filter and pump is fitted to, a separate chamber at the one end of the aquarium, so clearly this kit will give you enough convenience for cleaning the tank thoroughly.

Pros:

• Trims are made of aluminum hence highly durable.
• 37 LED lamps make the tank brighter.
• Activated carbon and Biomax rings help in thorough filtration.
• Separate chamber of the filter gives enough room for the fishes to swim.

Con: Heater is not included with the tank.

Last Verdict:

This 5 gallon tank kit from Fluval Spec is undoubtedly a convenient, affordable and stylish aquarium set that you can have for your house. Though not included with heater, you can easily avail a 25 W heater to complete the kit.

Marina 5 Gal LED Aquarium Kit:

 This is one of the perfect beginners’ 5 gallon aquarium kit included with all the necessary equipment, a starter may need for a fresh water fish tank. The set is also one of the cheap 5 gallon fish tanks available in the market. Let’s take a look at the features it offers.

Features:

• Added with Marina Slim S10 clip-on filter.
• Quick and easy to change filter cartridges.
• An aquarium guide for the beginners.
• A LED light set.
• Food for the fishes.
• One Water Conditioner is also included.
• A fish net is given with the tank.

Material: The aquarium provided with this set is made up of all sturdy glass so that it can hold the pressure of the water for a longer period without breakage or any leakage.

Lighting: The Marina 5G Aquarium kit comes with effective LED lights incorporated in the canopy which will give your fish tank, a natural daylight effect so that your fishes feel more comfortable while swimming.

Water Conditioner: The AQUA Plus water conditioner that comes with this set makes your tap water safer for your fishes by cleaning the biological wastages and controlling the biomass to make the water well-balanced for your fishes.

Other Accessories: An aquarium guide is included with this five gallon fish tank set so that the beginners can learn the process of setting up a fish tank. A fish net is given to catch the fishes at the time of cleaning and fish food is also included in the set.

Pros:

• Sturdier glass made aquarium.
• LED light with natural daylight effect.
• AQUA PLUS water conditioner for maintaining the biological balance.
• How to set up a tank guide for the beginners.
• Fishnet and fish food included.

Con: The filter does not have the 3 stage of filtering process.

Last Verdict: To start your new hobby of fish keeping, this MarinA LED 5 gal tank set is no doubt a must-have. The guide to set up your aquarium, the fish food, and the fish net, all make the perfect accessory set that this company is offering.

5 Gallon Glofish 29045 Aquarium Kit Review:

The 5 gallon fish tank, Glofish offers, is very popular among the beginners. The tank is made up of clear plastic and acrylic as a primary material, both of which gives the fish tank a lighter weight and longer durability, hence perfect for any novice.

Features:

• Crescent shaped fish tank with the seamless view.
• Added with micro filter and medium bio-bag.
• Hammerhead light consists of 15 blue LED lights.
• Clear Cover.
• Acrylic is the primary material.
• Clear plastic made canopy.
• Height -14.5 inches, width – 15 inches and depth 9 inches.
• Weight – 6.71 lbs.

Material: This fish tank is mainly made of acrylic and the canopy and some other parts are made of clear plastic. Both acrylic and plastic help in the easy handling of the aquarium and the light-weight provides suitable portability to the owner.

Lighting: The 15 blue LED lights are incorporated in the hammerhead light which is perfect for Glofish, as the bodies of the fishes absorb the blue light and reflect in a glowing way. Not only that, the LED light is adjusted in the canopy with low voltage power cord and AC adapter.

Filter: The micro filter provided with this kit has the optimal quality bio-bag that filters the water and balance the biological products in the water properly. The small sized filter cartridges are also quick and easy to change.

Easy Feeding: The clear plastic made canopy with fluorescent color has the adequate feeding hole that helps any beginner to feed the fishes effortlessly.

Pros:

• Acrylic and plastic made aquarium kit comes with an easy-handling feature.
• Affordable price.
• Microfilter and bio bag give proper filtration.
• 15 blue LED lights give a colorful and vibrant appearance of the aquarium.
• Crescent shaped and seamless view of the tank add uniqueness.

Con: Appropriate for Glofish only.

Last Verdict: If you are looking for 5 gallon fish tank for sale then you can easily avail this product from Amazon which is the best place to buy fish tanks online, and that too at cheaper rates. Not only this kit is perfect for the starters but also it will fit in your budget incredibly.

Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

Review:

 It is one of the most popular 5 gallon fish tanks for the beginners and some buyers have also mentioned it as the best 5 gallon aquarium that they have used so far. The features and the accessories this kit includes are really helpful for a novice to set up an entire aquarium.

Features:

• Acrylic made fish tank with unique crescent shape.
• Seamless view because of the half-circle shape.
• Energy efficient LED lights are hidden to give an interesting illumination.
• A mechanical filter is added for better filtration.
• The ultra-activated carbon is included in the filter for thorough cleaning of odors.
• 6 x 11.2 x 13.2 inches
• The total weight is 8.8 pounds.

Material: The fish tank is made up of acrylic, so you can easily avoid the chances of breakage or leakage like glass made aquariums. Also acrylic gives the tank very light-weight and hence, easy to handle for a beginner.

Lighting: The LED lights are hidden in the aquarium set up, so the illumination of your plants and other decors become interesting. Also, the lights are very much energy efficient.

Filter: The kit is added with a mechanical filter that efficiently pulls out the water real fast from the aquarium and then channels it through the filter cartridge. The dense, all-sided mesh of the filter catches the debris and waste materials so that the water gets a proper filtration.

Other Specialty: The filter includes activated carbon which is mainly used to clean the water biologically and to make it free from any bad odors and discoloration.

Pros:

• Acrylic gives light-weight and breakage free handling.
• Mechanical filter filtrates the water thoroughly.
• The activated carbon helps in maintaining the bio-waste.
• The crescent look gives the tank uniqueness.
• Energy efficient and hidden LED lights to give proper illumination.

Con: Absence of heater and thermometer.

Last Verdict: This kit has gained a huge popularity for itself because of its affordability and effectiveness. Durability is also praised by many users in Amazon which is the cheapest place to buy fish tanks. I will definitely recommend this product to my readers judging by its fan following.

Fluval Chi II, 5 Gallon Aquarium Set Review:

This glass made aquarium set, is the best 5 gallon aquarium for those who do not prefer acrylic made tanks and want the traditional touch of an aquarium. The set, not only filled with all the needed starter equipment but also the unique shape of the tank gives it a classy and aesthetic look.

Features:

• All glass made tank with sturdy feature.
• A permanent up light and a total of 17 LED lamps are provided.
• The Powerful filter is fitted in the upward position.
• Foam block is present.
• 10 x 10 x 14.4 inches.
• 2 pounds.

Material: The aquarium is made up of sturdier glass so that the tank can bear the pressure of the water and last for a longer period. Also, the unique shape of the tank makes it stand apart from its other counterparts. This small and classy aquarium is best for countertops and office desks.

Lighting: The LED light system has 17 powerful LED lamps that give this 5 gallon fish tank a mysterious underwater touch at night and one permanent up light gives your tank a natural daylight effect.

Filter: The filter is incorporated with the light set at the upper position of the aquarium. The powerful filter has the foam block that clear all the impurities from the water and the waterfall like filtering system will help you to replicate the natural environment for the freshwater fishes.

Other Specialty: This fish tank set from Fluvial Chi is inspired by Feng Shu and specially designed to imbibe the feeling of all chi related values like life prosperity, health etc. by incorporating the soothing sound and the unique motion of the bubbling water, added with the magical lighting ambiance.

Pros:

• Aesthetic look because of the unique shape of the glass made tank.
• The Proper combination of 17 powerful LED lights and one permanent up light.
• Powerful filter.
• The compact design of light and filter helps to save space.

Con: 3 stages of filtration are not included.

Last Verdict:

The incorporation of the best 5 gallon fish tank filter and the lighting set in one compartment makes the fish tank more efficient and productive. I will surely recommend this product to those who want their every furniture to be inspired by Feng Shu. Also, the beginners will get a complete kit at a minimum price to start with.

Marineland 5 Gallon ML90609 Fishtank

This 5 gallon curved glass aquarium from Marineland is one of the top small fish tanks available in the market which reflects both beauty and durability. Absolutely designed for the beginners, the kit has very affordable rate yet comes with all the essential features and more.

Features:

• Curved glass design for the sleek and modern look.
• Advanced filter with 3 stage filtration.
• Flow filter pump can be adjusted according to your choices.
• White LED light for daylight settings.
• Blue LED light for moonlight settings.
• 3 ways of light settings can be done.
• Sliding canopy for easy feeding.
• 8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches.
• 12 pounds.

Material: The aquarium is made up of curved glass which looks really aesthetic and gives your room a unique and sleek feature. But the best part of the glass is its sturdiness. You can slide the glass made canopy while feeding your fishes.

Lighting: The Marineland Portrait kit includes both white and blue LED lights. The white light is for giving your tank a more natural daylight feature so that you can mimic the right environment for your fishes.

The blue LED light is given for using it as a replica of moonlight, at the time of night to make your fishes more comfortable. Another important lighting feature includes 3 ways of toggling the switch to choose between white and blue led, off and only the blue light settings.

Filter: This kit includes a very powerful filter that is hidden at the back side of the tank hence provide an aesthetic look. The 3 stages of the filtration system, clears the water thoroughly in mechanical, chemical and biological ways.

The filter media includes a Marineland Bio-Foam, Rite-Size Z Cartridge, and an adjustable flow filter pump.

Easy Portability: Though made of glass, the total weight of this entire 5 gallon fish tank set is only 12 pounds, which is why moving the aquarium while adjusting will not be a great deal.

Pros:

• Curved, sturdy glass made tank.
• Sliding canopy.
• Hidden 3 stage filter.
• The presence of Bio-foam and cartridge.
• White and blue LED light.
• 3 ways to toggle between lighting settings.

Con: Glass made lid have a tendency to break faster than plastic ones.

Last Verdict:

This aquarium kit from Marineland has all the essential features that a beginner might need to start his first venture of fish keeping. The filter and the lighting system have unique features that most of the other 5 gallon fish tank sets in the market do not provide, so clearly having this set for your home will be ideal.

API Panaview 5 Gallon Fish Aquarium Kit

Review:

 The Panaview 5 gallon tank kit from API has gained its huge popularity among the first aquarium buyers because of its incredible design, child-friendly acrylic body and extremely lightweight. Let’s have a look on its features to explore more about it.

Features:

• Compact design with flat back and round front.
• Included with 7 energy efficient LED lights.
• Internal power filter with 45 GPH flow rate.
• One Bio-Chem Zorb 10 filter cartridge.
• Acrylic made body with resistant to impact feature.
• Crystal clear inner view with the seamless appearance.
• 2 x 10 x 11.5 inches.
• 8 pounds.

Material: The pliable acrylic body has a seamless finish which restricts the option of water leakage unlike the glued edges of the glass aquariums. The flat back and round front altogether give the complete aesthetic look to your tank.

The impact resistant material of the tank is completely child-friendly and also easy to handle. The unique construction of the aquarium gives a crystal-clear view to your underwater decorations.

Lighting: The 7 energy-efficient LED lighting set involves aqua, amber, green, blue, purple, white and red colors. So you can choose any of them to illuminate your tank.

Filter: The kit includes a super clean 10 internal power filter that has the capacity to clean and purify the tank at a rate of 45 gallons in an hour. Also, the research grade bio-chem Zorb 10 resin-carbon filter cartridge provided with the filter has the ability to clean organic pollutants and waste materials.

It also helps in removing discoloration, bad odor heavy metals and toxic gasses from your tank, in order to keep your fishes healthy and thriving.

Light-weight: As the aquarium is made up of acrylic the entire kit as only the negligible weight of 4.8 pounds which is why this aquarium is best suited for the beginners for easy handling.

Pros:

• Impact-resistant, crystal clear view with seamless acrylic made tank.
• 7 energy efficient LED lights of different colors.
• Powerful internal filter with the resin-carbon cartridge.
• Extremely light weight.
• Affordable price.

Con: Absence of a heater.

Last Verdict: This aquarium set can be the marvelous gift to a kid or the perfect companion for the aquatic life lovers. For the beginners, there is no alternative to this kit as the features it includes are extremely beneficial. So, it’s a thumb up from me, for this kit. Buying this kit from Amazon will save some extra dollars of yours as it is the cheapest place to buy a fish tank.

Good Fishes For A 5 Gallon Tank:

For, how many fish can be in a 5 gallon tank; well, from a single fish to a school of 5 fishes, you can go for any of them, but you need to take some precautions.

Single Fish For 5 Gallon Tank:

If you want to keep a single fish in the aquarium in order to balance the bioload and the nitrogen cycle, go for the Betta Splendens or Siamese fighting fish as it is the best fish for 5 gallon tank.

Keeping one will be enough as it produces less waste and also not bothered about the large area for swimming.

5 Gallon Tank Fish In School:

If you are planning to have a school of fish in your tank, then keeping 4 to 5 numbers of male Endler’s Livebearer will be adequate. Keeping females will definitely increase the chance of breeding as they are prolific breeders.

List Of Fishes For A 5 Gallon Tank

• Betta Splendens or Siamese Fighting fish
• Cherry Red Shrimp
• Guppy
• Endler’s Livebearer
• Carinotetraodon travancorius
• Spixi Snail
• Crystal Red Shrimp

FAQ

 How many fish in a 5 gallon tank can I keep?

 You can keep one fish to a school consisting of 4 – 5 fishes at a time. Keeping only the males will eliminate the chances of breeding.

How much does a fish tank cost?

 The cost of the fish tank differs with its capacity to hold water. Usually, a 5 gallon aquarium kit will cost approximately $$; though it is just an average price.

 How many goldfish can be kept in a 5 gallon tank?

 You can keep the fancy goldfishes in 2 numbers at their younger ages. But after 1 year you are obviously going to need a 20 gallon tank as they grow at a faster rate. However, you can keep 1 Betta fish as it is the best fish for a 5 gallon tank.

What is the 5 gallon fish tank size?

Or,

What are the 5 gallon aquarium dimensions?

Usually, the dimensions are hugely related to the shape of the tank, and the shape varies from one manufacturer to other. So, it is difficult to tell the exact dimensions.

Though, typically a horizontally rectangular aquarium has dimensions of approximate 10 x 10 x 14.4 inches.

 

 

Bottom Line:

The best 5 gallon fish tank kit will consist of all the required equipment like lighting, filter, good quality material and easy to clean feature. To avail the best one from the market you must keep in mind that the kit should have all the features that will help you to set up your aquarium.

You can choose both glass and acrylic according to your suitability, but before opting for any kit, you must ensure all the features, advantages and disadvantages it has. And only then you can buy the perfect tank for your home.