The Best Fish Tanks in 2022

Depending on the fish you intend to keep and the space you have, you need to consider the following when looking to buy a new aquarium:

Tank Size: Your fish need enough space to thrive as too many fish in a small space will quickly lead to a build-up of toxins. And some fish don’t like to be in close proximity to others. Smaller gallon sized fish tanks can also suffer from fluctuation in temperature and water chemistry. Aim for a 10-gallon tank or larger, especially if you are a first-time fishkeeper and if in any doubt, speak to the experts in your local aquarist shop. 

Material: Aquariums are made from either glass or acrylic and both have their pros and cons. Glass fish tanks tend to be the cheapest and are durable, remains clear and are less likely to scratch. However, they are heavy and are not the most impact resistant. Acrylic, meanwhile, can be more expensive but is lighter than glass, so a good choice for larger fish tanks or if you need to move your aquarium around. They also have better impact resistance and can come in a variety of fish tank shapes but can scratch and have a tendency to slightly yellow over time. 

Weight: The weight of a tank is an essential consideration as it will weigh much more when full of water. This means you need to consider its portability if you need to move it to clean or re-fill as well as whether it is the right weight for the stand or shelf you intend to place it on. 

Filtration: Even if you are looking for a cold freshwater tank, you will need to ensure the water is filtered and healthy for your fish so look for the right filter for your tank. And depending on the fish you intend to keep, ensure the filter and pump are gentle enough or can be adjusted to create the right environment and water movement for your fish. 

Heater: Unless you can ensure your room temperature remains constant all year round, then you will need a tank heater, even for cold water fish. Choose the heater appropriate for your type of fish and ensure it can be adjusted to get the right water environment. And don’t forget a thermometer if there is not one built-in with your heater.

Cost: Know your maximum budget before you buy a new fish aquarium as when you take into account all the accessories and equipment you will need; it can add up to a significant investment. 

As all aquarium keepers will tell you, a fish aquarium can bring hours of pleasure. Here are our top reasons for having a fish aquarium in your home:

They look good: A well-kept and well-stocked aquarium is a stunning addition to your home and will create an eye-catching centerpiece to any room. Whether you opt for small fish tanks or a large, free-standing aquarium, they will be enjoyed for years to come. 

They don’t take up much space: Depending on the size of tank you choose, an aquarium can fit neatly into most homes. They also cost less to maintain, compared to many other popular pets.

Stress reduction: Simply taking the time to sit and watch your aquarium is good for stress management as well as your health and wellbeing. Which is why you often see fish tanks in dentist and doctor waiting rooms as well as high-stress environments such as hospitals and offices.

There are two main types of tanks – cold water and warm water (tropical). These can then be categorized as follows, depending on your chosen fish type:

Freshwater: Either cold or tropical, freshwater fish tanks are one of the best set ups for beginners as they are easier to set up and give you a create choice of live plants to opt for.

Marine water (salt): This is where you can add some exotic looking fish to your tank and create a tropical or reef environment that's ideal for fish such as clownfish. Marine water tanks can also be cold, and house cold water fish such as blennies. Marine tanks can be trickier to manage as you also need to maintain the water salinity and other delicate chemistry in the water.

Brackish: A brackish water aquarium requires a carefully balanced mix of marine salt and fresh water to create the right environment for brackish fish, such as the fantail guppy. 

While you should always follow any set-up instructions that come with your aquarium and associated equipment, here’s a basic guide to setting up a fish tank:

• Place the aquarium in its new location, ensuring it is secure and near to any plug sockets you may need
• Rinse out the tank thoroughly to remove any dust or dirt. Do not use any chemicals or cleaning products, just fresh, clean water
• Now rinse your substrate and pour across the bottom of the tank. There’s no need to spread it out evenly yet as it will only be disturbed when you add the water
• Fit your filter and heater to where they need to be inside your tank, but don’t switch them on
• Fill the tank with water, ensuring it has been appropriately dechlorinated and treated first with water conditioner, then spread the gravel out evenly.
• Rinse your decorations thoroughly and add to the tank. Now you can turn the filter, heater and light timer on
• Before adding your fish, add any aquatic plants and then move to the ‘cycle’ stage
• You will need to let the tank – without fish – go through a full cycle, which is where you enable a healthy biological filter to establish. Follow your tank manufacturer’s instructions, but as a guide to the process, add a large pinch of fish food to the water to get the filtration system working and prevent the build-up of ammonia and nitrate. If these toxins are allowed to build up, your fish could suffer as a result of ‘New Tank Syndrome’. 
• Do a partial water change every couple of days for around a month or until the nitrate levels are trace. 
• You are now ready to add your new fish to their tank!

How often you need to clean your aquarium will depend on the size of the tank, the number of fish it houses and the type of filtration system you have. Checking the tank each day for a build-up of waste so is a good habit to get into and can make a full clean easier. 

For most average-sized tanks, a weekly water change is ideal, as it ensures your fish are kept in optimal conditions. You need to remove about a quarter of the tank’s water and replace it with appropriately treated water to bring it back to full volume. At the same time, it’s a good idea to give any accessories inside aquarium a scrape or sponge to remove any dirt or algae and clean the bottom gravel with an aquarium hoover.

Once a month, test the tank's ammonia, nitrate and pH levels and clean the filter cartridges. A full deep clean should be scheduled every six months, and will also involve removing, checking and cleaning filters, pumps, lights, heaters and accessories to ensure everything is clean, safe and in good working order.

Our Best choice - the Marina LED Aquarium Kit - is a top pick if you're starting out as a fishkeeper as it's easy to set up and maintain, with enough room for several fish as well as live plants and decorations. The adjustable filter clips on and you can create the right amount of light, thanks to the LED light system in the tank's canopy. Simply designed, this fish tank kit is also smart enough for your home, giving you hours of fish watching pleasure.