Setting up a saltwater fish tank is a complicated process. And since saltwater fish and corals can be so difficult to care for, it’s very important to choose the perfect tank that will suit all of your marine pets’ needs out of the box.
Here we have a look at cost, size, flexibility in setup, and customer reviews to provide a list of the eight best saltwater fish tanks.
8. Vapotek 360 Clear Acrylic and Plastic Cylinder Fish Tank
Ideal for: Fish and plants that require plenty of vertical space
This fish tank comes in either a 50- or 70-gallon option. The stainless-steel base and top are decorative and make cleaning easy. The tank is clear all the way around so fish can be viewed from any angle. This tank also comes with a filter system, water pump, bio balls, and an air pump.
- Fish can be viewed from 360 degrees around the tank
- 50- or 70-gallon option
- Includes water pump, filter, air pump, and bio balls
- More expensive than other tanks
7. Starfire Aquarium with Center Overflow (50 Gallon)
Ideal for: Saltwater aquarium use
This tank, which measures 24 x 24 x 20 inches, has glass sides and a center overflow. The aquarium itself is cube in shape so it’s a good fit for fish that require either vertical or horizontal space, and it has room for aquarium rocks or decorations. Bulkheads and plumbing for the center overflow are included.
- Cube shaped for either vertical or horizontal space
- Center overflow
- Bulkheads and plumbing included
- More expensive than other tanks
6. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Junior Executive Kit
Ideal for: Beginner saltwater aquarium enthusiasts
This kit is the perfect option for either beginner or advanced fish enthusiasts, making it one of the best saltwater fish tanks. The tank is 40 gallons, with more horizontal space. The kit includes a hood, a light fixture, a water filter, a thermometer, a fish net, natural lava rocks, and plastic plants. The tank is available either in clear or with a blue back wall.
- Beginner kit makes setup easy
- Includes hood, light, water filter, thermometer, fish net, rocks, and plastic plants
- May be too small for some saltwater fish
5. Fluval 10531A1 SEA EVO XII Aquarium Kit (13.5 gal)
Ideal for: Beginner to advanced saltwater fish enthusiasts
This 13.5-gallon aquarium has a waterproof aluminum casing and a hood that features a feeding door and a touch-start day and night light cycle. It also has a honeycomb design along the back that conceals the filtration unit. The unit itself is designed to provide three stages of filtration—mechanical, chemical, and biological.
- Small enough for offices or tight spaces
- Hood has a feeding door and day/night illumination cycle
- Filter is powerful but carefully concealed
- May be too small for some saltwater fish
4. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit (5 gal)
Ideal for: Beginner saltwater fish enthusiasts
This five-gallon aquarium is small enough for a bedroom or office, making it a good choice for one of the best saltwater fish tanks. The tank itself is glass with aluminum trim. It includes an LED lighting system and a foam block, bio rings, and activated carbon.
- Perfect for beginners
- Kit includes a lighting system, bio rings, foam block, and activated carbon
- Glass with aluminum trim
- Too small for many saltwater fish
3. Tetra Aquarium Kit (55 Gallon)
Ideal for: Beginner to advanced aquarium enthusiasts
This tank is large enough to house many different saltwater species and features more horizontal room than vertical. The kit also comes with water conditioners, a fish net, fish food, a filter, a heater, a plant, and a digital thermometer, making it good choice for one of the best saltwater fish tanks.
- Large horizontal space for many fish or plants
- Comes with water conditioners, filter, heater, food, net, plant, and thermometer
- Quality may be inconsistent
2. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
Ideal for: Beginner or advanced fish enthusiasts
This tank is made of acrylic, which is much stronger than glass. It’s also available in a range of sizes, from 20 to 50 gallons, and can be purchased in a rectangular or hexagon shape to suit your aquarium needs. These features make it one of the best saltwater fish tanks available.
- Made of strong, chip-resistant acrylic
- Ranges from 20 to 50 gallons
- Comes with a reflector and light fixture
- Acrylic can occasionally warp
1. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED
Ideal for: Beginner to advanced saltwater enthusiasts
This cube aquarium has lights built into the hood that mimic natural day and night cycles with a timed sunrise and sunset function. It also features built in filtration and a submersible pump. The pump is quiet and has dual intakes.
- Quiet submersible pump
- Built in filtration
- Cube shape
- Day and night cycle light timer
- Quality may be inconsistent
Conclusion
Finding the right saltwater aquarium that fits your needs, budget, and the health and comfort of your fish can seem quite overwhelming. However, when a few key factors, such as size, durability, and cost, are taken into account, the list can be narrowed down.
Listening to and learning from other saltwater aquarium enthusiasts can also help you find the best saltwater fish tanks. Let others know what’s worked well for you in the past, or what your favorite tanks are!
The TPR Team invites you to read informative pieces and specialized opinions from experts in all things dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters, rabbits, and all things pet, in general.
