Aquariums are a great way to bring nature into your home and they can provide hours of enjoyment. Fish tanks come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re looking for something that’s not too big or too small, a 30-gallon fish tank is a good option to add a little bit of life to your home. In this article, I’ll take a look at some of the best 30-gallon fish tanks on the market.
Things to Look For in a 30-Gallon Tank Setup
A 30-gallon tank is a great size for a beginner fishkeeper. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a 30-gallon aquarium:
- The first thing to look for is a sturdy tank. A 30-gallon tank can be quite heavy when filled with water, so make sure it has a strong stand that won’t tip over.
- Material: Another important consideration is the material the tank is made from. Some materials are more prone to scratches and leaks than others. For a beginner, it’s best to choose a tank made from acrylic or glass.
- Filter & Aeration: Look for a tank that has a filter and an air pump to ensure your fish have fresh water and plenty of oxygen. A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter that can turn over the entire volume of the tank at least once per hour.
- Lid with LEDs: Check to see if the tank has enough lighting with a lid that can be securely fastened.
- Fish Type: Another important factor is the type of fish. Some fish are more active than others and need more space to swim. Some fish are also aggressive and can bully other fish in the tank. It is important to do research on the type of fish you want before adding them to the tank.
- Stocking Your Aquarium: You also need to consider the number of fish that will be in the tank. Too many fish and the water quality will suffer, too few fish and the tank will look empty. It is recommended to have 1-inch of fish per gallon of water. For example, in a 30-gallon tank, you can keep up to 15 fish of 2-inch size.
- Finally, don’t forget to add some decorations! Fish love to hide and explore, so adding some rocks, plants, and other decorations will give them plenty of places to swim and play.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to have an ideal 30-gallon aquarium that will suit your needs and provide a healthy environment for your fish.
5 Best 30-Gallon Fish Tanks
#1. Best Overall: Coralife Biocube Aquarium
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- Material: Glass
- Shape: Square
- Weight: 62 Pounds
- Dimensions: 27.5″L x 25.5″W x 27″H
Coralife has programmable LED lights with a 24-hour timer that lets you create the perfect environment for your fish, coral, and aquatic plants. The white and blue LEDs provide full spectrum lighting for optimal growth and coloration. This is a great feature to create a natural light cycle for your aquarium inhabitants.
The Biocube Aquarium comes with a built-in filtration chamber that helps to keep your water clean and your fish healthy. This 3-in-1 system includes a mechanical filter, chemical media, and Biocube refugium for complete filtration.
Gradually brightening and dimming the lights over a 30-minute period simulates sunrise and sunset for your fish, helping them to wake and sleep. This is important because it helps them maintain their internal clock, which is critical for their health and well-being.
Pros:
- White & blue lights for day and nighttime
- Integrated 24-hour timer
- Customizable filtration chamber
- Easy to setup and maintain
Cons:
- Expensive
#2. Best Durable Acrylic: SeaClear 30-Gallon Fish Tank
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- Material: Acrylic
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 20 Pounds
- Dimensions: 36″L x 12″W x 16″H
This SeaClear fish tank is made of clear acrylic, which is 17 times stronger than glass. This means that your fish tank will withstand even the most vigorous play and be less likely to break. Plus, the fine quality acrylic material ensures that your fish tank will remain clear and free of scratches.
This aquarium combo includes a reflector and 24″ light fixture to illuminate your fish’s world. SeaClear acrylic aquariums are a better value than glass tanks of comparable size.
This fish tank is perfect for salt or freshwater, making it a safe environment for all types of fish. Additionally, the tank is safer around children and pets, making it a great addition to any home.
Pros:
- Impact-resistant material
- Best for families with children
- Virtually invisible seams
- Lighter than regular glass
Cons:
- The hood quality isn’t that impressive
#3. Best Filtration: SeaClear System II 30-Gallon Aquarium
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- Material: Acrylic
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 20 Pounds
- Dimensions: 36″L x 12″W x 16″H
The SeaClear System II Aquarium provides the best filtration for a clean aquarium. This wet dry biological filtration removes harmful toxins and waste from the water, keeping your fish healthy and your aquarium looking its best.
The fish tank is designed with a space for a heater at the back of the aquarium, but you have to buy a separate heater. A heater enables you to keep a wider variety of fish, as some species require warmer waters to thrive.
The hood is designed with a 24″ fluorescent fixture, so you can brighten up your aquarium and create a beautiful underwater scene for all to enjoy.
The tank is easy to clean because of a quick-change prefilter. The prefilter traps dirt and debris before it has a chance to enter the aquarium, making cleaning simple. Plus, this acrylic Aquarium weighs half as much as glass aquariums of the same size, making it easier to set up and take down.
Pros:
- 3-in-1 filter media
- Includes a built-in space for a heater
- Efficient and economical
- Safer around children and pets
Cons:
- You’ll need to buy Light bulbs & heater separately
#4. Best Affordable: Tetra Complete LED Aquarium
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- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 45 Pounds
- Dimensions: 30″L x 12″W x 18″H
Tetra’s complete aquarium kit is the best budget pick for a 29-gallon tank. It is a great value for the price and includes an LED hood. This fish tank is packed with features that make it a great choice for anyone looking to get started with an aquarium.
The glass tank comes with a low-profile hinged hood, making it easy to open and close. The energy efficient white LEDs provide ample light for viewing your fish, while the sleek design adds a contemporary look to any room.
With all the necessary components and instructions included, you’ll be up and running in no time with aquatic life.
Aquariums are already a peaceful addition to any home, and the Tetra Complete Aquarium takes it up a notch with its whisper-quiet power filter , 200-watt heater, thermometer, and setup guide.
Pros:
- Best value: A complete Kit
- Hinged hood with integrated LEDs
- Easy to set up (guide included)
- Perfect for beginners
Cons:
- None
#5. Best Versatile: LANDEN Ultra Clear Glass Fish Tank
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- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 61.7 Pounds
- Dimensions: 23.62″L x 15.75″W x 17.72″H
The LANDEN Glass Fish Tank has a versatile filtration system that works with fresh or saltwater, making it a convenient option for all types of fish enthusiasts. This high-quality tank is also made of durable glass and comes with a dedicated hidden space for filter, making it a great addition to any home or office.
The tank has a low iron, ultra-clear glass construction and beveled edge with a rimless look that will upgrade any room. Plus, the aquarium is easy to set up and maintain.
No one likes changing their aquarium water, but it’s a necessary evil if you want to keep your fish healthy. This tank makes water changes a breeze with its detachable water inlet and adjustable directional nozzle. Now you can quickly and easily change out your old aquarium water without making a mess.
Pros:
- Includes a high-performance water pump with a max flow rate of 185-gallon per hour.
- Dedicated back filter chamber tank
- Ultra-clear all glass design
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The filter media is not included with the tank
What Are the Best Fish for a 30-Gallon Tank?
When stocking a 30-gallon tank, it is important to consider the size, temperament, and requirements of the fish you are adding. Some of the best fish for a 30-gallon tank include:
- Guppies
- Cory catfish
- Cherry barbs
- Platies
- Rainbowfish
- Molly Fish
Guppies are small, colorful fish that are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding places. Cory catfish are bottom-dwellers that help keep the tank clean. They are peaceful fish that do well in groups.
Cherry barbs are small, active fish that add color to the tank. They do best in schools of 6 or more fish. Platies are hardy, peaceful fish that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They do well in tanks with plenty of plants and hiding places.
You can read my detailed guide on the best fish for a 30-gallon tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fish can I keep in a 30-gallon tank?
The fish stocking density in a 30-gallon tank depends on a number of factors, including the size and species of fish, the level of filtration, and the fish temperament. However, it is recommended that no more than one inch of fish be kept per 1-gallon of tank capacity. Therefore, a 30-gallon tank could theoretically accommodate thirty fish of 1-inch size each. This is just a general guideline though, as there are many other factors to consider when stocking a fish tank.
How to Setup a 30-gallon Fish tank?
To set up a 30 gallon fish tank, you will need to purchase a stand, filter, heater, gravel, plants, and fish. First, assemble the tank and stand. Then, rinse the gravel and add it to the bottom of the tank. Next, add the plants. Finally, fill the tank with water and add the fish.
