If you’re in the market for a new fish tank and are limited on space. A 10-gallon fish tank is a great size for beginner fish keepers. They are small enough to fit on most countertops but large enough to accommodate a few fish.
These tanks are perfect for both beginner hobbyists and experienced aquarists for fish spawning or quarantine purposes. I’ve compiled a list of the five best 10-gallon fish tanks that include a variety of styles and features to fit every budget.
You’ll also get answers to some of the most common questions about 10-gallon fish tanks.
5 Best 10-Gallon Fish Tanks
#1. Best Overall: Aqueon 10-Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box
- Low profile full hood contains vibrant cool white LED lighting to bring your aquatic environment to life
- Filter has a red LED light that flashes to indicate when it’s time to change the cartridge
- Simply add your favorite style of plants and decor
- Preset heater will keep your aquarium temperature at a constant 78 degrees, appropriate for most tropical fish
- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 17.5 Pounds
- Dimensions: 20.25″L x 10.5″W x 13.31″H
If you’re looking to get started with fish, the Aqueon 10-gallon fish tank is a great option. It comes with all the equipment you need to get started, so you don’t have to worry about buying each piece separately. The tank itself is made of high-quality glass and is sturdy enough to last for years.
The low-profile hood comes equipped with vibrant white LEDs, so your fish will always look their best. This will also create a relaxing and serene atmosphere in any room.
The QuietFlow power filter provides exceptional water filtration for a 10-gallon fish tank. You don’t have to keep track of when you last changed your cartridge, because a red LED light will start flashing when it’s time for a new one. This benefit lets you know when it’s time to perform routine maintenance on your fish tank, ensuring a healthy environment for your fish.
Aqueon’s aquarium kit comes complete with a preset heater to maintain a constant 78 Degrees Fahrenheit – perfect for most tropical fish. With this aquarium, you can create a little piece of the tropics in your home, without having to worry about the temperature fluctuating and stressing out your fish.
If you’re looking for a sleek, stylish way to show off your fish, the Aqueon 10-gallon fish tank is the perfect solution.
Pros:
- QuietFlow power filtration
- A red light indicator for cartridge replacement
- Preset heater to maintain a constant temperature
- Includes setup guide, thermometer, and a fish net
Cons:
- The filter is too strong for small fish
#2. Best Silent Filter: Marina 10-Gallon Fish Tank
- 10 U.S. gallon glass aquarium
- Includes a Marina Slim S15 clip on filter with quick change filter cartridges
- Includes everything you need to get your aquatic home started
- Measures: 20" L x 10" W x 12.5" H
- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 17.3 Pounds
- Dimensions: 12.91″L x 10.24″W x 20.2″H
The Marina glass fish tank features a dead silent clip-on filter that is one of the best on the market. This filter will keep your fish alive and thriving by providing them with clean water.
This fish tank is perfect for beginners who are looking to get into the hobby. The tank comes with an easy-to-follow aquarium care book and a quick-change filter cartridge – making it super simple to maintain a healthy environment for your finned friends.
The daylight effect LEDs embedded into the canopy provides natural-looking light for your fish and enhances their colors. It also includes an Aqua Plus Water Conditioner to ensure your marina 10-gallon fish tank always has clean and clear water.
It comes complete with free Fluval Max fish food and Cycle Biological Supplement, so you can get started on creating a healthy environment for your new pet right away.
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners
- Quiet clip-on filter with an extra quick-change cartridge
- Comes equipped with a care guide, fish food, and a cycle biological supplement
Cons:
- No heating system
#3. Best Submersible Filter: Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Aquarium Kit
- CONVENIENT FOR SMALL SPACES: The Radius Desktop Aquarium Kit is perfect for small or unused spaces: a desk, dresser, or even on top of the old file cabinet that hasn’t been touched in years. This frameless tank is made from finely constructed bent glass that’s 1/8” thick. At the front, it features 2 curved corners, allowing for unobstructed views from all angles.
- CASCADE 300 INTERNAL FILTER: This 10 gallon aquarium kit comes with a Cascade 300 Fully Submersible Internal Filter. The filter cycles water at 70 Gallons per Hour, and includes a refillable Carbon Cartridge and an internal Bio-Sponge.
- GREAT FOR BEGINNERS: The Radius Desktop Aquarium Kit makes for a simple and easy introduction to aquarium ownership. This kit is ideal for adults and children alike, and offers almost everything you need in 1 package!
- CONTAINS ALMOST EVERYTHING YOU NEED: This kit includes the following: 10 Gallon Glass Tank, Glass Lid, Clear Mounting Clips, Cascade 300 Internal Filter (70 GPH), Silver LED Light, and Mat.
- MEASUREMENTS: Overall = 17.75” (W) x 11.75” (D) x 12.5” (H) / Tank Water Volume = 10 Gallons / Filter Flow Rate = 70 GPH
- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 19.25 Pounds
- Dimensions: 17.75″L x 11.75″W x 12.63″H
The Penn-Plax fish tank comes with the best submersible filter that cycles water at 70 gallons per hour. It comes equipped with a refillable carbon cartridge and an internal Bio-Sponge. This filter will keep the tank’s water crystal clear and help your fish stay healthy and happy.
With its frameless design and 1/8″ thick bent glass, this 10-gallon fish tank offers an unobstructed view with no ugly artificial framing. The curved corners give it a sleek, modern look that will complement any home decor.
The silver lamp with bright LED light simulates natural sunlight. This will allow you to see your fish better and provide them with the light they need to thrive.
Pros:
- Easy setup & maintenance
- Powerful filtration
- Durable 1/8″ thick glass
- Elegant curved corner design
Cons:
- No option for night light
#4. Best with Eye-Popping Colors: Aqueon NeoGlow LED Aquarium Kit
- Aquariums featuring bright colors that pop
- Low profile hood with blue colored LED lights showcase the bright colors inside the aquarium
- Includes 3 vibrant plants, multi-colored gravel, black background to highlight fish while hiding power cords, water conditioner, fish food, thermometer, fish net and setup guide
- Also includes Aqueon 50W preset heater, calibrated to keep your fish tank at 78°
- Equipped with an Aqueon QuietFlow LED Pro Filter and medium cartridge
- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 31.4 Pounds
- Dimensions: 20.25″L x 10.5″W x 13.13″H
This fish tank is perfect for making a splash in any room. The low-profile hood with embedded blue-colored LED lights creates an eye-popping effect that is sure to turn heads.
This 10-gallon fish tank makes a statement with its 3 vibrant plants and a black background. The included multi-colored gravel completes the look of your underwater oasis.
The 50W preset heater will keep your fish tank at 78° Fahrenheit, creating a comfortable environment for your fishy friends. No more worrying about whether your finned pals are too cold or too hot – this heater will do the work for you!
The included QuietFlow Filter and water conditioner provides powerful filtration while helping to maintain a healthy environment for your fish.
The included fish food, a thermometer, and a setup guide make it easy to get started. And the fish net will help you keep your tank clean. With the NeoGlow 10-gallon fish tank, you’ll be a pro at keeping your fish healthy and happy.
Pros:
- Colorful bright blue LED lighting
- 50W preset heater
- QuietFlow filter with a medium cartridge
- Includes all the essentials
Cons:
- The heater settings are not adjustable
#5. Best for Fluorescent Fish: Glofish 10-Gallon Fish Tank
- INCLUDES ALL THE ESSENTIALS FOR SUCCESS: Includes a 10-gallon glass aquarium, an LED lighting system, a Tetra Whisper Internal Filter, water conditioner, a fish food sample and a setup/care guide
- UNIQUE COMBINATION OF LED LIGHTING: This unique blend of white and blue LED lights give both GloFish fluorescent fish and tropical fish a vibrant look
- INTERNAL FILTRATION: Tetra Whisper Internal Filter draws water through the filter cartridge (included) to help keep water clean and clear
- COMPLETE THE LOOK WITH COLORFUL ADDITIONS: Complete the look by adding pops of color using GloFish gravel, plants and décor (sold separately)
- DIMENSIONS: The GloFish 10 Gallon Aquarium measures 20 inches long by 10 inches wide by 12 inches high.
- Material: Glass
- Shape: Rectangular
- Weight: 16 Pounds
- Dimensions: 23.69″L x 13.44″W x 19.88″H
In addition to providing a comfortable and stylish home for your fish, the Glofish 10-gallon fish tank is equipped with a unique blend of white and blue LED lights that make fluorescent fish really pop. You’ll love watching your beautiful fish swim and play in their natural environment.
The tank comes with the Tetra Whisper Internal Filter and a filter cartridge. This is a powerful filtration system that will keep your fish healthy and your water crystal clear.
It comes with a 50-watt aquarium heater and thermometer to help maintain safe and stable temperatures for your fish. This is especially important in cold weather or if you live in an area with large temperature fluctuations.
For a more colorful look, you can buy Glofish gravel and plants that will enhance the overall look of your fish tank. The included setup and care guide makes it easy to get started.
Pros:
- Eye-catching colorful appearance
- Comes with a 50W aquarium heater
- Also includes fish food and water conditioner sample
- Easy setup and maintenance
Cons:
- The Glofish gravel and plants are sold separately
What are the Best Fish for a 10-Gallon Tank
One of the most important things to consider when stocking a 10-gallon tank is the size of your fish. Bettas and guppies are both small fish that won’t grow too large, making them good choices for a 10-gallon tank.
Some other good options include:
- Celestial Pearl Danio
- Chili Rasbora
- Endler’s Livebearer
- Rice Fish
- Dwarf Gourami
You can read my detailed guide on the fish selection for a 10-gallon tank.
Here’s How to Set Up Your 10-Gallon Fish Tank
Follow these easy steps for the perfect 10-gallon fish tank:
- Choose a location for your tank that is out of direct sunlight and away from any drafty areas. Place your tank on a sturdy surface – a fish tank stand is ideal.
- Now it’s time to add some substrate to the bottom of your tank. Gravel or sand are both good options. Rinse the substrate thoroughly before adding it to the tank.
- Now you can add some decorations to your new aquarium. Live plants are a great way to add both beauty and oxygenation to your fish’s environment.
- Fill your tank with clean, fresh water. You can use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other impurities from tap water. Fill up your tank with enough water until it is about two inches below the trim.
- Finally, it’s time to introduce your fish. Use a net to transfer them from their bag into the aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 10-gallon fish tank?
The Aqueon Aquarium Kit is the best overall 10-gallon fish tank on the market. It is a complete setup that includes everything you need to get started. The Marina 10-Gallon Fish Tank is also a good option. It comes with a silent filtration system and an LED lighting that creates a natural daylight environment for your fish.
How many fish can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?
The recommended stocking density for a 10-gallon aquarium is one inch of fish per gallon. This means that you can keep up to 10 one-inch fish in a 10-gallon tank. However, it is important to consider the size of the fish when stocking an aquarium. If you are keeping large fish of 2-3 inches, you will need to reduce the number of fish to 3 or 4 in the tank.
How often should I clean my 10-gallon fish tank?
It is recommended that you clean your 10-gallon fish tank at least once a week. This will help to keep the water quality high and prevent the build-up of debris and algae. Some signs that your tank needs to be cleaned include cloudy water, excessive algae growth, and bad smells.
