The best aquariums and fish tanks for your fishy friends

There's nothing more relaxing than watching pet fish swim around in their tanks. If you're introducing a new fish into your family or just looking to branch out into looking after an aquarium, the first thing you'll want to invest in is a decent fish tank.

It's hard to know where to begin. As well as plants, live rocks and food, you'll want to think about water pumps, filtration systems or even water heaters to go alongside your tanks. Look no further though, because we've been on the hunt for the best fish tanks on the market.

From tropical aquariums to fish tanks for kids, we've rounded up our favourite bestsellers, so you can choose the best aquarium easily.

What fish tank should I get?

First things first, you'll want to think about which fish tank will be right for you - there's a range of tanks out there.

You'll want to think about the size of your tank first. How many fish do you plan to buy and how much space can you afford? If you're new to being a fish parent, you may want to start small. Most fish owners should go by the rules that one inch of fish should have two gallons of water (and fish tanks can go up to sizes of 65 gallons!).

Next, consider saltwater or freshwater tanks. This will all depend on what fish you want to buy for your home. Freshwater tanks are arguably less maintenance, but saltwater aquariums usually allow more colourful and vibrant fish.

Make sure to remember you'll need to acclimatise your fish in your tank too, so you may want to invest in a smaller, temporary aquarium for them to adjust in.

Every fish is different so make sure that you know what you're investing in. Think about how much space they require, what food they need, the ph tolerance of the water and what plants and environments they thrive in.

What do I need for an aquarium?

Aquariums usually need a variety of other accessories to make it a comfortable living space for your fish.

Firstly, fish food is extremely important for your fish to survive. Make sure you get the correct option because some fish have specific requirements. Never overfeed your fish as this is easily done and can be fatal.

Inside the tank, you'll want to think about water conditioners, fish filters, heaters (especially for tropical fish), window cleaners and air pumps.

On the other hand, you'll also want to consider accessories around the tank which your fish can enjoy. Substrate and live rocks for, gravel and sand for the floor, lighting, plants and stones can all be added in your own way.

The best fish tanks and aquariums 2022

Holding up to 105 litres, this huge fish tank is a bestseller on Amazon and will hold everything you need. Tetra is a popular brand for high-quality fish tanks so if this is too big for you or you're looking to size down, there are other smaller sizes that may suit your preference like 30 or 54 litre.

Dimensions: 88 x 47 x 59.5 cm

Size: 30, 54 or 105 litres

Material: Glass and plastic

You may need to invest in an aquarium heater for your tank if you're looking to keep tropical fish as pets. This Ciano Black option has a heater included in the fish tank, so it's a perfect option if you're looking for an aquarium that supports your tropical pets.

Dimensions: 60 x 30 x 33.5 cm

Size: 58 litres

Material: Glass

This cube fish tank by Ciano is perfect for smaller fish and shrimp. With an LED light as well as including starter water conditioner and bio bact, your fishes will be all kitted out to enjoy tank life. The light hovers above the tank for easy access into the water and also has a glass lid for better viewing.

Dimensions: 30.6 x 25.7 x 25cm

Size: 14 litres

Material: Glass, plastic

Brighten up your fish tank with an LED lighting fish tank. This remote-controlled option by Marina 360 is extremely popular and will hold a smaller school of fish. It looks great and has an integrated filtration system for easy cleaning. Reviewers love how bright it is.

Dimensions: 25.4 x 25.4 x 31.5 centimetres

Size: 20 litre

Material: Glass

You may want to build up your aquarium from scratch to add your own personal touches to your fish tank. This Diversa fish tank only has the glass included, so you'll need to buy your own lid and accessories separately.

They come in a range of sizes from 12 litres all the way up to a huge 300 litres, so there's something for everyone.

Dimensions: 60x30x30cm

Size: 12-300 litres

Material: Glass

Fish tanks don't have to be bowl-shaped or rectangular - just take a look at this diamond fish tank that holds up to 14 litres. This may be better for the fish owner who likes to spend a little more on their pets.

Dimensions: 36.8 x 35.4 x 41.8cm

Size: 14 litre

Material: Glass

New to the game and want to keep it easy? This LED aquarium starter kit is a nice size to pop in your first few scaly friends and to get started on your aquarium. It has built-in filtration and is eco-friendly, so it's a good place to start for those who don't know too much about having pet fish. You can get this in sizes up to 39.8cm if you'd rather dive in deep.

Dimensions: 26.5 x 29 x 16.5cm

Size: 26.5cm

Material: Glass

If you're just getting into the fish tank game, there will come a time when you will need to clean the aquarium or even upgrade to a bigger size. This Ferplast Geo option is a nifty tool for temporary homing for your fish so that you can transport them comfortably or adjust your tank without any problems. It's cheap and efficient, great to have on the side of your main aquarium.

Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 14cm (1 litre)

Size: 1-11 litres

Material: Plastic

Buying a fish for your child is a great way for them to look after their first pet. This Aquatown fish tank makes it easy for them to enjoy their little fishy pets while also coming with a filter and 24 litre capacity - a good mid-sized tank to fill with colourful accessories.

Dimensions: 28 x 40 x 25.5cm

Size: 24 litre

Material: Glass, plastic

More to read in pets:

You can now buy an egg chair for your pet - and here's where

How to stop a puppy biting with a training spray

Best puppy milk for healthy development