Last Updated on October 12, 2022 by Editorial Team
There is a lot of information to keep in mind if you are putting up a fish tank for the first time. The good news is that a 20 gallon fish tank may serve as a sturdy foundation for your aquatic creatures’ new home. In addition, many such tanks are sold in kits that include all the essentials for creating a functional aquarium.
Choosing the best fish tank from the hundreds of available alternatives may seem difficult. Whether you need a 20-gallon fish tank and what features to look for are both covered in the buying guide we’ve put together for you below. A few of our favorite products available now are listed.
If you are serious about giving your fish a good home, you will want to read on for our in-depth analysis of the top 20-gallon fish tanks on the market today.
- Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium Set (Best Overall)
- Tetra Aquarium Fish Tank Kit (Best Decor)
- GLOFISH 20-Gallon Fish Tank with Aquatic Kit (Best Fish Tank with Heater)
- Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank (Best for Saltwater Fish)
- Landen 60P Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank (Larger Tanks)
- Aquaone LED Aquarium Starter Kit
- MARINA LED Aquarium Kit
- PENN-PLAX Bowlshaped Aquarium
- How to Choose the Best 20-Gallon Aquarium for Your Fish?
- FAQ’S
- Final Thoughts
Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium Set (Best Overall)
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These 20-gallon Tetra ColorFusion fish tank kits have an LED light bar that can be adjusted to any of seven different hues, allowing you to create a whole new atmosphere for your aquarium. In addition, the included artificial plants really come to life under the illumination of the Color Fusion LED lights, and you can halt the cycle on any color to make the aquarium really your own.
This tank kit is ideal for anybody just getting into fishkeeping since the pre-installed anemones move in sync with the filter current and provide hiding and resting dead spots for your fish.
This Tetra tank is identical in size to the one described above (24.2 inches in length, 12.4 inches in width, and 16.7 inches in height) and has a heater to maintain a constant water temperature.
Pros
- LED Light That Emits a Radiant Glow
- Durable 20-gallon glass
- LED Color-Changing Technology with Universal Color-Fusion
Cons
- Not the best after-sales support
Tetra Aquarium Fish Tank Kit (Best Decor)
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Tetra’s 20-gallon aquarium (one of our favorite brands) is crafted with durable, scratch-proof glass and proudly created in the USA. This tank’s LED canopy simulates daylight, making it ideal for fish and plants. A Whisper Filter is another name for this unit because it operates quietly while producing a steady stream of water.
The tank has artificial plants that mimic the look and feel of the ocean and provide cover for your fish. In addition, a Tetra Mini UL heater assists the tank in maintaining the ideal temperature.
This tank’s dimensions—24.2 inches in length, 12.4 inches in width, and 16.7 inches in height—make it suitable for a wide variety of fish. All you need to do is add the substrate and your fish.
Pros
- Designed to last
- The use of scratch-proof glass
- Built-in light-emitting diode canopy
Cons
- A few people reported that the water filter leaked.
GLOFISH 20-Gallon Fish Tank with Aquatic Kit (Best Fish Tank with Heater)
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This 20-gallon GloFish tank, illuminated by a blue LED light, is another great option for individuals who want to keep their aquariums colorful. All you need to make this neon tank your own is a 13-inch LED light stick, a yellow anemone, and two plant multipacks from GloFish. Its dimensions of 24.2 by 12.5 by 16.2 inches make it suitable for a wide variety of fish.
The internal filters and the tiny heater are standard features on all Tetra aquariums, ensuring a peaceful environment for your fish and aquatic plants. If you want to make this tank even more eye-catching, feel free to add some neon substrate and some GloFish of your own.
Pros
- Light Emitting Diode Capsule
- Space heater Tetra U
Cons
- A few people reported that there was a water leak around the base.
Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank (Best for Saltwater Fish)
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This Aqueon 20-gallon tank is wonderful for a wide variety of fish, but it does not come with any accessories. Thanks to its high-quality glass construction and versatile 30.25″ x 12.5″ x 12.75″ dimensions, this tank may be used as a saltwater or freshwater aquarium.
It is resilient and maintains its form in most circumstances. Black and clear silicone edgings are also offered, which provide a finishing touch to the tank’s modern look and prevent damage. Keep this glass aquarium only on a sturdy table or aquarium stand that can support its weight.
Read also: Best 29-Gallon Aquariums & alternatives
Pros
- Exceptional glasswork throughout
- Suitable for use in both saltwater and freshwater environments.
- Easy to switch as saltwater aquariums
- Degrease silicone rims.
Cons
- No decoration
Landen 60P Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank (Larger Tanks)
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Landen’s aquarium tank, like many others like it, doesn’t come with any extras but is built to last out of 8mm thick, crystal clear, low iron glass. This tank is 23.6 inches long, 15.7 inches wide, and 15.7 inches high; it holds 25.4 gallons of water and is suitable for a variety of fish and plants.
The silicone border around the edges adds an additional layer of protection, and the overall look is modern and minimalist, so it won’t seem out of place in any setting. Furthermore, this glass tank’s high quality may be assured since it was made in the USA.
Pros
- Among the best-tempered glass aquariums
- Crystal clear
- Simple and plain
Cons
- No Decoration
Aquaone LED Aquarium Starter Kit
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This Aqueon tank with a capacity of 20 gallons stands out from the crowd. The recommended models below include a built-in heater that maintains an aquarium environment of 78 degrees Fahrenheit, ideal for most tropical fish.
It has a complete hood that is both sleek and low-profile, and within the tank, white LED lights provide a soothing glow. As an added bonus, the filter has a red LED light that blinks when it’s time to change the cartridge.
This tank, measuring 24.25 by 12.5 by 19.5 inches, is ideal for keeping a wide assortment of fish and beginner plants. When used as intended, this Aqueon tank is excellent.
Pros
- Ultra-slim Light-Emitting-Diode (LED)
- Aquarium Power Filter QuietFlow
- Filter cartridge
- Pre-set immersion heater
Cons
- The canister filters are quite noisy.
MARINA LED Aquarium Kit
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This 20-gallon Marina aquarium tank comes with all the accessories you need to set up your aquatic habitat. It is also available in 5- and 10-gallon capacities.
Some features I like include:
- Clip-on filter with easy-to-replace filter cartridges;
- Long-lasting, natural daylight effect LED lighting module;
- Fish net with flexible netting;
- Water conditioner to make tap water quality suitable for fish;
- Additional fish food.
The tank can be set up in minutes and offers a healthy, natural environment for fish. It’s ideal for a wide variety of fish species due to its spacious 24″ by 12.5′ by 16.5″ dimensions.
Pros
- Glass fish tank with a capacity of 20 US gallons
- Includes a clip-on Marina Slim S20 filter
- Filter cartridges you can clean up easily
Cons
- Some people reported that the edge seals often leak.
PENN-PLAX Bowlshaped Aquarium
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The Penn-Plax fish bowl is a creative and interesting take on the traditional rectangular aquarium design and can hold more than 20-gallon of water. This AquaSphere 360 aquarium is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments due to its scratch-resistant polycarbonate construction.
The black top conceals 13 LED lights that can be turned on and off with the included remote or by just waving your hand. Also, it has a protein skimmer that can be taken out and water pumps that can be put under water. Both of these parts are part of the built-in filtration system that can be accessed through the top lid.
The tank has a 14-gallon capacity and is 23.6″ in diameter and 17.9″ in height, making it suitable for a wide variety of fish species. Best of all, you can see everything within this tank from any angle, which isn’t often the case with conventional tanks.
Pros
- Award-winning design
- LEDs that operate at a low voltage
- Thirteen hidden LED light bulbs
- Never leaked
Cons
- Smaller size
Read also: 6 Best Betta Fish Tanks Reviews
How to Choose the Best 20-Gallon Aquarium for Your Fish?
After deciding choices for aquariums, there are certain features you should look for. This will help you choose the perfect tank for your house and aquatic pets.
Accessories
Since 20-gallon aquariums are sometimes sold as kits, they often include a variety of extras to facilitate the tank’s assembly and make the fish within feel more at home. A better fish tank comes with as many extras as you’ll need to keep your fish healthy and happy.
Filtration
Filtration systems in aquariums play a crucial role in maintaining sanitary conditions. However, your tank will become filthy faster if the filter doesn’t operate correctly or is poorly designed. This may cause germs to grow in the cold water, which can kill your fish.
Design
The tank’s layout is more concerned with how it will appear as an ornament in your house than with the actual needs of the fish within. Keep in mind that fish tanks may be found in a wide variety of forms, which is important if you have a certain layout in mind.
You don’t want to spend hours putting together your tank while your fish are eager to move in, so the design should make that a breeze.
Lights
Lights in a fish tank are essential for the health of your fish and the growth of any plants you may choose to have in there. LED lights are widely recommended for their high efficiency and low energy consumption.
FAQ’S
Will my fish be okay in a 20-gallon tank?
You can’t generalize since it all depends on the fish you’re keeping and how many of them you have. While some fish species thrive in bigger aquariums, others are quite content with more modest quarters. Pet stores are the best places to get advice on whether or not a 20-gallon tank is enough for the fish you want to keep.
How to install a 20-gallon fish tank correctly?
Setting up a fish tank shouldn’t be difficult or time-consuming. However, every tank is unique and requires its own special setup, so it’s important to start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions.
Before introducing the fish, you should always check the cleanliness of the aquarium water column and any substrate or other accessories you want to use. The Internet is rife with instructional videos that may be followed to help you set up your aquarium.
Final Thoughts
There are a wide variety of 20-gallon tanks available, and it might be hard to choose the one that would provide the best environment for your fish. We recommend setting your aquarium with 5GPH (gallons per hour) to maintain water quality.
Also, consider the tank’s size, material, and shape carefully. (Hint: Acrylic tank is good for beginners). Finally, keep an eye out for any included accessories. Excellent choices will make caring for your fish easy and will have your aquarium up and running in no time.
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