Best 5-Gallon Fish Tanks of 2026
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5-gallon fish tanks are a perfect option for those who want to keep a small aquarium in their home or office. These tanks are compact, easy to maintain, and can accommodate a variety of fish species. They are made from high-quality materials and come in a range of shapes and designs, making them a stylish addition to any room. With proper filtration and regular water changes, these tanks can provide a healthy and comfortable environment for your fish. They are also affordable and ideal for beginners who are just starting in the world of fishkeeping.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 5-Gallon Fish Tanks
Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
The Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit is a 5-gallon aquarium starter kit with a sleek design, including rounded corners and a clear glass canopy for multi-angle viewing. It features both daylight and moonlight lighting, with bright white LEDs creating a shimmering sunlight effect and blue LEDs producing a moonlit glow. The hinged LED lighting and sliding glass canopy provide easy access. The kit includes advanced, 3-stage filtration that is hidden out of sight, enhancing the aquarium viewing experience. This easy-to-assemble kit is perfect for those looking for a beautifully designed and easy-to-maintain aquarium.
Koller Products 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit
The Koller Products 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with LED Lighting and Power Filter is a fun and rewarding way to teach children about pet ownership. With energy-efficient LED lighting featuring 7 dazzling color selections, this aquarium kit provides crystal-clear clarity, a powerful internal power filter, and a unique shape for optimum viewing from multiple angles. Made of impact-resistant plastic, this one-piece tank ensures leak-proof assurance unlike glass tanks. Dimensions are 16.50 L x 10.00 W x 11.80 H Inches. User Set-Up Instructions and Koller Products premium filter cartridge are included.
Aquatop Pisces 5-Gallon Fish Tank
The Aquatop Pisces 5-Gallon Fish Tank has a modern cube-style design held together with high-grade silicone. It includes a unique multi-stage internal filter box system with drop-in filter cartridge and ceramic rings for superior filtration. This tank is great for both freshwater and saltwater setups and perfect for small invertebrates. Additionally, it features a bright touch-sensitive LED light with a moonlight setting and a tank lid with mounting clips.
VEVOR 5 Gallon Smart Aquarium Tank
The VEVOR Smart Aquarium offers several handy features to make fishkeeping easier and more enjoyable. Its self-cleaning system helps reduce the need for frequent water changes, saving you time and effort. You can customize the lighting with three different color modes, which not only sets a relaxing mood but also highlights your fish’s natural beauty. The adjustable water flow lets you control the pump speed, creating a comfortable and stress-free environment for your fish that mimics their natural habitat. Plus, the ultra-clear glass provides a sharp, 360-degree view so you can enjoy watching your fish from every angle with crystal-clear clarity.
Wonderfactory 6 Gallon Ultra Clear Glass Aquarium
The Wonderfactory Clear Glass Aquarium offers a sturdy and leak-proof design thanks to its thick 5mm glass and precise bonding, giving you a tank that lasts without any mess. Its ultra-clear, low-iron glass lets you see your fish and plants in vibrant, true colors without any distortion, making your aquatic setup look stunning. The built-in dark background enhances the colors of your fish and plants without the need for extra stickers or accessories. Plus, the pre-installed soft base pads protect your furniture from scratches and reduce noise, so your tank stays quiet and your surfaces stay safe.
Penn-Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit - 5 Gallon Tank
The Penn-Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit is perfect for small spaces and beginners. The 5-gallon tank is made from 1/8" thick bent glass, with 2 curved corners for unobstructed views. The kit includes a power hang-on filter, digital thermometer, fish net, glass lid, and clear mounting clips. It's ideal for adults and children alike and measures 10.5" (W) x 9.75" (D) x 12" (H).
minilake 5 Gallon Clear Glass Aquarium
The minilake Clear Glass Tank offers a crystal-clear view thanks to its 5mm thick glass, letting you enjoy your fish without any distortion. Its sleek black back and edges are scratch-resistant, giving your aquarium a sharp, modern look while protecting it from damage. The sturdy foam base keeps the tank steady and cushions it, so it won’t slide or vibrate on your desk or shelf. Plus, the reinforced silicone sealing ensures your tank won’t leak, providing you peace of mind for long-term use. This tank combines style, durability, and convenience for your aquatic pets.
GloFish Aquarium Kit with LED Lighting and Filtration
The GloFish Aquarium Kit is a 5-gallon glass tank that includes all the essentials, such as Tetra Hidden Filtration, an adjustable flow filter pump, and GloFish Cycle Light with four modes. This aquarium kit is perfect for any size room and comes with four lighting modes to create a unique ambiance. Additionally, you can add colorful GloFish gravel, plants, and décor to complete the look (sold separately).
Vimvins 5 Gallon Ultra White Glass Aquarium
The Vimvins 5 Gallon Aquarium offers a clear view of your aquatic pets thanks to its high-quality ultra white glass, which lets in plenty of light and has no bubbles or impurities. With a 5-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for small fish, shrimp, or plants without taking up much space, making it ideal for desks or bookshelves. The tank’s smooth, polished edges ensure safety by preventing cuts, and the included special mat helps protect your furniture while keeping the tank stable. Besides being a fish tank, you can also use it for turtles or as a decorative mini landscape, giving you versatile options for your home.
TARARIUM 5 Gallon Glass Aquarium Starter Kit
The TARARIUM 5-Gallon Aquarium is made from high-quality, fully transparent glass that ensures durability and a clear view of your aquatic pets. Its water temperature detection system helps you monitor the tank’s environment, so you can keep your fish comfortable and healthy. The aquarium features three different LED light settings designed to support plant growth by providing sufficient oxygen, which also benefits your fish. This tank is perfect for a variety of small fish and aquatic creatures, offering a versatile and convenient setup for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What pretty fish can live in a 5 gallon tank?
A betta fish is my top pick for a 5 gallon aquarium because you get personality, looks, and intelligence all in one fish. Betta fish are relatively easy. A heater and a sponge filter (betta fish do not like currents) along with a light is all they need to thrive in a 5 gallon tank.
2. How many fish can you put in a 5 gallon fish tank?
You can keep about 4-6 fish in a tank this size as long as each fish is not larger than 2 inches. The one-inch fish per gallon rule would apply to most smaller fish breeds like Tetras, Rasbora, and more. Fish that can grow larger than 2 inches are not recommended for a 5-gallon tank.
3. Is a 5 gallon tank good for fish?
Although these fish will do better in a larger aquarium, 5 gallons is about their minimum tank size. A small group of about 4 of these fish can be kept in 5-gallon fish tanks with good filtration and regular maintenance. This is another fish where a heater is not necessary.
During our 5-gallon fish tank research, we found 26 5-gallon fish tank products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 83,962 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 5-gallon fish tanks list. We found that most customers choose 5-gallon fish tanks with an average price of $61.28.
The 5-gallon fish tanks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 5-gallon fish tanks, including MarineLand, Koller Products, Aquatop, VEVOR, Wonderfactory. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.