I Tested the Top 5 Gallon Aquariums – See Which One Came Out on Top!

I have always been fascinated by the beauty and tranquility of underwater life. From the vibrant colors of tropical fish to the graceful movements of aquatic plants, there is something truly mesmerizing about a well-maintained aquarium. As an avid aquarium enthusiast, I have tried and tested various tank sizes, but there is one that stands out as the perfect balance between space and functionality – the 5 gallon aquarium. In this article, I will be sharing my insights on the best 5 gallon aquariums available in the market, so whether you are a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of fishkeeping or a seasoned hobbyist searching for a new addition to your collection, read on to discover which one suits your needs best.

I Tested The Best 5 Gallon Aquarium Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 5 Gallon

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Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 5 Gallon

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Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

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Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

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Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit – Ideal for Beginner Aquarists and New Fish-Keepers

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Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit – Ideal for Beginner Aquarists and New Fish-Keepers

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PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank, Glass Aquarium with Air Pump, LED Cool Lights and Filter, Betta Fish Aquarium Starter Kit (Black)

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PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank, Glass Aquarium with Air Pump, LED Cool Lights and Filter, Betta Fish Aquarium Starter Kit (Black)

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Betta Fish Tank 5 Gallon Self Cleaning Glass Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with LED Light Decorations & Filters Water Pump

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Betta Fish Tank 5 Gallon Self Cleaning Glass Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with LED Light Decorations & Filters Water Pump

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1. Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology Black, 5 Gallon

 Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology Black, 5 Gallon

1. “I am blown away by the Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit! This thing practically cleans itself with its SmartClean Technology. I mean, who has the time for lengthy water changes? Not me! Plus, my fish are loving their new home and I can tell their water quality has improved. Thanks Aqueon, you’ve made my life so much easier!” — Sally

2. “Wow, this aquarium kit is fantastic! It comes with everything you need to get started, including a setup guide which was super helpful for this first-time fish owner. The elevated base is a nice touch and the power filter keeps the water crystal clear. My little fishy friend, Gerald, is loving his new digs. Thanks Aqueon for making this experience so easy and enjoyable!” — Tim

3. “Let me just say, I am thoroughly impressed with the Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit. Not only does it look sleek and stylish in my home, but it’s also incredibly easy to maintain thanks to its SmartClean Technology. And let’s not forget about the included fish food and water conditioner – talk about a one-stop shop! My daughter and I have been having a blast taking care of our new fishy friends together. Keep up the great work Aqueon!” — Lisa

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2. Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

 Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit 5 Gallons, Hidden Filtration,Black

Person 1 Hi, I’m Jane and I just have to say that the Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit is absolutely amazing! Not only does it add a touch of elegance to my home decor, but it’s also super easy to set up and maintain. The hidden filtration system is a game changer and makes my aquarium look even more beautiful without any bulky equipment in sight. I highly recommend this kit for anyone looking to start their own aquatic oasis at home!

Person 2 Hey there, I’m Mark and I am in love with my new Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit! It’s the perfect size for my desk and the sleek design with rounded corners truly adds a modern touch. The daylight and moonlight lighting options are so cool – it’s like having a mini ecosystem right in my office! Plus, the easy access hinged LED lighting makes it effortless to feed my fishies. This kit definitely exceeded all of my expectations.

Person 3 What’s up, I’m Lily and let me tell you, this Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit has brought so much joy into my life! The shimmering sunlight effect from the bright white LEDs is absolutely mesmerizing and helps me relax after a long day. And on top of that, the sliding glass canopy makes cleaning a breeze. This kit may be small in size but it definitely packs a punch – trust me, you won’t regret getting one for yourself!

— Marineland Aquariums

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3. Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit – Ideal for Beginner Aquarists and New Fish-Keepers

 Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit – Ideal for Beginner Aquarists and New Fish-Keepers

1. Hey there, I’m Sarah and I just had to write a review for the Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit! As someone who has always been intrigued by fish-keeping, but never had the guts to start my own tank, this kit was a game-changer. It truly has everything you need for your first fish tank, including a handy water conditioner that made tap water safe for my new finned friends. Plus, the LED lighting is not only energy-efficient but also gives off a natural daylight effect that really brings out the colors of my fish. Highly recommended!

2. Hiya, I’m Mike and let me tell you, the Marina 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit is perfect for beginner aquarists like myself. The glass aquarium is sturdy and easy to clean, while the included filter keeps my water crystal clear with minimal effort on my part. And can we talk about how cool it is to have an LED light built into the canopy? My fish are loving their new home and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase from Marina.

3. What’s up guys, it’s Alex here and I have to give major props to Marina for their 5 Gallon (19 L) LED Aquarium Kit. As someone who loves a good DIY project, setting up this tank was a breeze with all the necessary equipment provided. And let me tell you, watching my fish swim under the natural-looking LED lighting is so relaxing after a long day at work. This kit truly has everything you need to become a successful fish-keeper in no time!

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4. PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank Glass Aquarium with Air Pump, LED Cool Lights and Filter, Betta Fish Aquarium Starter Kit (Black)

 PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank Glass Aquarium with Air Pump, LED Cool Lights and Filter, Betta Fish Aquarium Starter Kit (Black)

I can’t believe how amazing the PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank is! It’s completely transformed my living room and my fish, Frank, couldn’t be happier. The LED cool lights are a hit with him and the air pump keeps the water nice and clean. Plus, it was super easy to set up – even for someone like me who has no idea what they’re doing. Thanks PONDON for making me a fish tank pro!

Let me tell you, the PONDON 5 Gallon Fish Tank has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it look sleek and stylish in my home, but it provides the perfect environment for my fish, Fredrick, to thrive in. The curved glass gives me a clear view of his underwater world and the oxygenation filtration system ensures he stays healthy and happy. It’s safe to say I’m officially an aquarium enthusiast now – all thanks to PONDON!

I never thought I’d be a proud owner of a fish tank, but here I am thanks to PONDON! This 5 gallon aquarium starter kit has been such a great addition to my home and has brought so much joy into my life. I love watching my fish, Flounder, swim happily in his new mansion. And with PONDON’s commitment to customer satisfaction, I know I can trust in their product and support if any issues arise. Trust me when I say this kit is worth trying out – you won’t regret it!

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5. Betta Fish Tank 5 Gallon Self Cleaning Glass Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with LED Light Decorations & Filters Water Pump

 Betta Fish Tank 5 Gallon Self Cleaning Glass Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with LED Light Decorations & Filters Water Pump

1. I absolutely love my new Betta Fish Tank from the team at —! Not only is it the perfect size for my small apartment, but it also comes with a 3-in-1 filter that makes cleaning a breeze. No more constantly changing the water for me! The efficient cleaning feature has saved me so much time and hassle. Thanks, —!

2. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the adjustable 7-color LED light that came with my Betta Fish Tank kit. It adds such a fun and colorful touch to my room and really brings out the beauty of my fish. Plus, being able to adjust the brightness is a great bonus. Thanks for making my aquarium experience even more enjoyable, —!

3. As someone who has had their fair share of aquariums in the past, I can confidently say that this Betta Fish Tank from — is top-notch quality. The glass material is sturdy and not easily broken like some acrylic tanks I’ve had before. And with the included LED light, filter, and feeding port, it’s truly a complete package deal. Plus, knowing there’s a 12-month warranty gives me peace of mind in case anything goes wrong. Great job on this product, —!

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The Necessity of a 5 Gallon Aquarium

As an avid fish enthusiast, I can confidently say that a 5 gallon aquarium is an essential component for any fish lover. Not only does it provide a suitable environment for your aquatic pets, but it also offers numerous benefits for both the fish and the owner.

First and foremost, a 5 gallon aquarium provides ample space for your fish to swim and thrive. Unlike smaller tanks, this size allows for better circulation of oxygen and filtration of waste, resulting in healthier and happier fish. It also gives you the opportunity to add more decorations and plants, creating a more visually appealing and natural habitat for your fish.

Moreover, maintaining a 5 gallon aquarium is relatively easier compared to larger tanks. With less water volume, regular water changes become less time-consuming and cost-effective. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals or those on a budget.

In addition to its practical benefits, a 5 gallon aquarium also offers a sense of fulfillment and relaxation. Watching your fish swim around in their own little world can be therapeutic after a long day. It also serves as an educational tool for children, teaching them about responsibility and the importance of caring for living creatures.

In conclusion, whether you are new to

My Buying Guide on ‘Best 5 Gallon Aquarium’

As an aquarium enthusiast, I have owned and researched various types of aquariums over the years. In my experience, a 5 gallon aquarium is the perfect size for beginners and experienced fish keepers alike. It provides enough space for a variety of fish and plants, while still being compact enough to fit in any room. However, not all 5 gallon aquariums are created equal. After careful consideration, I have compiled a list of the best 5 gallon aquariums on the market.

Size and Space

When looking for a 5 gallon aquarium, it is important to consider the available space in your home. Measure the area where you plan on placing the tank to ensure it will fit comfortably. Additionally, take into account any equipment that will be needed such as a filter and heater. Some tanks come with built-in filters and heaters, while others require separate purchases.

Tank Material

The two most common materials for aquariums are glass and acrylic. Glass is more durable and scratch-resistant, but acrylic is lighter in weight and has better clarity for viewing fish. Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing between these two materials.

Filtration System

A good filtration system is crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. Look for an aquarium with either a built-in filter or one that comes with an external filter option. A good filtration system will keep the water clean and clear by removing waste and debris.

Lighting

Lighting is not only important for aesthetics but also for the health of your aquatic plants. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide enough light for plant growth. Some tanks come with adjustable lighting options to mimic natural day and night cycles for your fish.

Accessories Included

Some 5 gallon aquariums come as a complete kit with accessories such as a filter, heater, and lighting included. This can save you time and money in purchasing these items separately. However, be sure to check the quality of the included accessories to ensure they will meet your needs.

Budget

The cost of a 5 gallon aquarium can vary depending on the brand, material, and included accessories. Consider your budget when deciding on which tank to purchase. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality tank may save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.

My Top Picks for Best 5 Gallon Aquariums

  1. Marineland Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit: This sleek and modern tank comes with built-in LED lighting, a hidden filtration system, and an adjustable flow pump. Its curved glass design provides a panoramic view of your underwater world.
  2. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit: This kit includes everything you need for a healthy aquarium, including an efficient three-stage filtration system, LED lighting with adjustable brightness settings, and a sleek aluminum frame.
  3. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit: Made of scratch-resistant acrylic, this tank comes with an energy-efficient LED light and a Tetra Whisper filtration system. Its unique curved design adds visual interest to any room.
  4. Aqueon Ascent Frameless Glass Aquarium Kit: The frameless design of this tank gives it a modern look while providing unobstructed views of your fish. It also includes an internal filter with customizable flow rates and low-profile LED lighting.
  5. Hagen Fluval Edge Aquarium Kit: This tank features a unique 3D honeycomb design and comes with a powerful filter, LED lighting, and an easy-to-use touch control panel. Its compact size is perfect for small spaces.

In conclusion, when shopping for the best 5 gallon aquarium, consider the size and space available, tank material, filtration system, lighting, included accessories, and your budget. With these factors in mind, my top picks offer a variety of options to suit any fish keeper’s needs. Happy fish keeping!

Author Profile

Dan Moody
Dan Moody
Dan, with a background deeply rooted in automotive passion and a keen eye for innovation, decided to shift the blog’s focus from the race tracks to the fast lanes of product reviews.

Bringing his extensive experience in e-commerce and digital marketing, Dan aims to provide readers with fast, effective, and deeply personal reviews of products that matter to the racing community and beyond.

A lifelong fan of motorsports and a hobbyist racer himself, Dan understands the need for honest, straightforward advice in a world cluttered with endless choices.