Our Top Picks
Marina Aquarium Kit – Overall Best
Marina’s 20-gallon LED aquarium kit is perfect for starting a freshwater or saltwater fish community tank and includes everything you need. The feeding door on the front of the hood makes feedings hassle-free – simply open the door rather than lifting the entire hood.
Aqueon LED Aquarium Fish Tank – Best Starter Kit
Aqueon’s 20-gallon aquarium kit includes a high-quality, well-made tank with a sleek and stylish low-profile hood. The integrated cool white LEDs, the 100-watt 78°F preset heater, the thermometer, and the water conditioner make this the perfect starter kit for your 20-gallon fish tank setup.
Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish – Best For Value
Tetra’s 20-gallon fish tank is an all-inclusive kit that provides excellent value. The set comes with a 100-watt heater, which is preset to 78°F – an optimal temperature for many tropical fish, so you won’t have to worry about what temperature to set the heater at.
If you’re new to the aquarium world, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options for purchase. Let us guide you to decide which aquarium is best for your needs!
A 20-gallon aquarium is a great place to start for beginner fish keepers. The primary reason is that 20-gallon tanks are commonly sold in sets, which include other necessary items for the new aquarium setup, such as lighting, a heater, and a filter.
They’re big enough to accommodate a variety of species but small and easy to take care of. In addition to fish, other common pets like African Dwarf frogs, shrimp, and snails can also be kept in your aquarium!
Deciding on the best 20-gallon fish tank can be tough with all available options, but I am here to help. This comprehensive guide will find everything you need to make a purchase based on your specific needs.
The 4 Best 20-Gallon Fish Tanks
Here is the list featuring the four best 20-gallon aquariums on the market, perfect for at-home use. These tanks are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity. This list has it all, no matter what kind of fish tank you’re searching for.
Marina Aquarium Kit
- 20 U.S. gallon glass aquarium
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Marina 20G LED Aquarium Kits are the perfect option for beginner aquarists. It comes with everything a novice fish hobbyist needs to get started in the wonderful world of fish keeping. The experience will be easy and enjoyable from start to finish.
Key Features
- Three-stage filtration system
- Clip-on filter has quick-change filter cartridges
- Energy-efficient LED light
- Natural daylight effect
- A top-quality heater
This 20-gallon tank has an amazing filter with a three-stage filtration system, but it also includes a heater and an LED light. The tank size is perfect for any space, and the light is just bright enough without being overwhelming.
Pros
- Promotes biological filtration
- Removes toxic ammonia
- Water conditioner, fish net, and free fish food
Cons
- The fish food floats on the water surface and clouds it
Aqueon LED Aquarium Fish Tank
- All the equipment needed to get started in one box
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For those looking for a 20-gallon aquarium to use in their home, the best available option is the Aqueon LED Aquarium Kit 20H Black. This tank has a three-stage filtration system. Not only does it blocks chemicals and debris that could damage water or fish, but it also eliminates disease-causing bacteria and fungi.
Key Features
- 24.25 x 12.5 x 19.5 inches rectangular shape
- Quiet flow power filter with a three-stage filtration system
- Low-profile hood adorned with LED light
- Preset heater
The filter functions quickly and makes barely any noise, which is excellent for any home. LED light brightens up the contents of the tank and also makes otherworldly beauty more visible. Furthermore, the LED hood prevents light from escaping and ensures an even distribution throughout the tank.
Pros
- Reliable LED hood
- Built-in LED indicator
- Stick-on thermometer
Cons
- The entire LED hood needs to be removed to feed your fish
Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank
- Tetra Glass Aquariums are made in the USA and are built to last with scratch resistant glass
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tetra 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit is the most complete option and offers everything that any fishkeeper would need who wants a reliable and durable aquarium. The tank is scratch-resistant, which is excellent because it means the glass won’t get scratched easily if something sharp bumps into it.
Key Features
- LED hood
- Tetra Mini UL Heater
- Tetra Whisper 20 Filter
- Artificial Boxwood Plant Mat and four artificial plants.
The Whisper Filter provides a steady, reliable water flow while being nearly silent. Artificial plants add a beautiful, natural ocean feel that provides privacy for your fish and reduces their stress levels. The filter also doesn’t allow floating particles or harmful chemicals into the aquarium. The heater is an additional feature that is extremely beneficial.
Pros
- Resistant to scratches
- Lifetime warranty
- Round edges
Cons
- The Filter is a bit smaller for this tank
Marineland (Aquaria) AMLPFK20B Biowheel Aquarium
- This product is easy to use
Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Marineland Aquarium Kit is the best way to create an ideal setting for your fish and plants if you want to become a successful fish keeper.
Key Features
- The modern and sleek hood
- The quickly attachable hinges
- Energy-saving 60-watt daylight and night light LEDs
- LEDs don’t contain mercury like traditional aquarium lights
- The Bio-wheel filter and rite-size filter cartridge
The tank has a new, updated hood and LED lighting. The hood provides an opening for feeding, filtration, and other accessories. The subtle light of Daylight LEDs is perfect for replicating the underwater look and feel of natural sunlight. The Bio-Wheel effectively eliminates toxic ammonia and nitrite, never clogs or needs replacing, and requires virtually no maintenance.
Pros
- Eye-pleasing LED lighting
- Easy access to feeding, filtration, and other accessories
- Lightweight and scratch-proof tank
Cons
- The glass is less prone to scratching but isn’t as tough as claimed.
Key Considerations When Purchasing A 20-Gallon Fish Tank
A 20-gallon fish tank is an excellent addition to any home. It is perfect for beginners or those with limited space, and there are a few key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing one.
Dimensions of the Tank
There are two main reasons why choosing the correct dimensions is essential.
- The first reason has to do with design and aesthetics. You want to ensure that the tank will fit in with your overall theme and highlight the strengths of your theme.
- The second reason is placement. With the suitable 20-gallon variation, you won’t have to worry about whether or not it’s stable and safe.
There are many different types of 20-gallon fish tanks with different dimensions, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
| Tank | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Uses |
| A 20-gallon long tank | 30 x 12 x 12 inches | It can be used to highlight a theme that is meant to be wide. |
| A 20-gallon high tank | 24 x 12 x 16 inches | It can be used for a design with several layers. |
| A 20-gallon extra high | 20 x 10 x 24 inches | For more ambitious setups |
Make sure you have a stand that fits you 20 gallon tank.
The Right Materials
There are several benefits and drawbacks when choosing the perfect material for your 20-gallon tank, so be sure to consider all your options before making a decision.
Glass
The typical 20-gallon tank that hobbyists use is made of glass. This model has been around for the longest time, and globally, many people are familiar with it. It’s also durable as scratches don’t leave many marks on it. While its sturdy material doesn’t yellow easily over time, the tank is quite heavy, so you will need reliable support to keep it in place.
Acrylic
The acrylic 20-gallon tank is visibly clearer, easy to clean, and lightweight making it easily mobile popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. Remember that this type of tank does not have the same scratch resistance as a glass tank.
Both options are safe for your fish and aquarium, with decorations and equipment to support either material. The chosen one depends on the available space and the look you want to achieve.
Accessories
The most important thing to consider when looking for a 20-gallon fish tank is which accessories come with it. If you can find a tank with all the bells and whistles, then even better! That way, you won’t have to spend extra money on decorations, and you can get your new aquarium set up in no time. A complete aquarium must include:
- A glass aquarium
- Low-profile LED hood
- Quiet Flow power filter
- Filter cartridge
- A Submersible
- Preset heater
- Water conditioner sample
- Fishnet
- Thermometer
- Setup guide
Filtration
Maintaining filtration in your fish tank is not an element you can overlook. This is because proper filtration cleans the water and makes a livable environment for your fish. However, if done cheaply or improperly, the tank water will get dirty more often than necessary and could lead to the death of fish.
Right Price
Now that we’ve looked at the dimensions, placement, and material, it’s time to consider the price. The 20-gallon tank is a popular, affordable option. Glass tanks are generally cheaper than acrylics, but only by a small margin, unlike bigger tanks where there can be vast cost variations depending on package and warranty, etc.
Final Verdict
The 20-gallon aquarium is an ideal option for those who want a versatile and affordable tank. It provides plenty of space for multiple fish, grants more stability in terms of cleaning, and can be decorated to your liking. You could put several small one-inch fish in here or just a couple of large ones – the choice is yours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are the Best Aquarium Tank Brands?
Our favorite brands are: Tetra, Marina, Aqueon, Sea Clear, Marineland, Aquarium Masters.
What Size Tank Do I Need for 20 Fish?
As a general guide, you should have 1 gallon of water for each inch of fish when deciding on aquarium size. So, if you would like to keep 20 inches of fish, your tank should be able to hold 20 gallons of water.
How Many Fish Should Be in a 20 Gallon Fish Tank?
If you follow the rule of 1 inch of fish per gallon of water, you can keep 20 one-inch fish or ten two-inch fish in a twenty-gallon tank.
Related article: How many fish can you keep in a 20 gallon tank
