Last Updated on August 9, 2022
Betta fish are popular for a reason – they are adorable, fun-loving creatures that make great house pets. But before you decide to add one to your home, you’ll need to familiarize yourself first with the best 20-gallon fish tanks on the market!
A 20-gallon tank is perfect and offers an excellent size for most bettas. It can hold a lot of water, fresh food, and decor (toys, live, or artificial plants) as well. However, it may not be big enough for larger species or if you have too many fish.
This tank size is a good starting point, but you may want to increase or decrease the size depending on your betta’s needs.
With that in mind, this article will help you narrow down your options. Whether you have one or twenty bettas, there is a fish tank that will be perfect for them!
Here are some of the best 20-gallon fish tanks for your tropical fish. The tanks on this list range from simple and inexpensive to more elaborate and expensive options, but all of them are perfect for fish keeping!
Table of Contents
1. Aqueon Led Aquarium Kit
Developed by real-life aquarium enthusiasts, Aqueon offers a wide selection of solutions to help maintain healthy, worthy aquatic environments, and that includes this aquarium kit. Aqueon Led Aquarium Kit includes:
- low profile LED hood
- QuietFlow power filter
- filter cartridge
- a submersible preset heater
- premium fish food samples
- water conditioner to make tap water safe
- fish net
- stick-on thermometer
The preset water heater is set at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, making it appropriate for tropical fish species. This glass tank features a feeding door in the front, making it very convenient when it’s time to give your fish food. It also has a vibrant LED light to bring your aquarium to life.
The QuietFlow LED PRO filter will make routine filter changes easier since its LED system recognizes the need to replace the cartridge. All you have to do is check if the light on top of the filter is blinking.
In addition, the filter has enhanced five-stage filtration and ammonia removal pads, which will surely keep your fish tank water clean and your pet healthy!
Pros
- Includes a LED lighting system
- Complete kit
- Great price
Cons
- LED has no splash guard
- Preset water heater
2. Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium Kit
The Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium is your one-stop solution if you’re thinking about getting a new fish tank. This great glass tank offers a fish tank kit that is the perfect choice for aspiring hobbyists looking to add a beautiful aquatic environment to their homes.
This starter tank includes:
- heater
- filtration system
- color-changing LED (green, purple, blue led lighting)
- decorative plants
- blooming white anemone
- water conditioner
- food samples
A 20-gallon tank is great for a fish lover to keep a few tropical fish without cluttering up your living space. The sleek design makes it an attractive piece of furniture, and the filter keeps the water clean and healthy for your fish.
Pros
- Affordable
- Multi-colored LED
- Glass aquarium
- Comes with many accessories
Cons
- Filter is too loud
- Heater has short lifespan
3. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium
This is not your average fish tank! The SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium is made from high-quality materials that make it lighter and stronger than glass tanks. This means that it’s virtually unbreakable and easy to move around.
Since this fish tank is made from acrylic, chipping or cracking is less likely to happen, making it safer around your pets and children. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo can also be used as either a freshwater or saltwater tank, plus, the sleek design will look great in any room!
Pros
- Acrylic tank
- Impact and shatter-resistant
- Safe to use for freshwater or saltwater marine fish
Cons
- More expensive
- Not a fish tank kit
4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Another 20-gallon fish tank kit on the list is the Marina Led Aquarium Kit. Ideal for those new to the aquarium hobby, the Marina fish tank will surely add spice and light to your aquarium world.
Your betta will surely enjoy roaming around this fish tank as there is enough space for decors and plants. Moreover, the LED light will blend beautifully with your betta’s color and help grow your live plants!
Included in the kit are:
- LED lighting
- fish food
- fish net
- Marina Slim S20 filter
- water conditioner to purify your tap water
- water supplement to create a safe and balanced environment for your fish
Pros
- Has a LED light
- Filter is silent
Cons
- Kit doesn’t include a heater
- More expensive
5. GloFish LED Aquarium Kit
Introducing the Glofish LED Aquarium Kit! This innovative product allows hobbyists to create stunning, colorful fish tanks without having to spend a fortune on equipment.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, the Glofish LED Aquarium Kit is a must-have for your aquarium collection. This fish tank gives your home and fish a vibrant look with its unique blend of white and blue LED light.
The kit includes everything you need to get started, including detailed instructions. You can expect the following from this kit:
- Tetra Mini UL Heater
- Tetra Whisper Filter
- LED light stick
- Glofish plants
- Glofish yellow anemone
Pros
- Two sets of lights (blue and white)
- Comes with additional decors
- Affordable
Cons
- Preset heater
- Filter is quite small
6. Marineland LED Aquarium
Marineland is an innovative company that understands the science and art behind fish keeping. Therefore, consumers and hobbyists alike will surely enjoy the Marineland LED Aquarium.
It has an energy-efficient LED light bar with a sleek design that elegantly mimics underwater sunlight. Delight your view and fish at night by switching to the blue night light mode.
In addition, Marineland fish tank has two sets of hinges that are very easy to access, especially during maintenance.
Pros
- Cheap price
- Safe for freshwater or saltwater fish
- Day and night mode LED lighting
Cons
- No kit included
7. Tetra LED Aquarium Kit
Another variety of the Tetra fish tank is the Tetra LED Aquarium. Unlike the Colurfusion, Tetra LED fish tank offers only single-color lighting that provides a natural daytime effect.
Like the former Tetra product, this fish tank comes with the same kit but at a cheaper price. Maintenance is also made easier given that its hood has hinges on them, thus, making it more convenient.
Pros
- Cheaper than Tetra Colorfusion
- Complete kit
- Single color LED light
Cons
- Would have to upgrade the filter and heater
8. Oceanic Systems Aquarium
Oceanic Systems Aquarium is a standard 20-gallon long high-glass tank built to withstand any tension.
This aquarium has many different sizes, and it comes with a one-piece center brace connected with a metal frame to eliminate glass cracking or shattering. It also has clean silicone edges to ensure safety and avoid injuries.
Pros
- High-quality glass tank
- Rectangular shape
Cons
- No kits included
- Durability issue
- Quite expensive
9. SEALUXE Aquarium
If you’re looking for a simple and tank-only design, then the SEALUXE Aquarium might be the fish tank for you. This aquarium is made from glass material and is welded together with silicone rubber to make it leakproof.
At this incredibly affordable price, you’ve got a great deal to explore the sturdiness of this aquarium. You’ll also enjoy the choice of purchasing any accessories you want to give your betta tank your own personal touch.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Sturdy
Cons
- Hard to clean
- No kits included
Fish Tank Buying Guide
Fish tanks come in various shapes and sizes, so choosing one that will fit your needs and space is important. Some factors to consider when purchasing a fish tank include:
Available Space
When buying a fish tank, it is important to consider the available space you have. A small tank can be just as fun and rewarding as a larger one, but make sure you know the limitations first.
The location of your tank is another thing to consider when buying your 20-gallon tank. Find an area that is not near windows or air vents to ensure water temperature stability and avoid the odds of damaging the tank and dangering your betta fish.
Experience
If you have earlier aquarium-keeping experience, this will be very helpful once you set up your new aquarium. Use your prior knowledge to purchase the best tank for your needs.
If you have done well with specific types of fish in another aquarium of a similar size, then you may want to repeat this feat with your brand new 20-gallon tank. However, if you are new to this hobby, don’t worry. The 20-gallon tank is a perfect size for beginners to explore and learn about fish keeping.
Budget
If you’re considering buying a fish tank, here’s a guide to help you figure out how much you can afford and what features are important to you.
Be mindful of the budget you have to be guided on what kind of fish tank will work best for you and your betta. Ensure you also factor in the cost of fish food, water filters, and additional equipment like an air pump or heater aside from the tank itself.
Accessories
In choosing your 20-gallon tank, check if the additional accessories you’ll need will fit on it. The essential equipment you’ll need in your tank are:
- filtration system
- heater
- decors
- gravel
Most tropical fish thrive in 78 degrees water, so make sure you have a heater to do this job. If you live in a cold area, you will need the heater and thermometer if they are not included in your kit.
You may also want to place live plants and toys into your new 20-gallon aquarium. This will make your tank look more natural for your fish and give them a place to have fun, rest, and hide.
Lighting
If you are interested in growing live plants, you may want to buy a tank with a built-in LED system.
Check if the tank light supports low-light aquarium plants to ensure that your preferred live plants will grow and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 20-gallon fish tank good?
Being a pet owner means you want the best for your pet, especially as they age. It’s one thing to take your pet to the vet for regular checkups, and it’s another thing to spring for a larger fish tank just for the sake of giving them a better home.
The average size of a fish tank is 10 gallons, but many aquarium enthusiasts are opting for big tanks. A 20-gallon fish tank is a great choice for a beginner fishkeeper. It’s large enough to house a few small fish and provides plenty of room for decors and plants that your betta will surely enjoy.
However, a 20-gallon fish tank isn’t the best choice for a serious fish keeper. A 50 or even 100-gallon tank is more appropriate for serious fishkeeping.
How many fish can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on your tank setup and fish population. However, a general guideline is to keep between one and five fish in a 20-gallon tank.
If you have a larger tank, you can likely accommodate more. Ensure adequate space for swimming and feeding and enough room to store extra aquarium supplies should your fish populations grow out of control.
Consider your betta’s temperament and gender as well. Bettas are known to be aggressive and territorial fish, especially male bettas. The general rule is that your betta should not be placed in a tank along with other fish if the tank is less than ten gallons in size.
If you wish to keep more than one betta, ensure they’re both not males to avoid unnecessary stress and injuries to your pet.
What types of fish can live with a betta in a 20-gallon tank?
When choosing a fish for your betta, there are a few things to consider.
For one, what type of fish can tolerate water temperature differences? Second, what type of fish can live in a small tank? Third, what kind of food does your betta like? Fourth, what other pets do you have and how will they interact with the new fish? And finally, how much space does your 20-gallon tank have?
Betta fish are usually considered solitary creatures, but they can tolerate other small fish in a small tank. Many different types of fish can live with a betta in a 20-gallon fish tank, and some of the more common choices include:
- guppies
- platies
- cory catfish
- tetras
- mollies
How much gravel does a 20-gallon tank need?
When it comes to gravel for your fish tank, the size of the gravel is a matter of personal preference. Some hobbyists prefer small pieces that can be easily swept up and disposed of, while others prefer larger gravel that can hold more plants and provide more oxygen and surface area for their fish.
However, there is some general consensus among fish keepers that a 20-gallon tank needs at least about 2.5 pounds of gravel per gallon of water to keep your fish healthy and sediment-free.
How much does a 20-gallon fish tank usually cost?
A 20-gallon fish tank is a popular choice for home aquariums, but how much does it typically cost? The price can vary depending on the brand, quality, and size of the tank, but on average, a 20-gallon tank will cost between $60 and $120.
Basic models usually cost around $75-$100, while more advanced models can cost up to $200. Expect also that the prices of fish tank kits differ (and are higher) than regular fish tanks alone.
Verdict
There are plenty of options for a fish tank, but there can only be one winner. From the lists above, the best 20-gallon tank based on its performance and price is:
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This tank comes equipped with LED lighting that provides natural, accurate coloration. Plus, its easy-to-clean design makes it a popular choice among hobbyists and experts alike!
In conclusion, a 20-gallon fish tank is a great option for those looking for a pet fish tank. It is the perfect size for a variety of fish and allows for plenty of decorating and customization options.
This tank also provides plenty of space for your bettas to swim and explore while also being small enough that it does not require a lot of maintenance. With the right care, a 20-gallon tank can be a beautiful and thriving home for your betta fish for many years to come!