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Pets Fish & Reptile Supplies

Best Aquarium Starter Kits

Updated July 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Tetra Complete Aquarium Kit
Tetra
Complete Aquarium Kit
Best for Beginners

Once properly set up, this kit offers comprehensive and long-lasting care for an assortment of species.

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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

Once properly set up, this kit offers comprehensive and long-lasting care for an assortment of species.

Pros

Sizable tank holds up to 55 gallons of water, leaving room for multiple varieties of fish to enjoy. Black wooden frame provides a water-resistant seal. LED system mimics natural sunlight. Includes a filter and heater that owners can track with the digital thermometer. Use the packs of plants for interior decoration. Instruction manual makes for simple assembly.

Cons

One of the pricier models on the market.

Best Bang for the Buck
Koller Products PanaView Aquarium Kit
Koller Products
PanaView Aquarium Kit
Colorful Selection

With multiple options to light up the tank, this starter kit is a playful option to entrain owners and their fish.

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Colorful Selection
Bottom Line

With multiple options to light up the tank, this starter kit is a playful option to entrain owners and their fish.

Pros

Tank comes with 7 choices of LED lighting: blue, green, amber, purple, red, aqua, or white. Owners can keep their preferred cool or use the transitioning options for further style. Internal filter purifies water by removing pollutants and heavy metals. Package includes several replacement cartridges for long-term usage. Tank designed to withstand leaking.

Cons

Filter may be too powerful for smaller fish.

MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
MarineLand
Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
Panoramic View

Owners can gaze at their fish at any time of the day through the combination of curved glass and LED lighting system.

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Panoramic View
Bottom Line

Owners can gaze at their fish at any time of the day through the combination of curved glass and LED lighting system.

Pros

Glass cube offers room to watch fish from different angles, as well as a curved front for easier viewing. LED system mounted on top for white or blue illumination. Transparent canopy prevents leakage and retracts for easy feeding access. Advanced filtration system removes debris, carbo, and toxic chemicals in a 3-stage process.

Cons

Curved features may be inconvenient for pumps or filters.

Aqueon Betta Bowl Aquarium Kit
Aqueon
Betta Bowl Aquarium Kit
Feature-Packed

A small, easy-to-use, and affordable bowl that's best for single or very small fish.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

A small, easy-to-use, and affordable bowl that's best for single or very small fish.

Pros

Made for bettas and other small fish, this model comes with the essentials, including gravel, an aquarium plant, and lid with feeding door. Made of clear acrylic. Easy to set up.

Cons

Tank isn't large enough to house 2 bettas long-term. A small heater is recommended for best results.

Tetra LED Cube Aquarium Kit
Tetra
LED Cube Aquarium Kit
For Smaller Spaces

This compact starter kit fits neatly into petite areas without sacrificing the quality of the aquarium.

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For Smaller Spaces
Bottom Line

This compact starter kit fits neatly into petite areas without sacrificing the quality of the aquarium.

Pros

Simple tank holds up to 3 gallons of water while remaining versatile and transparent. Features LED light for fish and their owners to enjoy at all the times of the day. Clear plastic prevents cracks and leaking. Integrates a wide pedestal base that serves as a stand for a better viewing experience. Low-voltage power adapter reduces the risk of shock.

Cons

Plastic exterior does not prevent scratching or dents.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
July 25, 2021
38
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Our Top Picks
Tetra
Best of the Best
Tetra
Complete Aquarium Kit
Bottom Line
Once properly set up, this kit offers comprehensive and long-lasting care for an assortment of species.
Shop Now
Koller Products
Best Bang for the Buck
Koller Products
PanaView Aquarium Kit
Bottom Line
With multiple options to light up the tank, this starter kit is a playful option to entrain owners and their fish.
Shop Now
MarineLand
Top Pick
MarineLand
Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
Bottom Line
Owners can gaze at their fish at any time of the day through the combination of curved glass and LED lighting system.
Shop Now
Aqueon
Top Pick
Aqueon
Betta Bowl Aquarium Kit
Bottom Line
A small, easy-to-use, and affordable bowl that's best for single or very small fish.
Shop Now
Tetra
Top Pick
Tetra
LED Cube Aquarium Kit
Bottom Line
This compact starter kit fits neatly into petite areas without sacrificing the quality of the aquarium.
Shop Now
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