Welcome to my comprehensive guide on the best 20-gallon aquariums! As an aquarium enthusiast myself, I know that finding the right aquarium can be a daunting task. However, with the right information, you can make an informed decision that will provide a comfortable and healthy environment for your aquatic pets.
Firstly, a 20-gallon aquarium is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. It offers enough space to create a diverse and thriving ecosystem while remaining compact and manageable. It also provides a great balance between cost and size, making it a popular choice for many.
10 Best 20 Gallon Aquarium Kits
Here are my top picks for the best 20-gallon aquariums:
- Aqueon 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit – This all-in-one kit comes with a glass aquarium, LED lighting, a heater, a filter, and even fish food. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want everything they need in one package.
- Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit – This sleek and stylish aquarium comes with a powerful filtration system and an LED light that simulates natural daylight. Its compact size makes it perfect for small spaces.
- SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set – Made from durable acrylic, this aquarium set includes a filter, a heater, and a reflector for optimal lighting. Its seamless construction provides a crystal clear view of your aquatic pets.
- Marina LED Aquarium Kit – This budget-friendly kit comes with an LED light, a filter, and a heater. It’s a great option for those on a tight budget who still want a quality aquarium.
- Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium – This stylish aquarium comes with a built-in filtration system and an LED light that provides optimal lighting for coral growth. It’s perfect for those who want to create a reef environment.
- Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit – This all-in-one kit includes a glass aquarium, a filter, an LED light, and a heater. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want an easy-to-use setup.
- JBJ Nano Cube Aquarium – This aquarium features a high-quality filtration system and LED lighting that can be customized to mimic natural daylight. It’s a great option for those who want a high-tech aquarium setup.
- Innovative Marine NUVO Aquarium – This all-in-one aquarium comes with a filtration system, an LED light, and a sleek design that looks great in any room. Its curved glass front provides a unique view of your aquatic pets.
- Red Sea Max E-170 Aquarium – This advanced aquarium system comes with a built-in sump, a protein skimmer, and LED lighting that can be controlled with a smartphone app. It’s perfect for experienced hobbyists who want to create a complex ecosystem.
- BiOrb Classic Aquarium – This unique aquarium features a spherical design and comes with a built-in filtration system. Its LED lighting can be adjusted to create a variety of effects, making it a great choice for those who want a visually stunning aquarium.
No matter which aquarium you choose, make sure to research the specific needs of your aquatic pets to ensure a happy and healthy environment. Additionally, regularly maintaining your aquarium through water changes, cleaning, and proper feeding will help ensure the longevity of your aquarium and the health of your aquatic pets.
A 20-gallon aquarium is probably the most versatile fish tank size made. It’s large enough to hold a decent fish population and can also be used as a terrarium should you need to do so.
If you’ve started with a smaller tank and want to upgrade to a 20-gallon aquarium you’ve made a wise choice!
What Can I Put in a 20 Gallon Fish Tank?
You can keep a variety of small pets in a 20-gallon fish tank. Small reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates, are some of the most suitable pets for a 20-gallon fish tank.
However, I am assuming that your leaning is more toward keeping fish. Here’s a list of some of the best fish to keep in a 20-gallon fish tank:
- Platys
- Cardinal tetras (Paracheirodon axelrodi)
- Zebra danios (Danio rerio)
- Red-tailed sharks (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor)
- Pygmy sucker catfish (Otocinclus vittatus)
- Bronze corys
- Pygmy sucker catfish (Otocinclus vittatus)
Here are our top 10 picks for the 20 gallon aquarium:
20 Gallon Aquarium Dimensions
The standard 20 gallon aquarium dimensions are 30 x 12 x 12” and weighs about 225 pounds when filled with water. This means that you will need a fish tank stand specially made for this size aquarium so that it gets the support and weight distribution it needs to maintain its safety and integrity.
It may not look that much larger than a 10 gallon fish tank but there is definitely a lot more air surface so the tank will be more properly oxygenated than a smaller one.
The fish will have more room to swim around, obviously, but there is another advantage to getting a standard rectangular 20 gallon aquarium—fish prefer to swim side to side rather than up and down. The length of the tank allows them more natural movement than a smaller tank.
20 Gallon Aquarium Setup
It’s a lot of fun preparing and decorating a 20 gallon aquarium!
Since there is more real estate on the bottom, you’ll have a lot more choices. When a tank is small you have to be very careful that everything goes just right together but with a larger tank you can throw in a random element or two just for surprise value without upsetting the serenity of the environment.
For instance, a natural underwater theme in a smaller tank would have to stay consistent in order to set the mood. In a larger tank you can afford to perhaps have a skeleton peeking from behind a rock without totaling destroying the mood of the tank.
Glass vs Acrylic
The glass vs. acrylic question is not very significant at this point. A 20 gallon aquarium will not be heavy enough to impact the integrity of a well made, quality acrylic tank.
If you can be fairly sure that your tank won’t be prone to scratching in your household, an acrylic tank is something you can consider if you like the looks, the shapes and the clarity of view that one of them offers.
You’ll pay more for hoods, canopies and filtration systems for this size tank, of course, since everything will have to be larger. For instance, you won’t be able to make do with an inexpensive pump as you can for a smaller tank. You will need something more heavy duty that is able to produce a consistent, strong flow of air for the filtration system.
Be careful when choosing a pump for these larger tanks and don’t underestimate the power requirements. Spending a couple of dollars more on a good quality pump will save you time, trouble and perhaps your favorite fish!
Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Gallon Aquarium
How Many Fish Can you Put in a 20 Gallon Aquarium?
The number of fish that can be put in a 20 gallon aquarium depends on the type and size of the fish, as well as their behavior and activity level. As a general rule, it’s recommended to have one inch of fish per gallon of water. Therefore, a 20-gallon aquarium can typically accommodate around 20 inches of fish. However, it’s important to research the specific needs of the fish you want to keep and ensure that they have enough space to swim and live comfortably. Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and health problems for the fish, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution and give them plenty of room to thrive.
What are the best tropical fish a 20-gallon tank?
One of the best tropical fish to keep in a 20-gallon fish tank is the Neon Tetra. These small and vibrant fish are a popular choice among hobbyists due to their peaceful nature and stunning appearance. They are easy to care for and can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium.
When it comes to choosing tropical fish for a 20-gallon fish tank, there are several options to consider. Some of the best tropical fish that can thrive in a 20-gallon tank include:
- Neon Tetras: These small, colorful fish are peaceful and easy to care for, making them a popular choice for beginners. They do best in groups of six or more.
- Guppies: These playful and active fish come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are easy to care for and do well in community tanks.
- Corydoras Catfish: These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their peaceful nature and are a great choice for keeping the tank clean. They do well in groups of three or more.
- Honey Gourami: These small, colorful fish are easy to care for and can add a unique touch to your tank. They are peaceful and do well in pairs.
- Dwarf Gourami: These small and colorful fish are easy to care for and do well in community tanks. They are peaceful and can add a lot of personality to your tank.
- Cherry Barb: These colorful and active fish do well in groups of six or more. They are easy to care for and can add a lot of life to your tank.
How often should you change the water in a 20-gallon fish tank?
I highly recommend changing the water in a 20-gallon fish tank at least once a week. This helps to maintain a healthy and clean environment for your aquatic pets, while also preventing the buildup of harmful chemicals and waste products.
The frequency of water changes may vary depending on the number and size of fish in the tank, as well as the efficiency of the filtration system. It’s important to monitor the water quality regularly and adjust the frequency of water changes accordingly.
During a water change, it’s important to remove only a portion of the water, typically 10-20%, to avoid stressing the fish and disrupting the biological balance of the tank. Make sure to use a de-chlorinator to remove any chlorine or other harmful chemicals from the new water before adding it to the tank.
Regular water changes, in combination with proper feeding and maintenance, can help ensure the longevity and health of your aquatic pets. So, make sure to keep up with your weekly water changes and enjoy a happy and thriving aquarium!
