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Gear catalogue · 87 aquariums

Aquarium aquariums, compared properly

Rimless, framed and all-in-one tanks, with real dimensions and volumes. From Boyu, Dophin, Eheim, Juwel, Oase, SunSun, UNS. Match them to your tank, then put up to four side by side.

TL;DR, choosing aquarium aquariums

Pick the tank around the scape you want, not the other way round. Footprint matters more than litres for a planted tank: a long, shallow tank gives you depth for perspective and lets light reach the carpet, while a tall tank needs a stronger light and longer arms for trimming. Rimless low-iron glass looks best but costs more and needs a level, flat stand. Framed tanks with a lid are cheaper, evaporate less and are safer with jumpers. All-in-one tanks hide the filter in a rear chamber, which is tidy but limits your filter choice. Check glass thickness against height, check the volume you will actually have once substrate and hardscape go in (roughly 15 to 20 percent less), and make sure the floor and stand can carry about 1.2 kg per litre.

How to choose

  • Decide the footprint first. 60 × 30 cm and 90 × 45 cm are the two most common scaping sizes, and most lights, stands and lids are made for them.
  • Allow 15 to 20 percent less water than the stated volume once substrate and hardscape are in.
  • Rimless tanks need a perfectly level stand and usually a leveling mat. Framed tanks are more forgiving.
  • Taller than 45 cm means stronger light, longer tools and more effort to maintain the foreground.

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing aquarium aquariums.

What size aquarium is best for a first planted tank?

Somewhere between 45 and 90 litres. A 60 × 30 cm tank (around 55 to 65 litres) is the classic starting point: big enough to stay stable, small enough that water changes and trimming stay quick, and every light, stand and filter maker has products sized for it.

Is a rimless tank worth it?

If the tank is on show, usually yes. Low-iron glass and no frame make the scape the focus. The trade-offs are price, more evaporation without a lid, and the need for a flat, level stand with a mat underneath.

How much does a full aquarium weigh?

Plan on roughly 1.2 kg per litre of stated volume once you add glass, substrate, rock and water. A 120 litre tank lands around 140 to 150 kg, so use a proper stand and avoid weak floors.

Does glass thickness matter?

Yes, mainly with height. Makers size the glass for the tank, but as a rough guide 4 to 5 mm suits small nanos, 6 mm is typical at 30 to 36 cm tall, 8 mm around 45 cm and 10 mm or more beyond that.

Keep reading

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FiltersLightsCO2Fertilisers & treatmentsHeatersHardscapePumpsAir pumpsUV & sterilisersCoolingLily pipes & skimmersStands & cabinets

Specs come from the maker or a major retailer’s listing and are checked where we can. Makers revise products, so confirm the figures on the product page before you buy. Product photos are supplied by the brands and their distributors.