Aquarium Dimensions Ultimate 10 Gallon Fish Tank Guide
The 10 gallon fish tank aquarium is the most popular fish tank on our website. Although there are some variations to the standard 10 gallon aquarium the major brands including Marineland, AGA (Aqueon), Top Fin, and Seaclear all carry a similar standard 10 gallon glass aquarium.
If you are in a hurry here are our favorite 10 gallon aquariums:
| Image | Title | Why We Like | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit | Best Kit |  | Check Price |
 | GloFish Neon Aquarium Kit | Best Neon Kit | | Check Price |
 | Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium | Best 10 Gallon Aquarium | | Check Price |
 | Landen 9.6 Gallon Rimless Aquarium | Best Rimless Aquarium |  | Check Price |
This page was made to assist you in finding the right 10 gallon fish tank for you. Included in this page are:
- Comparison of major brands’ 10 gallon aquariums.
- Review of “All-In-One” 10 gallon fish tank kits.
- Typical setup for a 10 gallon aquarium.
Major Brand 10 Gallon Aquariums
When looking at each 10 gallon aquarium they appear to be very similar to each other. The three glass fish tanks – Top Fin, Marineland, AGA (Aqueon) are both very reasonably priced, but they do not come with lights unless you specifically buy an aquarium kit or a fish tank and hood combo. The two acrylic tanks – Seaclear and Clear-for-Life – are both significantly more expensive than the two glass tanks, however, they both come with hoods and light fixtures. They are also both available to be purchased for delivery from most online stores, when it’s a little more difficult to find glass fish tanks for sale online (for delivery) because of their fragile nature.
At the end of the day, it depends on whether you are able to pay additional upfront costs and whether you prefer acrylic tanks over glass tanks enough to go with one of the acrylic tanks. For more information on the difference between glass and acrylic aquariums please visit our aquarium types article: Here.
10 Gallon Long Fish Tank
This aquarium is typically sized at approximately 20″ wide x 10″ deep x 12″ tall. When people or stores refer to a 10 gallon rectangular aquarium (glass or acrylic) they are usually referring to this size, plus or minus a half inch for each dimension.
10 Gallon Aquarium Fish Tank Kits
The 10 gallon fish tank is one of the most popular sizes. If you are looking to purchase one I would recommend following the advice above if you would like to build your own 10 gallon “package” with the guidelines above or purchasing a full 10 gallon fish tank kits online:
Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit with LED
The Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit has great fish tank reviews. The package comes with most of the equipment required to get you started on your hobby. Its 10-gallon rectangular tank will fit small spaces while providing adequate living space for small fish species. The hood has a low-profile design and integrated LED lights for illuminating the tank. Cutouts are also provided for easy filter replacement as well as feeding the fishes. An internal filter from Tetra is bundled along for keeping the water clean, although there is no heater in the package. Most hobbyists will find it a suitable option, and the 10-gallon fish tank also has good reviews.
GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank with LED Lighting and Filtration Included 10-Gallon
Do you want an aquarium with fluorescent fishes and decorations for a vibrant look? Then the GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank is the right option for you when considering 10-gallon fish tank reviews. This 10-gallon kit comes with all the accessories to get you started on your hobby. The tank measures 23.69” (L) x 13.44” (W) x 19.88” (H) and has a capacity of ten gallons. It features a low-profile hood with integrated blue and white LEDs for illumination. A Tetra Whisper power filter with a cartridge is bundled along. You also get a 50-watt aquarium heater and a thermometer for maintaining water temperature. More importantly, GloFish Aquarium Kit 10-Gallon Fish Tank comes with rave reviews.
Aqueon Fish Aquarium Starter Kits LED NeoGlow 10-Gallon
Aqueon Fish Aquarium Starter Kits LED NeoGlow 10-Gallon is an alternative for buyers who want a fluorescent aquarium. The tank is made from glass and has dimensions of 20.25” (L) x 10.5” (W) x 13.13” (H). Its edges are lined with orange fluorescent silicone for an attractive neon look. A low-profile hood covers it from the top and integrates blue LED lighting for the neon effect. The package features an Aqueon 50W preset heater that is pre-calibrated to maintain a water temperature of 78°F. An Aqueon Quietflow LED Pro Filter is included along with a medium cartridge for cleaning the tank. You get a black background, three plants for decoration, and even multi-colored gravel. The reviews for this 10-gallon fish tank won’t disappoint you either.
Marina LED Aquarium Kit 10-Gallon
If you want an all-in-one 10-gallon fish tank kit with superb reviews, then consider the Marina LED Aquarium Kit. It is a great option for hobbyists who are new to fish keeping. The tank measures 20” (L) x 10” (W) x 12.5” (H) and will suit small spaces. Its canopy incorporates an LED lighting module that illuminates the aquarium, similar to natural daylight. A Marina Slim S15 clip-on filter is included for keeping it clean and features quick-change cartridges for added convenience. Buyers also get a water conditioner, biological supplement, fish food, and net in the bundle. Marina LED Aquarium Kit 10-gallon has thousands of positive fish tank reviews, making it easy to recommend.
SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set 10-Gallon Flat Back Hexagon Minikit
SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is a well-reviewed 10-gallon fish tank kit that stands apart from the crowd. Instead of being rectangular or having a bow-front, it has a hexagonal shape. The fish tank is made of acrylic and is stronger and lighter than its glass counterparts. An external power filter from AquaClear, a designer canopy with integrated lighting (a 15W bulb), a stand, and plastic plants are included in the kit. A fish net, fish food, and water conditioner are also bundled along. You may have to purchase a heater separately for cold environments. The 10-gallon fish tank has favorable reviews and will appeal to many buyers.
Aqueon 10 Gal Black Aquarium
If you are looking for a 10-gallon fish tank with excellent reviews, then consider Aqueon 10 Gal Black Aquarium. It is constructed from high-quality glass and has clear silicone edges for a clean aesthetic appearance. The top and bottom sides have a black trim for styling. You only get the fish tank and will have to purchase accessories like a filter, water heater, hood, and LED lighting separately. It does give you the freedom to choose individual parts according to your preferences. Aqueon 10 Gal Black Aquarium is a 10-gallon fish tank backed by positive reviews and is suitable for freshwater and marine applications.
COLIBROX Aqua Aquarium, 10 gallon
COLIBROX Aqua Aquarium is another 10-gallon fish tank with good reviews. It is made from glass and features first-class construction. High-strength clear silicone is used for making the fish tank watertight by creating a permanent seal. There are no accessories provided, requiring you to purchase a hood, lights, a filter, and a heater separately. It does give you the freedom to buy parts from your preferred manufacturers. COLIBROX Aqua Aquarium is suitable for freshwater and marine setups as well as terrariums.
Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium 9.98-Gallons
Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium is a unique and convenient 10-gallon fish tank with positive reviews. It is made from ultra-low iron glass and measures 18” (L) x 12” (W) x 12” (H). The rimless tank features ultra-clear 45° precision-cut edges that are joined together using invisible glue. Its unique highlight is that it has a multi-stage filtration system built in the back. You just need to add media to it as it comes with an integrated pump. A cover and heater are not a part of the bundle, which is a bit disappointing. Lifegard Aquatics Crystal Aquarium is still a great 10-gallon fish tank based on its favorable reviews.
Penn-Plax Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit
Penn-Plax Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit is an unconventional item with decent recommendations among 10-gallon fish tank reviews. The tank is a cuboid with dimensions of 13.75” x 13.75” x 13.75”. Its front corners are curved as well, giving it a spectacular appearance. It is made from bent glass and has a thickness of 1/8”. The aquarium kit includes a Cascade Power Hang-On Filter for water maintenance and a hinged lid for covering the tank. A digital thermometer and fish net are also provided, but there is no integrated lighting or heater. You will have to buy them separately. Overall, it is a well-recommended 10-gallon fish tank based on buyer reviews.
Landen 45P 9.6 Gallon Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank
Landen 45P 9.6 Gallon Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank is a glass option with great 10-gallon fish tank reviews. It measures 17.7” (L) × 10.6” (W) × 11.8” (H) and has a thickness of 5mm. The tank is handmade from low-iron glass with 91 percent transparency for providing a crystal clear view. Landen 45P aquarium has a volume of about 9.6 gallons and will suit small spaces. A nano foam leveling mat is included in the package. However, you will have to buy a filter, a heater, decorations, and other required items separately. If you need a standalone glass fish tank, the Landen 45P aquarium is backed by good reviews.
10 Gallon Fish Tank Guidelines
10 gallon fish tanks are many people’s first fish tank because they are big enough for multiple fish but small enough to fit on a desk or table. Here are a few specs or guidelines on a standard, 10 gallon fish tank if you are considering purchasing one:
Number of Fish
If you follow the typical rule of thumb that you can hold 1″ of fish for every gallon of water than if you have fish at an average of 2″ to 3″ you will be able to hold about 3 fish in your new 10 gallon aquarium if it is freshwater. It will be less than that for saltwater. Please note that it is recommended you start with 1 fish and please test the water after 6 weeks to ensure that your aquarium is maintaining proper filtration to minimize nitrate or ammonia spikes.
Heater Size
A 10 gallon aquarium requires approximately 50 watts of heat so you would need either two 25 watt heaters or one 50 watt heater.
Filtration
A 10 gallon fish tank should have a filter that pushes at least 50 GPH of water through the filter. For saltwater roof tanks the flow should be between 50-100 GPH of total water flow (between the return filter pump and powerheads or similar).
Lighting
A 10 gallon fish tank should have at least 5 watts of light (for a non-planted freshwater tank) up to 50 watts of light for a full saltwater reef tank. Please note this is for standard florescent bulbs, LED lights would require much less! Please also note that because of the relatively small quantity of water in a 10 gallon fish tank you risk overheating the water if light wattage is pushing the higher end of 50 watts. Please utilize cooling methods as required including an open top with fan or a chiller in extreme cases.
