Keeping fish is an excellent hobby to practice. But, if you are a beginner who wants to try keeping their first aquarium, you should start with a smaller tank, a 3-gallon fish tank being ideal. While people generally choose a 20-gallon or 25-gallon tank, maintaining these requires more effort, energy, and money.
You can easily manage the upkeep of a 3-gallon tank at home or the office as it does not take up much space. These tanks come in different shapes and are easy to move and set up. Let’s look at the best 3-gallon options and how to maintain them.
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The Best 3 Gallon Fish Tanks
Below are seven of the best 3-gallon fish tanks on the market. Different brands offer these tanks, and they are the best in quality. Each offers a unique shape, exceptional materials, and special features. Are you ready to shop for a 3-gallon tank?
#1 Aqueon Betta Falls Kit
The first 3-gallon fish tank on this list is the Aqueon Betta Falls Kit. It is a unique-looking tank offered by Aqueon, a reputed brand. What makes this tank so unique is its innovative yet compact design.
You can keep it anywhere but ensure it’s out of reach of pets and children because the tank is glass. This tank’s three small individual sections make it easy for beginners to start their aquarium journey.
You can keep a single fish in each compartment. This way, none of the fish can fight with each other, helping to avoid injuries and fish death. The convenient design also makes the cleaning of the tank easy and quick.
The size measures around 16.99 inches L x 4.92 inches W x 11.15 inches H. Also, it weighs only 0.9 kg. The clear glass used for the tank’s construction is durable and sturdy.
The tank has a powerful filtration system that ensures the water constantly flows. This system keeps the water fresh. Frosted side panels stop the fish from seeing each other.
There is also a fill indicator window that gives an idea of the water at a glance. This tank kit includes food and water care samples. So, if you like the design, purchase this tank today.
Key Features:
- The tank has three compartments.
- The durable glass construction is pleasing to the eye.
Pros:
- It’s an excellent aquarium that comes with an impressive design.
- Its unique design further ensures easy maintenance of the tank.
- It is light in weight and transports with ease.
Cons:
- The only downside of this tank is the filtration system, which may prove insufficient, depending on the type of fish you keep.
#2 PONDON Fish Tank
The Pondon fish tank is an ideal starter kit setup. The tank is basic, but it offers exceptional features such as curved corners, non-scratch glass panels, and a standard filtration kit to help you get started.
The tank is also available in black or white trimmings, and with the hinged lid, it’s so easy to feed your fish and close them securely when you are done. No more Finding Nemo with this fish tank.
You can keep a betta fish in this tank, or you can go for some smaller tropical fish with the addition of a small tank heater. The bubble curtain helps to introduce oxygen to the tank water, while also improving circulation so the filter can effectively clean your tank.
The tank is a true visual feast, thanks to the increased visibility and scratch resistance of the glass material. With the curved corners, you don’t lose any visibility, and you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Adjust the water flow rate to meet your fish’s needs, and use the tank for freshwater or saltwater aquarium setup. At higher flow rates, the filter generates waves, stimulating your fish to swim naturally and remain healthier.
A two-globe LED light helps illuminate the tank at night, and the smaller size filter means you can enjoy this tank in your bedroom without fear of it keeping you up at night.
Key Features:
- Rectangular shaped
- Dimensions: 11.2 x 7.1 x 8.6 inches
- Curved corners improve visibility
- Weight: 8.45 pounds
- Includes filter, LED lights, tank, and accessories
Pros:
- Stylish finish with matching bottom tray and top lid (white or black acrylic)
- Glass tank
Cons:
- Limited filtration capacity due to single media filtration (a filter pad)
#3 Tetra LED Cube-Shaped 3-Gallon Aquarium
Next on this list is the Tetra LED Cube-Shaped 3-Gallon Aquarium. It’s a standard square-shaped fish tank made of clear plastic. Manufactured by the reputable Tetra brand, it’s an ideal investment for a beginner.
You can store it anywhere because its sleek acrylic design gives it a clear panoramic view from all sides. The aquarium offers a better underwater view of your fish, and you will feel like you can join them in the aquatic habitat.
When it comes to filters, the set has a Tetra 3i filter that efficiently cleans the water. This tank is suitable for small tropical fish to ensure enough space to swim freely. Also, the attractive LED light lets you show off your fish at night.
Another plus point about this tank is its clear canopy. It has an easy access port that makes feeding easy and quick.
Ready to buy it? Its small footprint has dimensions of 10 inches D x 10 inches W x 10.512 inches H. It weighs around 4 pounds when empty.
This sleek and seamless fish tank provides an excellent personal underwater habitat.
Finally, it’s resistant to shattering. So, if you want a long-lasting tank that does not break easily, this one’s for you.
Key Features:
- The aquarium comes with a Tetra 3i filter.
- It has an access port to feed fish.
Pros:
- A convenient size.
- It offers an excellent panoramic and seamless view.
- Lastly, the shatterproof acrylic is durable enough to last.
Cons:
- The only downside of this tank is the filter cartridges, which take a bit of work to change.
#4 LAQUAL Rimless Glass Aquarium Starter Kit (3 Gal)
The Laqual Rimless Glass Aquarium is a beautiful feature in any room. The ultra-clear glass provides a pristine view, thanks to the low-iron glass. With exceptional light transfer, your fish and aquarium plants will appear clearer and brighter in the tank. Thanks to the beveled edge there’s no distortion of the view into the tank.
The tank comes with an excellent LED lighting system that offers multiple selections, from night view, daylight, and best view to different intensity settings.
A great bonus is the included filter that hangs on the back, and it has a surface skimming feature, which helps remove debris before it can sink into the water. The filter also offers a waterfall feature, which increases the water oxygen for healthier fish.
Key Features:
- Rectangular tank, dimensions: 16.5 x 12.5 x 7.4 inches
- Weight: 10.41 pounds (without water)
- Ultra clear viewing glass
Pros:
- The tank is great as a rimless tank that allows you to integrate the tank into a fish tank cabinet
- Excellent lighting system with unparalleled clarity and color for perfect viewing
- Adjustable flow rate
Cons:
- Filter requires some assembly to correctly fit the surface skimmer
#5 MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit
If you want a unique aquarium, purchase the MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit. It comes from the house of MarineLand, a brand with a respectable name in fish tank manufacturing.
This tank is an Amazon’s Choice because it features the best quality material and is popular. The rounded corners of this tank make it easy to view the fish swimming inside.
Besides the multiple viewing angles, the moonlight and daylight setting makes it a must-have. This tank has a blue LED light that creates a visually appealing moonlight effect. Also, bright white LEDs create a shimmering sunlight effect.
Considering the dimensions, it measures 9.5 inches x 10 inches. An advanced 3-stage filtration system creates a clean and healthy aquatic environment.
The filter has activated carbon that removes impurities, odors, and discolorations. A foam bio-filter also creates a beneficial environment for nitrate-absorbing bacteria.
Key Features:
- Rounded corners.
- The LED light creates a sunlight and moonlight effect.
Pros:
- The best thing about this fish tank is that it’s easy to set up.
- It even has a hidden filtration system that quickly cleans the water.
- The glass canopy of the tank simplifies the feeding system.
Cons:
- You might not like this tank’s weight, which makes it difficult to carry, especially when filled.
#6 Koller Products Aquaview 3-Gallon Fish Tank
If you are a beginner, this Koller Products Aquaview 3-Gallon Fish Tank is perfect. That’s because it’s small and easy to clean. Also, it’s unusually shaped—a complete ball shape.
Its highlight is the energy-efficient LED light that comes in seven dazzling colors. These colors include blue, green, purple, aqua, red, amber, and white. Besides the light, the powerful filtration system of this tank also makes it a must-have.
The exceptional filtration has a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour. That means it can effectively remove organic pollutants. It can also filter solids like fish waste.
This tank has an impact-resistant plastic body offering a crystal-clear view of the aquatic environment. It’s a steal, so grab it today.
Key Features:
- Its powerful filter quickly removes pollutants.
- The tank is impact-resistant.
Pros:
- The best thing about this tank is its multiple LED-colored lights.
- Also, it has a leak-proof body.
- Lastly, it features powerful internal filtration that effectively ensures clear water.
Cons:
- The only disadvantage of this tank is that it does not have built-in heating.
#7 Koller Products AquaView 3.5-Gallon Fish Tank
The last recommendation on this list also comes from the house of Koller. It’s the Koller Products AquaView 3.5-Gallon Fish Tank. This unique tank is known for its semi-circular shape and plastic body.
It measures 11.25 x 8.75 x 13.5 inches. This fun-looking aquarium does not require much effort or time for cleaning. Also, it has seven LED lights, which enhances the entire look of this aquarium.
This aquarium is perfect for people who want slightly more than 3 gallons of space. It’s a 3.5-gallon tank and has a complete water filtration system.
The complete filtration system keeps the water clean and provides a better living condition for the fish. Also, the excellent filtration makes this tank the best choice for keeping small fish like goldfish, betta, or any other tropical fish.
The 3.5-gallon tank has premium filter cartridges that are easy to install and replace. The cartridge has dual-sided poly-fiber floss for effectively removing debris.
The crystal-clear view of this tank makes the fish look even better. Also, it’s a seamless tank, further decreasing the possibility of leaking. Invest in a brilliant aquarium today.
Key Features:
- The tank comes with premium filter cartridges.
- It has an attractive semi-circular shape.
Pros:
- It’s a seamless tank.
- It comes with bright LED lights.
- It offers a crystal clear view.
Cons:
- The filters of this tank might disappoint you.
#8 PONDON 3.2-Gallon Fish Tank, Glass Aquarium Tank with Thermometer and Filter
Another great fish tank from Pondon makes the list, it’s the Pondon 3.2-Gallon Fish Tank with Thermometer and Filter. The tank is an upgrade of the Pondon 3-Gallon fish tank we described in #2, but both tanks are great investments. This particular tank has a built-in LCD display for the tank temperature.
It has a great visual appeal, and your fish will make a signature statement in this aquarium. The Pondon 3.2-Gallon Fish Tank with Thermometer and Filter are available in two sizes, a 3.2-gallon and a 7.9-gallon tank. In addition, you can choose between the classic black finish or the ultra-modern white and blue finish, with the colors applied to the lid and the bottom of the tank.
The tank is safe for freshwater or saltwater, and it’s scratch-proof, as well as now offers a 7-color light system.
The filter, while small, circulates the tank water effectively and quietly. The thermometer is mounted inside the tank lid, and the lights are fitted inside the lid for perfect illumination of the tank at night.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11.0 x 7.1 x 13.4 inches
- Rounded corners without any joints for a seamless tank
- Basic filtration only with one media sponge
Pros:
- The handy temperature indicator on the lid automatically takes the water temperature, so no need to check
- Seamless tank
- 3.2-gallon tank is a little more roomy than a 3-gallon tank
Cons:
- Filter and aerator are just a little small
#9 Back to the Roots Indoor Aquaponic Garden and Fish Tank
Why not try your hand at an aquaponic garden and fish tank combination from Back to the Roots Indoor Aquaponic Garden and Fish Tank? This neat 3-gallon tank offers the best of both worlds, as you can raise fish and enjoy the benefit of a small aquaponic garden mounted on the lid of the tank. This is an excellent learning opportunity for your children, and it’s super fun to watch the plants and fish exist in a perfectly symbiotic relationship.
The kit is complete with the tank, lid, planting trays and growing medium, seeds, “filter” pump, and more. It even includes a voucher to order some fish for your little aquarium too.
The tank has rounded edges, is slightly flatter than other rectangular tanks, and works on the principle of organic filtration. The pump directs the water up to the aquaponic garden, where the plants filter through the water, removing any waste (like fish waste), which is a fertilizer for the plants. The cleaned water drips through to the fish tank, and you never have to clean your tank (thanks to mother nature).
Key Features:
- The kit comes with everything you need, the tank, pump, growing trays, seeds, fish food, and fish voucher.
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 13.4 x 9.5 inches.
- Lightweight at 0.01 ounces.
Pros:
- No experience is needed, and setup takes 10 minutes.
- Minimal cleaning is required, and you can experiment with different fish types and different plants to grow.
- The plant filtration system is easy to set up, and it offers natural filtration (mechanical, chemical, and biological)
Cons:
- The balance between the number of fish and the plants needs to be quite accurate to prevent the water from becoming cloudy and contaminated.
What to Look for in the Best 3 Gallon Fish Tank
Getting a 3-gallon fish tank might sound straightforward, but things can soon become overwhelming if you don’t get all the necessary items. These items are the tank, filter, heater, and correct aquatic media to care for fish.
Scroll down to check the list.
Filter
If you are selecting a tank that does not have an effective filter, you might have to take extra effort into finding one. That’s because the filter is one of the crucial elements of a fish tank, without which fish cannot survive happily.
Also, the absence of filters can lead to water contamination since removing organic matter and harmful chemicals can become difficult.
Heater
Indeed, every fish tank does not need a heater. But having one is essential because your fish might need it if the temperature drops. Also, heaters come in different sizes. So, ensure that the heater you are getting with the tank is appropriate because a 3-gallon aquarium does not need a big heater.
Lights
Good quality lighting in an aquarium helps photosynthesis and growth for your plants and fish. So, do detailed research to find the right light, or pick a tank with an LED light to save yourself from the extra work.
How to Maintain a 3 Gallon Aquarium
A 3-gallon tank is easy to maintain, but maintenance might get more complicated than you imagine without the proper information.
When changing the tank’s water, closely observe the temperature. The tank’s small size makes it vulnerable to sudden temperature changes.
Also, a 3-gallon tank needs a small yet effective filter. While the fish in the tank might be small, they can produce enormous quantities of waste, degrading the water quality.
Changing around 30% of the tank water every week is vital. Frequent water changes in small quantities are required because it helps in removing chemicals and waste. That means better living conditions for fish. And when fish live in a healthy place, they thrive.
Top Tip: Match your smaller fish with one peaceful larger fish for a centerpiece to the tank.
Also Read: Best fish for 3 gallon tank
Conclusion
A 3-gallon tank is ideal for both beginners and expert tank keepers. People get this size aquarium because you can keep it anywhere, and it looks cute. Not to mention, a 3-gallon aquarium is easy to maintain with proper care.
Due to the popularity of the tank size, many manufacturers opt for this size as their entry model tank. But our favorite is the MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit. This unique-looking tank has a hidden filter for effectively cleaning the water in no time.
But if you are not looking for a tank with a hidden filter, you can consider other options. Check the pros and cons, and if you like any tank, click on the link to make an immediate purchase.
Ultimately, the quality of a tank is nothing if you don’t maintain it for a superb viewing experience.