Rimless aquariums are sleek, well-built, and eye-catching, making them an ideal choice when updating your aquarium hobby. With a cleaner look that displays your beautiful fish so much better, the rimless aquarium does away with unsightly lines that block off the tank’s edges, making it look less like a cage and more like home.
Today, the rimless aquarium is gaining popularity, and with so many options on the market, it is easy to get confused if you don’t know what aquarium you’re looking for.
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The Bottom Line up Front: Best Rimless Aquarium for 2023
If you’re eager to click buy, trust our best recommendation: The Landen 60P 17.1 Gallon Rimless Aquarium Tank.
Not only is the Landen tank affordable, it’s also very popular with aquarists and hobbyist fish keepers alike. We’ve got a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of this tank.
For a more in-depth look, this guide will help you pick the best aquarium for your unique needs and help you understand the pros and cons of each rimless tank. The 10 best rimless aquariums on our list are a must-see.
To find the ultimate aquarium perfection, check out this detailed aquarium guide.
10 Best Rimless Aquariums
Rimless aquariums are popular due to their sleek appearance and ease of cleaning. Here are the 10 best rimless aquariums to consider:
- Penn Plax Water-World Radius Desktop Nano Aquarium Kit
- Penn-Plax Water-World Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit
- Landen 60P 17.1 Gallon Rimless Tank
- 8 Gallon Rimless Aquarium by JBJ
- Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Nano Aquarium
- LAQUAL 3 Gallon Ultra Clear Glass Fish Tank
- HIRO Aquatics Nano Tall Rimless Aquarium Low Iron Frameless Fish Tank
- Tetra LED Cube Shaped 3 Gallon Aquarium with Pedestal Base
- MOLIGOU Glass Fish Tank
- LIFEGARD Low Iron Ultra Clear 4 Gallon Crystal Aquarium with Built-in Side Filter
Here Are The Best Rimless Aquariums, Tried and Tested
#1 Penn Plax Water-World Radius Desktop Nano Aquarium Kit
The Penn Plax Water-World Radius is a rimless tank option with curved glass front corners for a seamless viewing experience.
Multiple sizes are available, ranging from 3.4 gallons to 10 gallons. This is your option if you’re looking for a good quality 10-gallon rimless aquarium kit.
Penn Plax Aquariums are durable with excellent quality, and the customer care is outstanding. Since this is a kit, it includes all the essential items, such as a mat, LED light, a filter, and even a lid.
Rimless aquariums rarely come with a lid, but this plastic lid blends easily with the overall look, as it has a small footprint. We don’t really think the lid is the best quality, but this aquarium is an excellent choice at the price point. The dimensions for this 10-gallon tank are 17.75 x 11.75 x 12.63 inches.
Pros:
- It comes with everything you need with the 10 LED lights, CIF1 (a UL-approved Cascade Internal Filter), and lid
- Manufactured from high-quality glass
- Ideal size for a home setup
- Unique curved corner design
- A good option for beginners
Cons:
- The filter is not the best quality
- The filter is large and takes up a lot of space inside the tank
- The tank is not a good size for a planted setup
#2 Penn Plax Vertex Aquarium Kit
For simplicity, try this rimless aquarium kit. It is built to last and includes all the basics you need to get started. Just like all rimless aquariums, it is gorgeous to look at. Your fish will really shine in this kit’s setup.
The kit is available in three sizes: 2.7 gallons, 5 gallons, and 10 gallons. It is perfect for housing small aquatic creatures. Since it’s pretty compact, the tank has a small footprint, making it ideal for your desk or filing cabinet at work or home. This kit includes essentials like a filter, lid, and thermometer.
The tank’s dimensions are 10 x 9.75 x 12 inches; you can easily store it on a shelf or table. Penn Plax is known for its hardy tanks, so there will never be issues with leaking due to poor manufacturing. Just like its previously mentioned companion, this tank is also UL-approved.
Pros:
- A reliable brand with great customer reviews
- The compact size tanks that allow you to store them anywhere
- Kit comes with all the essentials
Con:
- Even though the filter comes standard with the tank, it is a larger size filter than the tank needs, making it a bit awkward
#3 Landen 60P 17.1 Gallon Rimless Tank
This rimless tank is our favorite, and we highly recommend this option. Not only does it look great, but it is a popular recommendation among experienced hobbyists.
The rimless aquarium provides splendid viewing pleasure. It is eye-candy and a winner when it comes to tank aesthetics. It is not all beauty and no use. Despite its larger size, it’s affordable, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking to buy a good-quality rimless aquarium on a budget. If this tank meets your size requirements–go for it!
The dimensions of this tank are 23.6 L x 11.8 W x 14.2 H inches.
Unlike the previous two kits, this aquarium has only one thing—a black foam leveling mat. This mat will ease your tank setup process. Remember, this aquarium is not a kit. You must buy all the necessary tank equipment, like filters, lights, etc., separately.
Pros:
- Visually appealing
- High-quality
- Clear visibility thanks to the low iron glass
- Affordable option
Cons:
- It isn’t available as a kit (buy essentials separately)
- Not a good choice for beginners (who need to buy all the extras)
#4 8 Gallon Rimless Aquarium by JBJ
Even though listed as an 8-gallon rimless aquarium, this tank’s actual capacity is almost 10 gallons. The most impressive feature is the long modern design. Your fish will have plenty of room to swim around and explore this tank. Its sleek design creates a real focal point in any room. If the beautiful design isn’t enough, this tank is very reliable and includes all the essentials like an LED light (with different settings), a filter, a lid, and a base—talk about value for money.
The dimensions of this tank are 18.8 L x 10.2 W x 10.6 H inches. The three-step filter offers mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration for crystal-clear water.
The included glass lid is functional to keep adventurous fish inside and manage water splashing, but it doesn’t obscure your visibility or viewing pleasure.
Pros:
- Beautiful design
- Glass canopy, filter, lights, and base included
- Dimmable 10-watt LED lights (deep blue, white, blue, and white)
- Raised pedestal base
Cons:
- The canopy can be difficult to use when feeding fish
- Replacement parts can be challenging to source
#5 Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Nano Aquarium
The best thing about this tank is how great the glass clarity is. The whole point of a rimless aquarium is to create a stunning spectacle for the viewer. And this tank doesn’t disappoint. The excellent clarity is due to the silicone edging achieved with German-quality silicone.
This is a durable tank, capable of holding 4 gallons, and is manufacturer-tested for leaking. The manufacturers boast of using a 91% clarity Diamant glass, a “highly transparent extra clear glass with minimal residual green color.”
The dimensions of this tank are 14.17 x 8.66 x 8.66 inches. A unique feature of this tank is that it uses 45-degree angles where the panels join, creating a sense of depth in the aquarium. The corners also have a less disruptive effect on your viewing pleasure.
Like the Landen 60P, the Ultum Tank has a foam leveling mat. This is the best option if you are looking for small tanks of 4 gallons.
Pros:
- Extremely clear viewing
- High-quality German silicone for the edging
- It comes with a leveling mat
- Tested against leaking
- Lots of different sizes are listed
Cons:
- Limited sizes are actually available
- Purchasing the needed filters, aerators, and lights will cost extra
#6 LAQUAL 3 Gallon Ultra Clear Glass Fish Tank
For an excellent beginner tank that’s user-friendly and comes with most of the basics, the Laqual 3-gallon tank is a perfect choice. This tank offers exceptional viewing pleasure thanks to the low-iron glass. And because of the best German quality Wacker glue, you can rest assured that this tank will last and remain leakproof.
The 3-gallon tank is perfect for small aquatic pets, and the dimensions of 4.7 L x 14.6 W x 10.6 H inches make for a tank that can fit anywhere. The rectangular tank makes for a great display on a bookcase or even a work filing cabinet.
The kit has a siphon and fishnet, which are great for weekly water changes. For a tank this small, it’s not very practical to have a large filter, which makes a weekly siphon a perfect choice for maintenance.
Pros:
- Exceptional viewing clarity
- Low-iron glass
- Ideal size for a soft start into fishkeeping
- Durable thanks to the Whacker glue joints
- Includes siphon and net
Cons:
- For messy pets, an additional filter will need to be purchased
- Size limits the type and number of fish you can keep
#7 HIRO Aquatics Nano Tall Rimless Aquarium Low Iron Frameless Fish Tank
If you are into corals and fragging, you will love this low-iron tank, ideally designed for shallow-water pets. The unique design makes this a perfect display tank for those soft and hard corals you’ve been carefully growing. Thanks to the floating design, this tank is ideal for uplighting, and you’re sure to get many compliments on the overall appearance.
The compact size makes it an ideal single coral display tank, only 11.8 X 9.8 X 3.9 inches. Despite the small tank, you can easily display exotic aquatic pets in your study or bedroom.
This is a tank only; you must purchase your own aquarium equipment, such as filters and wave makers.
Pros:
- Crystal-clear viewing pleasure thanks to the low-iron glass
- Small enough for a single coral display at 1.5 gallon volume
- A lid is available as an extra purchase
- The floating design makes for ultra-modern viewing
Cons:
- It may be challenging to get aquarium equipment for such a small tank
- Maintenance with a siphon is a daily requirement
One more top candidate who could easily be in this list is the Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set. To know more about this brilliant product.
#8 Tetra LED Cube Shaped 3 Gallon Aquarium with Pedestal Base
Imagine a perfect cube with your most prized fish and plants inside, and you know what Tetra was going for with their 3-gallon tank. This tank has a clear fitted lid, which helps keep fish inside and minimize splashing.
This rimless tank is perfect for small tropical fish, and the included filter and LED light will ensure your fish enjoy the best health. The light also glows up your tank at night, making for ideal viewing of your prized fish.
Tetra considered all aspects of making this tank a convenient buy. Not only does it include everything you need to get started, but the lid also comes with a feeding hole, so you don’t have to fiddle with opening and closing the tank each time you feed your fish.
The pedestal base is the final star of this deal, and the tank looks professional when mounted on the base, giving it a floating appearance.
This tank is perfect for your home, study, office, or reception area since it has a small footprint of 10.32 x 11.95 x 17.5 inches.
Pros:
- Acrylic tank to reduce chances of breakage
- The compact design makes for the perfect display
- Perfect for tropical fish
- Rimless design
- Floating display thanks to pedestal
- Includes filter and LED light
Cons:
- It is only suited to smaller fish
- Adding a heater that’s too warm may steam up the tank
#9 MOLIGOU Glass Fish Tank
For a beautiful viewing experience of a small-scale tank, the Moligou 3-gallon tank is ideal. This tank features low-iron glass, is fully rimless, and is durably made with Whacker-reinforced joints.
The 14.6 x 4.7 x 10.6 inches dimensions are ideal for a small aquascape, a few bettas, or even an aquatic environment with snails and shrimp.
The kit includes three plastic plants and a fish net, but you must add your own filter and thermometer as needed.
Pros:
- Low-iron glass
- Whacker-sealed edges to prevent leaking
- Rectangular design is ideal for bookshelf tanks
- Great viewing pleasure
- Fairly priced
Cons:
- The included plastic plants are low-quality
- No filter or light is included
#10 LIFEGARD Low Iron Ultra Clear 4 Gallon Crystal Aquarium with Built-in Side Filter
Our last option is a stunning 4-gallon tank with all the bells and whistles. This tank features low-iron glass, is fully rimless, and has a concealed built-in side filter area to maximize your viewing pleasure.
The joints are all 45° beveled edges and durably joined. The side filter comes with an 87 GPH filter, filter material, and a directional jet outlet to create current as needed.
The low-iron glass means you have ultra-clear views, while the hidden filter optimizes your viewing experience to become immersive.
The tank also comes with an insulation pad, making placement and leveling of the tank a breeze. This is an ideal step up if you’re not quite ready for a large tank but want all the specialized features.
Pros:
- Quality edges sealed at 45°angles
- Low-iron glass
- Side filter to maintain a clean viewing scape
- Includes filter and filter material
- Adjustable inlet
- Highly rated tank
Cons:
- The tank is listed as 4 gallons, but it is actually 3.8 gallons due to the side filter chamber
- It doesn’t include an LED light
How Are Rimless Tanks Different From Other Tanks?
Rimless aquariums differ from other tanks in a couple of ways. The first and the most glaring difference is the overall look. In a normal tank, there are “braces” on the side of the tank walls where the glass joins for support.
These rimmed aquariums can also take more water pressure due to their reinforced strength. Rimmed tanks have been popular due to their durability and easy availability. Rimmed tanks also come in multiple sizes, ranging from as small as a 10-gallon tank up to a 100-gallon tank or more.
Rimless aquariums do not have this “brace” support or frame around their walls. These tanks are plain on all sides and give you a direct view of the fish without supportive bands obstructing your view. Most rimless aquariums do not have a lid on top! First-time buyers may be surprised, but it means that you can observe your fish from every angle without visual obstructions.
There are some similarities between rimless aquariums and rimmed aquariums, but the main difference includes materials such as glass, acrylic, and webbed reinforcing.
Benefits of a Rimless Aquarium
- The biggest plus to having a rimless aquarium is the excellent looks. Rimless Aquariums are forerunners in aquarium aesthetics.
- Like rimmed tanks, even rimless aquariums come in multiple sizes and shapes, such as cubes, rectangles, etc.
- An old-fashioned rimmed tank will make your space look clunky. It will also obstruct the view of your beautiful fish. The tank braces will take up so much space that your fish frequently disappears. With rimless aquariums, your setup will look modern and appealing, and you will have a bigger window to glimpse into your fish’s life.
- Rimless aquariums are pretty minimalist. Made from one single body of glass on all sides, or if made in sections, these are joined as invisibly as possible. It makes them look sleeker than their rimmed counterparts.
- Rimless aquariums have tested silicone seals on all joints to prevent leakages.
- The most significant advantage of having a rimless aquarium is the lack of a lid. These tanks rarely come with one, making feeding and top viewing a breeze. A lidless tank will save you the hassle of opening and closing the heavy lid whenever you feed your fish or want to check on a fish.
- Some rimless aquariums are suitable for both saltwater and freshwater tanks.
- Most rimless aquariums come with different glass thicknesses to accommodate the different volumes.
- Rimless aquariums are easier to clean as the waste does not stick to or jam inside the braces.
- Most rimless aquariums use low iron glass, meaning your viewing pleasure includes natural colors with no discoloration.
What to Look for when Buying a Rimless Aquarium?
When you buy a rimless aquarium, you first need to decide on why you need it. What do you need your aquarium for? What you plan on housing will determine the size of your aquarium. If you have a particular fish type in mind, you must get an aquarium that suits them. If you are using it for aqua-scaping, the size and shape of your aquarium will be different than if you want to breed Tetras.
It would be best to research whether your fish will live in saltwater or freshwater and choose the right aquarium.
Some larger tanks even have a pre-installed sump or added features like a false backing to further clear your view of equipment as it hides filters and more behind the partition.
When picking out the perfect rimless aquarium for you, pay extra attention to the silicone edging of the tank. Look for aquarium brands that have tested silicone seals or fewer edges, such as those with a curved front. The edges will look clean if your new rimless aquarium has a proper silicone seal.
It would be best if you also researched the glass the aquarium uses. Most rimless aquariums use glass with a lower iron content. This glass is thicker but doesn’t obscure your viewing clarity like regular glass. One way to spot a good quality low-iron glass is to check for any green-blue tint. If there is no tint to the glass when you view it from different angles, it is a low-iron glass. If there is a tint, it is a regular glass and a lesser quality.
FAQs
With Rimless Aquariums being a recent trend, people are often skeptical of their build and durability because it does not have any visible support. Here are frequently asked questions about rimless aquariums, and hopefully, they will clear your doubts.
Rimless aquariums are as sturdy as rimmed aquariums and designed to be strong enough for even large quantities of water. Design innovations such as curved corners and 45° angles make them safer and leakproof. The biggest plus is the clear view of your fish.
Rimless aquariums are not always expensive. Our product choices come in a range of prices. Some rimless aquariums may cost more than rimmed aquariums because the glass quality in a rimless aquarium is higher. Rimless aquariums need extra thick, low-iron glass to strengthen the walls of the tank. With a higher price tag comes better performance.
Rimless aquariums come in a huge range. The sizes vary from as small as 2 gallons to as big as 100 gallons and above. Rimless tanks are suitable for aqua-scaping and housing communities of fish.
The main reason why rimless aquariums do not come with a lid is that it makes the tank look ugly. Rimless aquariums are about visual appeal and a clear view of the fish inside. Having a cover limits your perspective and dulls the effect of having a rimless aquarium. Some rimless aquariums have a lid, which helps prevent energetic fish from leaping out.
Rimless Aquariums use thick glass and high-quality silicone edging to hold the tank together. It has thicker glass because of the absence of braces on the side. The silicone edging and the glass ensure that your aquarium will not leak.
Most of the rimless aquariums come without bracing around the perimeter. Some rimless aquariums have regular bottoms with perimeter bracing on the bottom edges. But large rimless tanks have a ghost bottom or even multiple layers at times. This increases the stability of the tank.
Rimless tanks do not leak more frequently than rimmed tanks. Since rimless tanks are silicone-sealed, you should choose a trusted brand. If the brand is well known and has a good customer base, the chances are that their tanks are of excellent quality and get tested before being sold.
Any tank, regardless of whether it is braced or rimless, usually lasts at least five years. The more you care for and maintain your tank with correct upkeep, the longer it will last. As for rimless tanks specifically, the silicone used to bind the edges together typically lasts more than 20 years if cared for.
Rimless aquariums are not prone to falling apart quickly because the tank’s structural integrity depends on the silicone. So, if the silicone is of superior quality, it will last.
Conclusion
Rimless aquariums are ideal if you are a hobbyist or prefer a clean look for your aquarium setup. These tanks have many features, shapes, and size options, and their pros outweigh their cons by a long shot.
A great aquarium provides you with an immersive experience and hours of fun. There are many options available to meet your budget and even offer easy setup, so it’s a simple matter of choosing the one that meets your needs and speaks to your heart.
Most people have safety concerns when purchasing rimless aquariums, but these are baseless. Quality rimless tanks are as safe as rimmed ones. If you buy a good quality tank, you will be surprised with the look and the long-lasting performance.
Getting a rimless aquarium is more your preference than a necessity, but that should not stop you from exploring it.