Best 15 Gallon Fish Tanks | 2022 Reviews

A strategically placed aquarium can light up a room and bring life to that space. Whether you’re an experienced aquarist or looking to start a new hobby, your choice of aquarium will have a great impact on the health of your fish. 

If this is your first time purchasing a fish tank, you should go for a unit that requires little maintenance and is easy to handle. For beginners, the 15 gallon fish tank is an ideal size.  

You might be wondering which 15 gallon fish tank is right for you. Below we’ve reviewed the three best 15 gallon fish tanks on the market. 

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Best 15 Gallon Fish Tank Reviews

Aqueon LED Aquarium

The Aqueon 15 Gallon LED Aquarium is a great option for the beginner aquarist. Designed as an ideal starter kit, the aquarium includes many features.

Made of strong, clear glass, this tank comes with an LED light fitted at the aquarium’s top hood. The LED light has a power indicator indicating when the battery needs to be recharged, so your inhabitants never stay in the dark. 

Equipped with a preset heater keeping your aquarium water temperature consistently at 78-degrees, you never have to worry that your fish are too cold or warm. The thermometer included in the kit allows for an additional way to check water temperature for peace of mind.  

The fish tank comes with a QuietFlow power filter and filter cartridges. Additionally, premium fish food and fishnet are provided, giving you everything you need.

Dimensions	17.75 x 17.75 x 28.75
Weight	24.5 pounds
Size	15 gallons
Color	Clear with black framing

PROS

• The kit includes a preset heater and thermometer
• The kid includes fish food
• The vertical design takes up less horizontal space
• It comes with a 90-day warranty

CONS

• This tank does not come with a stand 
• The fishnet that is included is not long enough to reach the bottom

The Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium 

This ultra-modern freshwater fish tank is in a class of its own when it comes to design and beauty. The Hagan HV Fluval Flex aquarium has a curved front designed to make the interior appear bigger than it is. 

At the hood of the tank, there are 6 RGB and 48 white LED lights. To help promote plant growth, the tank also comes with a 7500K LED lamp. Color blends and other lighting options are easily adjusted by remote control.   

One of the best things about this tank is the 3-stage water filtration system ensuring that your fish enjoy premium quality water. You can control the flow of water by the multi-directional dual outputs.  

Furnished with a rear compartment to hide the filtration system and water line, this aquarium was designed for the ultimate aesthetic look.  

Dimensions	35 x 40 x 30 inches
Weight	28.04 pounds
Size	15 gallons
Color	Black

PROS

• It has an alluring and creative design that makes it aesthetically pleasing
• Includes a 3-stage water filtration system
• Controllable lighting and water flow system
• It is easy to set up and use 

CONS

• The black plastic back scratches easily
• The design makes it hard to see inside the tank from different angles. 

SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

The SeaClear Hexagon Acrylic Aquarium comes in a unique hexagonal design. Made from acrylic – a 17 times stronger and clearer material than glass gives onlookers a great view. It is also half the weight of glass, making it a breeze to move and setup. 

This tank comes with a fitted 12-inch light fixture and a reflector. 

Less prone to chipping or cracking, this tank is a perfect addition to a home with kids or pets. It is safe for both freshwater or saltwater. 

Dimensions	15 x 15 x 20 inches
Weight	15.9 pounds
Size	15 gallons
Color	Clear or Cobalt Blue

PROS

• Made from acrylic
• With this aquarium, you can use either freshwater or saltwater
• Aesthetically pleasing hexagon design
• The tank is lighter than glass

CONS

• It does not come with a light bulb for light fixture
• The lid does not fully open up, making it harder to maintain

Benefits of a 15 Gallon Fish Tank?

Below are some of the top reasons why a tank of this capacity is favored for first-time aquarium buyers.

Beginner Friendly

The bigger the aquarium, the more work you will need to keep your tank looking great and your inhabitants healthy. A 15 gallon fish tank is the perfect size for a beginner. 

These tanks are easy to maintain, and they will give you a great introduction to the life of an aquarist. Once you get the hang of it, you can upgrade to a larger tank if desired. 

Affordable

Fish keeping is not a cheap hobby. You will need a lot of equipment and supplies to maintain your aquarium. Most 15 gallon tanks come as packaged kits providing you with most of what you will need to run your aquarium. This is a great place to start so you can determine if this hobby suits you before spending more money on a bigger tank. 

Easy Maintenance

Most 15 gallon aquariums in the market are designed so that you have to do very little work to keep your tank in great health. You won’t be keeping a ton of fish in this size tank, making it easier to maintain than larger tanks. 

Factors To Consider When Buying A 15 Gallon Fish Tank

Before purchasing an aquarium, there are a few things you will want to consider. Below we discuss the top things to take into account when finding the best fish tank for you. 

Available Space

Remember that aquariums come in varying shapes, sizes, and designs. Before buying an aquarium, ensure that you have enough space for the tank. Keep in mind that the available space will also determine the ideal shape of a fish tank to choose from.

Material

Fish tanks can either be made of glass or acrylic. Glass aquariums tend to cost less than acrylic tanks, but acrylic tanks have their own advantages. 

Acrylic tanks are stronger and more durable than glass making them desirable for homes with kids or pets. They also provide a clearer view of the contents of the tank compared to glass aquariums. 

Lighting

Some aquariums come with pre-installed lighting, while others you will need to purchase and install your own lights. You will want to make sure the lighting is the best fit for the volume of your tank. This has a great impact on how your plants will grow, your fish will thrive, and your tank’s overall ambiance.  

Filtration

Filtered water is needed in your aquarium to ensure a clean tank and your fish and plants’ survival. The purpose of a filter is to remove debris, fish waste, and toxic buildup of ammonia and nitrates in your tank. A filter also aerates the water so your fish can breathe better. 

There are two types of filtration systems: external and internal. Some aquariums come with a filter, but not all. A filter does not always come with the filter media either. 

The better filtration you have, the less maintenance your fish tank will require. Investing in a good filtration system is worth it in the long run. 

Heating

The ideal temperature for most fish tank inhabitants is between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some species prefer a few degrees warmer while others a few degrees cooler. This makes the heating system in your tank an important feature.

Some tanks come with an inbuilt heater, while others have an external heater that usually hangs outside the tank. Remember to buy a thermometer to easily check the aquarium’s temperature to ensure everything is working properly. 

Tank Volume

Remember that the exact measurements of 15 gallon fish tanks tend to vary. Understanding the tank’s exact volume is important as it will help you understand the fish population that can be supported in the tank. 

Aquarium Substrate

The substrate is the loose material that makes up the floor of your aquarium. There are different types of materials, such as gravel, fine stones, sand, or soil. Depending on what you want to keep in your tank will determine the best type of substrate for you. 

Keep in mind some materials are better than others when it comes to cleanliness. For instance, rock or marble will allow for fish waste to penetrate down beneath the substrate. In comparison, gravel does not allow for waste to travel very far down and is easier to maintain.  

Before buying a tank, decide what you want in your tank. Then determine if you want to customize the substrate on your own or want an aquarium that comes ready for use.

Aerator

An aerator for your aquarium is an important piece of equipment you will want. The purpose of an aerator is to add beneficial bubbles to your tank. These bubbles oxygenate the water and help to improve the quality of life for your tank’s inhabitants. 

How to Set up Your Fish Tank

Setting up your fish tank is relatively easy and most kits provide manufacture instructions. Below we are going to provide an easy step-by-step guide to get your 15 gallon aquarium up and running.

Location

You will first want to decide on a location for the fish tank. A tank filled with water is extremely heavy and hard to move. Placing the tank in its permanent location before you do anything else is ideal.

Keep in mind that your location should be level, away from direct sunlight, and away from a heat source.

Prep Your Tank

Once your tank is placed in its permanent location, wipe the tank down with a new cloth and warm water. This is to remove any dust or particles from the box the tank came in.

Next, add the substrate to the bottom of your tank. This should be about 2 inches thick. If you plan to have plants in your aquarium you will want to add a 1-inch nutrient layer beneath the substrate.

When you are finished adding the substrate you will add the equipment. This includes the lights, filter, heater, and thermometer. Do not turn anything on at this point.

Add Water, Plants, and Decorations

First, fill your aquarium up 2/3 of the way. Next, place your plants and decoration where you want them in the tank.

Let it Cycle

Fill your tank up the rest of the way to the fill line. Add a de-chlorinator to make the tap water safe for your tank’s inhabitants. Finally, switch on all the equipment and allow your tank to cycle for 4-6 weeks.

Test the Water

During the 4-6 week cycling period you will want to test the tank’s water. You can use an aquarium testing kit to check the pH, ammonia, chlorine, water hardness, nitrite, and nitrate levels. When you see the ammonia and nitrates spike up, then settle back down, your tank is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

If you are getting into the fish keeping hobby or have been dabbling around for a while, a 15 gallon fish tank is a great option. This size aquarium is a great fit for inside your home, allows you to understand how tanks operate before sizing up and is easy to maintain. 

Looking for more gear for your aquarium? Head over to our Aquarium Gear section to see more reviews.

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