Best Tank For Guppies – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

South America is home to many gorgeous freshwater fish, one of which is the guppy. These little guys are popular among beginner aquarists and experts alike for their bright colors and easygoing personalities. As one of the most popular aquarium fish in the world, guppies are often kept in community tanks with other peaceful fish. But what is the best tank for guppies?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the features of the tank and its ease of maintenance. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to choose the best tank for guppies and some of the features to consider before making your purchase. Then, we’ll move on to 5 of our top picks for the best tanks for guppies, perfect for both beginners and experienced aquarists!

Comparison Table of the 5 Best Tank For Guppies

Choosing the Right Tank for Guppies

Tank Size

Guppies don’t necessarily require a huge space to swim around, but they need more room than some may expect. It’s essential to provide these with adequate space so they can feel comfortable and secure in their environment. A good rule of thumb is to start with 20 gallons for a school of roughly 6 guppies, then increase the size by 3 gallons for each additional fish.

If you intend to keep your guppies in a community tank (as many do), you will also need to factor your choice of fish companions into the equation. For example, a school of 6 guppies would need at least a 23-gallon tank if they were to be joined by 2 platies.

Tank Material

Tank material may not seem like an important consideration, but it can make a big difference in the health of your fish. Glass tanks are by far the most popular option because they lend themselves to a sleek design that’s also easy to clean. Many also have a built-in black background to make your fish stand out even more.

Another option is an acrylic tank, which is a bit lighter in weight and typically cheaper than glass. The downside of acrylic tanks is that they can scratch more easily, so you’ll need to be careful when cleaning them. Finally, there are plastic tanks, which are the most budget-friendly option but also the least durable.

When it comes to guppies, the material of the tank isn’t as important as the size and filter system. So, be sure to focus more on those factors when making your decision. It doesn’t hurt to have a pretty tank, but your fish will be just as happy in a simple one!

Features

Tropical fish need a lot more care than one might think! They are accustomed to clean, pristine water in their natural habitat and need adjustable flow filter pumps to maintain good water quality. Most guppy tanks contain some form of a 3-stage filter, and many mid-to-high-range tanks will contain a 7-watt power filter at the very least.

It’s also essential to keep the temperature of the water stable, as sudden changes can be lethal to tropical fish. Guppies prefer an ideal water temperature between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so choosing a tank that can maintain these temperatures without too much difficulty is essential.

Background décor and lighting are other features to consider when choosing the best tank for guppies. Many aquarists prefer a black background because it makes the fish stand out and provides a sleek, professional look. And when it comes to dominant lighting options, there are two main types: LED and fluorescent. The former is more energy-efficient, but the latter can be more compact.

Ease of Maintenance

We’ve established that clean water free of toxic substances is essential for a healthy guppy population. But how easy is it to achieve and maintain these water conditions? This is where ease of maintenance comes into play. As much as dealing with tough water conditions can feel like an excellent aquarist adventure, it’s not always the best option for beginner aquarists.

If you’re new to the world of aquariums, choosing a tank that is easy to maintain is best. This means opting for a design with as few nooks and crannies as possible (to prevent dirt and debris from building up) and selecting a material that is easy to clean (such as glass.) Keeping the tank clean also means having quick and easy access to the filter so you can clean and replace it as needed.

Top 5 Tanks for Guppies

Now that we’ve gone over some of the things you need to consider when choosing a tank for guppies, it’s time to take a look at some of our top picks!

Looking for something so sleek it’ll blend right into your home décor? This 5-gallon aquarium kit has rounded corners and a clear glass canopy that allows viewing from multiple angles. The bright white LEDs produce a shimmering sunlight effect, while the blue LEDs create a moonlit glow. Plus, the hinged LED lighting and sliding glass canopy make it easy to access your fish.

The coolest part of it all, though, is the hidden filtration. This 3-stage filtration system is out of sight, so it doesn’t take away from the beauty of your aquascape. And it does a great job of keeping your water clean and clear. For something that’s so easy on the eyes, this is one of the best tanks for guppies.

If the curved panel gracing the front of this tank doesn’t immediately catch your eye, the highly customizable lighting system will. Whether you’re into minimalist settings that only utilize white lights, or a bright, vibrant, neon blue landscape, this system allows for complete spectrum color mixing. The lights also come with a timer that can be set for 3, 6, or 12 hours, adding to its convenience.

At 8 gallons, this is one of the larger tanks on our list, but it’s still small enough to be easily managed. Your fish will appreciate the extra swimming space, and you’ll love how easy it is to maintain. The rocky mountain background is the perfect combo of stylish without overbearing, and it can be removed for easy cleaning.

All in all, this tank provides an excellent home for your fish and does so conveniently and stylishly. However, the water pump placement can be improved. The tiny gap between the pump and the tank walls can let in dirt and debris, making maintenance a little more difficult than it needs to be. Additionally, some reviewers have had their tanks damaged in transit.

We think this 20-gallon tank from Tetra is one of the best options for guppies, and here’s why. First of all, it’s perfectly sized for a guppy tank. 20 gallons is large enough to house a small group of guppies, but not so large that it’s difficult to maintain. Secondly, its sleek, modern shape allows it to blend seamlessly into most homes, eliminating the need for a dedicated fish room.

Decor-wise, the anemone, and artificial plants are a nice touch, and will sway delicately in the water flow created by the included power filter. The color-changing LED lights are also a great addition, and can create a stunning underwater lightscape in any color you desire. Picture your fish and plants illuminated in a deep blue, or a bright neon green – the possibilities are endless!

The only downside to this tank is that it involves some assembly, which may not be ideal for everyone. Additionally, the anemone and artificial plants are made of plastic, which some aquarists prefer to avoid.

Is your fish tank just a vessel for your fish? Why not transform it into a wall-mounted work of art? This unique aquarium from Aussie Aquariums does just that, and it’s perfect for guppies. The tank is made of durable glass, surrounded by a stainless steel frame that can be mounted on any wall in your home. Many people elect to install lights around the frame, creating a beautiful halo effect.

This tank holds 5 gallons of water, making it one of the smaller options on our list. However, it provides enough room for a tiny group of guppies and a tank centerpiece that will really make your aquarium stand out. We recommend the Aussie Aquariums Mini Reef, which is specifically designed for use with this tank. It includes a pump, filter, artificial plants, and coral.

The only downside to this tank is that it’s one of the more expensive options on our list. At $350, it’s definitely a splurge. In addition, 5 gallons severely limits your ability to add fish, so this tank is really only suitable for a nano fish community. You’ll also need to work around the other limitations, such as not overfeeding your fish or adding too many decorations.

This one’s a little different compared to everything else on our list. The Capetsma Acrylic Fish Isolation Box is designed to be used whenever you need to separate a fish from the rest of your community, whether it’s for quarantine, treatment, or breeding purposes. However, it was definitely designed with baby guppies in mind.

The acrylic build is durable and clear, so you can keep a close eye on your little fishy friend. The box also features suction cups that attach to the side of your fish tank, making it easy to install. And with its cleverly designed vents, water will flow in and out of the box as needed, ensuring that your fish always has access to fresh water.

This isolation box is incredibly affordable, at just $10.99. It’s also one of the smaller options on our list, at 5.2 x 2.7 x 2.9 inches. However, we think this suffices for baby guppies. After all, they don’t need a lot of space to swim around. One thing to keep in mind is this isn’t a traditional, standalone tank. It’s merely an extension or separate section of your main fish tank.

The Takeaway

We hope this article helped you find the best tank for guppies. Remember to consider the different factors we discussed, such as size, material, and features. And don’t forget to ask yourself what you need in a fish tank before making your final decision. If you keep these things in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect tank for your guppy community.

Did you find the perfect tank for your guppies? Let us know in the comments below! And if you know someone who’s looking for a guppy tank, be sure to share this article with them. Thanks for reading, and happy fishkeeping!