Editor's Choice - Our Favorite Saltwater Aquarium Starter Kits

1. Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED

User Ratings: 72 8

Coralife 100530106 First Impressions

"Now the big bad thing."

It just sits under the tank with no way of holding the tank in place on top of it. The filter is the well known Tetra Whisper 60 that really is whisper quiet. Just loading gravel scratched the front of mine. It has everything except for the pebbles we purchased separated we loved it! This unit was an upgrade for my daughters Beta tank. My beta seems to be adjusting well. Even though it's open about half way up the heater.

  • Coralife LED Biocube Aquarium LED
  • Sleek modern hood with vibrant LED lighting for freshwater to saltwater environments
  • Integrated 24-hour timer with three independent channels bright white sparkling blue and color enhancing LEDs
  • Automatic 30 minute sunrise/sunset and 60 minute moonrise/moonset functions to replicate natural day cycle
  • Compact and customizable built-in filtration – easy to setup and maintain
  • Quiet submersible pump dual intakes and adjustable return nozzle
  • Age Range Description: All Life Stages
  • Included Components: All Components included in Picture and Description
  • Sleek modern hood with vibrant LED Lighting
  • Manufacture: Central Garden & Pet
  • Product Dimensions: 15 x 16.75 x 17.5 inches; 30.65 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Coralife 100530106
  • Quality [star rating='4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Coralife 100530106 Final Thoughts

"2 bag minimum."

Shipped fast, everything was there in perfect condition. Just loading gravel scratched the front of mine. BUT it still looks pretty cool for a background lol. The Mingdak strip is also waterproof and submersible so there's that. I cant wait to set this up and get some shrimp and cardinal tetras in there. It's just super bulky and hard to work around. 1 gallon that a Betta really needs a 3-5 gallon home so I purchased this one as well.

Overall Score
4.4

[star rating="4.4"]
(383 Points)

Peoples Choice - Other Highly Rated Saltwater Aquarium Starter Kits

2. INITIAL LEAF Aquarium Long Tweezers 15 inch Feeding Tongs for Reptile Snake Fish Stainless Steel Str...

User Ratings: 84 3

INITIAL LEAF First Impressions

"I gotta get them all!"

Once finished with both tanks will post pics of grass wall. He loves exploring his new environment with all the fresh vegetation. All contents included were as promised and they work fantastically. It has everything except for the pebbles we purchased separated we loved it! So I now have a little cubby that my fish uses to hide. That piece is very poorly designed. I love the tank and everything else about it but the background!

  • INITIAL LEAF Aquarium Long Tweezers 15 inch Feeding Tongs for Reptile Snake Fish Stainless Steel Straight Curved Tweezer Long Handled Garden Bonsai Tool Tank Aquascape Aquatic Saltwater Kit
  • 15 inch LongTweezers for Aquarium gives you plenty of reach without getting your hands in the fish tank and to plant seed or move stem.2 pcs set,Straight tweezers and Curved tweezers,one more angle choice,easier to handle bonsai stem.
  • Long Feeding Tongs great for Feeding Insects,Snake,Reptile,Snakes,Lizards Spider,Ball python, Gecko, bearded dragon, tarantulas, salamanders,betta,frogs,birds. Definitely work and you can pinch the leg of a roach with ease and not squish them.
  • Perfect Aquarium Tool with black coating, aquarium pincette,carbonation protection,effectively resist rust,even though be used in saltwater.No harm for your pets and plant. HIGH QUALITY aquarium,fish bowl accessories kit,also bonsai, terrarium gardening tools.
  • Long Tweezers with heavy materials,0.24lb/0.11kg each tweezer,sturdy. Serrated tips design, ANTI SLIP CLIPS,they perfectly complete their work grip the food, aquatic decoration, substrate,gravel,coral well.
  • Had better keep the Long Stainless Steel Tweezers clean and dry after using.
  • Manufacture: INITIAL LEAF
  • Item Weight: 9.9 ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The INITIAL LEAF
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.4']

INITIAL LEAF Final Thoughts

"5-3 fish, not 5."

I purchased the hygger heater and it has worked out perfectly too. It's probably fine, but I don't like it at all. It has a hood with integrated LED lighting. The background adds a lot of depth that feels missing in a standard aquarium. He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there. It's perfect for guppies, shrimp, bettas, neon tetras or any other small fish. He loves exploring his new environment with all the fresh vegetation.

Overall Score
4.7

[star rating="4.7"]
(76 Points)

3. LISSOMPLUME Stainless Steel Fish Tank Cleaning Starter Kit Aquarium Curved Tweezer Scissors Spatula ...

User Ratings: 42 10

LISSOMPLUME First Impressions

"I like the all in one."

There's also enough room back there to hide a heater. He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there. All of this is explained in the instructions. So don't be mislead by the image on the box with five guppies. All of this is explained in the instructions. - Though the base is plastic, it's sturdy. Disregard the videos that show the filter operating with a loud chattering noise.

  • LISSOMPLUME Stainless Steel Fish Tank Cleaning Starter Kit Aquarium Curved Tweezer Scissors Spatula Tools
  • [PACK OF 3 Fish Tanks & Aquarium Kit] - Live aquarium plants Cleaning Tools including: 27cm/10.62inch Curved Tweezer; 25cm/9.84inch Curved Scissor; 32cm/12.59inch Sand Spatula;
  • [Anti Rust & Anti Corrosion] - Fish tank cleaning tools for fish lovers starter beginner is made by premium stainless steel, rust resistant, sturdy for planted aquarium, aquascape, freshwater & saltwater fish tank.
  • [Accurate and Tight Scissors] - Excellent Aquarium Starter Kit for the task, the curved scissors could trim the small or thin live plants keeping your hands drier on maintenance; The scissors are very sharp and precise.
  • [Convenient & Safe Tweezers] - Aquariums aquascaping tools include long forceps great for planting and picking up things. Gravel spreading is so much easier, gripping even the tiniest cultures of dwarf grass. It won't hurt the plant's cross-section, more convenient than using a hand.
  • [Multi Purpose] -Aquarium plant tools for tank cleaning - perfect for pruning rearranging, maintaining, cleaning, trimming, grooming aquatic plants, taking care of all types of aquarium plants, clean fish tank substrate and aquarium gravel. Also, it can be used as Algae Scrapers and Bonsai tools, helps maintain a clean fish tank and beautiful yard. Making aquascaping in your aquarium so much easier.
  • Manufacture: LISSOMPLUME
  • Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 1 x 0.1 inches; 7.05 Ounces
  • Editor's Impressions Of The LISSOMPLUME
  • Quality [star rating='2.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='3.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

LISSOMPLUME Final Thoughts

"Love this tank."

He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there. Again, heater and light if you are doing real plants. I put shrimp and guppies in it and they love it. Fortunately, the way the arm is designed you can zip tie something like the 7. Just loading gravel scratched the front of mine. It only goes halfway down which may bother some people but to me it's great! Will not grow anything aside from Anubias and moss balls.

Overall Score
3.8

[star rating="3.8"]
(51 Points)

4. Fluval Sea Flex Saltwater Aquarium Kit - 123 L (32.5 US gal) - Black

User Ratings: 63

Fluval 14994 First Impressions

"- A Color Fusion light."

I don't remove my lid that much so, not a big deal to me. I do use the filter housing to house a heater and co2 diffuser. The filter is actually a pretty nice design. The background is comes with is just super convenient! It has a hood with integrated LED lighting. Even though it's open about half way up the heater. The aquarium kit is with the exception of the filter is excellent!

  • Fluval Sea Flex Saltwater Aquarium Kit - 123 L (32.5 US gal) - Black
  • Full spectrum Marine 3.0 LED operates via the FluvalSmart App on your mobile device
  • 25000 K color temperature lighting is ideal for growing vibrant corals
  • 3 pre-set lighting conditions: sunny reef; deep sea glo; color boost
  • 24-hour programmable light timer mimics the natural cycle of the sun and moon
  • Optional space to add a second Marine 3.0 LED (Item# 14513 - sold separately)
  • Powerful 3-stage filtration system
  • 2 independent media chambers for maximum, superior water quality
  • Manufacture: Hagen
  • Product Dimensions: 32.28 x 15.75 x 15.35 inches; 54.81 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Fluval 14994
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.4']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Fluval 14994 Final Thoughts

"My lid is laying on."

The pump is also as close to silent as you can get. The shrimp sit on the wall and can hide in the back also. Of course the tank is an odd shape in itself lol. It'll be fine, just be careful how you deal with the filter. I've included a video of it running so you can judge for yourself. The filter is the well known Tetra Whisper 60 that really is whisper quiet. Tank is great, quiet enough, no motor sound, lights quite nice.

Overall Score
4.3

[star rating="4.3"]
(3 Points)

Honorable Mentions - More Top Selling Saltwater Aquarium Starter Kits

5. GankPike 7.5-Gallon Saltwater Aquarium Marine Fish Tank Reef Tank with Lid, Protein Skimmer, LED Lig...

GankPike First Impressions

"5-3 fish, not 5."

The background adds a lot of depth that feels missing in a standard aquarium. You are getting a premium quality tank for a reasonable price. You are getting a premium quality tank for a reasonable price. Incredibly happy with this purchase. I don't remove my lid that much so, not a big deal to me. Fortunately, the way the arm is designed you can zip tie something like the 7. He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there.

  • GankPike 7.5-Gallon Saltwater Aquarium Marine Fish Tank Reef Tank with Lid, Protein Skimmer, LED Light, Heater, LCD Digital Thermometer and Pump, Curved Shaped
  • 7.5 gallon bent ultra clear glass aquarium for saltwater fish, reef and coral. 1.5 gallon back filtration area plus 6 gallon front viewing area. L: 13.8 x W: 11.8 x H: 11.8 inches.
  • Equipped with biochemical & mechanical filter media, adjustable pump and protein skimmer to keep your tank clean and provide a perfect environment for fish, reef and coral.
  • The tank features an aluminum alloy LED light to highlight your fish, reef and coral. The LED light has 3 color modes, 5 level dimmable and auto-off timer, which helps the coral grow.
  • Complete aquarium kit includes: 7.5 gallon aquarium with lid, LED lamp, quiet power pump, protein skimmer up to 13 gallon, heater, LCD digital thermometer, two biochemical filer sponges and one pack of ceramic rings.
  • Easy to setup for saltwater aquarium starter.
  • Manufacture: GankPike
  • Item Weight: 21.7 pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The GankPike
  • Quality [star rating='4.4']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='5']

GankPike Final Thoughts

"What a lovely aquarium!"

It'll be fine, just be careful how you deal with the filter. This is a VERY SMALL tank, and can only house 1 betta fish OR 2-3 guppies. The aquarium kit is with the exception of the filter is excellent! All you need to add for a happy Betta fish is an extra light and a tank heater. Stop now and BUY BUY BUY you will love it! Tank is great, quiet enough, no motor sound, lights quite nice. The lights alone are beautiful to brighten up a space.

Overall Score
5.0

[star rating="5"]
(1 Points)

6. Penn-Plax Cascade Clearview Aquarium Kit - Everything a Fish Owner Needs to Get Started - Fish Tank,...

Penn-Plax First Impressions

"I LOVE this tank!"

The lights alone are beautiful to brighten up a space. Once finished with both tanks will post pics of grass wall. I say it's a good buy and a very nice tank. And it builds up a lot of algae so it needs to be cleaned more. Couldn't put the heater there because it does not heat the whole tank. My beta seems to be adjusting well. Fluval, BioOrd, and several other micro tanks.

  • Penn-Plax Cascade Clearview Aquarium Kit - Everything a Fish Owner Needs to Get Started - Fish Tank, LED Lights, Water Pump, and Drip Filtration System
  • THE RIGHT TANK FOR YOUR BREED OF FISH: Cascade Clearview fish tanks are ideal for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums
  • EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED: These Aquarium Kits include everything you need in one convenient package and come in three sizes: 7, 12, and 21 gallon tanks.
  • COMES WITH EVERYTHING LISTED: Each Cascade aquarium kit by Penn Plax includes a crystal clear glass aquarium kit with integrated lid and LED light as well as a water pump and drip filtration system.
  • THE PET HOBBYIST'S BEST CHOICE: Each kit is fully compatible with popular media types from virtually every brand and are ideal for planted aquariums and aquascaping.
  • WE'VE SOLVED THE POTENTIAL SHIPPING PROBLEMS: Each package has been specially designed to withstand the delivery process - no expense was spared to come up with a packaging plan so you will received your glass tank without any damage - the first time!
  • 7 gallon capacity
  • 6.8w 42 bulb LED light (36 white, 6 blue)
  • 2 mode LED with touch operation
  • Manufacture: Penn Plax
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Penn-Plax
  • Quality [star rating='2.6']
  • Value For Money [star rating='2.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

Penn-Plax Final Thoughts

"Nice tank for the price."

Disregard the videos that show the filter operating with a loud chattering noise. 1 gallon that a Betta really needs a 3-5 gallon home so I purchased this one as well. I've had it for a few days now and had zero problems hooking everything up. The filter has great flow and comes with an extended spray bar. - Though the base is plastic, it's sturdy. He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there. Even though it's open about half way up the heater.

Overall Score
3.0

[star rating="3"]
(1 Points)

7. Fluval Remote Control Replacement for Fluval Chi 25L Aquarium Kit

User Ratings: 41 18

Fluval A13956 First Impressions

"Love Love love this tank."

I put shrimp and guppies in it and they love it. The filter has great flow and comes with an extended spray bar. This unit was an upgrade for my daughters Beta tank. He was being suctioned to the filter. Stop now and BUY BUY BUY you will love it! They're not nearly as sensitive as these little 2. It has a hood with integrated LED lighting.

  • Fluval Remote Control Replacement for Fluval Chi 25L Aquarium Kit
  • Elegant fountain ornament creates a focal point to any garden with Laguna's Catalina fountain
  • Fits Fluval chi 25L aquarium kit
  • This product weighs 0.046-pound
  • Measures 1-1/2-inch length by 4/5-inch height by 1-1/2-inch width
  • Manufacture: Fluval
  • Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.8 inches; 0.74 Ounces
  • Batteries: 1 LR44 batteries required.
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Fluval A13956
  • Quality [star rating='4.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='2.7']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

Fluval A13956 Final Thoughts

"Very good quality!"

He was being suctioned to the filter. So I would say my tank is now fairly established. And now, the pros and cons in my opinion. The background is comes with is just super convenient! The rule of thumb is one small fish per gallon. Even though it's open about half way up the heater. The shrimp sit on the wall and can hide in the back also.

Overall Score
3.7

[star rating="3.7"]
(22 Points)

8. Aquarius Aq35000gpc Glofish 180 3-1/2-Gallon Aquarium Kit

User Ratings: 20 13

KollerCraft AQ35000GPC First Impressions

"Perfect product."

Nothing came broke and everything is working. Best of luck if you purchase it this kit! I would recommend those back flow connectors for the air pump. The adjustable pump can be turned down really low so the flow does not bother a Beta. It only goes halfway down which may bother some people but to me it's great! The description lists dimmensions but it still feels small. This helps to build a small eco system that reduces tank maintenance.

  • Aquarius Aq35000gpc Glofish 180 3-1/2-Gallon Aquarium Kit
  • Perfect For GloFish
  • Lighting Options Include Daylight White to Twilight Blue to Moon Glow
  • Made of Sturdy Shatter-Proof Acrylic
  • The Best Habitat For Your Pet - 3.5-Gallon Capacity
  • Great Addition To Any Home Or Office
  • Manufacture: Tom (Tominaga/Oscar)
  • Product Dimensions: 11.25 x 8.75 x 13.5 inches; 4 Pounds
  • Editor's Impressions Of The KollerCraft AQ35000GPC
  • Quality [star rating='2.3']
  • Value For Money [star rating='2.3']
  • Affordability [star rating='2.9']

KollerCraft AQ35000GPC Final Thoughts

"But this tank is great."

I also bought a heater with a built in thermostat. I bought this to basically replace a 5 gallon tank and make a new planted version. James spends his days swimming all around his tank and working on his bubble nest. The background adds a lot of depth that feels missing in a standard aquarium. This would make a great gift for anyone wanting to get into the hobby. And you can not take the background out of the tank,it is glued in! Disregard the videos that show the filter operating with a loud chattering noise.

Overall Score
3.3

[star rating="3.3"]
(34 Points)

9. Hagen Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit

User Ratings: 67 21

Hagen First Impressions

"5-3 fish, not 5."

Best of luck if you purchase it this kit! I love looking at it while I'm in the kitchen. They'll have a lot more room to play around decorations and stuff, too. This helps to build a small eco system that reduces tank maintenance. I didn't know that the background only goes halfway down the back of the tank. Definitely recommend this tank hands down! The rule of thumb is one small fish per gallon.

  • Hagen Fluval EBI Shrimp Kit
  • Sleek, All Aluminum Waterproof Casing
  • Powerful & Energy Efficient LED's for Optimal Plant Growth and Shrimp Color
  • Convenient Touch Start Day & Night Illumination
  • Powerful 3 Stage Filtration with oversized Mechanical, Chemical, Biological Media
  • Manufacture: Josh's Frogs
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Hagen
  • Quality [star rating='3.2']
  • Value For Money [star rating='4.5']
  • Affordability [star rating='4.2']

Hagen Final Thoughts

"The tank itself is fine."

It only goes halfway down which may bother some people but to me it's great! I absolutely love this eight gallon tank. It has a hood with integrated LED lighting. I cant wait to set this up and get some shrimp and cardinal tetras in there. The cherry shrimp had fries twice and now my Celestial Pearl Danios are laying eggs. I always had bubbles on the front of my tank no matter how I faced the tubes. Enough colors and gradients to please any demanding scaled pet.

Overall Score
3.9

[star rating="3.9"]
(19 Points)

10. Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set, 5 gal,White, 10505

User Ratings: 61 15

Fluval 10505 First Impressions

"I like it."

The heater was a no-name 200W UL certified. It is very easy to set up and also comes with easy to understand instructions. Definitely recommend this tank hands down! Just loading gravel scratched the front of mine. No more then five or six tiny ones is my guess. No more then five or six tiny ones is my guess. 1 gallon that a Betta really needs a 3-5 gallon home so I purchased this one as well.

  • Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set, 5 gal,White, 10505
  • Unique aquarium design creates perfect balance of sight and sound
  • 17 powerful led lights plus a permanent up light providing a gentle glow
  • Powerful filtration for sparkling, healthy water
  • 5 gallon glass aquarium, includes filter media
  • Measures 10 l x 10 w x 14.4 H inches
  • Manufacture: Fluval
  • Item Weight: 16 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: 14.4 x 14.4 x 17.5 inches
  • Editor's Impressions Of The Fluval 10505
  • Quality [star rating='3.8']
  • Value For Money [star rating='5']
  • Affordability [star rating='3.4']

Fluval 10505 Final Thoughts

"Good manufacturing."

I bought this to basically replace a 5 gallon tank and make a new planted version. It also comes with a built in 3D back round. I just set this up today and I absolutely love it so far. All contents included were as promised and they work fantastically. I think it's a great looking tank and I would definitely recommend it to others. He does swim under the shelf of the background but never hides there. Plan to buy another filter as this filter will be too noisy for you to tolerate!

Overall Score
4.0

[star rating="4"]
(397 Points)

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