The Top Aquaponics Fish Tanks

Aquaponics is becoming increasingly popular amongst aquarists who want to combine their love for fish and plants. By using aquaponics, you can grow a variety of different water-loving plants such as lettuce, herbs, and certain houseplants where the plants will absorb the nutrients and waste produced by the fish in the water to grow. This allows you to grow a variety of different plants without using too much space and you also have the benefit of caring for fish at the same time.

To have a successful aquaponics system, you need to first find the right type of fish tank that allows you to not only connect the right components to build your aquaponics system but one that will also be a good housing option for your fish.

With so many different fish tanks available on the market, it can be difficult to find one that is suitable for running an aquaponics system, so we have made it easier for you by reviewing some of the best fish tanks that work well for aquaponic systems.

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Aquaponic Fish Tanks

#1 Best Overall: AquaSprouts Garden Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosystem

The best overall aquaponics fish tank is the AquaSprouts Garden Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosystem.

This aquaponics system is great for beginners who are starting out in aquaponics because it is suitable for a 10-gallon fish tank. The aquaponics system sits on the top so where you can grow your favorite herbs, vegetables, and houseplants in a self-sustainable aquarium.

This is a great aquaponics fish tank if you want a small and modern aquaponics system that you can easily place on your desk and other small areas. You can easily grow your desired plants in a contained place without having to buy additional aquaponic components and can build it yourself because this fish tank includes everything you need — including detailed setup instructions.

However, this system does not include the tank which needs to be bought separately.

Pros and Cons of the AquaSprouts Garden Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosystem

Best Overall

AquaSprouts Garden Self-Sustaining Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosystem

• Great for beginners
• Includes a 10-gallon fish tank
• Features a top area where you can grow herbs, veggies, and houseplants
• Easy to assemble
• Includes everything you need to get started in aquaponics

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2.  Best Value: Penn-Plax AquaTerrium Fish Tank

In our opinion, the best value aquaponic tank is the Penn-Plax AquaTerrium Fish Tank.

This is an innovative fish tank that includes two chambers to form one biological ecosystem that can be beneficial for both the fish and plants you use in your aquaponics system. This fish tank is only 8.4 gallons in size, which makes it smaller size, so you will need to be cautious about which fish you house in it and how many. However, the original intent for this fish tank is to replicate nature’s metabolic system where the plants absorb the fish’s waste and in return purify the water.

This fish tank comes with a few items that will save you from having to make additional purchases, saving you money. This fish tank comes with an integrated filtration system with a submersible filter pump and a circulating waterfall along with filter media (carbon, bio-media balls, and a coarse sponge). You can also attach an additional tray of plants integrated into this aquarium from the top.

Pros and Cons of the Penn-Plax AquaTerrium Fish Tank

Best Value

Penn-Plax AquaTerrium Fish Tank

• Features 2 chambers to create a single unified biological ecosystem
• Beneficial for the fish and plants in your aquaponics system
• 8.4 gallons
• In this system, plants absorb the fish's waste and purify the water
• Can comfortably house nano species like bettas

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3.  Best for Size: All Glass Aquarium Tank

If you’re looking for a large tank that you can customize to your own specification then check out the All Glass Aquarium Tank.

This is a 20-gallon aquarium that has a simple yet modern design with transparent glass and thick black rims and base. The open-top of this fish tank allows you to customize your own aquaponics system above the tank without a lid or external filter getting in the way. This tank is large enough to house more fish inside which allows you to add more plants to the aquaponics system because the higher bioload of more fish means that your plants will be able to absorb more nutrients from the water produced from the fish’s waste.

However, although it means that you can customize it to your own design, nothing else is included with this tank. This does mean that it is not suitable for beginners. Also, it can end up being an expensive option in the long run by the time you have purchased all the necessary items.

Pros and Cons of the All Glass Aquarium Tank

Best for Size

All Glass Aquarium Tank

• Very affordable tank
• The glass sides have silicone edges
• Can be used for freshwater and marine tanks
• Very easy to clean

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4.  Best Design: Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank Plants Growing System

One of the best designs is the Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank Plants Growing System.

This is a small and affordable aquaponic fish tank that is great for small desks and side tables if you are looking to grow a few small plants while still enjoying the attractiveness of a nano aquarium with small fish. This aquaponics fish tank kit includes a filter that is quite strong, and it works by bringing the water up to the plant media to provide the plants with water and then flowing back into the aquarium to provide the fish with purified water.

You can grow microgreens and small herbs from seedlings on top of this fish tank, and you do not have to construct your own aquaponics system because this fish tank includes everything you need to get started.

However, the current created by the filter is strong which may not be suitable for very small fish.

Pros and Cons of the Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank Plants Growing System

Best Design

Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank Plants Growing System

• Small
• Affordable
• Includes a strong filter that waters the plants and provides the fish with purified water
• You can grow microgreens and herbs
• Contains everything you need to get started

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing the aquaponic fish tanks, there are three main factors you need to consider, the size, design, and price. Here is how to consider the best aquaponics fish tanks using these factors:

Size

The size of the fish tank that you use for aquaponics will depend on the number of plants you plan to grow inside the tray above the aquarium and how many fish and other inhabitants you want to stock inside of the fish tank. Space should also be considered for the placement of your aquaponics fish tank, whether you want one that is small enough to be placed on your desk so that you can enjoy the view of your fish and have the benefit of growing your plants from the top, or if you want a large fish tank where you can customize your own trays and aquaponics system to grow more plants.

Design

There are various types of fish tanks that you can use to run an aquaponics system from. Some designs will include a full kit that has a filter and light along with a tray at the top to grow your plants so that you do not have to customize that part yourself (which is a good option for beginners), or you can choose a plain tank that is usually large where you can build onto the tank and form a tray of your desired size to grow the more plants inside.

Price

The price is always an important consideration, especially if you want to invest in aquaponics. Most aquaponic fish tanks will already come with the tray and necessary pipes and filtration to get a good flow of water from the tank to the plants which means that you will not have to make additional purchases and spend more money than if you were to purchase a plain fish tank that does not include the trays and piping. Some fish tank designs will also include filters and lights, which is included in the fish tanks total price.

The Different Types of Aquaponics Fish Tanks: Pros and Cons Compared

• Custom-Built Aquaponic Fish Tanks: These types of tanks are usually small (less than 10 gallons) and include the necessary tray and piping built into the fish tank in a compact design.
• Plain Fish Tanks: These are relatively cheap and large and can fit more fish into the tank. The plain design also allows you to customize the trays and piping system to your liking as it is not included with the tank.
• Fish Tank Kits: These fish tanks come with filters, lighting, and in some cases filter media so that all you need to do is make additional purchases for the plant trays and piping.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type of aquaponic fish tank:

Custom-Built Aquaponics Fish Tank

Plain Fish Tank

Fish Tank Kits