Leave fluffy at home and fin-nesse your college dorm with one of these nano-tanks. Why? Fish tanks promote responsibility, companionship, and help escape from the modern hassle of classes and social circles. Fish tanks of 10 gallons or less are usually accepted and they are very customize-able. Also fairly easy to move and possess a piece of nature that college life cannot guarantee.
1. MarineLand's 5 gallon Portrait Glass LED aquarium kit.
Pros: Stylish sleek design with built in filter and bright overhead light. The curved edges are a plus. The tank's footprint is reasonable and perfect for smaller spaces. The space in the filter allows for some customization in media and the height of the tank allows for interesting aquascapes. The filter is also virtually silent and the glass lid is form fitting for the tank.
Cons: The smooth edges can be hard to remove algae from, if a fish gets stuck in the filter it is a real pain to save them. Flow of the filter may be strong for some species. Growing an aquatic carpet in this tank would be difficult because of the height of the aquarium and the stock light intensity. Tall tanks aren't as good for swimming space, and the kit doesn't include a heater which most tropical fish require. Especially for AC blasted dorm rooms.
You can buy it here for $52.67*
2. Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium Kit
Pros: Attractive horizontal bow front design, overall unique design. A custom 3D background already installed that's supposed to be safe for fish. Versatile waterfall style filter. A basic easy setup that will look attractive out of the box. Also provides the most value for the money.
Cons: Advertised as a 8 gallon tank, at most can only fit 6 gallons according to the seller with 3D background. No heater is included and the pump doesn't seem to support a sponge to hold a beneficial bacteria. Open top can evaporate quicker and might be a water hazard in some unstable dorms.
You can buy it here for $119.00*
3. Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium 34L, 9gal
Pros: The Fluval flex is an attractive square style tank. The tank comes with a foam mat to place it on, perfect for keeping the tank stable. The filter compartment leaves a lot of space for customization and a heater. The filter is quiet and and the size of the tank allows a decent amount of stocking options. The light comes with a remote that gives the user plenty of light options.
Cons: Depending on whether it is the white Fluval Flex or the black background Fluval flex, algae may become more visible. The solid background also doesn't allow for any background customization. The square shape of the aquarium can make aquascapes difficult. Also doesn't include a heater.
You can buy it here for $99.99
4. Aqueon 10 Gallon LED Kit
Pros: If you're looking for an all-in-one kit, look no further. This Aqueon kit includes a filter, a heater, and a light all packed into a 10 gallon kit. The lights are suitable for low-mid light level plants. The heater is designed to keep tank around 78 degrees. The tank features a classic hang on back filter which allows space for custom media. A great price for an all in one tank.
Cons: The tank is not stylish or attractive. The hang on back filter makes the tank more clunky than expected.
You can buy it here for $68.99*
5. Fluval 10531A1 SEA EVO XII Aquarium Kit, 13.5 gal
Pros: If you are looking for a saltwater tank, this Fluval tank might be the best entry point for you. They feature a nice light strip suitable for entry level saltwater plants and freshwater plants. The filter area is flexible like the other tanks mentioned above. This tank claims to be a few gallons bigger than its competitors and still features the Fluval honeycomb style top. Also has a touch switch for turning the lights off and on.
Cons: The tank has a feeding hole that stays constantly open which might attract some mosquito larvae or increase evaporation slightly. The set up isn't as sleek as some of the other nano tanks.
You can buy it here for $162.97*
For stocking and planting information, check out our other posts or contact us for a direct consultation.
*= Price at current moment of writing. All product links are affiliate links from Amazon. If purchased through the link or photos, part of your purchase helps this website continue posting interesting content for you.
Thanks for reading!
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