The best cheap aquariums in the UK 2023

In recent years, more and more English people are adopting fish like the fighter, with its bright colors, or the blue neon. Do you also want to get into aquarium keeping, but have a limited budget? This detailed guide will help you find a cheap aquarium and contribute to the well-being of your fish without spending a fortune.

Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L 1
7/10

Editor's Choice

Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L

The best cheap aquarium in 2021

If you are looking for a nano aquarium to introduce your children to the world of aquarium keeping, this small 7L aquarium from Nobleza is perfect for you.

34,39 £ on Amazon

This 7L nano aquarium is very easy to use for children and adults new to aquarium keeping. It is very convenient for shrimps or micro-fish (larger fish may not have good living conditions due to the small size). It is a glass aquarium with curved edges that can offer you an uninterrupted 180° view from inside.

It comes with an economical 3W LED lamp, an efficient filtration system located at the top of the tank and tilts 90° for convenience. It is suitable for a cold or tropical water tank. Please note that for the tropical water configuration, you will need a heating system (not included).

Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast 2
7/10

The best cheapest

Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast

The best entry-level cheap aquarium

Sturdy, with a lid equipped with ventilation holes and a carrying handle, this aquarium will allow you to take your pet anywhere.

8,72 £ on Amazon

If you want to start your aquarium passion or if you are fascinated by the aquatic world and want to share this passion with your children, this aquarium from Ferplast is made for you. This model is a multi-functional plastic tank that can be used as a fish tank as well as a terrarium for reptiles or insects. The container is equipped with sturdy transparent plastic walls that are well sealed and ensure a good view of your pet inside.

Furthermore, if you have rodents like hamsters or small mice, the container can also be used as a terrarium. Your small pets will be comfortable in it as the lid of the container has several holes for good ventilation and oxygenation inside. In case of cleaning or maintenance of your aquariums or tanks, the container can be used for temporary storage. The Ferplast aquarium is convenient for taking your pet on a trip because the container has carrying handles.

Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L 3
9/10

The best high-end

Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L

The best high-end cheap aquarium

Elegant and practical, this aquarium will enhance your fish. Its 12 L capacity and its integrated lighting allow fish to live easily in the enclosure.

68,47 £ on Amazon

With itsrounded shape and day and night lighting, this aquarium offers a flawless decorative look. With its attractive style, it is perfect to place on an office counter, in a garden or in a living room. Its transparent color ensures a better visibility of the fish. So you can admire their evolution and all their beauty.

Apart from that, this aquarium is equipped with a filtration system, hidden in the bottom, to ensure the cleanliness of the water inside. One of the biggest advantages of this aquarium is also its large enough storage volume, suitable for all sizes of fish. All in all, this aquarium is a good alternative to take care of your fish while decorating your premises.

Aquarium design ZOLUX 4
8/10

The best alternative

Aquarium design ZOLUX

A great alternative

Designed especially for children, this design nano aquarium can also be used to decorate the office, living room or dining room. It has a trap door to simplify the feeding of the fish.

31,84 £ on Cdiscount

The nano aquarium design from Zolux is aimed at children. Zolux offers a great introduction to the world of aquaculture, and the hinged lid and feeding hatch make it safe. The latter makes it easy to feed without removing the entire lid. Moreover, don't worry about it breaking since its glass is 3 mm thick. Versatile in terms of decoration, it is also perfect for your office because of its small capacity of 18 L.

With the help of the aquarium's quality glass, the contents can be observed without distortion. You can also use it as a habitat for other animal species, namely snails, shrimp and other crustaceans.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best cheap aquarium

Any specific needs?

The best cheap aquarium in 2021

The best entry-level cheap aquarium

The best high-end cheap aquarium

A great alternative

Your guide : Samuel

Rate this buying guide :
0/50 votes

By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!

Comparison table of the best cheap aquariums

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L 5
7/10
Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast 6
7/10
Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L 7
9/10
Aquarium design ZOLUX 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L
Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast
Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L
Aquarium design ZOLUX
If you are looking for a nano aquarium to introduce your children to the world of aquarium keeping, this small 7L aquarium from Nobleza is perfect for you.
Sturdy, with a lid equipped with ventilation holes and a carrying handle, this aquarium will allow you to take your pet anywhere.
Elegant and practical, this aquarium will enhance your fish. Its 12 L capacity and its integrated lighting allow fish to live easily in the enclosure.
Designed especially for children, this design nano aquarium can also be used to decorate the office, living room or dining room. It has a trap door to simplify the feeding of the fish.
Container capacity
7 L
6 L
12 L
18 L
Dimensions (L x W x H)
23 x 16 x 27.5 cm
30 x 20 x 20.3 cm
30.5 x 27 x 30.5 cm
40 x 20 x 25 cm
Type of fish
Freshwater fish (Crustaceans or micro fish)
Freshwater or saltwater fish
Freshwater or saltwater fish
Fish
Materials
Glass
Plastic
Glass
3 mm glass
Accessories that come with the container
LED light, filtration system (filter and pump)
Removable lid with access hatch and carrying handle
LED lighting and built-in filtration system
Hinged lid with access hatch

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - cheap aquarium

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

Why can you trust us?

Why you can trust us
Our mission
How to support us
We do NOT accept any sponsored posts or advertising.

We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.

Our mission is to simplify your purchasing decisions.

We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.

We are a small team of geeks and enthusiasts.

To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!

How to choose your cheap aquarium

The choice of your aquarium is based on several criteria. If you want to invest in a cheap model, consider the following points:

#1 - The size of your aquarium

The size of the aquarium will affect many things and it is important to know that the larger the aquarium, the more expensive it is. For those who want to initiate their children or to decorate a room, the medium size models are a good choice.

The important thing to remember is that some types of fish need space to live. While others, such as the Tanichthys albonubes, or Poor Man's Neon, or the Betta splendens or Fighting Fish adapt to different conditions. A good volume will be between 7 and 25 L, which will also be suitable for children.

Also, consider the location where you will place it. First and foremost, your equipment will need to be placed on a flat surface and not in a room with unstable temperatures.

#2 - Maintenance

An aquarium requires regular maintenance as the water quality deteriorates. This can cause the death of your fish and disrupt the ecosystem. Large models can be equipped with filters which makes the job easier. Cheap, small to medium sized aquariums require manual cleaning.

To summarize, before purchasing, look at the difficulties of cleaning each product and stop at models with easy access.

#3 - The type of water

Aquariums are classified into two broad categories: freshwater aquariums and saltwater aquariums.

The first category is the most recommended, whether you're on a tight budget or a beginner aquarist, especially because it has fewer requirements than a saltwater aquarium. An aquarium that can be filled with tap water is much more convenient! But here again, we distinguish between cold and warm freshwater aquariums. For the latter, the temperature should be reminiscent of tropical waters, so you'll need to invest in a heating system.

#4 - The equipment

You'll find "turnkey" models on the market with all the equipment you need to run your aquarium: the lid, filter, heater, lighting, air pump, bubbler, and sometimes even accessories for decoration.

These kits are the best option in terms of price, as they are much more affordable than a bare tank. For the latter, you will have to buy the equipment separately, but you can be sure of their quality individually.

How can you save money on aquarium maintenance?

 class=

Aquarium maintenance should be done regularly. This is to improve the environment of the fish, but also, for the proper functioning of the aquarium.

Choose LED lighting

By using LED to light your aquarium, it will significantly reduce the electricity bill. The advantage of LED lighting is its efficiency in terms of economy and light emission. In addition, LED lighting does not produce heat, so you won't need a cooling system.

The advantage of LED lighting is its efficiency in terms of economy and light emission.

Clean the filter and pump

To keep the water inside the aquarium clean all the time for the health of the fish, the use of a pump is necessary. Through wear and tear, the filter and pump may become clogged and cause over consumption of energy. Therefore, make it a habit to clean both of these components frequently.

.

Be sure to choose the type of filter to use

If you want to save energy as much as possible, an air filter system with a bubbler is recommended. This setup requires little power to operate.

Install a cover over the aquarium

It is critical to have a cover over the aquarium during the winter season. The condensation recovery cover optimizes the heat inside the aquarium during cold weather.

Use your home water source

If you have freshwater fish in the aquarium, there is no need to use an osmosis machine. Simply use tap water and install a particle filter to perfectly copy the natural environment of your fish. By doing this, you won't need to buy special water all the time.

.

How to choose the material of the aquarium

The type of aquarium design material plays an important role in the comfort of your aquatic animals. To have better insulation, opt for an acrylic aquarium.

The different types of cheap aquariums

You have a multitude of choices when it comes to cheap aquariums. Here are the main types of aquariums that are interesting for their price.

Community aquarium

The community aquarium is perfect for beginners. It is mainly fresh water that is filled with different species of fish. In general, its use does not require special knowledge. However, it is necessary to check the compatibility of the inhabitants inside the aquarium, as well as the psycho-chemical properties of the water, especially its pH and hardness.

The choice of fish species is important so that their cohabitation is harmonious. One of the advantages of this aquarium is that the fish do not necessarily come from the same region. Very interesting, you can add plants to make the environment even more pleasant for the fish.

Specific aquarium

Contrary to a community aquarium, a specific aquarium concerns the same species of fish. The concept is effectively to avoid having several species cohabit at the risk of stressing the fish. It is often associated with a "goldfish" aquarium. But an experienced aquarist will be able to advise you on the ideal fish of the same species for this type of aquarium.

Apart from its domestic use, it is very popular for breeding purposes or in research laboratories. But for an aquarist, it will always be nice to admire many fish of the same color evolving in the same tank.

Dutch aquarium

It is distinguished by a better aesthetic than other types of aquariums once installed. Also known as aquascaping, this different style focuses on the lush vegetation displayed in the tank. With proper lighting, you'll create a colorful play for those beautiful fish and an enchanting atmosphere for your eyes.

You should change the water in the tank frequently, as this will promote the growth of the fish and the nature spirit of the Dutch aquarium. Also, remember that the aquatic world needs special attention. In particular, you should respect the living conditions of the fish to ensure the survival of these specimens.

The nano aquarium

This is the ideal aquarium for children. With its small dimensions of about 30 cm², the nano aquarium is known for its discretion. It is perfect for an aquatic decoration of your child's room and to introduce him to aquariophily. It is easy to maintain and does not require much space.

Despite its small size, it is often sold with a complete equipment. In terms of price, this type of aquarium remains the most affordable for small budgets. However, remember that one liter of water is intended for one centimeter of fish. You should therefore choose small fish for a nano aquarium.

New or used aquarium?

Having an aquarium in your home is a privilege and makes you responsible. Used or new, seek the advice of an expert in the field before making a decision.

Used Aquarium

You can buy used aquariums through classified ads on the web or in newspapers. The reuse of this item requires some precautions. The water used by the previous owner should be mentioned, i.e. fresh water or sea water.

Thus, you could better choose and buy the fish according to this information. They are often accompanied with the appropriate aquarium equipment and accessories. Before using it, rinse the tank completely with tap water and 1 ml of bleach per 1 liter of water.

New Aquarium

You have a multitude of choices when it comes to a new aquarium. You will be more confident when buying the aquarium, especially since the price may vary depending on the model and its specificities. The rules are the same, so make sure you know what type of water to add to the tank. This is a very important precaution that will keep your fish healthy.

When purchasing an aquarium, remember to set aside a budget for its maintenance.

Verdict

On the one hand, a new aquarium is ideal for beginners. It will give you confidence and your worries about possible problems will be removed. On the other hand, a second-hand aquarium is an opportunity for the connoisseur, as it is sometimes the enthusiasts who put their aquariums up for sale.

From this point of view, the quality of accessories and equipment is better. In any case, if possible, go for a new one to make sure you have a functional aquarium.

Why buy a cheap aquarium?

Having an aquarium at home has become a trend these days. However, investing in an affordable aquarium is the best idea to avoid unnecessary expenses.

For its atmosphere

Having an aquarium at home is not just about decorating and enjoying the beauty of the fish in the water. The harmonization of the light, the movement of the fish, the different colors and the sound of the water create an atmosphere of peace and serenity for the occupants of the house.

The fascination of Nemo

For those living in an urban environment, it is impossible, except in documentaries, to look closely at the fish of the tropics with their bewitching colors. To remedy this and to have a corner of escape in your apartment, you must have an aquarium. In this way, you can put different types of fish and corals. Yes, you can add different elements like seaweed.

Not too different from expensive aquariums

Indeed, even at a lower price, you can enjoy the benefits of aquarium keeping. Of course, it is normal if there is a small difference from other aquarium ranges. But don't worry, you won't notice it too much.

Available in several models

You'll have a wide choice of design and shape when you opt for a cheaper aquarium. Whether you prefer a round, square, rectangle shape designed in glass, plexiglass or other material, this is the perfect aquarium to beautify your home.

Perfect for beginners

A cheap aquarium is also recommended for those who are new to aquarium keeping. You can limit your budget for this passion at the beginning. Then, when you can afford it, and know more about this world, you can spend a little more!

The best brands of cheap aquariums

In our opinion, the best brands of cheap aquariums in 2022 are :

Tetra
Zoloux
Ferplast
Nobleza
Fluval

For more than 70 years, the Tetra brand has been a leader in aquarium manufacturing worldwide. The company is evolving in the aquarium industry with new technologies and design concepts. Among its values, the Tetra company aims to optimize the universe around aquariums while ensuring the respect of ecology and the environment.

Zolux is a famous brand, specialist in pet supplies. The company appeared in 1933. Experienced in the field, the company offers products and accessories for the care of pets, namely birds, reptiles, mammals and fish.

Ferplast is an internationally recognized company in terms of manufacturing pet products. In this regard, the aquariums of this brand are certified and ranked among the best in terms of quality. Moreover, this brand has been in existence for almost 55 years.

One of the biggest brands recognized for manufacturing aquariums is Nobleza. The company produces high-tech, modern aquariums of impeccable quality. In fact, Nobleza's mission is to develop affordable models to optimize the living conditions of fish.

The Fluval company appeared in 1975. Its products stand out from the offerings of competitors thanks to its incomparable technological innovation. Fluval brand aquariums are equipped with an efficient filtration system to sanitize the water in their enclosure to properly care for the fish.

What is the price for a cheap aquarium

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
10 £ to 30 £
Mid-range
30 £ to 75 £
High-end
more than 75 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Change the water in your aquarium regularly

You should think about changing the water in your aquarium from time to time in order to keep it sparkling and to ensure a healthy life for the fish. Indeed, at some point, it is very likely that the water will start to lose its purity due to the presence of waste. On the other hand, you will always have to make sure that the type of water has the right composition for the types of fish contained in the aquarium.

Observe the fish in the store well before purchase

When buying fish, have the reflex to look at the health of each one. In case you buy a fish that is sick or shows signs of infection, it is inevitable that it will infect the others. Therefore, you will be obliged to do a general disinfection or even to buy other fish if they die.

Feed your fish properly

Don't forget that fish are living animals. So, in order for them to keep their shape, you have to feed them. For this, you can ask a specialist for the necessary information in terms of fish food. For the sake of your living decorations, vary their food and avoid overfeeding them.

Check the parameters of your aquarium regularly

Once the aquarium is operational, by time, it is normal if each component in it changes its property. So, you are in the obligation to check its condition regularly. To do this, check the ammonia and nitrite levels. If the species of fish you have purchased is sensitive, you need to see the pH level. It is best to do this during the first few weeks of setting up the aquarium.

Take care of the vegetation in your aquarium

Vegetation in the aquarium is not just for decorative accent. It is also involved in the comfort of the fish. Thus, it must be cared for. Use well-nourished soil to feed the plants. You can also use fertilizers to boost their growth. As for the type of light to install in the aquarium, opt for those that can recreate natural sunlight.

FAQ

How to decorate your aquarium for cheap?

You can decorate your aquarium to your liking by adding rocks, plants or artificial decorations. However, avoid cluttering the aquarium space too much so that the fish can move around freely. To do this, arrange the decorative elements according to the free space and the number of fish to be put in the aquarium.

How to prepare your aquarium?

Preparing an aquarium is simple. First, pour the sand in the bottom of the aquarium while avoiding exceeding 2 to 3 cm in thickness. Then, lay out one by one the elements used for the decoration. Once this step is completed, pour in the osmosis water according to the capacity of the aquarium. Install the plants and bacteria. After about 4 weeks, the time for the bacteria to grow, you can add the fish.

How to keep your aquarium water clean?

The most effective technique to keep the aquarium clean is to change the water regularly, at least every month. You can also ensure a healthy environment by respecting the nitrogen cycle (of about 4 weeks) to allow time for the good bacteria to grow during your aquarium setup. Also install a good filter, and monitor the water quality (pH, hardness, etc.).

Why does the water in an aquarium look cloudy?

If the aquarium water is not clearer than before, even though you perform regular maintenance and cleaning, it may be due to too high a nitrite level. It may also be due to fatty deposits on the surface of the water or microalgae and fermentations. To remedy this, inspect your aquarium and consider cleaning it if necessary.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. What size aquarium to choose when you're a beginner, guideaquarium.fr
  2. Aquarium : 4 points to choose it - Blog, zoomalia.com
  3. How to maintain quality water in your aquarium?, jardiland.com
  4. The guide for novices who want to have a clean and healthy aquarium., apprendre-aquariophilie.fr
  5. Fish : how to choose your aquarium right?, animal-valley.com
  6. The different criteria for choosing an aquarium., espace-animaux.info
  7. How to aquarium cheaper? How to choose the right aquarium for your home?, aquaportail.com
  8. Aquarium : more than 180 references at the best price, fishipedia.fr
  9. Aquarium : Comparison, Advice and Tips for your aquarium., zoobio.fr
  10. Aquarium : more than 180 references at the best price, lemagdesanimaux.ouest-france.fr
  11. Aquarium : Comparison, Advice and Tips for your ...., zoomalia.com
  12. Aquarium Complete - at the best price - New and Used ..., aqua-planete.com
  13. Aquarium for fish - small and large sizes at the ..., fr.shopping.rakuten.com
  14. Amazon.co.uk : aquarium cheap, jardiland.com
  15. Aquarium - bare and equipped tank from 10 to 600 liters ..., amazon.co.uk
  16. Aquariums | eBay, materiel-aquatique.com
  17. Aquariums, Furniture, Aquarium Balls | Truffaut, ebay.fr
  18. Aquariums and Furniture - Aquariums | Animalis, truffaut.com
  19. Ammannia - Aquariums and Aquascaping, animalis.com
  20. Aquariums and Aquarium Accessories Sales ..., ammannia.com
  21. 2021 Aquarium Lighting Discounted - 50%, aqua-store.fr
  22. Aquariums and Aquarium Furniture - Buy / Sell Cheap, aquariumsoldes.com
  23. Aquariums | Fish on Rue du Commerce, zoanthus.fr
  24. Amazon., rueducommerce.fr
  25. Aquariums and Aquarium Furniture, amazon.co.uk
  26. Aquariums and Aquarium Furniture on Rue de Commerce, aquachange.fr
  27. Amazon. fr : aquarium : pet shop, atlasformen.fr
  28. Buy your freshwater aquarium fish on the ..., akouashop.com
  29. Aquarium Cheap | Atlas For Men, auchan.fr
  30. AkouaShop - Aquarium Shop : Aquarium, Equipment and ..., decorations-aquarium.com
  31. Aquarium Cheap at Auchan Price, paris-friendly.fr
  32. Decorate Aquarium Cheap : The Top 13, aquaprems.com
  33. Paris Aquarium Cheap Entrance Ticket at 10 € at the ..., animal-valley.com
  34. Aquarium Equipment and Accessories for Sale - AQUAPREMS, site-annonce.fr
  35. Aquarium Small and Large Fish - Animal Valley, aquachange.fr
  36. Aquarium Cheap Used Aquarium for Sale on Leboncoin, eBay ..., aquaprems.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L 9
Nobleza - Glass Aquarium 7 L
Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast 10
Aquarium 6 L Geo Ferplast
Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L 11
Tetra Silhouette aquarium 12 L
Aquarium design ZOLUX 12
Aquarium design ZOLUX

Lecteurs

Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.

Copyright © 2022 - Made with by buyingbetter.co.uk

Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!