7 Best Durable Acrylic Fish Tanks (February 2024)

Ready to buy an aquarium for your home? Here are the top 10 acrylic fish tanks with unbiased reviews of their pros and cons. We've got you covered.

This report takes into account several factors, including quality, durability, versatility, value for money, and more. With all that in mind, let's get started!

How To Pick The Best Acrylic Fish Tanks?

There are several different factors to consider when choosing the best acrylic fish tanks in 2021. You should check that your tank is made from durable, high-quality materials; is easy to assemble and disassemble; has no seams that hold chemicals that can damage the tank or your fish.

You should also pick an acrylic fish tank that's made by a reliable manufacturer, has attractive features like customizable shapes and colors, comes with its own filtration system for low-maintenance operation, and is safe for saltwater tanks.

Features To Look For In An Acrylic Tank

Here are some features you should look for when choosing an acrylic fish tank:

1. Solid construction with no seams to hold chemicals from the water and prevent leaks from forming.
2. Durability to withstand years of use without getting damaged or deteriorating.
3. Easy assembly and disassembly for cleaning.

The Best Acrylic Fish Tanks To Buy in 2021

Check out the detailed list below to know more about the best Acrylic Fish Tanks of 2021

1. Fluval Edge 6 Gallon Corner Aquarium

About

Here we have the Fluval Edge 6 Gallon Corner Aquarium, and this is a sleek 6-gallon Acrylic fish tank. This tank measures 22 inches by 12 inches by 10 inches with an attractive corner access system;

it also comes with an incredibly efficient 3 stage filtration system utilizing the same filter cartridge as the one found on the Fluval Spec aquarium, which is included in the price. The tank also comes with a small Fluval Edge light built into the top.

This aquarium also has an excellent corner filtration system utilizing the same filter cartridge as the one found on the Fluval Spec aquarium, which is included in the price.

This tank also comes with a custom hood and has 3 white LEDs installed to enhance your experience; it does not, however, come with a heater or any other accessories, so you'll need to buy those separately if you're looking for complete functionality.

Positive Side of Fluval Edge 6

This is an excellent little fish tank, and the Fluval Edge line comes in several sizes ranging from 4.5 gallons to 14 gallons. This means you can choose the size that best suits your needs and your living space.

It's also very easy to keep this aquarium clean thanks to its corner access system, which makes it easier for you to get your hand in there to do the necessary cleaning.

The white LEDs are excellent, and you get colors and light without having any issues with heat build-up, which can be an issue if you have higher-wattage lights. This system will keep the temperature within a very acceptable range for your fish while also providing them with plenty of light.

Negative Side of Fluval Edge 6

The biggest downside with this aquarium is that it doesn't come with a heater, so you're going to have to spend more money on something that should be included right out of the box.

A higher price tag than what people are used to may also turn some potential customers away.

This aquarium also has no filtration system installed, so you'll need to purchase that separately if you're looking for complete functionality.

The Final Verdict

The Fluval Edge 6 Gallon Corner Aquarium is a very nice fish tank, but it's not without its faults. It comes with great LED lighting and an excellent filtration system. However, the lack of heat and the higher price tag may deter some people from buying it.

If you're looking for a good fish tank and don't mind spending more, then this is a great option; but if you want to spend less and get all of the features straight out of the box, I'd recommend checking out some other options below!

2. Fluval Flex 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit

About

Here we have the Fluval Flex 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit, and this is a 5-gallon fish tank that comes with all of the necessary equipment to get started.

The kit includes a pump and filtration system capable of housing smaller fish, and it also has an Energy Blue LED light installed on the top that can be easily turned on and off using the built-in rocker switch.

This kit also comes with a heater that will keep the temperature from getting too cold, and it's even small enough to fit inside of this aquarium without any issues.

This is a nice little fish tank, and it's 5 gallons which makes it a perfect size for a smaller habitat or office environment.

The included filtration system is excellent for this sized tank, and I like that it's made by Fluval; the brand has a solid reputation for making quality products, and this is no exception.

Positive Side of Fluval Flex 5

This is a very well-made aquarium; it features excellent craftsmanship and comes with everything you need to get started, minus the fish and water, of course.

The filtration system included with the Fluval Flex 5 Gallon Aquarium is very well made and can be used for larger fish if need be. The Energy Blue LEDs are also excellent, and they create an interesting lighting system that gives off a nice color without heating up your aquarium to dangerous levels.

Negative Side of Fluval Flex 5

This aquarium only comes with one LED light installed on the aquarium lid, which means you won't have any lighting below the surface. If you want to be able to use the light under the water, then it's something that you'll need to buy separately.

The Final Verdict

This is an excellent fish tank for someone that wants a simple set-up with all of the necessary equipment included. The included filtration system and the built-in pump are of excellent quality and work very well.

Plus, this fish tank comes with a heater so you can be sure that your fish will stay nice and warm. It's not the biggest aquarium on the market, but I think it's a great size for someone that wants to keep smaller fish and doesn't want to spend a lot on their new fish tank.

3. Back to the Roots Water Garden Fish Tank

About

The next aquarium on this list is called the Back to the Roots Water Garden, and it's a very interesting design that features a self-cleaning ecosystem for your fish while simultaneously serving as a decoration piece for your home.

This ten-gallon fish tank is made from sustainable materials that are 100 percent recyclable, and it also uses plants to naturally filter your aquarium water which means you won't need any additional equipment or maintenance.

This product is unique because it's designed to be both an aquarium and a small garden for your home, so if you're looking for a way to add a little bit of green into your life, then this is a great option.

This fish tank also has a very nice LED lighting system that gives off a soft glow and makes the whole product seem peaceful.

Positive Side of Back to the Roots Water Garden

This is an excellent fish tank for anyone that wants something unique or just doesn't have space for a large aquarium. I like that this tank has an ecosystem built right in so you can essentially get rid of your filter entirely.

It's also very eco-friendly, which is something I'm always happy to see. The included LED lighting system is excellent and makes the whole product look fantastic.

Negative Side Of Back to the Roots Water Garden

I just wish that this aquarium had more than just one LED light; it would be nice if the whole product had lighting underneath.

I also wish that this fish tank came with a heater built-in like many of the other products on this list, but you'll need to buy one separately.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for an interesting aquarium that will serve as a decoration piece for your home, then this is an excellent choice. I love the ecosystem design and think that it's a cool way to naturally filter your aquarium water.

The included LED lighting system makes the product look very nice and peaceful, which is something you definitely want in a fish tank.

4. Fluval Spec V Aquarium

About

This is a very basic five-gallon fish tank that's made from high-quality acrylic materials; however, it doesn't have any additional equipment or filtration system to go along with it.

This product is a great choice for someone that wants a simple set-up and doesn't mind doing a little extra maintenance in exchange for having an extra tank for their fish to swim in.

I like that this is a five-gallon tank because it's not too small but still isn't large enough to need an expensive filtration system.

Positive Side of Fluval Spec V

This fish tank has a very sleek look and feels about it, plus the acrylic material makes it much more durable than a glass tank.

I also like that this product has no filter, heater, or lighting system, so you can choose whichever equipment works best for your situation.

Negative Side of Fluval Spec V

Some people may not like the fact that there is no included filtration system, but it's important to remember that these aquariums are much cheaper than most other options on the market.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for a simple fish tank that has plenty of room to keep fish, then this is an excellent choice. This product works very well as long as you know what kind of equipment to pair it with.

I like that this fish tank doesn't come with any extra equipment because it lets you choose exactly what you want to go with it, but some people may not like the lack of built-in technology.

5. Aqueon Evolve 8 Fish Tank

About

Aqueon has created a very sleek-looking three-gallon fish tank that's suitable for both fresh and saltwater aquariums. This product is designed with an all-in-one filtration system that ensures that your fish are always living in clean, healthy water no matter what type of fish you have.

This is an excellent 10-gallon fish tank that's made from 100 percent acrylic and has a very sleek and modern design to it. It's also very low maintenance, so you won't have to spend a lot of time cleaning the tank or maintaining the equipment.

This product works well for any aquarium enthusiast that wants an excellent fish tank that they can set up in less than half an hour. I like that this is a ten-gallon fish tank because it's large enough to hold a lot of water but still isn't large enough to require an expensive filtration system.

Positive Side of Aqueon Evolve 8

I think that this is a fantastic fish tank that has everything you need aside from the equipment. I also love how quick and easy it is to set up this product; plus, it comes with a comprehensive instruction manual so you can set it up all by yourself.

Negative Side of Aqueon Evolve 8

This product is a little bit on the expensive side, plus you'll need to buy your equipment, which can drive up costs quickly.

Some people may not like that this tank doesn't come with any lighting system or filter either, but they are things you can choose for yourself when you buy this tank.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for a durable and modern fish tank, then this is an excellent choice. I like that this product comes with absolutely everything you need to set it up and get started because it saves money and time. This is also one of the best acrylic aquariums on the market today.

6. Fluval Spec III Aquarium

About

This is another very basic acrylic fish tank that has no filtration system or LED lighting built into the design, but it works well with nearly any equipment you choose to go with it.

It's also extremely durable and can hold up to 36 gallons of water, which is large enough to keep a wide range of saltwater and freshwater fish.

This product is excellent for any beginner that doesn't want to spend a lot of money on their first aquarium. I like that this tank has no built-in equipment because it lets you choose exactly what you want to go with the tank, which saves you money in the end.

Positive Side of Fluval Spec III

I think that this fish tank is very affordable and has all of the basic features any aquarium enthusiast needs to get started. It's also very easy to set up and can be ready for fish in less than half an hour.

Negative Side of Fluval Spec III

This product comes with no lighting system, filtration system, or heating system, so you'll have to buy your own equipment to go with it. This can be a problem for people that don't have any experience with fish tanks, but it's really not too difficult to handle.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for an affordable basic acrylic fish tank that has plenty of room for fish, then this is an excellent choice. I like that this tank has no built-in equipment because it lets you choose exactly what your aquarium needs, but some people may not enjoy the lack of tech.

7. BiOrb Classic Aquarium

About

This is one of the most modern acrylic fish tanks on the market today, and it's made from 100 percent acrylic.

It has a very sleek and attractive design that doesn't take up too much space either, which makes it an excellent choice for any aquarium enthusiast.

This product is excellent for anyone that wants to keep fish in their home but doesn't want to buy a huge tank or spend a lot of money on equipment.

I like that this tank is small enough to fit in nearly any space while still holding plenty of water.

Positive Side of Biorb Classic Aquarium

I think that this fish tank has a very modern design and is extremely durable. Plus, it's made from 100 percent acrylic, so you won't have to worry about cracks or leaks like you do with glass aquariums.

Negative Side of Biorb Classic Aquarium

This is an extremely expensive fish tank, so it's probably best for people that want to keep high-quality fish in their homes. Plus, this product doesn't come with any equipment either, so you'll have to buy your own filtration system and lighting.

The Final Verdict

If you're looking for an attractive and modern fish tank, then this is definitely one of the best acrylic aquarium products on the market today. I like that this product has no built-in equipment, so you can choose exactly what to put it with. This is also one of the best acrylic tanks for sale in 2021.

Also Read: Jungle Val - Planting Procedure & Care Guide

Advantages Of Acrylic Fish Tanks

An acrylic fish tank is a great option for setting up a freshwater or saltwater aquarium. These tanks use safety glass, which can be made to look like traditional glass but is much more resistant to damage from the chemicals.

Acrylic tanks are a great choice because they give you a very sturdy structure that will last for years if treated properly. They are also very attractive, so they can fit with any décor easily and can be used as decoration without taking up much space.

1. Durability

Acrylic fish tanks are very durable and can last for years if treated properly. The outside of these tanks is made from synthetic plastic that looks like glass but is much stronger and thicker.

This material won't break if it's dropped, and you won't need to worry about chemicals eating away at the inside either, so you don't have to be as careful when you clean or refill your tank.

2. Visibility

One of the best things about acrylic fish tanks is that they let in a lot of light and can diffuse it too, which makes them great for plants and small fish.

Acrylic lets more light through than glass does, so you can see what's going on in your aquarium and enjoy the view.

3. Easy To Clean

Another good thing about acrylic fish tanks is that they're easy to clean and maintain. You can use most normal glass cleaners on them with no problem, and you won't need to worry about chemicals damaging the tank either.

The outside of these tanks doesn't need as much attention as glass ones do because you don't have to worry about cleaning off all the fingerprints and smudges.

4. Customizable

One of the biggest advantages of an acrylic fish tank is that they're easy to customize and adjust for your needs. You can buy several pieces of acrylic to make bigger tanks if your aquarium becomes too crowded or turn one into a saltwater aquarium if you want to get more exotic fish.

You can also get pieces made in unusual shapes and sizes so your tank will look like part of the décor in whatever room you place it in.

5. Attractive Design

One thing that makes acrylic fish tanks so popular is their attractive designs. Most of these tanks are made from a single piece of material, so you won't have to worry about seams or leaks.

Acrylic is a very clear material that makes it look like the water goes on forever and can be custom cut into many different shapes and colors if you want a truly unique aquarium experience.

6. Low Maintenance

Acrylic fish tanks are low maintenance because they don't need to be cleaned as often or taken apart for refilling. You can easily access your tank from any side, so you won't have to worry about getting water everywhere when you clean it out. They're also very easy to refill if the water gets cloudy or yellow-tinted with algae.

7. Ideal For Saltwater Tanks

One great thing about acrylic fish tanks is that they're ideal for saltwater aquariums because the glass won't be damaged by the chemicals used to keep your tank clean and safe for fish.

Acrylic can withstand acidic water with no problem, so you won't have to worry about replacing it or customizing it to make it work for a saltwater aquarium.

8. Non-Toxic

Another great reason why you should buy an acrylic tank is that they're non-toxic and won't release chemicals into the water like some other types of tanks can.

You don't have to worry about your fish living in harmful chemicals or having their organs damaged by toxic substances, so you can keep your fish healthy and happy.

Disadvantages Of Acrylic Fish Tanks

Besides the advantages, there are a few downsides of acrylic tanks listed below.

1. The Price

The main downside of acrylic tanks is that they're more expensive than glass ones. This type of tank also scratches fairly easily, so you have to be careful when cleaning it or moving the tank.

You'll also need to buy a protective cover if you want to keep your fish from getting out on accident.

2. Non-Scratch Resistance

Another downside of acrylic fish tanks is that you'll need to be careful when cleaning them or moving them. You can scratch the inside of an acrylic tank easily, which will ruin the look and cost a lot of money to get repaired if you buy high-quality acrylic.

3. Less Durable

Acrylic tanks are less durable than glass ones and can break or crack more easily. You'll need to be careful when cleaning your tank and setting it up because an accident with the fish in the tank could ruin it forever.

4. Less Visible Transitions

Another downside of acrylic fish tanks is that they have less visible transitions between colors than glass does. This type of tank doesn't have the same clarity as glass, so it's harder to see different colors in your fish or decorations.

5. Can't Be Repaired

If you damage an acrylic tank, you can't repair it the way you would with a broken piece of glass.

An acrylic aquarium must be replaced instead of repaired, which means you'll lose all of your fish and decorations when something happens to the tank.

6. Non-Customizable

Finally, you won't be able to customize most acrylic tanks in any way because they're made from a single piece of material instead of multiple ones.

It's also very difficult to customize an acrylic tank, so you'll need to buy a customized tank or stick with one of the pre-made ones that are available.

Conclusion

Acrylic fish tanks are great for any aquarist, whether you want a pet that's easy to care for or like to keep exotic fish and corals.

Their high-quality materials can withstand years of use without getting damaged or deteriorating; they're low-maintenance and won't cost you a lot of money in replacement costs; and they come with attractive features like customizable shapes, colors, and filtration systems.

You should also pick an acrylic tank that's made by a reliable manufacturer, is durable, safe for saltwater tanks, easy to clean and disassemble, and ideal for saltwater aquariums.

If you want to keep high-quality fish in your home, then you'll need to buy the best acrylic aquarium products. These are three of the best acrylic tanks on the market today, and all of them come with everything you need to get started, so they're excellent choices for beginners too.

Just be sure that you choose which is right for you, based on budget and what sort of equipment it comes with.

The best acrylic tanks for sale in 2021 are those that are durable, attractive, easy to clean, customizable, low-maintenance, ideal for saltwater aquariums, non-toxic, and will last for years. If you want to have a healthy aquarium full of healthy fish, get one of the best acrylic tanks for sale in 2021.