Aquarium prices range from $50 for a small starter tank to $5,000 or more for large custom systems, depending on tank size, materials, and equipment included
The cost of an aquarium depends almost entirely on how big you want it and what comes in the box. A 10-gallon glass tank alone costs $30 to $60. A 55-gallon tank runs $150 to $300. A 75-gallon tank costs $200 to $400. These are the tank only—no stand, no filter, no heater. If you buy a complete kit that includes the tank, stand, filter, heater, and lighting, you'll pay roughly double the tank price alone.
Budget aquariums (under $200 total) are real and functional, but they come with trade-offs: smaller tanks are harder to keep stable, plastic stands are less durable than wood or metal, and included filters are often weak. Mid-range setups ($200 to $800) give you a reliable 20- to 40-gallon system with decent equipment. High-end systems ($800 and up) include larger tanks, better filtration, programmable lighting, and stands built to last.
Key Takeaways
- A basic 10-gallon starter kit costs $100 to $150 and includes the tank, stand, filter, and heater.
- Mid-size tanks (30 to 55 gallons) in complete kits run $300 to $600 and are more stable than smaller tanks.
- Buying a tank and equipment separately usually costs more than a kit, but lets you choose higher-quality pieces.
- Saltwater and reef tanks cost significantly more than freshwater because they require specialized equipment like protein skimmers and powerheads.
- You will need to budget for ongoing costs: filters, heaters, lighting, and water treatments add $20 to $100 per month depending on tank size.
What a Basic Starter Kit Includes and Costs
A starter kit for a 10-gallon tank typically includes the glass tank, a plastic stand, an internal or hang-on filter, a heater, an air pump, basic lighting (usually LED), and sometimes a few decorations. These kits cost $100 to $150 at most retailers. The tank itself is the most expensive piece; the stand and filter together make up the rest.
The trade-off is that every component is entry-level. The filter may not move water efficiently enough for a larger tank later, the heater may be slow to warm the water, and the plastic stand can warp over time. But for a first aquarium or a small office tank, a starter kit works and requires no assembly decisions.
Mid-Range Tanks: 20 to 55 Gallons
A 20-gallon long tank in a complete kit costs $200 to $350. A 40-gallon breeder tank runs $300 to $500. A 55-gallon tank in a kit is usually $400 to $650. At this size, the equipment quality improves noticeably: filters are more powerful, heaters warm faster, and stands are usually solid wood or reinforced plastic that won't sag.
These tanks are also more forgiving to maintain. A 10-gallon tank can swing wildly in temperature or chemistry if you miss a water change; a 40-gallon tank is more stable. If you're planning to keep fish long-term, starting at 20 gallons or larger is worth the extra cost because the tank will be easier to manage and your fish will have more room.
Large Tanks and Custom Systems
A 75-gallon tank in a complete kit costs $600 to $1,000. A 125-gallon tank runs $1,200 to $2,000. At these sizes, you're usually buying the tank and stand separately from the filter and heater, because no single kit covers everything well. A 125-gallon tank alone is $400 to $600; a quality stand is $300 to $500; a canister filter (which is better for large tanks) is $200 to $400; and a heater is $50 to $100.
Custom-built systems—tanks with built-in overflows, sump filters, or specialized lighting—can cost $2,000 to $10,000 or more. These are usually ordered from specialty builders or high-end retailers and are designed for serious hobbyists or commercial displays.
Saltwater and Reef Tanks Cost More
A saltwater aquarium costs 50 to 100 percent more than a freshwater tank of the same size because it requires additional equipment. You need a protein skimmer ($100 to $400) to remove waste, powerheads ($30 to $150 each, and you usually need two or three) to create water movement, a heater (saltwater heaters are pricier, $80 to $200), and live rock and substrate ($200 to $500 for a 40-gallon tank).
A basic 40-gallon saltwater setup costs $800 to $1,500 total. A reef tank with corals and specialized lighting costs $1,500 to $3,000 or more because reef-grade LED lights run $300 to $800. Saltwater tanks also require more frequent testing and water changes, so your monthly maintenance costs are higher.
What You Pay for Equipment Separately
If you buy a tank and stand but source your own filter, heater, and lighting, expect to spend: a canister filter ($150 to $400), a submersible heater ($40 to $150), LED lighting ($50 to $300), and an air pump if needed ($20 to $80). Buying separately gives you better control over quality but usually costs $100 to $300 more than a kit.
Specialty equipment adds up quickly. A gravel vacuum for water changes costs $30 to $80. A test kit for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate runs $25 to $60. A water conditioner and beneficial bacteria for cycling a new tank cost $15 to $40. These are one-time or occasional purchases, but they're necessary for the tank to run well.
Monthly and Yearly Costs Beyond the Tank
Once your tank is set up, you'll spend money on replacement filters, water treatments, and electricity. A filter cartridge or media costs $10 to $30 and needs replacing every 4 to 8 weeks. Water conditioner and beneficial bacteria cost $10 to $20 per month. Electricity for a heater and lights runs $5 to $20 per month depending on tank size and your local rates.
Over a year, a 40-gallon freshwater tank costs $200 to $400 in supplies and electricity beyond the initial setup. A saltwater tank costs $400 to $800 per year because of more frequent water changes, salt mix, and test kits. These are not hidden costs—they're part of owning an aquarium—but they're worth budgeting for before you buy.
Where Prices Vary Most
Glass tanks are cheaper than acrylic tanks of the same size. Glass is heavier and can crack if dropped, but it's clearer and costs 20 to 40 percent less. Acrylic is lighter, won't shatter, and can be custom-shaped, but it scratches more easily and costs more upfront.
Retail chains like Petco and PetSmart often run sales on starter kits, especially in January and during summer. Specialty aquarium shops usually have higher prices but better equipment quality and staff knowledge. Online retailers have competitive prices but charge for shipping, which adds $30 to $100 depending on tank size. Local used tanks (from Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist) can be 30 to 50 percent cheaper, but you need to inspect them for cracks and leaks before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 20-gallon tank cost with everything included?
A complete 20-gallon kit runs $200 to $350 and includes the tank, stand, filter, heater, and basic lighting. If you buy the pieces separately to get better quality, expect to spend $350 to $500 total.
Is it cheaper to buy a kit or buy the tank and equipment separately?
Kits are cheaper upfront, usually by $100 to $200. Buying separately costs more but lets you choose better-quality filters and heaters. For a first tank, a kit is the better value. For a second tank, buying separately often makes sense.
How much does a 55-gallon tank cost?
A 55-gallon tank alone costs $150 to $300. A complete kit with stand, filter, and heater runs $400 to $650. A high-quality setup with a canister filter and better stand costs $700 to $1,000.
What's the cheapest way to start an aquarium?
Buy a 10-gallon starter kit ($100 to $150) from a retail chain during a sale. Add a basic test kit ($25) and water conditioner ($15). Your total is under $200. Avoid the temptation to skip the heater or filter—they're essential, not optional.
Do I need to spend more money if I want a saltwater tank?
Yes. A saltwater tank costs roughly twice as much as a freshwater tank of the same size because you need a protein skimmer, powerheads, live rock, and specialized salt mix. A basic 40-gallon saltwater setup costs $800 to $1,500 versus $300 to $500 for freshwater.