Fish tank prices range from $30 to $500 for the tank itself, depending on size and material

A small glass tank (5 to 10 gallons) costs $30 to $80 new. A mid-size tank (20 to 40 gallons) runs $100 to $250. Large tanks (55 gallons and up) start at $200 and climb to $500 or more for glass models. Acrylic tanks cost more than glass of the same size—usually 20 to 40 percent higher—but they are lighter and more durable if you move them often.

The tank itself is only part of the cost. You will also need a filter, heater, lighting, substrate (gravel or sand), and decorations. These extras typically add $100 to $300 to your first setup, depending on tank size and the equipment quality you choose. A complete beginner setup with a small tank and basic gear runs $150 to $250 total.

Key Takeaways

  • Small tanks (5–10 gallons) cost $30 to $80; mid-size tanks (20–40 gallons) cost $100 to $250; large tanks (55+ gallons) cost $200 to $500 or more.
  • Acrylic tanks cost 20 to 40 percent more than glass tanks of the same size but are lighter and less likely to crack if moved.
  • A complete beginner setup with tank, filter, heater, lighting, and substrate costs $150 to $250 for a small system.
  • Used tanks are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than new ones but may have scratches, leaks, or missing parts that require repair.
  • Monthly costs for fish food, water treatments, and filter maintenance add $10 to $30 depending on tank size and fish type.

What the tank size you choose affects the price

Tank size is the biggest driver of cost. A 5-gallon tank is the smallest practical size for most fish and costs $30 to $50 new. A 10-gallon tank (good for beginners) runs $40 to $80. These small tanks are affordable but require more frequent water changes and are harder to keep stable because the water temperature and chemistry shift quickly.

A 20-gallon tank costs $80 to $150 and is the sweet spot for many home aquarists—large enough to keep several fish species together and stable enough that mistakes do not crash the system as fast. A 40-gallon tank runs $150 to $250. Once you reach 55 gallons and larger, prices jump to $200 to $500 because the glass must be thicker to hold the weight of the water (a gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds, so a 55-gallon tank weighs roughly 460 pounds when full).

Glass versus acrylic: which costs more and why

Glass tanks are the standard and the cheaper option. They scratch less easily than acrylic, stay clear longer, and cost less upfront. A 20-gallon glass tank typically costs $100 to $150. The downside is weight and fragility—glass tanks are heavy and will crack or shatter if dropped or if something heavy falls on them.

Acrylic tanks are lighter and more impact-resistant, which makes them safer in homes with children or pets. They cost 20 to 40 percent more than glass—a 20-gallon acrylic tank runs $130 to $200. Acrylic scratches more easily during cleaning and can become cloudy over time if you use abrasive scrubbers. Both materials last many years if treated carefully.

Equipment costs beyond the tank itself

The tank is only the container. You need a filter ($30 to $100 depending on tank size and type), a heater ($20 to $60 for most freshwater setups), and lighting ($20 to $80 for a basic hood or LED fixture). Substrate (gravel, sand, or soil) costs $10 to $30 per bag, and you typically need one to three bags depending on tank depth and size.

Decorations—plants, rocks, driftwood, or plastic ornaments—run $20 to $100 depending on what you choose. Live plants cost more than plastic but improve water quality and look more natural. A basic setup with filter, heater, light, substrate, and straightforward decorations totals $100 to $300 in equipment. Higher-end filters, LED lighting systems, and live plants can push that to $400 or more.

Where to buy and how to save money

New tanks are sold at pet store chains, online retailers, and general stores like Walmart and Target. Prices are fairly consistent across retailers, though online stores sometimes offer discounts on larger orders or bundle deals (tank plus filter plus heater sold together). Shipping costs for large tanks can be high, so compare the final price including delivery.

Used tanks are often 30 to 50 percent cheaper than new ones. Check local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local aquarium clubs. Inspect a used tank carefully for cracks, cloudiness in the glass, and missing seals. Ask the seller why they are selling and whether the tank has ever leaked. A used tank that leaks is not worth the discount—resealing or replacing it costs nearly as much as buying new.

Ongoing costs after your first purchase

Once your tank is set up, monthly costs are modest. Fish food costs $5 to $15 per month depending on the number and type of fish. Water conditioner and other treatments add $5 to $10 monthly. Filter cartridges or media need replacement every one to three months at $10 to $20 per replacement. If you keep live plants, fertilizer adds another $5 to $10 per month.

Electricity to run the filter and heater typically costs $5 to $15 per month for a small to mid-size tank. Larger tanks with more powerful equipment cost more. Over a year, expect to spend $120 to $360 on maintenance and supplies beyond the initial setup cost. These costs stay roughly the same year after year unless you upgrade equipment or expand the tank.

Specialty tanks and custom builds cost significantly more

Saltwater tanks (for marine fish and corals) cost more than freshwater setups because they require a protein skimmer ($100 to $300), specialized lighting ($150 to $500 for reef tanks), and higher-quality filtration. A basic saltwater setup starts at $400 to $600 for the tank and equipment combined.

Custom-built tanks made to fit a specific space or designed by an aquarium builder cost $500 to several thousand dollars. Planted tanks with high-end lighting and CO2 injection systems run $300 to $800 for a mid-size setup. Unless you have specific needs or a tight space constraint, a standard off-the-shelf tank is the most affordable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bowl or vase instead of a real tank to save money?

Bowls and vases are cheap but unsuitable for most fish. They have no filtration, no aeration, and no temperature control, which means water quality crashes quickly and fish become stressed or sick. Even hardy fish like bettas live longer and healthier in a small filtered tank than in a bowl. A 5-gallon tank with a filter costs only $50 to $80 and is worth the investment.

What is the cheapest complete setup I can buy?

A 10-gallon glass tank kit (tank, filter, heater, and light included) costs $60 to $120 at most pet stores. Add substrate and basic decorations for another $30 to $50, and you have a working setup for $90 to $170. This is the minimum for a healthy beginner aquarium. Anything cheaper usually means missing equipment or poor quality that fails quickly.

Do I need to spend more money for a saltwater tank than a freshwater tank?

Yes. Saltwater tanks require specialized equipment like protein skimmers, stronger lighting for corals, and more frequent water testing. A basic saltwater setup costs at least $400 to $600, compared to $150 to $250 for a freshwater beginner setup. Saltwater fish and corals also cost more to purchase and maintain.

Is it worth buying a used tank to save money?

Used tanks can save 30 to 50 percent if they are in good condition and have no cracks or leaks. Always inspect the seals and test it with water before committing. A tank that leaks is not a bargain—resealing or replacing it costs nearly as much as buying new. If the used tank is clean and solid, it is a good way to save money.

How much does it cost to upgrade from a small tank to a larger one?

Upgrading from a 10-gallon to a 20-gallon tank costs $80 to $150 for the new tank. You can reuse your old filter, heater, and decorations if they still work, so you may only need to buy the new tank and additional substrate. If your old equipment is undersized for the larger tank, you will need to upgrade the filter and heater as well, which adds $50 to $100.