Aquarium prices depend on tank size, materials, and whether you buy the tank alone or a complete kit
A basic aquarium tank costs anywhere from $20 to $500 for the glass or acrylic container itself, depending on how many gallons it holds. A 10-gallon starter tank runs $30 to $60. A 55-gallon tank costs $100 to $250. A 75-gallon tank runs $150 to $400. Larger tanks—100 gallons and up—can reach $500 to $1,500 or more. Acrylic tanks cost more than glass but are lighter and more durable.
Most people do not buy a tank alone. A complete aquarium kit includes the tank, filter, heater, lighting, and sometimes a stand and decorations. These kits range from $50 for a small 5-gallon setup to $800 or more for a 75-gallon system. The kit price is usually lower than buying each piece separately, but the quality of included equipment varies widely.
Beyond the initial setup, you will spend money on substrate (gravel or sand), plants or decorations, fish food, water treatments, and replacement filters. These ongoing costs add $10 to $50 per month depending on tank size and what lives in it.
Key Takeaways
- A bare glass tank costs $20 to $500 depending on size, with 10-gallon tanks at the lower end and 75-gallon tanks in the mid-range.
- Complete kits that include tank, filter, heater, and lights cost $50 to $800 and are usually cheaper than buying components separately.
- Acrylic tanks cost more upfront than glass but last longer and are easier to move if you need to relocate the aquarium.
- Monthly maintenance costs for fish food, water treatments, and filter replacements typically run $10 to $50 depending on tank size and inhabitants.
Tank-Only Prices by Size
The size of the tank is the biggest factor in price. A 5-gallon tank costs $15 to $40 and works for small fish or a betta. A 10-gallon tank, one of the most common starter sizes, runs $30 to $60. These small tanks are good for learning but require more frequent water changes because waste builds up faster in less water.
Mid-size tanks—20 to 40 gallons—cost $60 to $150. A 20-gallon long tank (wider than it is tall) runs about $60 to $100 and is popular for community fish. A 40-gallon tank costs $100 to $150. These sizes are easier to maintain than small tanks because the larger water volume is more stable.
Large tanks—55 to 75 gallons—cost $100 to $400. A 55-gallon tank typically runs $100 to $250, and a 75-gallon tank runs $150 to $400. Very large tanks (100+ gallons) cost $300 to $1,500 or more and usually require a sturdy stand and professional installation. Larger tanks are more expensive but easier to keep stable because water chemistry changes more slowly.
Complete Kits Versus Buying Separately
A complete kit bundles the tank, filter, heater, light, and sometimes a stand and decorations into one package. A 10-gallon kit costs $50 to $100. A 20-gallon kit runs $80 to $150. A 55-gallon kit costs $200 to $400. A 75-gallon kit runs $400 to $800. Kits save money compared to buying each part new, but the filters and heaters included are often basic models that may need upgrading later.
If you buy components separately, you can choose higher-quality equipment for each part. A good external filter alone costs $80 to $300. A reliable heater costs $20 to $60. LED lighting runs $30 to $150. A sturdy stand costs $50 to $200. Buying separately gives you better control over quality but costs more upfront—often 20 to 40 percent more than a kit.
For a first aquarium, a kit is usually the better choice because it gets you started quickly and at a lower cost. As you gain experience, you can upgrade individual components or build a second tank from scratch with better equipment.
Glass Versus Acrylic: Price and Durability
Glass tanks are the standard and usually cost less upfront. A 10-gallon glass tank costs $30 to $60. A 55-gallon glass tank costs $100 to $250. Glass is heavy, which means it needs a sturdy stand, but it is scratch-resistant and lasts decades if not cracked. Glass tanks can be repaired if a seam leaks, though the repair is difficult and not always permanent.
Acrylic tanks cost 20 to 40 percent more than glass of the same size. A 10-gallon acrylic tank costs $40 to $80. A 55-gallon acrylic tank costs $150 to $350. Acrylic is lighter, easier to move, and safer if you have children or pets because it does not shatter. The downside is that acrylic scratches easily and can cloud over time if not cleaned carefully. Acrylic also expands and contracts with temperature changes, which can stress the seams.
For a permanent setup in one location, glass is usually the better value. For a tank you might move or if safety is a priority, acrylic is worth the extra cost.
What You Will Spend Beyond the Tank
The tank itself is only the beginning. You will need substrate (gravel, sand, or soil) to cover the bottom, which costs $10 to $30 depending on tank size and type. Decorations—rocks, driftwood, plants, or plastic ornaments—run $20 to $100 or more depending on what you choose. Live plants cost $5 to $20 each; artificial plants cost $2 to $10 each.
Fish food costs $5 to $15 per month. Water treatments to remove chlorine and adjust pH run $10 to $20 per bottle and last several months. Replacement filter media costs $10 to $30 every one to three months depending on the filter type. If you keep live plants, you may need fertilizer ($10 to $20 per bottle). Test kits to check water quality cost $20 to $50 upfront and then $5 to $10 per refill.
Over a year, maintenance costs typically add $120 to $600 depending on tank size and what lives in it. Saltwater tanks and planted tanks cost more to maintain than basic freshwater setups.
Budget Examples for Common Setups
| Setup Type | Tank Size | Kit Cost | Substrate & Decor | First-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner starter | 10 gallons | $50–$100 | $20–$40 | $150–$250 |
| Community fish | 20 gallons | $80–$150 | $30–$60 | $200–$350 |
| Larger community | 55 gallons | $200–$400 | $50–$100 | $400–$700 |
| Large display tank | 75 gallons | $400–$800 | $80–$150 | $700–$1,200 |
These estimates assume you buy a complete kit and basic decorations. Costs rise if you choose premium equipment, live plants, or specialty fish that need specific water conditions. Costs stay lower if you use straightforward plastic decorations and hardy fish species.
Where to Buy and How to Save
Large pet store chains like PetSmart and Petco carry a wide range of tanks and kits at standard retail prices. Local aquarium specialty shops often have better equipment and staff knowledge but may charge more. Online retailers like Amazon and Aqueon's direct site sometimes offer lower prices on kits, though shipping costs can be high for large tanks.
Used tanks are available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp. A used 55-gallon tank with stand might cost $100 to $200 instead of $250 to $400 new. The risk is that used tanks may have hidden leaks or damage, so inspect carefully and ask the seller why they are selling. Used equipment like filters and heaters is usually safe to buy if it still works, but replace the filter media before using it.
Sales happen year-round but are most common around holidays and back-to-school season. Signing up for store emails or checking weekly ads can alert you to discounts on kits and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 10-gallon tank big enough for a beginner?
A 10-gallon tank works for learning the basics, but it requires more frequent water changes because waste builds up faster in small volumes. A 20-gallon tank is easier to maintain and only costs $30 to $50 more. If you have the space and budget, starting with 20 gallons gives you more room for error.
Do I need to buy a stand, or can I put the tank on a regular table?
A stand designed for aquariums is safer because it is built to hold the weight and water pressure. A 55-gallon tank filled with water weighs about 500 pounds. A regular table may not support that weight and could collapse. Aquarium stands cost $50 to $200 depending on size and material. If you already have a very sturdy table rated for that weight, you can use it, but a proper stand is the better choice.
What is the cheapest way to start an aquarium?
Buy a 10-gallon kit for $50 to $100, add basic gravel and one or two plastic plants for $15 to $25, and stock it with hardy fish like bettas or goldfish. Your first-year cost would be around $150 to $200. As you learn, you can upgrade to better equipment or a larger tank.
Do saltwater tanks cost more than freshwater tanks?
Yes. Saltwater tanks require a protein skimmer ($50 to $300), a heater rated for salt ($30 to $80), and salt mix ($20 to $50 per month). Saltwater fish and corals also cost more than freshwater fish. A basic 20-gallon saltwater setup costs $300 to $600 to start, compared to $80 to $150 for freshwater. Ongoing costs are also higher.
Can I save money by starting with a very small tank?
Small tanks (under 10 gallons) are cheaper upfront but cost more to maintain because water chemistry changes rapidly and fish waste builds up quickly. You will do more frequent water changes and may lose fish more often. A 10 or 20-gallon tank costs only slightly more but is much more forgiving and usually saves money over time.