The main places to buy an aquarium are big-box pet stores, online retailers, local fish shops, and general retailers that stock seasonal pet supplies.
Your choice depends on what size tank you need, whether you want to see it in person before buying, and how quickly you need it. A 10-gallon starter kit from a chain pet store arrives in days and costs less than $50. A custom 75-gallon tank from a specialty aquarium builder takes weeks and costs several hundred dollars. Most people fall somewhere in between and have multiple options at similar prices.
The trade-off is usually between convenience and informed. Big retailers stock common sizes and have them in stock today. Specialty shops know the equipment better and can answer questions about filtration and water chemistry, but may have fewer tanks on hand. Online sellers offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the tank for cracks or defects before it arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Pet Supermarket, Petco, and PetSmart carry 10- to 55-gallon tanks in most locations and usually have stock available same-day or next-day.
- Local independent fish shops often stock higher-quality equipment and can advise on setup, but prices are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than chain stores.
- Amazon, Chewy, and Aqueon's direct website offer the widest tank sizes and kit options, with shipping times of three to seven days depending on your location.
- Walmart and Target stock small starter kits (5 to 20 gallons) seasonally, usually spring through early summer, at the lowest prices but with limited selection.
- Specialty aquarium builders and custom tank manufacturers require ordering in advance and take four to eight weeks, but deliver tanks built to your exact dimensions.
Big-box pet store chains: stock, selection, and same-day pickup
Petco and PetSmart operate thousands of locations across the United States and stock aquariums in most stores. Both carry starter kits in the 10- to 20-gallon range year-round, and larger tanks (40 to 55 gallons) in most urban and suburban locations. You can walk in, see the tank, and take it home the same day. Both stores also offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which lets you reserve a tank and pick it up within a few hours.
Pet Supermarket, which operates primarily in the Southeast and Midwest, stocks similar sizes and has the same pickup option. Prices at these chains are competitive with online retailers for common sizes, though less common dimensions (like tall or shallow tanks) may cost more because they are special-order items.
The downside is that staff knowledge varies widely. Some employees can answer basic questions about tank setup; others cannot. If you need information on filtration or water parameters, you may get a useful answer or a generic one depending on who is working. Return policies are usually 30 days with a receipt, so if the tank leaks or cracks after a week, you can exchange it.
Local independent fish and aquarium shops: informed and custom orders
Independent aquarium shops exist in most cities and are the best source for information on equipment, fish compatibility, and water chemistry. The staff typically owns the business or has worked there for years and can answer detailed questions about filtration systems, lighting, and substrate. They also stock specialty items like high-end filters, plant fertilizers, and rare fish that chain stores do not carry.
Prices are usually 10 to 20 percent higher than Petco or online retailers, but you get what you pay for: a tank that has been inspected before sale, staff who know the product, and a place to return if something goes wrong. Many independent shops also offer setup services, where they deliver and assemble the tank and run the nitrogen cycle before you bring fish home.
To find a local shop, search "aquarium store near me" or "fish shop [your city]" on Google Maps. Call ahead to confirm they have the size you want in stock, because independent shops often order tanks to order rather than stocking large inventory.
Online retailers: widest selection and lowest prices
Amazon, Chewy, and Aqueon's direct website stock hundreds of tank sizes and configurations. You can find 5-gallon nano tanks, 200-gallon show tanks, and everything in between. Prices are often 15 to 25 percent lower than local stores because online retailers have lower overhead. Shipping is usually three to seven days depending on your location and the retailer's warehouse proximity to you.
The main risk is that you cannot inspect the tank before it arrives. Aquariums are heavy and fragile, and damage during shipping happens. Most online retailers accept returns for damaged tanks within 30 days, but you have to unpack it, discover the damage, photograph it, and initiate a return — which takes time and effort. Read the return policy before you buy.
Chewy and Amazon Prime offer faster shipping in many areas (two-day or next-day), which reduces the window for damage. Aqueon's direct website sometimes offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can offset the cost of a large tank.
General retailers: seasonal availability and budget options
Walmart and Target stock small aquarium kits seasonally, usually from March through June, as part of their spring pet supplies section. These kits are typically 5 to 20 gallons and include a filter, heater, and basic lighting. Prices are the lowest you will find — often $30 to $80 for a complete 10-gallon kit — because these retailers use aquariums as loss leaders to draw customers into the store.
The trade-off is limited selection and availability. You cannot order a 55-gallon tank from Walmart; they stock only small kits. Once the season ends (usually by July), these sections close and do not reopen until the following spring. If you need a tank in September, Walmart and Target are not an option.
Quality is acceptable for beginners but not premium. The filters are basic, the lighting is minimal, and the glass is thinner than tanks from specialty retailers. These kits work fine for a single betta or a few small fish, but if you plan to keep a larger community tank, you will outgrow the equipment quickly.
Specialty aquarium builders and custom manufacturers
If you need a tank in a specific size or shape — a 120-gallon bow-front, a 180-gallon peninsula, or a custom-built acrylic tank — specialty manufacturers like Marineland, Aqueon's custom division, and local glass shops can build it for you. These tanks are made to order and take four to eight weeks to arrive. Prices start at $500 for a custom 75-gallon glass tank and go much higher for larger or acrylic tanks.
The advantage is that you get exactly what you want, built to your specifications and delivered ready to set up. The disadvantage is the wait time and the cost. If you need a tank in two weeks, custom builders cannot help you. If your budget is under $200, custom tanks are out of reach.
To find a custom builder, search "custom aquarium [your city]" or contact local glass shops and ask if they build tanks. Marineland and Aqueon both have custom order options on their websites.
Comparing price, speed, and selection across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Availability | Selection | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain pet stores (Petco, PetSmart) | $40–$300 | Same-day or next-day | 10–55 gallons | Quick purchase, common sizes |
| Independent fish shops | $50–$400 | 1–2 weeks | 5–200 gallons | informed information, specialty equipment |
| Online (Amazon, Chewy) | $30–$500 | 3–7 days | 5–200 gallons | Wide selection, competitive prices |
| General retailers (Walmart, Target) | $30–$100 | Seasonal (spring/summer) | 5–20 gallons | Budget-conscious beginners |
| Custom manufacturers | $500–$2,000+ | 4–8 weeks | Any size or shape | Specific dimensions or large tanks |
What to check before you buy
Regardless of where you buy, inspect the tank for cracks, chips, or cloudy glass before you take it home or accept delivery. If you are buying online, open the box when ready and check for damage. Most retailers will not accept returns after a few days, so catching damage early matters.
Check the dimensions against your space. A 55-gallon tank is 48 inches long, 13 inches deep, and 20 inches tall — larger than many people expect. Measure your stand or shelf before you buy, and account for the weight (a filled 55-gallon tank weighs about 500 pounds). If your floor or furniture cannot support it, you need a smaller tank or a stronger stand.
Confirm that the tank comes with a warranty. Most glass tanks carry a one-year warranty against manufacturing defects. Acrylic tanks sometimes have longer warranties. Read the fine print to understand what is covered and what is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy an aquarium and have it delivered the same day?
Same-day delivery is not common for aquariums because they are heavy and fragile. Chain pet stores like Petco and PetSmart offer same-day or next-day in-store pickup if you order online. Amazon and Chewy offer next-day delivery in some areas, but this depends on your location and whether the item is in a nearby warehouse.
What is the cheapest place to buy an aquarium?
Walmart and Target have the lowest prices on small starter kits (5 to 20 gallons), often $30 to $80. Online retailers like Amazon and Chewy are cheapest for larger tanks (40+ gallons). Independent shops and custom builders are the most expensive but offer informed and custom options.
Should I buy a kit or buy the tank and equipment separately?
Kits are convenient and cheaper upfront, but the filter and heater are often low-quality. If you plan to keep the tank long-term, buying the tank separately and choosing your own filter and heater gives you better equipment. Kits work fine for beginners or temporary setups.
What if the aquarium arrives damaged?
Contact the retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Most online retailers accept returns within 30 days and will send a replacement or refund. Keep the damaged tank and packaging until the return is processed, in case the retailer needs photos or proof of damage.
Do I need to buy the stand from the same place as the tank?
No. Stands are sold separately at all retailers and online. Make sure the stand is rated for the weight of your filled tank (a 55-gallon tank weighs about 500 pounds). Many people buy the tank from one retailer and the stand from another to save money or find the style they want.