The main places to buy aquariums are big-box pet stores, specialty aquarium shops, online retailers, and general home goods stores—each with different strengths depending on what size tank and support you need.

Pet stores like Petco and PetSmart stock aquariums in standard sizes (10, 20, 55 gallons and up), usually with starter kits that bundle the tank, filter, and heater together. Specialty aquarium shops—independent stores that focus only on fish and tanks—typically carry a wider range of tank shapes and sizes, plus staff who can answer detailed questions about cycling, water chemistry, and stocking. Online retailers like Amazon, Aqueon's direct site, and Aqua Culture sell tanks at competitive prices with home delivery, though you absorb the shipping cost and risk of damage in transit. General retailers like Walmart and Target carry basic tanks in limited sizes, usually the cheapest option but with minimal informed guidance.

The choice depends on whether you prioritize price, selection, informed information, or convenience. A beginner setting up a first 20-gallon tank might benefit from a specialty shop's staff knowledge. Someone replacing a broken 10-gallon with an identical model might order online. A person building a large custom setup might need a specialty shop's access to unusual dimensions or a local aquarium club's recommendations.

Key Takeaways

  • Big-box pet stores offer convenient locations and starter kits, but staff knowledge varies and selection is limited to common sizes.
  • Specialty aquarium shops carry unusual tank shapes and sizes, and staff can advise on water chemistry and tank cycling before you buy.
  • Online retailers offer competitive pricing and home delivery, but shipping costs are high and damage during transit is a real risk with glass tanks.
  • Walmart and Target have the lowest prices on basic tanks but no informed staff and minimal selection beyond 10- and 20-gallon models.
  • Aquarium clubs and local Facebook groups often know which retailers in your area have the best stock and can recommend shops by experience.

Big-Box Pet Stores: Convenience and Starter Kits

Petco and PetSmart are the largest chains and have locations in most cities. Both sell aquariums in standard sizes—10, 20, 29, 40, and 55 gallons—and bundle them into kits that include a filter, heater, and sometimes a light and hood. The kits are priced to move and often run sales, making them cheaper than buying each piece separately. Staff are present but not always trained in aquarium setup; they can point you to the tanks but may not know the difference between a hang-on-back filter and a canister filter, or why a 10-gallon tank is too small for most fish.

The advantage is speed and location—you walk in, buy a kit, and leave with everything in one trip. The disadvantage is that starter kits often include cheap equipment that fails or needs replacement within a year. If you are new to aquariums, ask the staff whether the filter is rated for the tank size and whether the heater is adjustable; if they cannot answer, you may learn more from a specialty shop before buying.

Specialty Aquarium Shops: Selection and informed Staff

Independent aquarium stores focus only on fish, plants, and tanks. They stock unusual sizes and shapes—tall tanks, shallow tanks, hexagons, and custom dimensions—that big-box stores do not carry. Staff are usually hobbyists or trained specialists who understand nitrogen cycling, water parameters, and which fish can live together. They can tell you whether a tank is suitable for the fish you want and what equipment you actually need versus what the kit includes.

Specialty shops are more expensive than big-box stores on the tank itself, but the staff knowledge often saves money in the long run by steering you away from cheap filters that fail or overstocking mistakes that crash the tank. Many specialty shops also host local aquarium clubs, sell rare fish and plants, and can order custom tanks if you need something unusual. To find one near you, search "aquarium store near me" or ask in a local aquarium Facebook group—they know which shops are worth the drive.

Online Retailers: Price and Shipping Trade-offs

Amazon, Aqueon's direct website, and specialty online retailers like Aqua Culture and Aquarium Co-op sell tanks at prices often 10 to 20 percent lower than local stores. Shipping is included in some prices and charged separately in others; always check the total cost before checkout. Delivery to your home is convenient, and returns are usually straightforward if the tank arrives damaged.

The main risk is damage in transit. Glass tanks are fragile, and shipping companies do not always handle them carefully. Some retailers pack tanks in heavy foam or double boxes to reduce breakage, but it still happens. Read reviews on the retailer's site to see whether other buyers received tanks intact. If you order online, inspect the box when ready upon delivery and photograph any damage before opening it; most retailers will replace a visibly damaged tank without argument.

Online shopping works best if you know exactly what you want—a specific brand and size—and do not need when ready information. If you are uncertain about tank size or setup, buy locally so you can ask questions before committing.

General Retailers: Budget Option with Limited Selection

Walmart and Target sell basic aquariums in 10- and 20-gallon sizes, usually as part of a starter kit. Prices are the lowest you will find, sometimes $30 to $50 cheaper than specialty shops. The trade-off is that selection is minimal, equipment quality is lower, and staff have no aquarium training.

These stores are useful if you want a small tank for a single betta fish or goldfish and do not plan to expand. For anything beyond that—a community tank with multiple fish, or a planted tank—you will outgrow the equipment quickly and end up replacing it. If you are serious about the hobby, the money saved upfront often costs more in failed tanks and replacements later.

What to Compare When Shopping

Tank material is almost always glass, but check the thickness—thicker glass is more durable and less likely to bow or crack under water pressure. Acrylic tanks are lighter and less likely to shatter, but they scratch easily and cost more. For a beginner, glass is standard and fine.

Tank dimensions matter more than volume. A 20-gallon tank can be tall and narrow or short and wide; the shape affects which fish can live in it and how straightforward it is to maintain. Tall tanks have less surface area for oxygen exchange, so they support fewer fish. Wide tanks are better for most community setups.

Check whether the tank comes with a stand. Many kits do not, and a stand can cost $50 to $150 depending on size. If the kit does not include one, budget for it separately or use a sturdy table or cabinet rated for the weight of water (a gallon of water weighs about 8.3 pounds, so a 20-gallon tank weighs roughly 166 pounds when full).

Filter type and rating matter. A filter rated for 20 gallons should handle a 20-gallon tank, but many aquarists prefer a filter rated for 30 or 40 gallons to handle the bioload better. Ask the retailer or check the box for the flow rate in gallons per hour (GPH); higher is generally better for fish health.

Local Aquarium Clubs and Community Resources

Aquarium clubs and local Facebook groups are often the best source for retailer recommendations. Members know which stores have good staff, reliable equipment, and fair prices. They can also tell you which retailers are currently in stock and which ones have sales. Many clubs host meetings where you can see tanks in person and ask experienced hobbyists questions before you buy.

To find a club, search "[your city] aquarium club" or look for local aquarium groups on Facebook. If no formal club exists, post in a local community group asking for retailer recommendations. Hobbyists are usually eager to help newcomers and will steer you toward shops they trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy a tank online or in a local store?

Online is usually cheaper on the tank itself, but shipping costs and the risk of damage can erase the savings. Local specialty shops are more expensive upfront but staff knowledge can save money by preventing mistakes. For a standard 20-gallon kit, expect to pay $80 to $120 locally and $60 to $100 online before shipping.

Can I use a tank that arrived damaged?

No. A cracked or compromised tank will leak and fail, sometimes suddenly. If a tank arrives damaged, contact the retailer when ready with photos. Most will replace it or refund your money without requiring you to return the broken tank.

What size tank should I buy if I am new to aquariums?

A 20-gallon tank is the best starting point. It is large enough to support a stable ecosystem and small enough to fit in most homes. Avoid 10-gallon tanks—they are harder to maintain and limit your fish choices. Specialty shops can help you decide based on which fish you want to keep.

Do I need to buy a stand with the tank?

Yes. A full tank of water is heavy and needs a stand rated for that weight. Most kits do not include a stand, so budget $50 to $150 for one. Do not use a regular table or shelf unless you are certain it can support the weight.

What if I want an unusual tank shape or size?

Specialty aquarium shops can order custom tanks or stock unusual shapes like hexagons and tall tanks that big-box stores do not carry. Call ahead to ask about options and lead time, which can be two to four weeks for custom orders.