Which Fish Tank Is Right for Me? How to Choose an Aquarium for Your Home
Ask most aquarium owners why they set one up, and the fish are only part of the answer. Some wanted a calm spot to unwind after work. Others wanted a garden in an apartment with no backyard, a centrepiece for the living room, or a project to share with the kids. The fish are what bring it all to life.
That’s why choosing the right tank matters. The best setup for you depends on what you want from it, the space you have, how much time you can give it, and your budget. This guide covers the main tank types, who each one suits, and how to pick one you’ll enjoy for years.
Why people set up an aquarium in the first place
Before you look at sizes, think about what drew you to the idea. It will point you towards the right style of tank.
| If you want... | Consider... |
|---|---|
| A calm spot to switch off at the end of the day | A medium tropical tank with schooling fish like tetras or rasboras |
| A statement piece for your living room | A larger tank on a matching cabinet, so it sits like a piece of furniture |
| A garden without a backyard | A planted tank with live plants, driftwood and stone |
| A creative outlet | Aquascaping, where you design the layout like a living artwork |
| A hands-on learning project for the kids | A tropical community tank with hardy, colourful fish |
| A new hobby to get stuck into | A planted tank now, with room to move into reef keeping later |
| A pet that suits renting, allergies or long workdays | Almost any freshwater setup |
There’s research behind the calm, too. A study by the National Marine Aquarium and the University of Plymouth linked watching aquarium displays to lower heart rates and better mood. Plenty of owners say the same about the tank in their lounge room.
Questions to ask before you choose a tank
- How much floor or bench space do I have, and can it take the weight? Water weighs about 1kg per litre, so a 120L tank is well over 120kg once you add glass, gravel and decor.
- How much time can I spend on it each week?
- Do I want colourful fish, live plants, or both?
- Is this my first aquarium?
- What’s my budget for setup and ongoing running costs?
Your answers will narrow things down quickly.
Nano tanks for desks, bedrooms and small spaces
Nano tanks are compact aquariums, usually under 40 litres. They suit apartments, bedrooms, home offices and anyone short on space.
Good for: bettas, shrimp, a few small community fish, and desktop displays.
Pros: cheaper to set up, fit almost anywhere, and a good way to try the hobby.
Keep in mind: small tanks need more attention, not less. Water quality and temperature change faster in a small volume, so overfeeding or a hot Sydney afternoon can affect fish quickly. Keep nano tanks out of direct sun, feed sparingly and stock lightly.
Tropical freshwater tanks for colour and easy care
This is the most popular choice for Australian fishkeepers, and the one we suggest most often to beginners. You get plenty of colour and variety, and the care is manageable for families and first-timers.
Good for: beginners, families and community fish.
Popular fish: neon tetras, guppies, platies, mollies, corydoras catfish and dwarf gouramis.
Pros: lower running costs than marine tanks, a wide range of compatible fish, and plenty of equipment options.
A tropical setup needs a heater, filter, lighting, substrate and water conditioner. Many all-in-one aquariums, including Juwel’s range, come with the filter, heater and LED lighting already built in. That takes much of the guesswork out of a first setup.
Coldwater tanks and what goldfish need
Coldwater tanks don’t need a heater, and goldfish are the best-known coldwater fish. They need far more room than most people expect.
Good for: goldfish keepers and simpler setups.
Goldfish produce a lot of waste and grow much larger than they look in the shop. Bowls and small tanks lead to poor water quality and health problems. Give them a large tank with strong filtration and plenty of swimming space.
Planted tanks for gardeners and design lovers
A planted tank is where fishkeeping meets gardening and interior design. Aquascaping means arranging plants, rock and driftwood into a deliberate layout. It has a big following online because a good aquascape looks like a living painting that changes as it grows.
Good for: anyone who enjoys gardening, styling or design, and keepers who want a natural look.
Pros: live plants help water quality, give fish cover and encourage natural behaviour, and the tank keeps evolving.
Keep in mind: plants need stronger lighting and fertiliser, and advanced setups use CO2. Start with hardy plants like java fern, anubias and cryptocorynes, then build from there.
Marine and reef tanks for experienced keepers
Saltwater aquariums offer bright fish, corals and invertebrates you won’t find in freshwater. They’re also more expensive and less forgiving.
Good for: experienced fishkeepers and dedicated hobbyists.
Keep in mind: marine tanks need salt mixing, regular water testing, a protein skimmer, specialised filtration and stable water chemistry. Setup and running costs are higher too. Most keepers start with freshwater, learn the basics, and move into marine later.
Why a bigger tank is often easier for beginners
It’s tempting to start small, but a larger tank is usually more forgiving. More water means temperature and water quality change slowly, so small mistakes have less impact. Fish get more room to swim, and you have more choice when stocking.
For most beginners, a tank between 70 and 150 litres is a good balance of stability and manageability. It’s also the size where an aquarium becomes a feature of the room rather than an accessory.
Choosing between glass and acrylic
| Glass | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch resistance | Higher | Scratches more easily |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Impact strength | Lower | Higher |
| Price | Usually cheaper | Usually dearer |
| Best for | Most home aquariums | Large or custom displays |
Most beginner aquariums sold in Australia are glass.
The equipment every aquarium needs
Every tank needs a good filter, suitable lighting, water conditioner, a thermometer, fish food, a gravel vacuum and basic maintenance tools.
Depending on your setup, you may also need:
- Heater
- Air pump
- Live plants
- Test kits
- CO2 equipment
- Protein skimmer
Buying reliable gear from the start makes maintenance easier and saves you replacing cheap equipment later. A matching cabinet is worth considering too. It holds the weight safely, hides cables and supplies, and makes the tank look like part of the room.
Tips for your first few months
- Let the tank cycle properly before adding fish. This builds up the bacteria that break down waste. Bring in a water sample and our aquarium team can check it before you buy fish.
- Start with a few hardy fish and add more gradually.
- Feed small amounts, because uneaten food fouls the water.
- Do regular partial water changes, around 20-25% every week or two.
- Check that fish are compatible before you buy them.
Finding the tank that suits your home
The right aquarium depends on what you want from it as much as on the fish you’d like to keep. For most beginners, a medium tropical freshwater tank is the easiest place to start, and it can grow into a planted aquascape as your confidence builds. Marine and reef tanks make a great long-term goal once you know the basics.
If you’re weighing up options, visit our aquarium displays in Beaumont Hills and talk through your space with the aqua team. Seeing a set-up tank in person is the quickest way to work out which one belongs in your lounge room.
