Fishkeeping can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, and creating a healthy home for aquatic pets is important for their wellbeing. We often see people drawn to 1 gallon fish tanks because they’re small, affordable, and easy to fit onto a desk or shelf. For those who want a simple aquarium setup or have very limited space, 1 gallon fish tanks can seem like a popular choice.
However, 1 gallon tanks come with unique challenges. Small tanks are more sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, so we need to pay close attention to filtration, frequent water changes, and properly choosing what creatures live inside. Materials, shape, and lid design are also important when picking out a tank since they affect durability, safety, and how easy it is to clean.
Knowing what to expect from a 1 gallon fish tank helps us make a smart decision before buying. We spent hours looking into the features, usability, and drawbacks of various 1 gallon tanks to help you find the right option for your needs.
Best 1 Gallon Fish Tanks
We’ve reviewed the top 1 gallon fish tanks for small spaces and easy maintenance. Our picks offer good quality and practical features for beginners and experienced fish owners alike.
Tetra 1 Gallon Half Moon Small Fish Tank w/ Movable LED Light, For Betta & Gold Fish, Aquarium
This tank is a good pick for anyone who wants a clear, easy-to-use desktop fish home for a betta.
Pros
- Curved front gives a wide, open view of the fish
- LED light can be put above or below for different looks
- Small size fits almost anywhere
Cons
- LED light needs batteries or extra cord not included
- Tight space limits fish and décor
- Canopy opening feels a bit small when feeding
We like how the Tetra Half Moon tank lets us see everything inside thanks to the curved, clear plastic. The view is crisp and it makes watching our betta relaxing. Its compact size also makes it easy to find space for the tank on a desk or shelf.
Setting it up didn’t take much time. The instructions were simple, and cleaning is easy because of the lightweight design. The canopy gives quick access for feeding, though the opening could have been a bit bigger in our opinion.
The moveable LED light is handy, especially when we switch it from above to below for a different effect. Still, needing to supply our own batteries or micro USB cable felt inconvenient. If you’re looking for a small, stylish beginner aquarium, this tank delivers, but expect to buy a few extra pieces before you’re all set.
AQUANEAT Fish Tank, 1.2 Gallon Aquarium, Small Betta Fish Tank Starter Kit with LED Light and Water Filter Pump, Rectangular
If we need a basic, all-in-one small tank for a first pet or quick setup, this AQUANEAT model is an option worth considering.
Pros
- Compact and fits easily on small shelves or desks
- Simple to set up with filter and light included
- Ideal for temporary setups or beginners
Cons
- No USB power adapter comes with the tank
- Water flow from the filter can be strong for small fish
- Only suitable for one small fish or a couple of shrimp
We found the AQUANEAT 1-gallon fish tank extremely easy to place on tight spaces, like kitchen counters or a bedroom shelf. The clear acrylic looks good, and the built-in LED light adds extra visibility so we could easily check on our fish day or night. This tank comes with a water filter that made daily maintenance easier, but the current was a bit strong for our betta until we added an extra sponge.
Setting up was fairly quick, since everything needed is already in the box—except for a 5V USB adapter. We had to look around for a charger that met the right power level, which added some effort to the process. The included artificial plants and simple sponge filter helped get us going right away. The LED hood was bright, and the tank itself felt light but sturdy enough for our uses.
For anyone looking for a basic, no-fuss tank for a single beta, shrimp, or snail, this kit serves its purpose. However, the size is quite limiting, so it isn’t the best fit if you want a long-term home for even small goldfish. We think this tank works best as a starter kit or a temporary habitat rather than a permanent environment for growing fish.
Tetra Bubbling LED Aquarium Kit 1 Gallon, Hexagon Shape, With Color-Changing Light Disc
This compact aquarium is a solid choice if we want something low-maintenance and colorful for a single small fish.
Pros
- Space-saving hexagon shape works well in tight areas
- Fun, color-changing LED bubbles make the tank stand out
- Comes with everything needed to get started quickly
Cons
- Instructions can be confusing for new users
- Filter and air pump are a bit loud
- Not enough space for more than one or two fish
Setting up the Tetra 1 Gallon Bubbling LED Kit was pretty straightforward once we got the hang of the included tubing and filter. The hexagon shape lets us place it on a desk or shelf without taking up much room, and it gives us different angles to watch our fish. The rainbow LED airstone adds a playful touch, especially at night.
When it comes to maintenance, the clear lid with a feeding hole definitely saves us a little time each day. Adding water and food is easy, and changing the filter doesn’t require a lot of effort once we know how to do it. The included filter works well for a single betta or a few tiny fish, but it can be noisy and might bubble more than we’d like.
This tank is best for beginners who want something simple but still visually interesting. We wouldn’t recommend it for more than one or two small fish, since space is tight. If simple setup, bold lighting, and a small footprint fit what we need, the Tetra 1 Gallon Bubbling LED Kit offers a convenient way to add a bit of aquatic life to our home.
Koller Products 1 Gallon Hex BettaTank – LED Lighting
This is a solid beginner tank for temporary fish care or small spaces, though it isn’t ideal for long-term housing.
Pros
- Seven color LED options add fun lighting effects
- Lightweight, sturdy plastic feels safe on small tables
- Setup is quick and simple, even for kids
Cons
- Lid can fit too loosely and doesn’t always stay in place
- Light drains batteries fast unless we use an adapter
- Very tight living space for most fish
We found the Koller Hex 1-Gallon Betta Tank easy to set up and enjoyed how light it is. Its tough plastic design means we didn’t worry about cracks or leaks, and the hexagonal shape looks interesting on a desk or shelf. Changing the LED light colors is a fun touch and made feeding or watching our fish more enjoyable.
While the tank looks clear and bright at first, cleaning it a few times did lead to some fading in clarity. The built-in LED can chew through batteries quickly, so it’s worth considering the plug-in adapter. We also noticed the lid doesn’t really snap in, so it can come loose if bumped.
For temporarily caring for a betta or a small aquatic creature, this tank works—but we wouldn’t use it for long-term housing. Space is tight and most adult fish need more room. That said, it’s a nice option for kids learning about fish or for short-term medicating or isolation.
Buying Guide
When we look for a 1 gallon fish tank, size and shape matter. Some tanks are tall and narrow, while others are short and wide. Wider tanks give fish more space to swim.
It’s important to consider what material the tank is made of. Glass tanks resist scratching but can be heavy, while plastic tanks are lighter but can get scratches more easily.
Filtration is important, even in small tanks. Some tanks include a small filter, and others do not. We need to check if there is space for a filter if it does not come with one.
Lighting matters if we want to add live plants. Some tanks come with built-in lights. Others may not have any lighting at all.
A secure lid is helpful. It keeps fish from jumping out and keeps dust out too.
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Tank Size/Shape | Wide for swimming room |
| Material | Plastic (light), glass (durable) |
| Filtration | Included or space for one |
| Lighting | Needed for live plants |
| Lid | Fits tightly, easy to remove |
| Cleaning Ease | Easy-to-access openings |
We should also look for tanks that are easy to clean. Tanks with larger openings make it easier to wash and change water.
It’s a good idea to check what comes in the box. Some tanks are just the container, while others include extra items like decorations or food.
