Thinking about getting your child their first fish tank? An aquarium can be a fantastic way for children to learn about animals and responsibility. But choosing the right fish tank for kids is important.
The best children's aquarium isn't necessarily the smallest or the one with the most colourful design. The best starter fish tanks for kids are manageable for parents, interesting for children to watch, and properly equipped to provide a healthy environment for their fish.
What makes a good fish tank for kids?
Before choosing your child's first fish tank, there are a few things worth considering.
1. Choose a tank that's easy to look after
Children can certainly get involved with feeding fish, checking the aquarium and helping with simple maintenance, but an adult should be responsible for the overall care of the aquarium.
Look for an aquarium with reliable filtration and, ideally, as much of the equipment included as possible. A complete starter kit is the easiest way to get up and running fast.
2. Bigger tanks aren’t bad for kids
It can be tempting to choose the smallest fish tank you can find because it takes up less space. But it's worth considering where you want to keep the tank before you decide on sizes; you want a stable, suitable surface away from direct sunlight, radiators and areas where the tank could easily be knocked.
Smaller volumes of water can be less forgiving when water quality changes. A 25- or 34-litre aquarium, for example, may be a better long-term choice for some families than an ultra-small desktop tank.
For a first aquarium, consider how much space you have available and what fish you intend to keep before deciding on the size.
3. Make sure there's proper filtration
A filter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in an aquarium.
It helps remove waste from the water and provides a home for beneficial bacteria that form part of the aquarium's biological filtration system.
This is particularly important for a child's first fish tank because it helps create a more stable environment and gives parents an opportunity to teach children about the aquarium's ecosystem.
4. Think about the design
Children are naturally drawn to aquariums that are fun to watch. Colour-changing LED lighting, eye-catching shapes, and space for ornaments and live plants or plastic plants all make the tank more engaging. A tank your child is excited by is one they'll stay interested in.
Just remember that looks should never come before the needs of the fish. Make sure the tank still has good filtration and enough room for the fish you plan to keep.
5. Don't forget the lid
A properly fitted lid can help reduce evaporation and prevent curious hands or other household pets from interfering with the aquarium.
5 of the Best Fish Tanks for Kids
Based on design, size, features and suitability as a first aquarium, here are five options worth considering.
1. biOrb Classic 15 Litre MCR Aquarium – Best for a Traditional First Fish Tank
If your child has their heart set on a classic round fish tank, the biOrb Classic 15 Litre MCR Aquarium is the perfect choice.
Its all-in-one setup includes an LED light, pump, transformer, air stone, ceramic media and filter cartridge, making it just as parent-friendly as it is perfect for kids. The remote-controlled multi-coloured LED lighting is another feature that children are likely to love, allowing the appearance of the aquarium to be changed at the touch of a button.
At 15 litres, it is compact enough for homes where space is limited, while the acrylic construction makes it lightweight (yet much stronger) compared with a similarly sized glass aquarium. The bottom filter keeps it hidden from little fingers during feeding, as well as being easy to maintain.
As one of our best selling small fish tanks, it’s a standout starter fish tank for kids.
Why choose it?
-
Complete set up - pump, air stone, ceramic media and filter cartridge included
-
Enclosed fishbowl style with lid
-
Available in black, silver and white
-
Multi-coloured LED lighting makes it engaging and customisable
-
Includes a quiet air pump so won’t disturb bedtime
Shop biOrb Classic 15 Litre MCR Aquarium
2. biOrb Flow 15 Litre MCR Aquarium – Best Modern Kids Fish Tank
You might hear kids saying they want a cool fish tank instead of a traditional one.
The biOrb Flow 15 Litre MCR Aquarium offers the same 15-litre capacity as the Classic but in a more modern format. It’s the same complete set, with everything you need to get started and the hidden filtration system, but in a sleek rectangular format.
Its compact dimensions make it suitable for smaller spaces, but rather than the traditional sphere, this small fish tank can sit flush against a wall. The biOrb Flow is a stylish, contemporary aquarium designed to bring fish and aquatic life into a child's bedroom, playroom or study.
Its clean, modern shape gives kids a clear view of their fish, while the remote-controlled multicolour LED lighting lets them create different underwater moods at the touch of a button.
Modern, interactive, and easy. The Flow is a great choice for kids who want more than a traditional fish bowl.
Why choose it?
-
Complete kids fish tank starter kit
-
Modern enclosed rectangular design with lid
-
Engaging remote-controlled LED lighting
-
Easy to maintain hidden filtration system
-
Quiet air pump and a low-voltage transformer
-
Available in black or white
Shop biOrb Flow 15 Litre MCR Aquarium
3. Aqua One Aqua Pendant 25 Nano Aquarium – Best Budget-Friendly Starter Aquarium
If you're looking for a kids fish tank that gives your child a little more space to enjoy without taking over the room, the Aqua One Aqua Pendant 25 Nano Aquarium is a great budget-friendly option.
With a 25-litre capacity, it offers more water volume than many smaller starter aquariums while still measuring 30cm x 30cm x 30cm. It offers a useful step up from smaller starter tanks while remaining compact and relatively affordable. If you’re looking for a straightforward first aquarium for a child, it’s a strong option for families on a budget.
The Aqua Pendant comes with an internal filter and 3W LED pendant light, so the essential equipment is included to help you get started. The simple design also makes it a good choice for children who want a more traditional aquarium.
For parents, the fitted glass lid with corner runners is a particularly useful feature. It helps reduce evaporation while also keeping the aquarium covered, making it harder for curious little hands to interfere with the equipment.
Why choose it?
-
Easy setup perfect for busy parents
-
Space-saving 30cm design
-
Includes 3W LED pendant light and internal filter
-
Fitted glass lid
-
Slightly bigger capacity for decorations
-
More budget friendly option
Shop Aqua One Aqua Pendant 25 Nano Aquarium
4. Interpet Scape Kit – Best for Children Who Love Plants
Is your child is more interested in creating an underwater world than simply watching fish? Rather than being just a fish tank for kids, the Interpet Scape Kit gives children the opportunity to get more involved with plants and aquascaping.
Available in 19, 32 and 50 litres, it gives you the option to choose a size that suits your available space and your planned aquarium inhabitants. The smaller 19-litre version is particularly useful if you're looking for a small fish tank, while the larger options give children more room to experiment with plants and decorations.
The kit includes integrated LED lighting, an internal waterfall filter, transformer and Interpet Clean Aquarium Pods, giving you the essential equipment to get started. The LED lighting is designed to support healthy plant growth, making this an interesting aquarium for kids who want to learn more about aquatic plants and how an aquarium ecosystem works.
The open-top, rimless glass design also makes it easy to access the aquarium when feeding fish, planting or carrying out maintenance. It gives children a more hands-on experience, although younger children will need adult supervision when caring for the aquarium.
One thing to note is that a heater isn't included, so you'll need to add one if you're setting up a tropical aquarium or keeping fish that require heated water.
Why choose it?
-
Three sizes to suit different spaces and setups
-
Open-top design makes planting and maintenance easier
-
Includes filter, transformer and Clean Aquarium Pods
-
Designed for aquascaping, it's ideal for kids with an interest in gardening and fishkeeping
Shop Interpet Scape Kit Cube Fish Tank
5. Fluval Flex 2.0 34L Aquarium – Best for Growing Fishkeepers
If your child is likely to turn their first aquarium into a long-term hobby, the Fluval Flex 2.0 34L Aquarium is a great option. With more capacity and advanced features than a basic starter tank, it gives young fishkeepers plenty to learn about as their interest develops.
The 34-litre aquarium has a distinctive curved-glass design and integrated rear filtration, giving it a modern look while keeping much of the equipment neatly out of sight. Its larger capacity also gives you more flexibility when choosing fish, plants and decorations compared with a smaller fish tank for kids.
There are also several features that make everyday fishkeeping easier for families. A dedicated feeding door makes it simple to feed the fish, while the hinged rear cover provides convenient access when carrying out maintenance. There is also space for a heater, making the Flex 2.0 suitable for a wider range of aquarium setups.
For a child who has moved beyond simply wanting a fish tank and is becoming genuinely interested in fishkeeping, the Fluval Flex 2.0 offers plenty of room to learn and develop their skills.
Why choose it?
-
34-litre capacity gives more space for fish, plants and decorations
-
Engaging RGB and white LED lighting with remote control
-
Feeding door makes everyday feeding easier
-
Hinged rear cover provides easy access for maintenance
-
More advanced features for children developing an interest in fishkeeping
Shop Fluval Flex 2.0 34l Aquarium
Common Kids Fish Tank Questions
What size fish tank is best for a child?
There isn't one ideal size for every child. While smaller aquariums take up less space, larger volumes can be more stable and give you more options when choosing fish. A 15-litre tank can work well where space is limited, while 25- or 34-litre aquariums may be a better long-term choice for some families.
What fish are best for a child's first fish tank?
The best fish for a child's first aquarium depends on the tank's size, water conditions and whether it is heated. Small fish tanks like those in this list are not suitable for goldfish.
How much maintenance does a kids fish tank need?
Children can help with simple tasks such as feeding and observing the aquarium, but an adult should be responsible for the overall care and maintenance. Regular water testing, water changes, filter maintenance and checking the equipment are all part of keeping fish healthy.
Is a fish tank with a lid better for kids?
A properly fitted lid can be a useful feature for a family fish tank. It can help reduce evaporation and prevent curious hands or household pets from interfering with the aquarium. Several of the fish tanks in this guide include a lid as part of their design.
Shop kid-friendly fish tanks today, and find your perfect setup with Water World.
