10 Best Freshwater Fish 20-gallon Tanks [2025]
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Finding the best freshwater fish for a 20-gallon tank can be challenging, especially with the vast array of options available on the market. Choosing the right species requires careful consideration of factors such as compatibility, size, and care needs, making the process overwhelming for many aquarists. To simplify your search, we have meticulously shortlisted 10 top products based on expert recommendations and user reviews. Our curated list not only highlights the best options but also saves you valuable time and hassle, ensuring you can create a thriving aquatic environment with ease.
Top 10 Freshwater Fish 20-gallon Tanks In The Market
Freshwater Fish 20-gallon Tanks Review
- Tetra Glass Aquariums are made in the USA and are built to last with scratch resistant glass
- The Tetra Aquarium comes loaded with an LED hood, that provides a natural daytime effect and a Whisper Filter that is whisper quiet while providing powerful, dependable water flow
- Artificial Plants add a unique, natural ocean feel while giving your fish a place to hide which reduces fish stress
- The Tetra Kit includes: one 20 Gallon Glass Aquarium, one LED hood, one Tetra Mini UL Heater, one Tetra Whisper 20 Filter, one artificial Boxwood Plant Mat, four artificial plants. Add gravel and fish to complete your aquarium
- Aquarium Dimensions: 24.2" L x 12.4" W x 16.7" H
- ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED to get started in one box
- LOW PROFILE HOOD contains vibrant cool white LED lighting to bring your aquatic environment to life
- SMARTCLEAN INTERNAL POWER FILTER, providing quick and easy water changes to help improve water quality.
- PRESET HEATER will keep your aquarium temperature at a constant 78 degrees, appropriate for most tropical fish
- KIT INCLUDES: glass aquarium, low profile LED hood, SmartClean internal power filter size medium, EcoRenew filter cartridge size medium, submersible preset heater 50W, premium fish food sample, water conditioner sample, fish net, thermometer and setup guide
- The blue LED light completely transforms your aquarium
- GloFish and fluorescent décor create a colorful, neon display
- GloFish Glass Aquariums are made in the USA and are built to last with scratch resistant glass
- The Tetra GloFish Kit includes: one 20 Gallon Glass Aquarium, one LED hood, one Tetra Mini UL Heater, one Tetra Whisper 20 Filter, one GloFish 13" LED Light Stick, three GloFish Plants, one GloFish Yellow Anemone. Add gravel and fish to complete your aquarium.
- Aquarium Dimensions: 24. 2" L x 12. 4" W x 16. 7" H
- Power Supply and LED Light: The aquarium stand includes a power strip with 2 AC outlets, 1 USB port and 1 Type-C port to power your aquarium circulator, oxygen pump and more. Featuring multiple colors and modes, the LED light strip creates a visually appealing ambience
- Spacious Storage: This fish tank stand measures 27.6"L x 15.7"W x 32.3"H with a wide tabletop that holds a fish tank with 20-gallon capacity, while the bottom shelf can be used as a 5-10 gallon small fish tank stand, turtle tank stand or reptile terrarium stand. The middle cabinet neatly organizes fish food, nets and other accessories
- Stable and High Load-bearing Capacity: Made of quality particleboard and metal frames, this 20 gallon fish tank stand incorporates X-braces for sturdiness and adjustable feet for balance. The dependable and stable stand can support up to 300 lb at the top and 110 lb at the bottom
- Simple and Versatile: With a classic and concise color scheme and exterior design, this tank stand exudes a rustic farmhouse flair. Ideal for use as a aquarium stand, or to place plants, decorations, etc., the multifunctional fish tank stand seamlessly integrates into your home space
- Complete Accessories: Each part of the fish tank stand is labeled with a serial number, along with all the necessary tools and a detailed illustrated manual. Please refer to the step-by-step installation instructions to assemble your own fish tank stand
- 【Dimensions of Fish Tank Stand】The tabletop measuring 30.71 inches long by 12.6 inches wide，perfect size for most rooms with overall measurements suitable for standard 20-29 gallon fish tanks. We recommend measuring the dimensions of your fish tank before purchasing
- 【Dual-Tier Design】Double-tier configuration allows for displaying two aquariums or using the bottom space for storage. Optimize space with our stand accommodating a 20-29 gallon fish tank on top and the bottom can hold a smaller tank ranging from 3 to 10 gallons
- 【Sturdy Steel Structure】This aquarium stand is made of thick steel with powder coating and sturdy MDF board, weight capacity of 330 pounds for the desktop and 110 pounds for the bottom, Durable steel frame ensures stability and long-lasting performance for your aquarium setup
- 【Storage Solutions】 Built-in cabinet provides convenient space for fish food, maintenance tools, and other aquarium supplies. In addition, it can keep your fish tank area clean and tidy and allows you to access the items you need easily
- 【Bulit in Power Outlets】The 20-29 gallon aquarium stand comes integrated with 2 AC and 2 USB outlets, optimally catering to all your aquarium & reptile device power needs
- SilentTriple Filtration Pro: A 3-in-1 whisper-quiet pump combines oxygenation, water circulation, and filtration. Self-cleaning design reduces 70% maintenance while creating a mesmerizing waterfall effect.
- Crystal-Clear Premium Glass & 3-Color LED: Crafted with 5mm ultra-HD glass for razor-sharp underwater views. Reinforced with a 3-meter drop-tested anti-burst design, paired with customizable 3-color LED lighting to showcase aquatic life vibrantly, day or night.
- Smart TempGuard Monitoring: An integrated real-time water temperature sensor automatically tracks fluctuations, ideal for delicate species like shrimp or tropical fish.
- Gift-Ready Hassle-Free Setup: Flip-top design, easy to assemble and maintain, easy to change water or feeding, suitable as a gift for family or friends.
- After-Sales Service: Your satisfaction is our priority. Should you receive defective items or encounter missing parts, contact us immediately.
- 【ALL-IN-1 POWERFUL DEVICE】- Green killing, reduce odor, oxygenation, wave making, aqurium water pump & filte. Clears cloudy water, It helps reduces water changes, saves time and costs. You can unplug the air tube as a water pump
- 【KEEP CRYSTAL CLEAR: Keep Crystal Clear】- Stage 1: Swiftly and effectively clear cloudy, odorous, smelly, and milky water. Stage 2: The built-in 254nm U-V light further diminishes odor and eradicates green water
- 【ADJUSTABLE BUBBLES-Gentle for Fish】- Adjustable airflow can meet different air supply needs; IPX8: U-V light housing will not leakage. You can lay down the filter in low water level tanks
- 【EASY TO USE】- Applicable for marine and freshwater tanks, vertical or horizontal use. The lowest water level was 3.5 in. The pump, lamp and sponge can be easily disassembled and assembled. Simple maintenance, housing indicator showing U-V working status
- 【AUTOMATIC-DAILY-CYCLE TIMER】- U-V lamp and pump operate separately. Set its working time to 3/6/12/24 as needed. It will auto-off after working for the correspondingly set duration, and repeat the cycle daily without manual adjustment
- 【100 Watts Aquarium Heater】: This 100W aquarium heater is ideal for 10 to 20-gallon saltwater or freshwater aquariums. It measures 8.3 inches in length, operates on 110-120V, and comes with a 6.6-foot power cord. Please refer to our size chart to choose the correct wattage for your aquarium.
- 【Overheating & Off-Water Protection】: The heater automatically shuts off and stops heating when the water temperature exceeds the preset level or if it becomes exposed to air. It will display an error code until the temperature drops below the preset limit or the heater is fully submerged again. Error codes: E1 – out of water; E2 – mechanical failure. This multi-layer protection ensures you never have to worry about "boiled fish"!
- 【Digital LED Controller】: Adjustable temperature range: 64℉-95℉, with an accuracy of ±1°F, you can easily adjust the temperature using the external controller without touching the water. The LED screen displays the current water temperature, preset temperature, and an auto shut-off warning. It's simple and user-friendly!
- 【Explosion-Proof Quartz Glass Aquarium Heater】: Made from explosion-proof quartz glass, this submersible heater utilizes high-temperature-resistant nickel-chromium heating wire and quartz sand for efficient heat conduction, providing rapid water heating and long-lasting performance. The durable black housing, crafted from PC material, offers superior heat resistance to regular ABS, protecting your fish, aquatic life, and yourself from burns.
- 【Excellent Service】: The Heater of the FREESEA operate very stably under Fish Tank. If you have any questions about the Heater you received, please feel free to contact us at any time. 24-Hour Professional After-Sales Service
- CRYSTAL CLEAR - Turns CLOUDY and GREEN water crystal clear in 3-7 days. The larger the fish tank, the longer it takes. Reduce the number of water changes in the fish tank.
- DOUBLE FILTRATION - First stage Biochemical Sponge Filter. Second stage 254nm wavelength U-V Light.
- SEPARATE SWITCHES - Control the water pump and fish tank light separately. When you only want to use the aquarium filter function, you can turn off the fish tank U-V light separately.
- SMELLS FRESH - Once the fish tank is full of green will be accompanied by the smell. This green killing machine can reduce the unpleasant smell in the fish tank.
- EASY TO CHECK LIGHT UP - You can easily check that the light is on from the outside of the machine, don't need to take the machine apart to see it.
Our Review Process
To ensure you get reliable product recommendations, we follow a detailed review methodology that includes:
- Market Research: Scanning best-selling and trending products in this category.
- User Feedback: Reviewing customer reviews, star ratings, and complaints.
- Hands-On Testing: Trying select products ourselves when feasible.
- Feature Comparison: Evaluating specs, durability, pricing, and safety.
- Expert Opinions: Consulting with niche experts or credible reviewers.
We independently select the top 10 options based on value, quality, and usability. To learn more, visit our detailed review process.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Freshwater Fish 20-Gallon Tank
1. Type of Fish
Before purchasing a 20-gallon tank, it’s essential to decide what type of freshwater fish you want to keep. Different species have different space, temperature, and water quality requirements. Some fish are more aggressive and territorial, requiring more space, while others are peaceful and can thrive in a community tank. Research the species you are interested in to ensure they are compatible with each other and suitable for a 20-gallon environment.
2. Tank Dimensions and Space
The physical dimensions of the tank should be considered, as a 20-gallon tank can come in various shapes, such as long or tall. The footprint of the tank will affect the number of fish you can comfortably keep and their swimming behavior. Ensure you have enough space in your home for the tank, including consideration for the stand and any equipment you may need.
3. Filtration System
A reliable filtration system is crucial for maintaining a healthy aquarium environment. For a 20-gallon tank, a filter rated for at least 20 gallons is necessary to ensure optimal water quality. Consider whether you want a hang-on-back filter, a canister filter, or a sponge filter, and research the maintenance requirements for each type.
4. Heating Requirements
Maintaining the right temperature is vital for the health of your fish. Most tropical freshwater fish require water temperatures between 75°F and 80°F. A reliable aquarium heater is essential for a 20-gallon tank, especially if you plan to keep species that are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Make sure to choose a heater that is appropriate for the size of your tank and has a reliable thermostat feature.
5. Aquascaping and Decor
The arrangement of plants, rocks, and other decorations in the tank can influence both the aesthetics and the well-being of the fish. Live plants can help improve water quality and provide hiding spots for shy fish. Be mindful of the type of decor you choose, ensuring it is safe for your fish and doesn’t have sharp edges that could harm them.
6. Water Quality Management
Regular testing and management of water parameters such as pH, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are essential for a successful aquarium. Invest in a good water testing kit and familiarize yourself with the ideal water conditions for your chosen fish species. Additionally, consider the type of water (tap, distilled, or RO) you will use and how to treat it for optimal fish health.
7. Budget Considerations
Setting up a 20-gallon freshwater tank involves more than just the cost of the tank itself. Factor in expenses such as the filtration system, heater, substrate, plants, decorations, food, and water treatments. Additionally, consider ongoing costs for electricity, water changes, and maintenance supplies. Make sure to budget for both initial setup and long-term care.
8. Cycling the Tank
Before adding fish to your new tank, it’s crucial to cycle it to establish beneficial bacteria that break down harmful ammonia and nitrites. This process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. Learn about different cycling methods (fishless cycling is often recommended for beginners) and be patient during this critical step.
9. Maintenance and Time Commitment
Owning a freshwater fish tank requires a commitment to regular maintenance, including water changes, cleaning, and monitoring fish health. Assess your schedule and ensure you have the time to perform these tasks consistently. Regular maintenance not only keeps your aquarium looking great but also ensures the health and well-being of your fish.
FAQs
What types of freshwater fish can I keep in a 20-gallon tank?
In a 20-gallon tank, you can keep a variety of freshwater fish such as bettas, guppies, tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish like Corydoras. It’s important to consider the adult size of the fish and their compatibility with each other when planning your tank.
How many fish can I put in a 20-gallon freshwater tank?
A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 inch of fish per gallon of water. For a 20-gallon tank, this means you could typically house around 10-20 inches of fish, depending on the species. However, it’s best to research each species’ specific requirements and consider factors like filtration, tank mates, and water quality.
What kind of filtration is best for a 20-gallon tank?
A good filter is crucial for maintaining water quality in a 20-gallon tank. A hang-on-back (HOB) filter or a sponge filter are both effective options. Look for a filter that provides at least 5-10 times the tank’s volume in gallons per hour (GPH) to ensure proper circulation and filtration.
How often should I change the water in my 20-gallon tank?
It’s recommended to perform partial water changes of about 15-20% weekly to maintain water quality and remove toxins. Regular testing for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates can help determine when you need to change the water more frequently.
What substrate is best for a 20-gallon freshwater tank?
The best substrate depends on the type of fish and plants you have. For a planted tank, a nutrient-rich substrate or fine gravel is ideal. For a tank with fish that like to dig, such as cichlids, you may want to use sand. Always consider the needs of your specific fish and plants when selecting substrate.
Do I need to add a heater for my 20-gallon tank?
Whether you need a heater depends on the species of fish you plan to keep. Tropical fish generally require a heater to maintain a stable temperature between 75°F and 80°F. If you are keeping coldwater fish, such as goldfish, a heater may not be necessary.
Can I keep live plants in my 20-gallon tank?
Yes, live plants can enhance the appearance of your tank and provide benefits such as improved water quality and habitat for your fish. Choose low-maintenance plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Cryptocoryne, which thrive in various conditions and can be kept with many freshwater fish species.
How can I cycle my 20-gallon tank?
Cycling your tank involves establishing beneficial bacteria to break down harmful ammonia and nitrites. You can cycle your tank using the fishless method by adding ammonia to the water or by introducing a few hardy fish. Additionally, you can use filter media or substrate from an established tank to speed up the process. The cycling process usually takes 4-6 weeks.
What are some common problems I might encounter with a 20-gallon tank?
Common problems include poor water quality, algae growth, and fish diseases. Regular water testing, consistent maintenance, and monitoring the health of your fish can help prevent these issues. If problems do arise, research the specific issue to find appropriate solutions.
What is the best way to ensure my fish are healthy in a 20-gallon tank?
To ensure your fish remain healthy, maintain good water quality through regular testing and water changes, provide adequate space and compatible tank mates, feed a varied and appropriate diet, and monitor their behavior for signs of stress or illness. Regular tank maintenance and observation are key to a thriving aquarium.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, selecting the right fish for your 20-gallon freshwater tank can be a rewarding experience that enhances the beauty of your aquatic environment. The ten fish we’ve highlighted in this article have been carefully chosen based on their compatibility, ease of care, and suitability for a smaller tank size. Each species brings its unique charm and characteristics, ensuring that whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, there’s something here for everyone. Our selection criteria focused on factors such as temperament, tank requirements, and overall health, providing you with a well-rounded list of options to consider.
By following our list, you can create a balanced and harmonious aquarium that thrives over time. Paying attention to the specific needs of each fish and ensuring that their habitats are conducive to their well-being can lead to a vibrant and lively community tank. Remember, a well-maintained aquarium not only benefits the fish but also offers endless enjoyment for you as a hobbyist. Embrace the journey of fishkeeping, and let these selections inspire you to build your perfect underwater oasis.
