PetSmart Fish Tank Guide For Beginners 2026
If you’re starting your first aquarium or upgrading to something larger, PetSmart offers a wide range of options that cater to beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
This guide walks you through the key factors so you can pick a tank that matches your space, budget, and the kind of fish you want to keep.
Key Highlights
- Tank size matters more than you think, as it directly affects water stability, fish health, and maintenance effort.
- PetSmart carries starter kits, bare tanks, and complete aquarium systems at various price points to fit different needs.
- Proper filtration, lighting, and substrate are non-negotiable elements that determine long-term success in fish keeping.
Why Tank Size Is Your First Decision
Many beginners assume that smaller tanks are easier to maintain.
The opposite is actually true. Larger bodies of water are more stable and forgiving because harmful chemicals build up more slowly. A 10-gallon tank fluctuates in temperature and water chemistry much faster than a 40-gallon setup.
PetSmart’s fish tank selection starts at 5 gallons and goes up to 75 gallons or more.
- 5-10 gallons for betta fish, small tetras, or a few shrimp
- 20-30 gallons for community tanks with multiple fish species, small plecos, or fancy goldfish
- 40+ gallons larger fish, cichlids, or heavily planted aquascapes
For your first aquarium, I recommend starting with at least 20 gallons. This gives you room to make mistakes without losing your fish, and it opens up options for which species you can keep. If you’re unsure what species are available and how to care for them, we cover that in a separate guide.
The Gear That Actually Matters
Filtration Systems
The filter is the most important component in your aquarium.
It removes waste, prevents ammonia spikes, and keeps water clear. PetSmart carries hang-on-back filters, canister filters, and internal filters. For beginners, hang-on-back filters are affordable and effective.
For a 20-gallon tank, you need a filter rated for 60+ gallons per hour.
Many PetSmart starter kits include undersized filters, so check the specifications before buying.
Heaters
Most tropical fish need water between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
General Heaters
PetSmart sells submersible heaters ranging from 50 watts to 300 watts. The wattage you need depends on tank size and room temperature. A general rule is 5 watts per gallon for uninsulated tanks in cool rooms.
Stick with adjustable heaters from trusted brands rather than fixed-temperature models.
They give you flexibility if you keep fish with different temperature needs or if seasons change your room climate.
Lighting
Standard fluorescent or LED lights keep fish visible and healthy.
➤ If you plan to grow live plants, you’ll need lights with sufficient spectrum and duration.
PetSmart sells full-spectrum LED hoods that work well for planted tanks and cost less to run than older fluorescent systems.
Most aquarium lights should run 8 to 10 hours daily. Longer light exposure doesn’t benefit fish and promotes excessive algae growth.
What Kinds of Tanks Does PetSmart Sell?
Starter Kits with Equipment
PetSmart sells complete aquarium kits that bundle the tank, filter, heater, lighting, and substrate together. These kits simplify setup and cost less than buying each component separately.
The trade-off is that the included equipment is often basic quality. Filters may be undersized, and lighting may not be ideal for live plants.
If you’re new to fishkeeping and want to start without research, a starter kit removes guesswork. Just know that you’ll likely upgrade components within a year as you learn what works best for your specific fish.
Bare Tanks
A bare tank is just the glass enclosure without any equipment.
PetSmart carries these in many sizes and styles, from standard rectangular tanks to tall, bow-front, and corner designs. Bare tanks let you handpick every component, which costs more upfront but gives you full control over quality.
Experienced aquarists prefer bare tanks because they can select a filter rated for double the tank volume, add better lighting, and customize substrate depth for their specific needs.
Specialty Tanks
PetSmart offers specialty designs like LED-lit bowls, desktop tanks, and aquariums with integrated stands.
LED-equipped tanks save you money on lighting upgrades. Integrated stand designs look cleaner and are sturdier than separate tank-and-stand combinations.
Desktop and small specialty tanks appeal to office environments and dorm rooms, but remember that smaller volumes require more frequent water changes and careful fish selection.
Choosing Between Glass and Acrylic Tanks
PetSmart stocks both glass and acrylic aquariums.
➤ Glass tanks are heavier, more scratch-resistant, and maintain optical clarity longer. They cost slightly less and last decades with proper care.
➤ Acrylic tanks are lighter, safer if dropped, and excellent for large volumes above 100 gallons, where glass becomes impractical.
For most home aquarists, glass tanks make sense. They’re durable and don’t require protective coatings.
Acrylic shines for commercial setups or households with young children where impact safety matters.
Where to Put Your Tank at Home
A filled 20-gallon tank weighs over 200 pounds with water, substrate, and equipment. Make sure your floor can handle it, especially on upper levels or in older homes with weaker framing.
Place the tank near an electrical outlet for the filter, heater, and lights, but away from windows. Direct sunlight causes algae blooms and temperature swings that stress fish out fast.
Keep it at a comfortable viewing height and away from high-traffic areas where it could get bumped or knocked.
How Much Will a Full Setup Cost You?
A complete setup costs more than the tank alone. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a 20-gallon beginner setup from PetSmart:
- Tank with stand: $100-$200
- Filter: $30-$60
- Heater: $25-$40
- Lighting: $30-$80
- Substrate, decorations, and plants: $40-$80
- Testing kit and initial supplies: $30-$50
Total first-year investment typically ranges from $250 to $500. Monthly maintenance costs for food, water treatments, and replacement filters run $15 to $30 depending on fish type and tank size.
PetSmart runs regular sales on equipment, especially during seasonal promotions. Signing up for the free membership also gets you points back on every purchase, which adds up fast when you’re buying supplies monthly.
Is PetSmart the Best Place to Buy a Tank?
PetSmart competes with specialty aquarium shops, online retailers, and general pet stores.
PetSmart offers convenience, same-day availability, and a loyalty rewards program. Their prices are middle-range, not the cheapest but not premium either.
➤ Specialty aquarium shops often provide expert advice and higher-quality equipment but charge more.
Online retailers undercut PetSmart’s prices but require shipping time.
For beginners, PetSmart’s balance of selection, availability, and staff knowledge makes it a practical choice.
If PetSmart doesn’t stock a specific product, ask staff about ordering. Many items can be delivered to your local store within days at comparable online prices.
What I’d Do If I Were Starting Over
Buying a fish tank is exciting, but the decisions you make before you fill it up are what determine whether your fish thrive or not.
Go with a 20-gallon minimum, get a filter that’s rated higher than you think you need, and don’t rush the cycling process. That first month of patience is what separates people who love this hobby from people who quit after two weeks.
Spend a little more on equipment upfront. It’s always cheaper than replacing dead fish and starting over.
