2.5 Gallon Fish Tanks

2.5 gallon fish tanks are usually 12″ x 6″ x 8″ in size. This makes them perfect as a small display tank. The size and filled weight (27 lbs) enable the tank to be placed in a range of places – from coffee tables, to your kitchen counter to your office desk.

2.5 gallon starter kits can be a great size for those starting out on their fishkeeping journey. Due to the small nature of the tank, however, it is important to remember:

  • Not to overstock the tank
  • That a good filtration system will be required
  • That any adjustments to the water chemistry (such as pH adjustments or the buildup of nitrates) can have a bigger effect than if the tank was larger

Below you’ll find a range of 2.5 gallon starter kits. Hopefully you find one that is right for you!

2.5 Gallon Fish Tank Starter Kits

Aqueon LED Minibow Aquarium Starter Kits with LED Lighting, 2.5 Gallon

Aqueon LED Minibow Aquarium Starter Kits with LED Lighting, 2.5 GallonA Little Bit Fishy Score: 4/5
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The Aqueon LED Minibow Aquarium Starter Kit is a compact fish tank with an elevated base. Although only a 2.5 gallon fish tank it has a contemporary design that is suitable for home or office. The tank comes with an LED energy efficient light hood, a feeding hole and a Aqueon QuietFlow filter. This filter uses Aqueon’s small filter cartridges. The kit also includes food and water care samples.

On the face of it the Aqueon LED Minibow Aquarium Starter Kit is classy and provides great value for money. We found it to be easy to set up and clean. Some users, however, have claimed that the filter is too strong for their fish and they ended up getting caught in the filter. Inserting a divider into the tank is an option to address this risk.

Koller Products 2.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with LED Light and Power Filter

Koller Products 2.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with LED Light and Power Filter

The Koller Products 2.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit with LED Light and Power Filter has energy-efficient lighting. Choose from a range of 7 colors with which to light your fish, and take advantage of the timer to schedule your light requirements.

The tank is easy to set up and fits perfectly on a table or desk. It is made from impact-resistant plastic to help protect it from the odd bump, but still has great clarity. The internal filter has a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour which will help to keep your tank wonderfully clean.

At the price, the Koller Products 2.5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is a good option. It balances value for money with a great looking 2.5 gallon fish tank.

2.5 Gallon Fish Tank Stands

2.5 gallon aquariums usually measure 12″ x 6″ x 8″. This equates to 30 x 15 x 20cm in metric measurements. It is not necessary to get a specific stand for them – the fit nicely on top of your kitchen counters or even your your desk.

How Many Fish in a 2.5 Gallon Fish Tank?

The general rule for fish tanks is that you should have a maximum of 1 inch of fish (length) for every gallon of water. Some people extend this to 1.5 inches with success, but it is not generally recommended. Bear in mind that the 1 inch of fish per gallon of water is based on the fish at their fully grown size, not the size that you buy them at!

It is therefore recommended that you have a maximum of 2.5 inches of fish in a 2.5 gallon fish tank.

If you need something a little larger there are some great 3 gallon and 5 gallon fish tanks on the market today.

Fish For 2.5 Gallon Fish Tanks

As discussed above, it is best to limit your fish to about 2.5 inches in total length when constructing a 2.5 gallon fish tank. This could be made up in a range of ways, such as:

  • 1-2 female Guppies in a 2.5 gallon tank (female Guppies grow up to 2 inches in length while males grow up to 1.5 inches)
  • 1 Betta fish in a 2.5 gallon tank (the average length of a Betta fish is 2.25 inches, but they can grow up to 3 inches in perfect conditions)

2.5 Gallon Fish Tank Dimensions

The standard dimensions of a 2.5 gallon fish tank are 12″ x 6″ x 8″. This equates to 30 x 15 x 20 cm in metric measurements. These aquariums make for great starter tanks. They can easily on top of your kitchen counters, on your desk, or even on smaller furniture pieces around your home. Bear in mind that, especially for smaller aquariums, the shape may differ from a standard and may include curved sides.

A 2.5 gallon fish tank weights 27lbs when full (approximately 12kg). If you want to go a little bigger there are a range of larger fish tanks available. In fact, there are even some great bow front aquariums available from 5 gallons and up!

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