Bowl or fish tank: A complete guide of fish in home offices

After we have the necessary items for our small business, we probably like to create a more personalised and comfy workplace for us. An aquarium is a great option since it improves our well-being by calming us down and reducing stress.  

It has proved scientifically that watching a fish tank reduces heart rate and blood pressure, increase your mood, improve your mood. However, in a home office, it is not easy to select the right fish, because we have to think intelligent and sensitive fish, like our cats.

If you like to have fish in your small office, you should always go with a small fish tank/aquarium instead of a bowl.  The bowl is not good for fish because it does not provide enough oxygen and space for fish.

a purple fish in a tank

(Peta also warns that bowl creates a distortion image for fish and even some cities/countries banned keeping (goldfish) in bowls.)

What minimum size of a fish tank do I need?

Though there are 2 or 3 gallons (ca. 14 litres) options, it is advised to have a minimum 5 gallons (ca. 23 litres) fish tank. Should you have space- especially in your home office- it is good to have 10 gallons (ca. 45 litres) fish tank. It is the best that you should have minimum 5 (or 10-gallon) tank with filter and heater for a single or a number of small size fish.  

Small fish tank benefits:

However, you have serious questions whether you can look after and do the maintenance of your aquarium, fish and tank. The advantage of the small size comes here. You don’t have to worry about the fish and you don’t spend a lot of money on an aquarium and its appliances and tools.
 
In fact, you don’t have to worry about feeding your fish in case you are not working over the weekend. (Even you can take your aquarium if you have the smallest model and worry about your fish during the holiday time). 

Challenges of a Small fish tank:

You have to change/control the water in your tank, which may be a stress factor during your deadlines while you are working. It may be a little time-consuming to get used to looking after your fish and tank if you didn’t have any fish tank before.
 
If you place your fish tank in your home office, it is easier to look after your fish and tank than placing in your small/co-working office. In either case, you should change weekly change the 25% of water, feed daily in a small portion, take out uneaten food after 5 min of feeding to get a clean, beautiful and long-lasting your aquarium.
 
Sometimes the filtration mechanism led lighting or the heating systems may not work efficiently because of the small size small budget goal.  

Best fish for small tanks:

There a number of fish species that you can select for your 5 to 10-gallon fish tank. I found five for 5 gallons (ca. 23 litres) and fifteen fish for 10 gallons (ca. 45 litres) fish tank. Whilst you see many advertisements about goldfish, I do not recommend it since Goldfish- not the best for the small fish tank since it has lots of poo and your water in the small tank could easily be contaminated.
 
If you have already interested in fish or you want to buy only one fish, then it is easy to pick any of them since you do know what you are doing. But how about you never have a fish before and you want to buy a group of fish to show/boost with them in your small office or at your co-working desk.
 

Expert view;

Country vet Dr Rob Sharp, gives a very handful/practical and simple advice for the beginners that you can follow. He gives a good rule of thumb for placing/adopting a group of fish is that one inch of fish requires at least one gallon of water to flourish. So, ten fish of one inch needs 10 gallons (ca. 45 litres) fish tank. (Another description by Peta is that “you should provide at least 24 square inches (0.02 square metres) of water for every 1 inch (ca. 25 mm) of fish.”) .
Though he pointed out that aeration and filtration- or small ecosystems having its filter and aeration- allows you to double the number of fish. But be aware of the warnings of your pet vet and always think the universal rule- which is the most famous saying of Ludwing Mies van Rhoe; ‘less is more.’ Here we have gathered an in-depth list of the fish from the experts that you can use either 5 or 10-gallon fish tank,
 
 
Fish
Size
Best min tank size to keep it
Character
Care
1 Betta 3″ 5 gallons 1 fish (ideally kept singular) Peaceful Easy care  
2 Bumblebee Goby 1″ 5 Gallons best one. Difficult Semi aggressive
3 Least Killifish 1.5″ 3 Gallons Peaceful Easy care
4 Crystal Red Shrimp   3-5 Gallons Peaceful Moderate
5 Red Cherry Shrimp   5 Gallons Peaceful Easy care
           
      10 gallons of multiple fish    
1 Dwarf Puffer   1″   5 gallons 1 fish 10 gallons multiple  fish Semi-Aggressive   Moderate  
2 Celestial Pearl Danios   1″   in groups of 4-6 (up to 10) 10 gallons is recommended Peaceful Schooling fish   Easy  
3 Sparkling Gourami   3 or more fish is recommended. 10 gallons Peaceful Easy
4 Endler’s Livebearers 1″ 5-10 gallons Peaceful Easy
5 Norman’s Lampeye killifish 1.5″   5-10 gallons prefer to be kept in groups of 3-5 Peaceful Easy  
6 Golden Darf Barbs 1.5″ minimum groups of five 10 gallons Peaceful Moderate
7 Neon Tetras 1.25″ Group of 10 in a 10-gallon Very peaceful Easy
8 Pygmy Corydoras 1″ Group of 10 in a 10-gallon Peaceful Schooling fish Easy
9 Guppy 1″ – 1.5″   Group of 5-10; either males or females, otherwise they breed Peaceful Very easy
10 Dwarf Gourami     Group of 3 or single with other fish Place in a quiet place Peaceful Moderate
11 White cloud mountain fish 2″ 10 gallons of schooling fish Peaceful Easy
12 Zebra danios (Zebrafish) 2″ 10 galloon Peaceful they will nip fins of certain species of fish   Easy
13 Ghost Shrimp 1.5″   5-10 galloon Peaceful feeders to larger fish or as efficient tank cleaners   Easy
14 Ember Tetra   0.6–0.8”   10-galloon Peaceful Easy
15 Cory catfish   0.75-4” 10-galloon Peaceful Easy to keep the tank clean by scavenging for food.  

(Schooling: if the group is swimming in the same direction in a coordinated manner, they are schooling (Pitcher and Parish 1993, page 365, via Wikipedia).

Technical details of small fish tanks

It is easy to advise people to buy small fish and buy the suggested fish that live/compatible best for the small aquariums. However, you still be careful about the details. You need filter, light, heater and pump. Sand and natural/artificial plants are as important as the prior technical stuff. You need a pump to keep water flowing continuously.

If you are planning to place it in your office/ co-working desk, the heater becomes very important since the central/AC heating system is usually off over the weekend.  Though depends on the fish genre so you should ask your vet, it is advised 68 °F (ca. 20 °C) and 76 °F (ca. 24 °C) could be an ideal temperature for the tank. Make your fish get proper type and amount of food depending on its genre. You should also place them in a quiet zone of your workplace.

 
Fish tank model
Dimensions
Capacity
Weight (Empty)
Note
1 Fluval Spec Aquarium- 10518 (ASIN: B009R7D9CS)   52 x 29.5 x 19 cm   19 lt / (5gallons) 5 Kg   #7 in Aquariums  
2 Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit- 10516A2   16 x 43.7 x 26.9 cm   5 gallons 5 Kg   #9 in Aquariums  
3 Superfish 25 Home Series (B009HVC0Q0)   46.5 x 25 x 28.5 cm   25 litre 5 watts   7.2 Kg   #14 in Aquariums  
4 Biopro 20L Complete Aquarium Fish Tank with Filtration and Integrated LED Light -(ASIN: B07S3ZYH39) 325mm x 230mm x 350mm ( L x W x H ) 20 lt NA ·       #41 in Aquariums  
5 30L Small Starter Aquarium/Fish Tank Tropical/Coldwater with LED Light- X-15, X-28 (ASIN: B071ZS6NMR)   380 x 250 x 430 ( L x W x H )   30 lt 5 Kg   ·       #53 in Aquariums  
6 Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light- ML90611 (ASIN: B00GOFS8P4)   29.8 x 29.8 x 42.5 cm   5gallons 5.44 Kg    
7 Penn-Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit- WW111K   23.7 x 36.8 x 28.6 cm       5 Gallon   4.81 Kg    
8 GloFish 29045 Aquarium Kit with Blue LED light   28.6 x 42.1 x 17 cm   5 Gallon   454 g   #1298 in Aquariums  
9 Fluval Edge 23 Litre Aquarium White- L:43cm/16.8″ x W:26cm/10.25″ x H:35.5cm/14″   23 lt 4.4 watts NA swell 
 
Fish tank model
Dimensions
Capacity
Weight (Empty)
Note
1 Ciano BLACK Aqua 60 LED Tropical Glass Aquarium L 60 CM x W 30 CM x H 33.5 CM 58 lt 9.43 Kg #6 in Aquariums
2 Ciano WHITE Aqua 60 LED Tropical Glass Aquarium (ASIN: B0791JYLQK) L 60 CM x W 30 CM x H 33.5 CM   58 lt 9.43 Kg   ·       #41 in Aquariums Starter Kits  
3 Interpet Fish Pod Glass Aquarium Fish Tank including CF1 Cartridge Filter- 39 x 33 x 43 cm   48 Litre   11.4 Kg   ·       #88 in Aquariums ·
4 All Glass Aquarium AAG09009 Tank and Eco Hood Combo- 15905090094 (ASIN: B0026HZN8E) 50.8 x 50.8 x 61 cm   10 gallon 5.9 Kg   NA
5 * TL-450-Marine Nano Fish Tank 403 (L) x 484 (W) x 460 (H) mm 58 lt    

 

Fish Tanks with 5 gallons (ca. 23 litres)

1-Fluval Spec Aquarium

Pet Type Fish
Item Weight 5 Kg
Product Dimensions 16 x 43.7 x 26.9 cm (shipping) Assembled;
Item model number 10518
Colour white
Size 19l
Volume 16000
Quantity 1
Batteries Required No
Batteries Included No
Voltage 12

If you are looking for the highest-ranking small fish tank on Amazon…

This is an etched-glass tank with aluminium trim. It has 3-stage oversized mechanical, chemical and biological Powerful filtration.

Pros:

Huge sump filter (for a tank that size), hidden pumps and clutter, the quietest tank, 2 colour led options, sits perfectly on my office desk due to the slim design, great for a beginner, quiet pump, easy assemble, nano and minimal.

Cons:

Light is really fragile and you have to be super gentle when changing the light settings (on, off, day, night)

Price:

This tank is a reasonable price less than a hundred quid. 

Dimensions and Volume:

It has a 52 x 29.5 x 19 cm dimensions after assembled. Since its depth is narrow you can place on top of side tables. Even you can place on the side of your co-working desk that it doesn’t cover much space.

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.  

 

2. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit

Pet Type

Fish and Aquatic

Item Weight

5 Kg

Product Dimensions

16 x 43.7 x 26.9 cm

Item model number

10516A2

Colour

Black

Size

5-Gallon

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

Voltage

12

If you are looking for a black model…

This is the same model as the model described in the first number. Amazon describes that “Spec does not disappoint where filtration is concerned either, boasting a powerful 3-Stage system with oversized mechanical, chemical and biological media for unparalleled water clarity.”

Pros:

Classic modern style,  high-output 7000K LED light unit- which generates 20% brighter lighting performance for noticeably bolder fish colours and plant growth.

Safe, low-voltage transformer, 210-300 LPH circulation pump with output nozzle, Fluval foam filter block with handle, Fluval activated carbon insert, Fluval BioMax insert.

The filter section is comprehensive, excellent water pump.

Cons:

Loud water pump, lighting is almost Only strong enough for low-level light plants.

Price:

Good price for the quality and what they offer.

Dimensions and Volume:

Its size is 17.2 x 10.6 x 6.3 Inch  or in metrics 16 x 43.7 x 26.9 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

You can either go the supplier website using this link.

 

3. Superfish 25 Home Series

“The Fingertouch Operational Low Voltage LED lighting system simulates a natural sunrise by intensifying the light level slowly to a maximum level over a 30 second period, which makes the Superfish Home Series Aquariums ideal for Aquascaping and decoration;” as explained in Amazon product web site.

If you are looking for a modern, stylish fish tank for decoration…

Pros:

It includes an Aqua-Flow 100 filter with space in the internal chamber to accommodate an optional combi heater for practicality. Easy to clean.

Price:

A great treat at its price.

Dimensions and Volume:

46.5 x 25 x 28.5 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

Or from this link.

 

4. Biopro 20L Complete Aquarium Fish Tank

Colour

White, No Stand

Size

20 LITRES

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for a slim aquarium…

Pros:

Curved Edge Glass Aquarium/Fish Tank, LED Light Integrated Into The Hood, Filtration System Included

Cons:

Some customers had a condensation issue

Price:

Very cheap price for the style and features

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

5. 30L Small Starter Aquarium/Fish Tank

Pet Type

Fish and Aquatic

Item Weight

5 Kg

Package Dimensions

31 x 30 x 23 cm

Item model number

X-15, X-28

Colour

BLACK

Size

30L

Quantity

1

Special Features

Easy to Clean, Inbuilt Filter

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for high quality deluxe curved glass aquarium…

It is described that ‘The tank is supplied with a filter pump WITH spray bar that feeds the tray filtration system located at the back under the hood, keeping your fish tank clean and healthy. The filtration area is easily accessible and easy to clean. Simply rinse/clean the filter wool or replace it and its ready for use.’

Pros:

Slim size, good quality lighting and internal filter, easy to assemble

Cons:

You may accommodate single fish.

Price:

Excellent value for money perfect size

Dimensions and Volume:

It has slim dimensions of 31 x 30 x 23 cm.

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link

 

6. Marineland Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light

Item Weight

5.44 Kg

Product Dimensions

29.8 x 29.8 x 42.5 cm

Item model number

ML90611

Volume

1 ml

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for a stylish aquarium kit to put on your desk…

It has clean lines, modern aesthetic, really good looking tank for at work and/or at home. It is stylish because it hides 3-step filtration with adjustable flow filter pump and one RITE-SIZE Z filter cartridge. This model also adjusts daylight and moonlight with a rail light LED settings.

Pros:

Easy to use, best fits on top of your desktop, suitable for co-working desks, good for beginners, some customers comment small size does a better filtering job.

Cons:

You need to add a heater, the pump is strong but can be turned down, you may have one fish with the small size (3 gallons).

Price:

A little above the average price.

Dimensions and Volume:

It has dimensions of 29.8 x 29.8 x 42.5 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

7. Penn-Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit

Item Weight

4.81 Kg

Product Dimensions

23.7 x 36.8 x 28.6 cm

Item model number

WW111K

Colour

black

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for a frameless model…

 

This fish tank has ‘a unique bent glass design that is frameless and seamless in front for unobstructed viewing on all sides including top;’’ as it is described in Amazon.

Pros:

It’s a clean, simple design,

Cons:

The glass is 0.160″ thick, which is a little thin but acceptable within its dimensions/ size, has no on/off switched, be careful sharp glass edges.

Price:

Its price is above the range, is higher than other models in the list. People comment that it’s a bit pricey what you get

Dimensions and Volume:

This 5-gallon fish tank measures 11 inches high by 8 3/4 inches wide and 13 ¾ inches long or 23.7 x 36.8 x 28.6 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

8. GloFish 29045 Aquarium Kit with Blue LED light

Item Weight

454 g

Product Dimensions

28.6 x 42.1 x 17 cm

Item model number

29045

Volume

1 ml

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for an acrylic fish tank…

Pros:

It has Microfilter and Medium Bio-Bag. The 15 Blue LEDs in the attractive hammerhead light enhance the colours of the GloFish fluorescent fish. It contains a LED light, heater, filter, stick-on thermometer, two packs of Glofish plants (three in each pack), and one Glofish yellow anemone.

Good looking plastic plants- whilst low material is quality. A client comment that; ‘Decent sized tank, ability to toggle between black and white light, plants are great for making the tank more interesting for the fish given the tank size.’

Cons:

Some customers experienced technical challenges such as broken heater and leakages,  it has somehow thin plastic, expensive.

Price:

Its price is expensive for its size

Dimensions and Volume:

A compact small fish tank- which measures as 28.6 x 42.1 x 17 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

9. Fluval Edge 23 Litre Aquarium White

Guarantee

Aquarium Size

Aquarium Capacity

LED Watts

Lumens

Number of LEDs

Colour Temperature

Pump Output

2 Years Limited

L:43cm/16.8″ x W:26cm/10.25″ x H:35.5cm/14″

23 ltrs

4.4 w

347 lm

21

6500 K

378 lph

If you are looking for a plug-in-and-play aquarium kit…

It is a unique cube-shaped aquarium that is stylish and contemporary as well. The simple, uncluttered design allows an extraordinary visual experience.

Pros:

Perfect for homes, offices and tables, it has an Integrated Led Lighting System.

Cons:

Back solid part at the back may a little hinder visual quality

Price:

During the sales, it has a good pricing policy with its quality.

Dimensions and Volume:

It has dimensions of L:43cm/16.8″ x W:26cm/10.25″ x H:35.5cm/14″. They offer a larger option- that is 46.

Where to purchase online:

You can also buy this tank from the actual Fluval Edge Website using this link.

 

Fish Tanks with 10 gallons;

1. Ciano BLACK Aqua 60 LED Tropical Glass Aquarium

The company pointed out that; “the filter ensures an optimum renewal of water and perfect maintenance of the aquatic balance and the WATER CLEAR Ciano dose makes the water crystal clear and eliminates odours.”

If you are looking for affordable 10-gallon fish tank…

It includes Filter, Filter Media Lights & Heater + Plant Pack (2 Assorted Plastic Plants), which is complete with lid, LED lights, Internal Filter, 2 x Plastic Plants & 50w Heater.

Pros:

Excellent service, good quality product, its heater filter and other little accessories are, perfect.

Cons:

Some clients comment that it may require a stronger filter to filtrate.

Price:

Affordable price for its size and quality.

Dimensions and Volume:

It is not the slimmest option as it has the dimensions of L 60 CM x W 30 CM x H 33.5 CM

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

2. Ciano WHITE Aqua 60 LED Tropical Glass Aquarium

If you are looking for an aquarium endowed with complete equipment and perfect for little spaces…

Pros:

Nice design that goes nicely aesthetically in a small room, Clear good quality glass, good working filter, Easy to assemble filter/light/heater. 

Cons:

Extra caution for fixing the overhead cover/ hood.

Price:

Its price is a little higher than the black option but still very affordable for its size.

Dimensions and Volume:

It is the same size with black colour and it may not be the slimmest model. The dimensions are L 60 CM x W 30 CM x H 33.5 CM

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

3. Interpet Fish Pod Glass Aquarium Fish Tank

Pet Type

Fish and Aquatic

Item Weight

11.4 Kg

Product Dimensions

43 x 33 x 39 cm

Item model number

AMA0378

Size

48 Litre

Number of Items

1

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for an aquarium with Curved glass for a panoramic view

 It is for cold-water or tropical aquariums with included Day and night lighting options.it has premium look with curved and panoramic detail…

Pros:

Easy care, effective cartridge filter system. Featuring the new and revolutionary Interpet CF-1 Internal Cartridge Filter and manufactured with curved glass for panoramic and all angle viewing. It is quiet and quality with professional support.

Fish suggestions; Either 2 fish totalling 26cm (excluding the tail-) or 11 fish totalling 55cm excluding the tail.

Cons:

The frequent change of filters, a little short filter, heater and light cables, there isn’t a timer on the light.

Price:

Affordable price for its size and quality. 

Dimensions and Volume:

Assembled dimensions (HxWxD): 39 x 33 x 43 cm. Glass thickness: 4mm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link

 

4. All Glass Aquarium AAG09009 Tank and Eco Hood Combo

Item Weight

5.9 Kg

Product Dimensions

50.8 x 50.8 x 61 cm

Item model number

15905090094

Quantity

1

Batteries Required

No

Batteries Included

No

If you are looking for all-glass aquarium…

Each combo includes a quality, black trim; All Glass Aquarium Aag09008 Tank And Eco Hood Combo; The Small Aquarium Combos Are Economical Starter Kits

Pros:

Good as beginner kit as it comes with what you need to get started.

Cons:

Light bulbs may not be the best.

Price:

Moderate level price

Dimensions and Volume:

It has big size as the dimensions are 50.8 x 50.8 x 61 cm

Where to purchase online:

You can purchase this fish tank on Amazon using this link.

 

5- TL-450-Marine Nano Fish Tank

If you are looking for  innovative self-contained marine nano fish tank 

Pros:

Great for the beginning, completely hidden filtration area, included flow pump, return pump, protein skimmer, heater, UV steriliser and filter media, easy cleaning and maintenance.

It has blue moonlight LED’s to give the tank a night-time moonlight effect, it included protein skimmer, UV steriliser, heater.

It has an internal bio-filter system (water pump, filter sponge, filter bag, bio-balls, activated carbon and ceramic rings included)

Cons:

Poor customer support, the expensive cost for changing prat- like its lid.

Price:

The pricey cost.

Dimensions and Volume:

Good compact size for its volume. Actual dimensions are: 403 (L) x 484 (W) x 460 (H) mm

Where to purchase online:

You can also buy this tank from the actual TL-450- Website using this link.

CONCLUSION:

Though smaller 5 gallons even smaller versions such as 3-2-1 or bowls) over numbered the 10-gallon fish tanks, I observed that the quality of bigger size is better than the smaller ones.