biOrb Tube 30L Black Aquarium with MCR LED Lighting

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The least preferred fish type for a tower tank is going to be anything small. They just won't fill out and decorate the tank properly unless they are mixed in with larger fish to balance it out. It is also important to be aware that tetras which are a small fish but favorable, tend to float to the top of the water tank and since they are jumpers you'll want to make sure you have a secure tank top or you're going to experience a lot of trouble.

Aeration can also be a problem in the taller of these tanks. A water flow system must be able to move the oxygen rich water to the bottom of the tank. This usually proves to be no problem when a tank is not taller than it is wide. The tower tanks however can have 6 feet depth for the flow system to cope with. Low oxygen in the bottom of the tank will result in a breakdown of fish waste building up noxious gases which can be harmful to the fish. You’ll also want some kind of lighting setup for your environment so you can see your new pets night and day. However, bear in mind that lighting is essential for keeping corals in a saltwater tank, as corals have specific requirements for intensity and duration of lighting throughout the day. The same is true of heating systems which tropical fish may need during British winters.Tower & column aquariums have become a highly popular way of having a fish tank. Shapes vary from hexagonal to round to oval. Ranging from only 18 inches tall to 6 foot high they can be compact and bijou or imposing and striking. If you have small space to work with and want to avoid taking up so much room, tower tanks can be the answer. They can easily be placed in a corner out of the way allowing you to make the most of the room it's placed in. Not only that but they look stunning and add a touch of flair and ambiance to your home. As a result, a good rule of thumb is to get a fish tank which has one litre of cold water per 0.5cm (excluding tails and fins) of fish. For instance, a 50 litre tank could safely house two 10cm and one 5cm fish. Or, alternatively, you could accommodate six 4cm fish. You could probably squeeze a couple more in, but this will all vary depending on the types of fish you want to keep, alongside other tank components such as plants, lights and filters. If in doubt, bigger is always better. Tower tanks however are not the ideal home for most fish. Fish in general do not live in deep water and the pressure at the bottom of a 4, 5 or 6ft tank will be too high for them. We’ve searched high and low for the best value fish tanks and aquariums on the market. Whether you’re looking to house hundreds of fish in an aquarium built for the ages or an inexpensive option for beginners, there’s something for everyone down below. If you’re not sure what suits you best, then read on and our buying guide will explain all the basics.

READ NEXT: Best pet insurance The best fish tanks you can buy 1. Tetra Starter Line: Best value tank for fish newbies Key specs – Tank dimensions (HWD):139 x 111 x 43cm; Water capacity:252 litre; Other sizes?168 litre & 345 litre; Tank extras:Filter, heater, Bluetooth light-system In terms of features, you get a top-of-the-line adjustable filter to keep things clean – something Fluval is known for. Meanwhile, a powerful LED light keeps things bright with a 6500K temperature and 120° beam that evenly illuminates all the plants and fish in the tank. The day and night illumination modes mimic natural patterns, too, which is a nice touch. There’s also a feeding door for easy access, but sadly there’s no in-built heater. This premium-priced tank has all the high-quality extras you could possibly ask for. The 307 external filter is both efficient and powerful enough to keep the water clean, and the 300W heater is ample to accommodate any tropical beauties in your tank. The Bluetooth-connected LED lighting system is pretty special, too. Controlled via the Fluval SmartApp, it can be tailored to suit any particular fish or plant, mimic real world light conditions on a 24-hour cycle or just provide some stunning visuals.

Fancy yourself as something of an aficionado? These are the finest fish tanks and aquariums suitable for a wide range of budgets

If you want to future proof your aquatic set up, this 252 litre tank from Fluval is a great option. The tough, borosilicate glass tank sits on top of a Hampshire Oak (or Slate Grey) cabinet that makes the perfect centrepiece to any room. Having a cabinet built in means you won’t have to risk placing your new tank on your existing furniture – plus, messy cables can be hidden away out of sight. The quiet-running filter is a boon if you’re planning to keep the tank in a bedroom, and the specification is ample for a tank of this size. Crucially, given the 54 litre capacity, it’s very reasonably priced – tanks this size can cost three times as much – which is why we rate it so highly. You might think fish are relatively easy pets to care for, but if you really want them to flourish, purchasing the best fish tank you can afford will improve their health and wellbeing. In fact, unlike with a pet dog or cat, there are far more considerations when purchasing a new aquatic home for your fish.