Best 5-gallon aquariums for betta or shrimp nano. Top picks across budget tiers, what livestock fits, what to avoid, dimensions, weight, and FAQ. Updated May 2026.
Sleek 5g AIO with built-in filtration. Premium nano option.
Budget-friendly curved-front kit. Includes LED + filter + heater.
Mid-range kit with quality LED + Whisper internal filter.
Suitable:
Avoid:
Beyond the tank itself, you'll need:
Use the stocking calculator to verify your livestock plan, the weight calculator to confirm your floor can handle it, and the electricity calculator for ongoing operating cost.
Standard 5-gallon aquarium dimensions: 16"×8"×10". Filled weight ~50 lbs.
~50 lbs filled (tank + water + sand + rock). Standard residential floors support ~40 lb/sq ft live load - tanks of 5g+ should be placed over a load-bearing wall or perpendicular to floor joists.
Not recommended - saltwater requires minimum 20g for proper bio-load handling and species selection.
Total 5-gallon build cost varies by tier: budget $30-60, mid $60-125, premium $125-250+. Use the reef build calculator for detailed breakdown.
Browse the full aquarium-by-size buying guide for 11 other tank sizes. Or jump to the step-by-step setup guides, the stocking blueprints, or the calculator collection.