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4 Best Rimless Aquarium Tanks in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

Lindsey Stanton Profile Picture

By Lindsey Stanton

rimless aquarium

A rimless fish tank not only compliments your aquascape,  it enhances your living environment. No distracting trim, just simple beauty.

Fish and plants become front and center! But which one is best?

Here are our favorite picks of the different common sizes you can find.

Let’s dive in!

aquarium plant divider

A Quick Glance at the Winners in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Nano Aquarium Choice
Winner
Penn Plax Vertex Nano Aquarium Kit Penn Plax Vertex Nano Aquarium Kit
  • Upright design
  • Elegant curved corner
  • Includes adjustable flow aquarium filter
  • Heater and lid
  • Best 5-Gallon Choice
    Second place
    Marineland 5 Gallon Portrait LED Glass Aquarium Kit Marineland 5 Gallon Portrait LED Glass Aquarium Kit
  • 3 stage filtration system
  • Aesthetically appealing
  • Includes a sliding glass canopy
  • Best 10-Gallon Choice
    Third place
    Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit
  • Ideal for aquascaping
  • Beautiful curved front corners
  • Best value for the quality
  • Best 20-Gallon Choice
    SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium
  • Solid acrylic
  • Leak proof
  • 3 back panel color options
  • The 4 Best Rimless Aquarium Choices

    1. Penn Plax Vertex Nano Aquarium Kit – Best Nano Aquarium Choice

    Penn Plax Vertex Nano Aquarium Kit

    Check Price on Chewy

    Why We Love it:

    • Upright design ideal for saving space in smaller areas
    • Elegant curved corner design is completely seamless from the front
    • Also includes adjustable flow aquarium filter, heater and lid

    Summary:

    Durable, thick glass and unusual curved corners accent this beautiful rimless nano fish tank. The included filter has an adjustable flow to accommodate delicate fish species such as betta fish and also has room for you to add your own media of choice. A hinged lid is included to help prevent evaporation and protect fish who might perform acrobatics. Holding 2.7 gallons, this nano tank affords a sleek aesthetic sure to compliment any environment.


    2. Marineland 5 Gallon Portrait LED Glass Aquarium Kit – Best 5-Gallon Choice

     

    Marineland Portrait Glass LED aquarium

    Why We Love it:

    • Concealed built-in back panel 3 stage filtration system
    • Aesthetically appealing curved front corner design
    • Includes a sliding glass canopy for ease of access

    Summary:

    The Marineland Portrait is quite possibly the most popular 5 gallon rimless fish tank on the market today, and for good reason – this tank is a showstopper! Elevated pedestal base protects the surface underneath, while the included LED rail light and advanced filtration system (with an adjustable flow for delicate fish) keeps your setup running smoothly. A great cost effective all-in-one kit.


    3. Penn Plax Curved Corner Glass Aquarium Kit – Best 10-Gallon Choice

    rimless aquarium

    Why We Love it:

    • Best value for the quality compared to all other rimless 10 gallons
    • Beautiful curved front corners for seamless viewing
    • Affords more front-to-back room which is ideal for aquascaping

    Summary:

    You are sure to be impressed by the quality and sleek aesthetic of the Penn Plax 10 gallon fish tank! This beautiful aquarium is sure to be a conversation starter, with the front and sides constructed out of one solid bent panel of glass and no distracting trim. A fantastic value – similar tanks have been sold for more than double the price.


    4. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium – Best 20-Gallon Choice

    SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

    Why We Love it:

    • Seamlessly constructed of solid acrylic
    • Lighter, clearer, stronger than glass and leak proof
    • 3 back panel color options available

    Summary:

    This acrylic fish tank is lighter weight, clearer and up to 17 times stronger than glass tank – and has no frame. It’s perfect for those looking for a larger option for their fish tank. Available with a clear, cobalt blue or black back depending on your preference. Designed with the fishkeeper in mind, the manufacturer also backs this product with an extensive warranty.

    tropical fish 2 divider

    Rimless Aquarium Advantages

    Finding the perfect rimless fish tank for sale can be a challenge.

    But with this guide, hopefully, your search has ended!

    Most pet stores don’t carry these.

    And if you’re someone who wants your tank to do more than just hold water and fish but actually be a living work of art…

    … You’ve come to the right place.

    Rimless tanks are undoubtedly a cut above the rest in terms of aesthetics.

    Most people are shocked at the difference not having that distracting trim can make!

    (Hint: it’s not recommended to do that if you already have a tank that comes with a brace, or you can risk having it explode without that frame to support it.)

    Now the focus is on what’s INSIDE the aquarium rather than what’s all around it.

    Your aquatic masterpiece becomes more striking than ever before.

    It doesn’t matter where you want to put it – it looks good everywhere!

    Instead of being an eyesore, the tank becomes a decorative focal point.

    Look:

    There’s a reason the professional aquascapers go with rimless tanks.

    And now you can make one yours.

    Which Size and Shape is Best?

    That’s an important question to ask when it comes to picking out the tank.

    There are two main styles: upright and horizontal.

    There are also square cube designs, which can add a contemporary flare.

    But ultimately the shape you choose comes down to what fits the space best where you would like to place the aquarium.

    Smaller tanks are great for an office or nightstand where room is an issue.

    Bigger tanks can support more fish and reduce maintenance (depending on various factors such as stocking density, filtration etc.).

    Ultimately it comes down to what works best for the species and number of fish you intend to house.

    Speaking of filtration…

    Acrylic fish tank
    Image Credit: BLUR LIFE 1975, Shutterstock

    Filtering a Rimless Tank

    So you go to all the trouble to banish that ugly black trim, but then you have big black hideous filter inside the tank making you sad. What do you do? Concealing your filtration can be done.

    For larger tanks:

    The professionals like to use glass lily pipes connected by clear tubing to canister filters, concealed underneath the aquarium’s cabinet. These are usually positioned on the side of the aquarium, rather than on the back so that face-on they won’t get in the way.

    Smaller tanks can be trickier.

    Undergravel filters are probably the most inconspicuous, but not everyone wants to use gravel. Having a black background can come in useful for concealing filtration, but not everyone wants black. If you’re like me, you might consider heavily planting the tank and lightly stocking it as to remove the need for an electric filter altogether.

    Or you might just try to hide the filter behind some plants or rocks, which can work quite well depending on the setup.

    But to each their own.

    aquarium plant divider

    Conclusion

    We hope this article helped you discover your next underwater world, be it small with the Penn Plax Vertex Nano Aquarium Kit, or large with the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium!

    What is your favorite rimless aquarium?

    Leave your comment below to let us know!

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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