Fish Tanks

Fish Tanks: Choosing the Right Aquarium Size and Equipment

Fish Tank Sizes: Comparing 13L, 24L, 28L and 51L Aquariums

When comparing fish tanks, check both the stated water capacity and the actual aquarium dimensions. A taller fish tank and a longer rectangular aquarium can have different swimming spaces, even when their capacities are similar.

• 13L and 14L aquarium kits: PawHut offers compact glass tanks measuring 29 x 20 x 30.5cm and 30 x 20 x 33cm respectively. Both include LED lighting and a water pump with filtration components. Their small capacities require particular care when assessing whether they are suitable for any intended aquatic animals.
• 24L bare glass aquarium: The PawHut 24L fish tank (SKU D61-019V00CR) measures 40 x 25 x 25cm and uses 4mm tempered glass. It includes a protective base mat but no filter or lighting equipment.
• 26L and 28L aquarium kits: Both feature glass tanks with integrated filtration and lighting. The 26L model measures 38 x 26 x 38cm, while the 28L model measures 38 x 26 x 39.5cm.
• 43L bare glass aquarium: Model D61-019V01CR measures 50 x 30 x 30cm and uses 5mm tempered glass. It provides a longer rectangular layout for a customised aquarium setup.
• 51L bare glass aquarium: Model D61-019V02CR measures 60 x 30 x 30cm and uses 4mm tempered glass. It offers the largest advertised capacity among the currently listed PawHut fish tanks.

Buying tip: The advertised tank capacity is not necessarily the amount of usable water after adding substrate, decorations and equipment. Choose a tank based on the adult size, swimming behaviour and environmental requirements of the intended species, not capacity alone.

Fish Tank Kits vs Bare Glass Aquariums: What's Included?

The main difference is whether the aquarium includes filtration and lighting or allows you to choose these components separately.

• Fish tanks with filters and LED lights: The PawHut 28L aquarium (SKU D61-004V71WT) includes a water pump, filter cotton and integrated LED lighting. The lighting has three modes: gradient colour, fixed colour and bright white.
• 26L aquarium with filtration: Model D61-005V71WT includes a 2.5W water pump, filter cotton and colour-changing LED lighting. Its top cover has a feeding opening.
• Bare glass fish tanks: The 24L, 43L and 51L PawHut glass aquariums are supplied without filtration and lighting systems. You need to select compatible equipment separately according to the intended setup.
• Heating requirements: The listed aquarium kits should not be assumed to include a heater. Tropical fish may require a separate thermostatically controlled aquarium heater suited to their species.

Choose an aquarium kit if you want integrated lighting and filtration components. A bare glass aquarium offers more flexibility when selecting your own filter, heater and lighting system, but requires additional equipment planning.

Aquarium Filters, LED Lighting and Water Maintenance

Filtration, water quality and lighting are important considerations when choosing an aquarium. An integrated pump or filter does not eliminate the need for regular aquarium maintenance.

• Filter system: Selected PawHut aquarium kits use filter cotton and a water pump to circulate water. Check the filter design, replacement media availability and maintenance instructions.
• Beneficial bacteria: Biological filtration depends on bacteria that process fish waste. Avoid replacing all established biological filter media unnecessarily, as this may disrupt the aquarium's nitrogen cycle.
• LED lighting: The PawHut 13L and 28L models include three lighting modes. Decorative LED modes should not automatically be considered suitable lighting for demanding live aquarium plants.
• Water testing: Test ammonia, nitrite and other relevant water parameters. Clear-looking water does not necessarily indicate safe conditions for fish.
• New aquarium setup: Establish the biological filtration cycle before introducing fish. Use suitable water conditioner where required and confirm that ammonia and nitrite levels are safe.

Aquarium Stands: Weight Capacity and Tank Compatibility

A filled glass aquarium is much heavier than an empty tank. Before choosing an aquarium stand, check its supported load, top surface dimensions and assembly requirements.

• Weight capacity: The PawHut aquarium stand (SKU D61-012V70RB) has a stated 150kg top-panel load capacity. Account for the combined weight of water, glass, substrate, decorations and equipment.
• Stand dimensions: This model measures 78 x 35 x 78.5cm overall. Check that the aquarium base is fully supported according to the tank manufacturer's instructions.
• Equipment storage: The stand includes a cabinet, open shelves and integrated power outlets with USB and Type-C connections.
• Stability: The model features adjustable feet and an anti-tip kit. Follow the assembly and wall-fixing instructions before placing a filled aquarium on the stand.

Do not assume that an ordinary desk or storage cabinet can safely support a filled aquarium. The supporting surface must be stable, level and rated for the complete load.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Tanks

Is a 13L or 14L fish tank suitable for goldfish?

No. These small aquariums do not provide adequate long-term space for goldfish. The RSPCA advises that goldfish require at least 60 litres of water per fish as a starting point, with additional consideration for adult size, swimming space and water quality. Always confirm the housing requirements of the intended species before buying a tank.

Does a fish tank with a filter still need water changes?

Yes. A filter helps remove debris and supports beneficial bacteria, but it does not eliminate dissolved waste or the need for maintenance. Regularly test water quality and carry out appropriate partial water changes. Avoid replacing all established biological filter media at once unless the manufacturer's instructions and aquarium conditions require it.

Can I add fish immediately after setting up a new aquarium?

No. A new aquarium should first establish a functioning biological filtration cycle. This process allows beneficial bacteria to develop and process harmful waste. Use suitable water test kits to confirm safe ammonia and nitrite levels before adding fish. The cycling process can take several weeks.

Do PawHut glass aquariums include a heater?

The listed 13L, 14L, 26L and 28L aquarium kits include filtration and LED lighting features, but a heater is not listed among their supplied equipment. The 24L, 43L and 51L bare glass tanks do not include filtration or lighting systems. Check the exact package contents before ordering additional accessories.

Are larger fish tanks easier to maintain than small aquariums?

Larger water volumes generally offer more stable water conditions than very small tanks, although they still need suitable filtration and regular maintenance. A larger aquarium also requires more installation space and stronger support furniture. Compare usable water volume, tank length, equipment needs and the requirements of the intended aquatic animals.

Can a glass fish tank be used for freshwater or saltwater?

The PawHut 24L, 43L and 51L bare glass aquariums are described as suitable for freshwater and saltwater setups. However, marine aquariums may require different filtration, lighting, water preparation and monitoring equipment. Check the complete system requirements before choosing either type of setup.