60 Gallon Aquariums

Molly Moore
10 min readJun 10, 2024

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Get ready to dive into the underwater world with our comprehensive 60 Gallon Aquarium roundup! Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a beginner, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top choices available on the market, giving you an in-depth look at each option’s features, benefits, and ease of use. Get ready to create your own mesmerizing marine sanctuary with our expert-reviewed recommendations!

The Top 6 Best 60 Gallon Aquariums

  1. 60-Gallon Aqueon Glass Rectangle Aquarium for Freshwater and Marine Applications — The Aqueon Standard Glass Rectangle Aquarium is a beautifully designed 60-gallon fish tank, perfect for both freshwater and marine applications, and ensuring stable temperature regulation.
  2. Marineland 60 Gallon Black Aquarium with Silicone-sealed Top Fram — The Marineland 60 Gallon Tank Black 48x13x24 offers a versatile filtration solution for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums, with a silicone-sealed top frame and compatibility with hang-on tank filters or canister filters.
  3. Marineland 60 Gallon Aquarium Ensemble with LED Light and Double Shelf Stand — Bring your aquarium dreams to life with the Marineland 60-gallon Ensemble Tank and Stand, offering a sleek design, hidden light system, and quiet performance, all backed by a satisfied customers’ reviews.
  4. 60-Gallon Rectangle Aquarium for Fish — Experience superior aquatic life with the Tsunami 60-Gallon Rectangle Aquarium, featuring a 36"x18"x24" size, 24x12x16 filter, and easy-to-manage overflow plumbing for hassle-free setups.
  5. ProStar 60 Gallon White Rimless Aquarium — Experience seamless aquascaping with the ProStar Rimless Aquarium, offering a sleek modern design, versatile filtration, and an integrated auto top-off system — now available in 60-gallon capacity, perfect for both saltwater and freshwater enthusiasts.
  6. UniQuarium 60-Gallon Blue Quadra Aquarium — Experience a seamless underwater world with the UniQuarium 60-Gallon Quadra Aquarium, featuring a hidden filtration system and curved viewing area for beginners and pros alike.

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Reviews

60-Gallon Aqueon Glass Rectangle Aquarium for Freshwater and Marine Applications

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Bring the underwater world right into your living space with the Aqueon Standard Open-Glass Aquarium Tank. Made from high-quality glass, this tank is perfect for both freshwater and marine applications. Its sleek black trim adds a touch of elegance to any room, making it a stylish addition to your home.

I recently purchased this tank for my snail collection, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The clean silicone edges provide a seamless finish, making the tank look even more attractive. The tank’s generous dimensions make it ideal for housing various types of aquatic life. I appreciate the inclusion of a drip loop when plugging in aquarium appliances, which prevents any water damage.

While setting up the tank, I noticed a slight issue with the bottom part. It developed a small crack after only a few weeks of use. Unfortunately, Aqueon has been slow to respond to my concerns, and fixing the tank has been a hassle. Additionally, some users have reported leaks, which could be caused by poor quality control during the manufacturing process.

Despite these drawbacks, the Aqueon Standard Open-Glass Aquarium Tank still provides a great space for your aquatic pets. Its durability and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment for any aquarium enthusiast. Just be sure to place the tank on a stand that can safely bear the weight of a filled aquarium to ensure your peace of mind.

Marineland 60 Gallon Black Aquarium with Silicone-sealed Top Fram

I recently had the chance to try the Marineland 60 Gallon Tank Black, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for any aquarium enthusiast. Standing at 48 inches long, 13 inches wide, and 24 inches tall, it’s spacious enough to house a variety of fish and plants.

One of my favorite features is the seamless silicone-sealed top frame that prevents capillary action, keeping your tank leak-free. Whether you’re an expert in freshwater or saltwater applications, this tank has got you covered. It can be used with a hang-on tank filter or a canister filter, giving you the flexibility to customize your filtration system.

But here’s the real kicker — this tank can easily be converted from a quick-clean water polisher to a continuous-duty mechanical/chemical filter. It’s powerful enough to handle a 50-gallon aquarium, which is great for anyone who needs a little extra filtration to keep their underwater world thriving.

The Marineland 60 Gallon Tank Black is a reliable choice for any aquarium enthusiast, making the lives of fish and plant lovers everywhere a bit easier.

Marineland 60 Gallon Aquarium Ensemble with LED Light and Double Shelf Stand

This 60-gallon ensemble package, from the trusted brand Marineland, offers an all-in-one solution for a stunning aquatic setup. Emphasizing visual appeal, the hidden LED light with its white and blue LEDs creates an enchanting underwater view, while the glass canopy adds a touch of elegance.

The black stand with its cabinet featuring a stainless steel handle and double shelves provides ample storage space and exudes an air of sophistication. However, one must account for the substantial size, which may be a significant consideration for smaller spaces.

The durable construction is undoubtedly commendable as is the noise level, making it a viable option for those seeking a high-quality, functional aquarium. Despite the occasional leak issue reported by some users, the ensemble remains highly appreciated by most for its combination of versatility, reliability, and design.

60-Gallon Rectangle Aquarium for Fish

As someone who loves to keep an aquarium, I recently came across the Tsunami 60-Gallon Rectangle Aquarium Setup. With dimensions of 36"x18"x24", it fit perfectly on my fish shelf, leaving plenty of room for my other tanks.

When I first set it up, I was impressed by the sturdy construction and the thick 1/2" top and bottom layers. The 24x12x16 filter was surprisingly effective, but I did notice that it made the tank a bit heavy to move around.

One issue I faced was overflow plumbing. It took some trial and error to get it working properly, but I managed to figure it out. While it was initially tricky, I appreciated how the designers had included overflow plumbing in each overflow spot.

Overall, I’d recommend this 60-gallon tank to anyone looking for a reliable, stylish, and functional aquarium setup. The thick walls provide a sense of durability, and the filter size ensures the water stays crystal clear. The only downside is the weight, but that’s a small price to pay for such a great product.

ProStar 60 Gallon White Rimless Aquarium

Experience the brilliance of underwater life with the Aquatic Sealife ProStar Rimless Aquarium, a beautiful addition to any home or office. This stunning 60-gallon aquarium features low iron glass, providing a crystal-clear view of your aquatic pets while reducing unwanted reflection. The pre-built cabinet is available in sleek black or white, perfectly complementing the tank’s design. With leveling feet and glossy rimless edges, this aquarium is the epitome of modern style and functionality.

The innovative glass sump and sump covers help minimize evaporation, ensuring stable water conditions for your marine life. The auto top-off system automatically replenishes the water, reducing maintenance hassle. The power cord will match the chosen color of your tank, making it a clean and elegant display. Whether you’re partial to saltwater or freshwater, the ProClear Aquatic’s Rimless Aquarium is the ideal companion for your underwater world.

UniQuarium 60-Gallon Blue Quadra Aquarium

Experience the wonders of underwater life with the Uniquarium Quadra, a stunning 60-gallon aquarium. Its seamless curved viewing area provides a fantastic vantage point, allowing you to see from any angle.

The 90-degree back securely fits into a corner, saving valuable space. A multitude of mechanicals are hidden behind a black screen, keeping your setup sleek and tidy.

Ideal for both novice and experienced aquarium enthusiasts, it boasts an impressive capacity with its Bio-Fil 3-way filter, Rio high-flow powerhead, and more. Additional slots for heaters and venturi skimmers (not included) are provided to cater to your every need.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to setting up an aquarium, one of the most popular sizes is the 60-gallon aquarium. These large tanks offer enough space to house a variety of fish and aquatic plants, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarium hobbyists. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll explore the important features, considerations, and general advice for choosing a 60-gallon aquarium.

Material

The material used in constructing a 60-gallon aquarium plays a crucial role in determining its durability and resistance to leaks. Acrylic and glass are the most common materials used. Acrylic aquariums are lighter, more resistant to impacts, and offer better clarity, but they can scratch easily. Glass, on the other hand, is heavier, more resistant to scratches, and is more affordable. Choose the material that best suits your needs and budget.

Shape and Size

60-gallon aquariums come in various shapes and sizes, including rectangular, bowfront, and custom-built. Consider the dimensions of the space where you plan to place the aquarium and choose a shape and size that fits comfortably within that space. Rectangular aquariums take up less floor space, while bowfront aquariums provide better visibility due to their curved design. Custom-built aquariums offer the flexibility to fit your specific space requirements.

Additional Features

Some 60-gallon aquariums come with additional features such as built-in filtration systems, heating elements, or LED lighting. Consider the convenience and cost-saving benefits of having these features integrated into the aquarium. However, if you prefer specific brands or models for these components, it might be more cost-effective to purchase them separately and install them yourself.

Warranty and Customer Support

A good warranty and customer support are essential when investing in a 60-gallon aquarium. Check for the duration of the warranty, including coverage for any manufacturing defects, and the availability of customer support. A reputable brand with a strong customer support network will ensure that you receive the assistance you need in case of any issues with your aquarium.

FAQ

What is a 60-gallon aquarium best suited for?

A 60-gallon aquarium is an excellent choice for a wide range of freshwater and marine fish species. It can accommodate a variety of fish sizes and multiple species, providing a suitable environment for both community tanks and species-specific setups. With proper filtration, water quality, and maintenance, this size aquarium can support a thriving and diverse ecosystem.

Additionally, a 60-gallon aquarium is suitable for beginners and experienced hobbyists. The larger volume helps to establish a stable environment and reduces the frequency of water changes required to maintain proper water quality. However, this size also requires more space, filtration capacity, and maintenance efforts compared to smaller tanks.

What are the essential requirements for setting up a 60-gallon aquarium?

Setting up a 60-gallon aquarium involves a few critical items: a suitable tank, a sturdy stand, a sump or canister filter, a heater, a lighting system, substrate, decorations, and water treatment chemicals. Proper filtration is essential to maintain water quality, and a suitable stand ensures the tank’s stability and safety. Hobbyists may also choose to install an air pump and powerheads for additional water movement and circulation.

Before filling the aquarium with water and fish, clean and rinse all accessories to remove any debris or dust. Set up the filtration system, heater, and lighting system according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add substrate, decorations, and water treatment chemicals, such as conditioner and chlorine remover, to the tank. Finally, fill the tank with water, allowing it to cycle and stabilize before introducing fish.

How should I choose the right heater for my 60-gallon aquarium?

Selecting the right heater for a 60-gallon aquarium involves considering the capacity, wattage, and accuracy of temperature regulation. Choose a heater rated for at least 50–60 watts, which is appropriate for the size of the tank. It’s essential to choose a well-regulated heater that can maintain an accurate temperature within one degree of the desired setting.

Consider the materials used in the heater as well. Glass or tempered glass heaters are the most common choice and offer easy visibility and water temperature monitoring. Another option is submersible plate heaters, which provide even heat distribution and can be concealed beneath the substrate. When purchasing a heater, make sure to read customer reviews and ratings to ensure consistent performance and reliability.

What is the best way to cycle a new 60-gallon aquarium?

Cycling a new 60-gallon aquarium involves introducing beneficial bacteria to break down fish waste products and maintain a healthy environment before adding fish. Follow these steps to cycle the tank: Establish a filtration system with live bacteria by adding a layer of substrate, decorations, and gravel. Fill the tank with water, add a few drops of ammonia to kick-start the nitrogen cycle, and monitor the water parameters closely.

Next, test the water daily for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels using test kits. Avoid adding fish until the ammonia level spikes; at this point, beneficial bacteria multiply, converting ammonia into nitrite and then into nitrate. Once the nitrate level remains under 10 ppm for several days, the tank has cycled successfully, and it’s safe to add fish gradually.

What are some common issues new hobbyists face when setting up a 60-gallon aquarium?

Some common issues new hobbyists face when setting up a 60-gallon aquarium include improper filtration, maintaining water temperature, cycling the tank, and overstocking. These mistakes can lead to poor water quality, stress, and potential harm to fish. Proper filtration, cycling, and maintaining water quality are crucial to establishing a stable environment for fish.

Overstocking occurs when too many fish are added to the tank, reducing available space and making it difficult for each fish to swim comfortably and find food. To avoid this, research your fish species and choose a stocking plan that allows for ample space and minimal competition for resources. Additionally, hobbyists should be mindful of the size, temperature, and pH preferences of the species they select to ensure a compatible and harmonious aquatic ecosystem.

What additional products might I need to purchase for my 60-gallon aquarium?

A few additional products can enhance the function and appearance of a 60-gallon aquarium. Some of these items include air pumps, powerheads, water treatment chemicals, and water conditioners. Air pumps are useful for introducing oxygen into the water, while powerheads create movement and circulation.

Hobbyists should invest in water treatment chemicals and conditioners to maintain the overall health and well-being of their fish. Water conditioners neutralize ammonia, reduce heavy metals, and support the protective slime layer on fish skin. Regular tap water should be treated before introducing it into the tank to ensure safe and stress-free conditions for the fish.

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