Best Comprehensive Guide To Set Up A 90 Gallon Fish Tank
Are you looking for a 90 gallon fish tank? But not sure about which one to buy and their best features.
Then you have arrived at the right place.
A 90-gallon fish tank is the best buy for those who want to keep a lot of fish species and give an aesthetic look to the insides.
In this article, I have enumerated various 90-gallon fish tanks suitable for people according to their needs, followed by a detailed guide for setup and maintain the tank further in future.
There are a lot of tanks available in the market today. Here I am enlisting the best 5 from which you can choose your ideal fit.
Let’s begin with the tanks!
STEP 1: BUYING A 90-GALLON TANK
Before going into the tank setup and maintenance, it is of prime importance to understand the one best suited to you.
Each aquarium comes with a different set of features, specifications, advantages, and therefore the right one depends on a variety of factors.
You must take into account all the factors before choosing the right one.
You can turn the aquarium into various types like freshwater, saltwater, tropical as it has a lot of space and keep different fish species without any problem.
READ THE REVIEW OF THE BEST 90-GALLON AQUARIUMS BELOW-
SEAPORA 59216 STANDARD AQUARIUM, 90-GALLONS
- This product is easy to use
- This product adds a great Value
- This product is Manufactured in United States
- The Package Weight Of The Product Is 30.01 Pounds
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Seapora is one of the best aquariums in the market right now. It is one of the most reputable brands.
The product dimensions are 30*30*3.4 inches and the corresponding weight is 116 pounds. This aquarium is manufactured in the United States and is available on Amazon at a great price.
Seapora comes with an aquarium divider system which helps create isolated compartments in the tank. It maintains overall heat circulation and filtration and convenient feeding hole with lid.
The aquarium model is available on Amazon at a reasonable price.
Features:
- LED lighting above the tank
- Low voltage power adapter
- Easy to use
- Available at a reduced price online
- Manufactured in the United States
CLEAR FOR LIFE RECTANGLE ACRYLIC AQUARIUM
- Dimensions - 48"(L)x18"(W)x24"(H)
- Clear Back Panel - Round Front Corners
- Made in the USA
- Limited Lifetime Warranty Against Leakage
- Safer & Stronger than Glass
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Clear For Life is one of the best brands for fish aquariums nowadays. This 90-gallon tank is of the dimensions 48*18*24 inches.
The tank material is acrylic which makes it scratch resistant and gives it a shiny texture. The rectangular shaped tank can house many fish species and the lid is also made up of acrylic.
You can buy it from Amazon at reasonable price.
Features:
- ABS light fixtures on the top of the tank.
- Available at lower price online
- Tank is made up of acrylic
- Can accommodate several fish species
DEEP BLUE PROFESSIONAL ADB18090 90-GALLON REEF READY AQUARIUM TANK
- Reef-ready - equipped with corner overflow box
- Includes two holes - a 1” drain and a 3/4” return
- Injection molded frame for maximum support
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The aquarium tank measures 48, 18, 24 inches as length,width, and height respectively. The outer body is made up of glass and it is rectangular in shape.
It is reef-ready and already equipped with all the necessary plumbing materials. It is an ideal choice for saltwater fish but is also suitable for freshwater fish types.
Features:
- Product dimensions: 48*18*24 inches
- All glass body
- Rectangular in shape
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fish species
STEP 2: PURCHASING THE RIGHT STAND
After buying the right aquarium from the above list, you need to look for the right aquarium stand for support and safety.
There are many aquarium kits available in the market that comes with stand. The stands come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
Some are pre-equipped with a cabinet, some are water-resistant. To get your hands on the ideal one, you need to make a thorough research.
Below I am listing one of the best 90-gallon aquarium stands.
MARCO 75-90 GALLON UPRIGHT AQUARIUM STAND
Marco upright aquarium is a durable support stand for your 90-gallon aquarium tank. The contemporary design and different colors accentuates the aesthetic look of your homes.
It is made up of a dense fiberboard and covered in melamine laminate. The stand supports the aquarium completely and keeps it safe.
The front part conceals all the important equipment like filter, pump. The stand comes with a two two-paneled doors provided to reach the inside accessories without disturbing the whole setup.
You can buy this elegant stand at reduced prices online.
Some Other Honorable Mentions
- Wide Fish Tank Stand: Fish tank stand is suitable for 20-29 gallon fish tanks, including 20-gallon long tanks, with a desktop size of 30.7 inches * 16.5 inches, which can accommodate most standard size fish tanks. However, to ensure a perfect match, we recommend measuring the dimensions of your fish tank before purchasing.
- 2 in 1 Space Design: Stand is designed with two levels for fish tank placement, the desktop can accommodate differently shaped 20-29 gallon fish tanks, and the bottom can also hold small 5-10 gallon fish tanks. This structure raises the height of the fish tank to a more comfortable viewing height while maximizing the use of limited space. It keeps your fish tank storage neat and tidy.
- Sturdy and Stable: Stability is crucial for a fish tank. Therefore, our stand is made of thick steel with powder coating and sturdy MDF board, ensuring a weight capacity of 330 pounds for the desktop and 110 pounds for the bottom, to ensure durability, moisture resistance, and prevent shaking or instability like other products on the market.
- Convenient Storage: Stand features a spacious storage cabinet in the middle, making it easy to store fish food, nets, gravel cleaning agents, and more. The storage cabinet keeps your fish tank area clean and tidy and allows you to access the items you need easily.
- Modern Appearance: Aquarium stand features a modern black design that matches various home decor styles. This design is not only practical but also beautiful, making it the perfect decoration for your home. Tanks not included. Support dimensions: 30.7" x 16.5" x 31.88".
- 【MULTIPLE FISH TANK ADAPTATION】This aquarium stand measures 31"L*16.5"W*32.1"H. This 29 gallon aquarium stand is sized to fit 20-29 gallon round, square or rectangular fish tanks, and the bottom can also hold an additional 5-10 gallon fish tank, allowing you to enjoy viewing two types of fish at the same time, increasing the diversity of your home life.
- 【SPACE OPTIMIZING DESIGN】The top displays the fish tank stand, and the bottom can be used for storage or decoration, effectively utilizing the space to meet your pursuit of a neat and personalized home. The bottom padded feet are adjustable and can be adjusted according to your needs.
- 【SUPERIOR WEIGHT-BEARING & DURABILITY】Made of powder coated thick steel and sturdy MDF, the top load-bearing 340lbs and the bottom load-bearing 110lbs ensure the stability and durability of the fish tank stand, so you can use it with peace of mind.
- 【CONVENIENT STORAGE FUNCTION】With a storage cabinet in the center, it is convenient to store fish tank supplies, and the door panel is silent design, which doesn't disturb the fish and keep the fish tank area tidy, meet your needs for home practicality.
- 【MODERN AND STYLISH APPEARANCE】Modern design, simple and atmospheric, suitable for a variety of home decorating styles, enhance the beauty and vitality of the living space, both practical furniture and works of art, add a sense of modernity to your home.
- STRONG SUPPORT: This fish tank stand is constructed with high-quality wooden panels and heavy-duty metal for robust support. It is sturdy, durable, and moisture-resistant, making it easy to clean. Featuring four adjustable feet at the bottom, it ensures maximum stability for your convenience.
- LARGE CAPACITY DESIGN: This 3 tier fish tank stand is designed to accommodate 5 to 10 gallon aquariums. The middle tier offers additional storage space for fish food, nets, disinfectants, water conditioners, and other daily essentials. This ensures a tidy and organized environment around your aquarium, making it convenient to access the items you need.
- PRODUCT SIZE: This aquarium stand measures 20.47 inches (L) ×11.42 inches (W) × 30.91 inches (H). The top tier can support up to 220 lbs, ideal for a 10 gallon fish tank. The middle tier provides space for storing fishkeeping essentials. The bottom tier can hold up to 66 lbs, suitable for a 5 gallon fish tank. Please check the product dimensions before purchasing to ensure it meets your requirements.
- EASY ASSEMBLY: The aquarium stand is simple in construction and easy to assemble. We come with detailed installation instructions that you can follow to put it together very quickly. If there is any problem, you can contact us at any time, we will provide you with a satisfactory solution.
- STYLISH AND UNIQUE DESIGN: This three-tier aquarium stand features a chic modern design, combining metal tubing with particleboard for superior quality. It complements various home decor styles, serving not only as a practical aquarium stand but also as an exquisite home decoration. Bring a distinctive and stylish ambiance to your home with this elegant piece.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
STEP 3: GET THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT
Apart from the tank and the tank stand, there is a whole list of necessary equipment to be fitting in and out of the aquarium.
The heater comes in various styles. Here I am enlisting 3 most important apparatus to buy for the smooth functioning of the aquarium.
Choose a heater based on the net amount of water available in the aquarium and not the water amount itself. It should be between 3 to 5 watts per gallon of water.
HEATER
A 90-gallon aquarium need a heater with power between 270 watts and 450 watts. Most of the models are made with 50 watts increments, therefore, your choice could vary anywhere in between 300 to 500 watts.
The best way to balance is to use 2 heaters that would sum up the upper limit. In this case, 2 250-watt heaters would be an ideal choice.
This helps create a safety valve. That means that if one heater fails, the other one would be there to compensate for the absence.
Moreover, if one gets stuck on, the other one will take a lot of time to overheat making it safe for us to find an alternative in the meantime.
There are 2 types of heaters- hang on tank and submersible. It completely depends on your personal choice or decoration styles.
You can purchase this heater for the tank-
- Adjustable heat setting 68 to 88°F, Electronic Thermostat accurate to +/- 1°
- Shatterproof and nearly indestructible
- Fully submersible; Auto Shut-Off when over-heats, resets when it cools down
- LED light is always on: red when heating, green when not heating
- Limited Lifetime warranty
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FILTER
Keeping the aquarium water clean is of prime importance. The filters vary according to the tank quantity and the types of fish kept in it.
It also removes dirt, impurities, fish waste from the tank and creates necessary current. It is difficult to choose from a wide variety of aquarium filters. Some of them includes bio floss, bio sponge, carbon, and other media filters.
Here are some of the best filters to choose from
- CASCADE 1000 CANISTER FILTER: Without effort, the Cascade 1000 Canister Filter quietly delivers crystal clear water throughout the tank. This filter cycles water at 265 Gallons per Hour, and is recommended for aquariums up to 100 gallons. It’s compatible for both freshwater and saltwater fish tanks, and is also great for turtle habitats!
- STATE OF THE ART FEATURES: In addition to the push button primer that allows for a simple and quick prime, this Canister Filter also features two independent valve taps that rotate 360°. This makes for easy maneuvering, even in the tightest aquarium cabinets! The 3 stackable, large capacity media baskets give aquarists the ability to customize filtration.
- FILTER MEDIA: This Canister Filter comes standard with 3 Poly Fiber Floss Pads, 1 Coarse Bio-Sponge, and 1 Bag of Activated Carbon. In addition to optimizing the colonization of anaerobic bacteria, this filter traps floating particulate matter, removes harmful chemicals and toxins, clears up discolorations, and reduces foul odors from your aquarium’s water.
- ITEMS INCLUDED: 2 Independent Valve Taps, Push Button Primer, Flow Rate Control Cut-Off Valves, Swimming-Pool Style Hose Clamps, 4 Easy Lift Alignment Clamps, Sturdy Tip-Proof Base, 3 Large Capacity Media Baskets, 3 Poly Fiber Floss Pads, 1 Coarse Bio-Sponge, and 1 Bag of Activated Carbon.
- MEASUREMENTS AND OTHER USEFUL INFO: The Cascade 1000 Canister Filter measures 11.5” (W) x 10” (D) x 17” (H). Additional Info = 110 Volts / 60 Hz / 28.5 W.
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- POWERFUL 3-STAGE FILTRATION: Stack N’ Flo Filter Trays force water to flow through media layers that provide mechanical, chemical and biological filtration for a clean and healthy aquatic environment.
- INCLUDED MEDIA: Includes filter foam, premium activated carbon bags, bio-filter balls, ceramic filter rings and polishing filter pads.
- EASY TO SET UP: A quick prime button fills the filter chamber with water for self-priming system startup.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: Canister lid with watertight seal can be lifted up for easy removal.
- COMPATIBILITY: Filters 400 gallons per hour for freshwater or saltwater aquariums up to 100 gallons and is compatible with Marineland Rite-Size T filter media.
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Canister Filter for Aquariums Up to 125 Gallons: The Aquatop CF-400UV MKII is designed for both freshwater and saltwater tanks, providing efficient 3+1 stage filtration for tanks up to 125 gallons.
- 9W for Crystal Clear Water: Featuring a built-in 9W, this filter eliminates particles, ensuring your aquarium water remains crystal clear and healthy.
- 370 GPH Flow Rate for Optimal Circulation: With a flow rate of 370 gallons per hour, this canister filter ensures proper water circulation and oxygenation, essential for your aquatic ecosystem.
- Easy Installation & Maintenance: The CF-400UV MKII is designed for quick installation and easy maintenance, with convenient access to the filter media for cleaning and upkeep.
- Durable and Reliable: This canister filter is built with high-quality materials to provide long-lasting performance and dependable filtration for both freshwater and saltwater environments.
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
HOOD
If you own an aquarium, you might also need a hood. A hood, also known as the canopy is a lid, a plastic or glass barrier that covers the aquarium from the top.
A lot of hoods include lights but not each one. They differ in size according to the size of the aquarium.
Here are two best hoods for your 90-gallon aquariums-
- 48 inch ReptiSun LED UVB Terrarium Hood
- Recommended for 48 inch tanks, terrariums, and aquariums
- Features a highly polished curved reflector for maximum efficiency and UVB penetration
- Includes 6 lighting modules (6500K, red plant growth, and Blue Lunar LEDs) with one 46 inch T5 UVB bulb
- This is the ideal light fixture for large terrariums, planted terrariums, and any species that benefits from UVB exposure and bright, visible light
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Hinged for Convenience: Easily access your tank with the hinged Exo Terra Screen Cover; open partially or fully (18.75" W x 48.75" L when open)
- Stable and Secure Cover: The central hinge allows partial opening without removing fixtures, reducing stress and escape risks for your tank’s inhabitants
- Enhanced Ventilation & UV Access: Durable metal screen ensures optimal airflow and UV penetration for reptile health while keeping insects and small animals secure
- Accessory Compatible: Use with Exo Terra Screen Cover Clips (sold separately) for extra stability and security
- Perfect for Large Tanks: Designed for 60-gallon Breeder and 75-gallon terrariums; compatible with 90 and 110 X-High gallon tanks for versatility
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
STEP 4: PREPARING THE AQUARIUM
Before adding water, make sure that you have cleaned the aquarium inside-out. Refrain from using any harsh chemicals on the inside of the tank as it could prove to be harmful for the fish.
Also clean the aquarium gravel, rocks, substrate and ornaments with warm water. Now fill the tank with water.
Do not use tap water as it contains chlorine which could be harmful for the fish. Dechlorinate the tap water and then add it.
Some of the best dechlorinators are Seachem Prime, Tetra AquaSafe Plus, Natural Rapport. Do not forget to cycle the tank at regular intervals for necessary bacteria formation which provides nutrients to the fish.
Make sure that the pH level of the water is maintained at a suggested temperature.
STEP 5: INTRODUCE FISH AND OTHER DECORATIONS
Now that you have successfully added the water, it is time to add the fish followed by preferrable decorations.
It is not recommended to add the fish directly as it will not be able to adapt to the changed water temperature and surroundings.
Caution – Even the subtle change in pH level could make the fish sick and lead to death eventually. This process takes patience and careful approach on your part.
Here is a list of some fish types you can keep in a 90-gallon aquarium-
- Discus and Scalare
- Cichlids
- Common tetra species: neon tetras or Rummy-nose tetra
- Catfish
- Black lined loach or dwarf loaches
- Rainbow fish
- Five Banded barbs, tiger barbs, Odessa barbs
- Gourami
- Rasboras
- Rainbow Snakehead
For reef tank: Tangs, Clowns, Wrasses, Cardinals
Moreover, the fish species to be kept highly depend upon the type of aquarium you are going to make- freshwater, or saltwater.
Even the fish addition should take place according to the. For decorations, you can use different plants, roots, other creatures, rocks, gravel, etc.
STEP 6: AQUARIUM TANK MAINTENANCE IDEAS
This is not the last step in the process. Tank maintenance and management is highly important to ensure the long life of the fish.
Clean and cycle the tank at regular intervals. Feed the fish regularly and keep the lights on and off according to the recommended schedule.
If you have any questions, you can get in touch with us and raise your concerns ranging from the aquarium type to fish type to maintenance tips, anything.
I would also suggest you to spend some time with your water buddies as it increases acquaintance and companionship.
FAQS
What is the typical size of a 90-gallon aquarium?
The typical 90-gallon aquarium tank dimensions are 48 inches length, 18 inches width and 25 inches height.
What is the weight of the tank empty and full?
The average weight of the tank when empty is 160 lbs and 1050 lbs when full.
What fish species can I keep in South America 90-gallon fish tank?
You can introduce 6-8 Discus fish, Agassiz’s dwarf cichlid, cockatoo dwarf cichlid, red striped cichlid, Tefe agassizii or 2-4 pairs of dwarf cichlids in pairs, angelfish, large cichlids, etc.
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