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 2023-03-27 / 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 2023-03-27 / 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
- With Deep Blue Professional you can have the benefit of aquariums and accessories with the features you want at prices you can afford
- Manufactured by Deep blue professional
- Made in United States
Last update on 2023-03-27 / 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
- Suitable for most 20 gallon fish tanks. Stand fits 20 gallon tanks up to with a measurement 28.7" long and up to 16.5" inches wide. It will fit most 20 gallon tanks but due to many different models on the market, please measure your tank to ensure a proper fit. Desktop size is 28.7"*16.5".
- 2 in 1 Space-saving: Save valuable floor space with our 2-tier stand. A 20-gallon fish tank of any shape can be placed on the desktop, and the lower shelf can accommodate up to a 10-gallon fish tank.
- Sturdy & Durable Construction: Stability critical for an aquarium stand. Most simple thin iron frames are unstable and dangerous. Pure particleboard is not waterproof and will not last long.We have taken both into consideration.Made with thick steel powder coated frames and P2 MDF board. This fish tank stand is sturdy, durable, and moisture-resistant. No need to worry about wobbling like with many other weak stands on the market.
- Storage: This fish tank stand allows you to conveniently store your fish accessories: fish food, net,gravel cleaner,etc. All in a no clutter configuration, easy access, neat & well-organized.
- Sleek & Modern Design: Black steel legs with powder-coated finish paired with wood grain cabinet makes this aquarium stand quite modern and easy to match your current furniture decor. Tanks not included.Stand Dimensions: 28.7"*16.5"*31.9", Stand Holding Capacity:220 LBS for the tabletop and 110 LBS for the bottom shelf.
- MODERN DESIGN FOR MODERN HOMES: Our Large Bow Front Acrylic 58 Gal Aquarium features a matching glossy black base and top cover, with a single accented gold line along the bottom of both. This tall and sleek design blends seamlessly with most home décor. Great for Freshwater and Saltwater setups.
- SAVES FLOOR SPACE: In addition to providing a full 360° view of your fish’s environment, this durable and strong acrylic tank will save you space within your home. You don’t have to compromise aquatic volume for horizontal square footage! Furthermore, you are also free to build vertically inspired setups and Aquascapes!
- CONVENIENT STORAGE TOP: The filtration and aeration systems are constructed specifically for this tank, and for your convenience. While filtration is setup directly atop the tank via a tightly sealed and transparent lid, the glossy black top sits atop of that, and contains a storage compartment for the electrical power strip and air pump.
- ITEMS INCLUDED: Tank, Bottom Stand, Top Cover, Customizable Filtration Column / Lid, Filtration Media, Dual Outlet Air Pump, Integrated Tubing System and Bubble Wall, Water Pump, Remote Controlled Mufti-Color LED Light, and Electrical Power Strip.
- SHIPS IN 3 BOXES: Because of the overall size, this item ships in 3 boxes that are shrink wrapped together on a pallet for a freight delivery. We will contact buyer to arrange shipping date prior to shipment and failure to confirm a shipping date will result in the order being cancelled. and please note that refusal of delivery, or return not due to shipping damage, may be subject to a 50% restocking fee. All other Amazon return policies also apply.
- MODERN DESIGN FOR MODERN HOMES: Our Large Cylinder Acrylic 53 Gallon Aquarium features a matching glossy black base and top cover, with a single accented gold line along the bottom of both. This tall and sleek design blends seamlessly with most home décor. They’re great for freshwater and saltwater setups.
- SAVES FLOOR SPACE: In addition to providing a full 360° view of your fish’s environment, this durable and strong acrylic tank will save you space within your home. You don’t have to compromise aquatic volume for horizontal square footage! Furthermore, you are also free to build vertically inspired setups and aquascapes!
- CONVENIENT STORAGE TOP: The filtration and aeration systems are constructed specifically for this tank, and for your convenience. While filtration is setup directly atop the tank via a tightly sealed and transparent lid, the glossy black top sits atop of that, and contains a storage compartment for the electrical power strip and air pump.
- ITEMS INCLUDED: Tank, Bottom Stand, Top Cover, Customizable Filtration Column / Lid, Filtration Media, Dual Outlet Air Pump, Integrated Tubing System and Bubble Wall, Water Pump, Remote Controlled Mufti-Color LED Light, and Electrical Power Strip.
- SHIPS IN 3 BOXES: Because of the overall size, this item ships in 3 boxes that are shrink wrapped together on a pallet for a freight delivery. We will contact buyer to arrange shipping date prior to shipment and failure to confirm a shipping date will result in the order being cancelled. and please note that refusal of delivery, or return not due to shipping damage, may be subject to a 50% restocking fee. All other Amazon return policies also apply.
Last update on 2023-03-12 / 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 2023-03-27 / 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 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- 3-STAGE FILTRATION: Water flows through media layers to filter water and ensure a clean aquatic environment
- VERSATILE: For freshwater and saltwater aquariums
- FAST SETUP: Water-tight canister lid lifts up for easy removal
- EASY MAINTENANCE: Valve block for quick release to shut down water flow – separates from housing for quick, spill-free maintenance
- THREE SIZES AVAILABLE: Comes in 220 GPH, 360 GPH and 360 GPH sizes
Last update on 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- CANISTER FILTERS FOR AQUARIUM: This Aquatop UV aquarium canister filter is taken to the highest performance level with ideal features such as Vortex Prime, Secure-Mount Fittings, and an optional Surface Skimmer.
- GREAT FOR FRESH & SALTWATER TANKS: This 370 GPH 3+1 filtration system is ideal for fresh and saltwater aquariums ranging in size from 75 to 125 gallons. There are also two convenient priming options that eliminate the need for manual siphoning.
- UV BULB FOR CRYSTAL CLEAR WATER: This Aquatop fish tank filter comes equipped with UV and all the necessary plumbing for installation. The integrated 9-watt UV bulb helps keep your aquarium water healthy and crystal clear.
- CUSTOMIZABLE AQUARIUM FILTER MEDIA: This aquarium filter includes three large filtration media compartments to add the filtration media of your choice. The customizable filtration media trays offer a filtration system to suit your aquatic needs.
- SUPERIOR FILTRATION: This tank filter includes three fine filter pads and a single coarse filter sponge for enhanced Mechanical Filtration. Add Aquatop’s Premium Activated Carbon, Ceramic Rings, or Bio-Balls (included) for superior filtration.
Last update on 2023-03-27 / 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 2023-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Hinged screen cover for aquariums and glass tanks
- Easy to install
- Maximum UV penetration
- Central hinges allow easy access
- Designed for 60 Breeder/75/90/110 X-High gallon aquariums
Last update on 2023-03-27 / 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.