Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.Learn more

7 Best 20-Gallon Rimless Aquariums in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

white and orange fish in an aquarium

The world of aquarium building has come a long way from the days of a single goldfish confined to a bowl. These days, aquascapes can be elaborate works of visual art, complete with colorful fish and lush plantings. For those who value the look and style of their tank as much as they do their aquatic pets, rimless aquariums are the way to go. Because they lack the edge braces of traditional tanks, rimless aquariums have a clean, minimalist appearance that fits with modern home decor. They also offer a clear, unobstructed view of the tank inhabitants.

If this sounds like exactly the kind of fishkeeping you’d like to do, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up reviews of the seven best 20-gallon rimless aquariums on the market this year. Check out our thoughts on these tanks and our handy buyer’s guide before you get started on your aqua art project!

divider-fishbowl

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Lifeguard Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium Lifeguard Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium
  • Sturdy construction
  • Includes leveling mat
  • Low-iron glass
  • Best Value
    Second place
    SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
  • High visibility tank
  • Lighter than glass
  • Comes with a lid
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium
  • Unique dimensions
  • 91% clarity glass
  • Silicone-sealed edges
  • Landen Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank Landen Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank
  • High-quality construction
  • Immersive view from all sides
  • 91% clarity
  • SC水族馆的水族馆 SC水族馆的水族馆
  • Good value
  • Easy setup with the included pump
  • Can be used for freshwater or saltwater habitats
  • The 7 Best 20-Gallon Rimless Aquariums

    1.Lifeguard Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium – Best Overall

    Lifegard Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium

    Dimensions: 40” L x 14” W x 14” H
    Capacity: 22 gallons
    Material: Glass

    Our pick for the best overall 20-gallon rimless aquarium is theLifeguard Crystal Bookshelf Aquarium.这个惊人的,清澈的水族馆是每fect size for a bookshelf, allowing you to show off your waterscape at eye level if you want. The sturdy construction of low-iron glass is precision cut for a sleek and modern appearance. The aquarium comes with a foam leveling mat, however, experienced users suggest adding an egg crate mat if your tank contains heavy hardscaping.

    This tank is designed for freshwater environments only. Users speak highly of the quality of this aquarium, although they do note that the price is on the more expensive side.

    Pros
    • Sturdy construction
    • Includes leveling mat
    • Low-iron glass
    Cons
    • It may require additional leveling
    • 更高的价格

    2.SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set – Best Value

    SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

    Dimensions: 24” L x 13” W x 16” H
    Capacity: 20 gallons
    Material: Acrylic

    Our choice of the best 20-gallon rimless aquarium for the money is theSeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.This aquarium comes with a light fixture and reflector and can be used for either saltwater or freshwater tank setups. Unlike many rimless tanks, this one also comes with a lid. However, some users reported warping at the top of the tank caused issues with the fit. This rimless tank is also made of acrylic rather than glass, making it stronger, lighter, and clearer to see through. The Sea Clear tank can be ordered with different color back panels or a clear one, depending on preference.

    Users report that the included light is not of good quality and they had trouble finding a bulb that matched. The beautiful, clear view of their tank inhabitants was one of the primary reasons users recommend this tank.

    Pros
    • High visibility tank
    • Lighter than glass
    • Comes with a lid
    Cons
    • Included light is of a poor quality
    • Some issues with warping at the top of the tank

    3.Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium – Premium Choice

    Ultum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium

    Dimensions: 11.8” L x 35.4” W x 11.8” H
    Capacity: 21 gallons
    Material: Glass

    TheUltum Nature Systems Ultra Clear Rimless Aquariumis a sleek design, with a long and low profile. Less than a foot in height, this aquarium could tuck snugly onto a long shelf, offering a wide showcase for your aquascape. Made of low-iron glass with edges mitered at precisely 45 degrees, this aquarium features 91% clarity for a nearly perfect view of your tank inhabitants. To create a tight seal, the edges are bonded with silicone designed specifically for aquariums. The unique dimensions of this tank make it the perfect choice for the aquarium keeper looking to make a statement with their creation.

    Suitable for either saltwater or freshwater inhabitants, this gorgeous tank comes at a less appealing price, but users rave about the beauty and quality of the aquarium.

    Pros
    • Unique dimensions
    • 91% clarity glass
    • Silicone-sealed edges
    Cons
    • High price point

    4.Landen Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank

    Landen Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank

    Dimensions: 23.62” L x 15.75” W x 15.75” H
    Capacity: 23 gallons
    Material: Glass

    TheLanden Rimless Low Iron Tankis handmade, with smooth ground edges and strong seals. The glass offers 91% clarity and excellent light transmission, allowing a clear view from the front or side panels. It can only be used for freshwater aquascapes and doesn’t come with a lid. Some resourceful purchasers report they had their own covers cut by local glass companies.

    This tank does come with a logo visible in the bottom corner, which can distract from a truly immersive viewing experience. However, users report that the logo is easily scraped off should you so choose. Reviews for this tank are overwhelmingly positive, with many users reporting that they are repeat purchasers of the product.

    Pros
    • High-quality construction
    • Immersive view from all sides
    • 91% clarity
    Cons
    • Logo visible in a lower corner
    • Doesn’t come with a lid

    5.SC水族馆的水族馆

    SC水族馆的水族馆

    Dimensions: 24” L x 15” W x 15” H
    Capacity: 24 gallons
    Material: Glass

    TheSC Aquariums All-In-Oneoption comes complete with an overflow chamber and a return pump so it’s all ready for use when it arrives. Because of the included chamber, the tank has only three-sided viewing. It is suitable for either freshwater or saltwater habitats. Like many rimless tanks, there is no lid included with this aquarium.

    Users appreciated the convenience of the included pump but found it to be noisy in many cases. The tank does not come with a leveling mat, which needs to be purchased separately. Overall, purchasers consider this tank a good value, with some sloppy edges and seals noted.

    Pros
    • Good value
    • Easy setup with the included pump
    • Can be used for freshwater or saltwater habitats
    Cons
    • Included pump is noisy
    • No lid or leveling mat included

    6.Waterbox Aquariums Cube All-In-One Aquarium

    Waterbox Aquariums Cube All-In-One Aquarium

    Dimensions: 17.7” L x 17.7” W x 15.7” H
    Capacity: 20 gallons
    Material: Glass

    TheWaterboxis a visually stunning aquarium, with its unique cube shape. It’s also convenient since it comes equipped with return pumps and a filter, allowing you to start your tank building right away. The pump is high quality, and the return nozzle is adjustable, allowing you to create the perfect amount of flow. Waterbox is suitable for either saltwater or freshwater tank setups.

    Users appreciate the clean edges and easy setup of this aquarium. The high-quality tank is a bit expensive, but purchasers seem to feel the price is worth it for this aquarium.

    Pros
    • Visually stunning shape
    • Pump and filter included
    • Easy setup
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • No lid included

    divider-fish

    Buyer’s Guide:How to Find the Best 20-Gallon Rimless Aquarium

    Now that you have an idea of what types of 20-gallon rimless aquariums are available, here are a few things to keep in mind as you narrow down your choice.

    Glass vs Acrylic

    One of the first choices you’ll need to make is whether you want an aquarium made of glass or acrylic. Glass aquariums are more scratch-resistant, stable, and hold their clarity over time. Acrylic is lighter than glass and doesn’t break as easily. It also offers a clearer view of yourtank inhabitants.However, the clarity of the acrylic tends to fade and yellow over time.

    Tank Dimensions

    Size and shape matter when building a visually appealing rimless aquascape. The proportions of the tank will help dictate what types of hardscaping and plants you can choose to construct your栖息地.You’ll also need to consider the tank dimensions when deciding where you’ll place it in your home. Is it going to be a bookshelf or desktop decoration?

    Edging And Seal Quality

    If you decide on a glass tank, pay attention to how the edges of theaquariumare constructed. Some glass tanks have sharp edges, which may not be the best choice if the aquarium will be within reach of children or other pets. Look for beveled edges or consider an acrylic tank instead.

    Unlike traditional tanks, rimless aquariums have no braces on the sides for stability. This feature makes it extra important that the seal on the edges is of the highest quality. No matter how highly rated and reviewed your new tank is, however, always test it over an easy-to-clean floor to ensure there are no leaks.

    divider-fishbowl

    Conclusion

    As the best overall 20-gallon rimless aquarium, theLifeguard Crystal Bookshelf Aquariumis a modern, high-quality tank, designed to adorn a shelf. Our best value pick, theSeaClear Acrylic提供光weight durability and unmatched clarity of acrylic for a reasonable price. We hope our reviews of these 7rimless aquariumsallow you to find the best option as you embark on a hobby that is as much about visual appeal as it is about the fish in the tank.


    Featured Image Credit: PDPics, Pixabay

    Our vets

    Want to talk to a vet online?

    Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers!

    Our vets