Our Top 3 Tanks For Beginners!
Starting your first aquarium is exciting. Choosing the right tank from the beginning makes a massive difference to how enjoyable (and successful) your fishkeeping journey will be.
One of the biggest mistakes new fishkeepers make is going too small. While nano tanks look appealing, they can seriously limit your options and are often harder to maintain. If you’ve got the space, around 60 litres is the sweet spot: more stable water, more stocking options, and far more room to learn and grow.
With that in mind, here are our top 3 beginner-friendly aquariums at Simply Fish, based on ease of setup, flexibility, value, and long-term enjoyment.
1. The Juwel Primo 60 - Our #1 Beginner Tank Recommendation
If you want to start strong and invest in quality from day one, the Juwel Primo 60 is our number one recommendation for beginner fishkeepers.
It offers that desirable 60L capacity, but where the Primo really shines is build quality and equipment reliability. Juwel aquariums are widely regarded as one of the best on the market, especially in New Zealand. This model is quickly becoming a top seller at Simply Fish. Why? Because we can't stop recommending it.
Note - The Primo 70 is also a great choice for beginners. Excatly the same as the Primo 60, just with that valuable 10L increased capacity.
Why we rate it #1:
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Exceptional build quality and finish
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High-quality included equipment
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Extremely reliable and beginner-friendly
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Slightly pricier, but unmatched long-term value
- Great for planted tanks, community fish, or feature layouts
If you want fewer headaches, better longevity, and a tank you won’t feel the need to replace anytime soon, this is the one.
2. The Hailea K60 - Super Affordable 60L
The Hailea K60 is hands-down one of our most popular aquariums. We actually used these in our first shop! (over 20 of them...)
That 60-litre capacity hits the perfect balance between size and simplicity. It gives you far more flexibility with fish choices, aquascaping, and long-term growth while still being very beginner-friendly.
Why this tank is a standout:
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Ideal 60L size for stability and flexibility
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Super affordable for what you get
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Easy to set up and easy to live with
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Great for planted tanks, community fish, or feature layouts
If you’re unsure what direction you want to go, this is a great tank that won't break the bank... which gives you more money to spend on the exciting stuff like fish and plants!
3. The Aqua One Lifestyle Classic 40 - Sleek Modern Style
The Lifestyle Classic 40 is a great entry point for anyone wanting a clean, modern aquarium without overcomplicating things.
At 40 litres, it’s ideal if you’re planning a simple setup with one or two fish species, or a small planted tank. It’s easy to set up, easy to maintain, and provides an excellent platform for learning the fundamentals of fishkeeping.
Why we love it:
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Sleek, modern design at a great price point
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Straightforward setup — no fuss, no stress
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Perfect for learning the basics before upgrading later
- Parts are cheap and alwasy in supply
Why does this 40L make the cut? Hands down, because of its modern design. Too many aquraiums on the market have ugly lids and bases, a lot of people get hung up on this sort of stuff when purchasing aquariums. Aqua One has truly leveled up their presentation with the Lifestyle range.
Final Advice Before You Buy
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Avoid going too small unless you have a very specific, simple plan
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Aim for around 60L if you want flexibility, stability, and easier maintenance
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If you already have fish in mind, research their requirements first. Tank size, swimming space, filtration, and behaviour all matter
- The right aquraium is an investment. You will be better off spending that extra $50-80 to get the bigger and better option
At Simply Fish, we specialise in matching the right aquarium to the right situation. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading, our team is here to help.
Feel free to email us, call us, or come in-store and chat with one of our staff, we’ll make sure you leave with an aquarium that actually suits your goals, not one you’ll outgrow in six months.