3 BEST Aquarium Coffee Tables: Fish Tank Coffee Table Reviews

What is the best fish tank coffee table?

An Aquarium coffee table is the ultimate statement piece in any living room.

It’s an amazing feature that will fascinate your family and guests whenever they visit. However, these tanks are not for everybody!

Let’s take a look at some recommended models, and think about the pros and cons of a fish tank coffee table.

Fish Tank Coffee Table Review

The biggest problem with a coffee table fish tank…?

They are not great for the fish!

Fish are easily startled, like to hide, and are particularly afraid of movement above the water.

Obviously, in the case of a fish tank coffee table, it will likely be used as a table, and have objects placed upon it frequently.

When placing items on the tank table, such as coffee mugs, water glasses, or even large books, you will send shock waves through the water, terrifying the fish.

Even lighter objects that don’t create a ‘bang’, will still cause a sudden shadow from above – which fish are not fond of!

This type of tank is also more accessible to children and pets, which can cause further stress to the fish.

Especially if you have a dog or young kids in the house full time, this sort of tank is not recommended. They are very different from a regular rimless fish tank, for example.

Here are further pros and cons of table aquariums.

Pros:

• look amazing and have a real ‘wow effect’
• an immediate conversation piece
• duel purpose coffee table/fish tank
• generally large tanks for a variety of fish
• unobstructed views of the aquarium from all sides
• could be easier to clean

Cons:

• unless you can hide power cords under the flooring, they will be exposed
• heated water for tropical fish can steam up glass on top
• low level – it will be harder to enjoy your fish
• cannot be moved easily
• not suitable as a saltwater aquarium

Can you really enjoy the fish and the tank at foot-to-knee level?

Wouldn’t you rather be able to look in and observe the fish without having to sit or lie on the floor?

In our opinion, the cons outweigh the pros of a table aquarium, and we think it best to choose something like an aquaponics fish tank.

These tanks can make an equally big statement!

If you believe a fish coffee table is suitable for your home, here are our top 3 picks.

1. Aqua Aquarium Coffee Table

The Aqua Coffee Table Aquarium Tank is a 28-gallon coffee table fish tank.

It’s made in the USA and weighs 95 pounds (without water). The height is 15.5 inches, and it has a 20-inch width and 38-inch length.

The tank itself is made from acrylic, but the tabletop is made from glass.

This is one of the bigger tanks in this style and can make a great community fish tank.

It’s designed to be used as a freshwater aquarium, not for saltwater fish.

Features:

• Thick 3/8 inch beveled glass top
• Hexagon shaped
• Lit from underneath through sparkling blue glass gravel (included)
• A black acrylic base conceals a two-stage filter
• 1-year manufacturers warranty
• Made by Midwest Tropical Fountain

Comes with:

• 28 Gallon tank with black pedestal
• Blue glass gravel (allows underneath lighting to shine up through)
• Lighting
• Extension cord
• Decorative plants (though not all plants featured in the image are included)
• Two-stage submersible filter pump

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2. Long Octagon Fish Tank Coffee Table

This Coffee Table Aquarium is another US-made option.

This differs in that it has 6 sides (despite being called ‘octagon’), and it is larger at 40 gallons, weighing 115 pounds.

The tank is 16 inches high off the ground. The glass top is 38 x 38 inches, while the tank itself is 30 x 30 inches.

As with the previous aquarium, this one has acrylic sides and a beveled glass tabletop.

Features:

• A stunning octagonal fish tank on a black pedestal
• Lit through blue glass gravel from underneath
• It will house a wide variety of freshwater fish
• For freshwater fish only
• 6 sided
• Ready to go – just add fish

Included:

• 40 Gallon acrylic fish tank
• 3/8 Inch thick glass tabletop
• Submersible filter pump
• Lighting
• Extension cord
• Decorative plants (not all as shown in the picture)

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3. Aqua End Coffee Table Fish Tank

The Aqua End Table fish tank is the smallest coffee table aquarium at 15 gallons.

It’s a small square side table for smaller spaces – especially good for small apartments in the city or waiting rooms.

It’s made in America, has acrylic sides and a glass top, and weighs 35 pounds without water.

The tank has a height of 20 inches, a tank width & length of 15.5 x 15.5 inches, and a glass top of 24 x 24 inches.

Features:

• A tall fish tank coffee table at 20 inches
• For smaller fish like tetras, bettas, danios, or guppies
• Great lower lighting gives a spectacular impression
• Opening for feeding fish
• Everything you need to get started – just add fish

Included:

• 15 Gallon tank and black pedestal base
• 3/8 Inch beveled glass tabletop
• Submersible pump & filter
• Blue glass gravel
• Lighting

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Coffee Table Fish Tank FAQs

How to make a fish tank coffee table?

Whether you’re planning to make one out of glass or acrylic, the process is similar to making a regular (non-coffee table) aquarium.

The important thing is to plan the top of the tank correctly. The best idea is to follow the design of other coffee table fish tanks as you would find on Amazon or other retailers.

You can also check out the video tutorial on how to build an aquarium coffee table above.

This will take you step-by-step through the process, and, if you’re fairly handy, you’ll end up with a great-looking piece of furniture to keep fish in!

Where can I find second-hand fish tank coffee tables for sale?

The best place to look for pre-loved table aquariums is on Facebook Marketplace.

I often see them pop up in my area, and they are often very reasonably priced.

It’s best to go and view the item before buying to ensure there isn’t any damage or other big cons of the design. Ask the seller why they are getting rid of it.

Other good spots to look for them is on:

• eBay
• Craigslist
• Gumtree (in Australia or the UK)
• Or make a request in your local area FB community pages

There are always people wanting to get rid of stuff from their homes but they haven’t got around to listing it yet.

It’s a good way to get a cheap fish tank coffee table, PLUS you often end up getting all the decorations and tank care devices included.

You could even get some FREE fish as well!

How much does a fish tank coffee table cost?

The best way to find out how much a coffee table aquarium costs is by checking out the listings on Amazon.

It will depend on the size of the tank and the design features. There is a big variation in pricing, and the more you pay the cooler the fish tank table!

The cheap coffee table aquarium options are smaller and less attractive.

What is the best way to make coffee to enjoy on your new coffee table?

Perhaps the most important question for all those coffee aficionados out there!

Check out our friend’s list of the best ways to make coffee over at the Bean Bog blog.

My favorite method for speed is plunger coffee, but I’ll always prefer an espresso machine overall! How about you?

Table Fish Tanks

All three of the fish tank tables linked above are made in the USA by Midwest Tropical Fountain.

This company builds a range of water features, including fountains, bubble walls, and fish tanks for commercial and home use – see all the options here.

They are ‘handcrafted and gallery quality’.

Given the place of manufacture and company time in the industry, we can trust that these tanks will perform as described. If you’re after a unique tank, you can’t go wrong with one of these.

The 3 tanks above have been on the market for many years now, and have plenty of positive reviews. If you want to see some in place in living rooms, see #coffeetablefishtank on Instagram!

And once you’ve got a coffee table fish tank, make sure you grab a coffee machine. The Breville infuser espresso machine comes highly recommended, along with Lifeboost Coffee.