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Review Summary
We give Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit is a popular aquarium kit produced by a family-owned business, Penn-Plax. Penn-Plax has been creating pet supplies for over 60 years and aims to produce high-quality products set at an affordable price.
This 10-gallon aquarium kit comes with a sizable tank that can fit between six to eight small community fish, or it can be a spacious home for a Betta Fish.
Penn-Plax markets this aquarium kit to beginners, and we wholeheartedly agree. The kit is suitable for beginners because it comes with almost everything you need for an aquarium. It’s also easy to set up, so you’ll have an aquarium up and running in no time at all.
However, the accessories in the kit are a bit lacking when compared to the high-quality glass tank. Most users will end up replacing them, especially as they gain more experience in fishkeeping. So, if you’re just setting out on your fishkeeping hobby, this aquarium kit is a great option. If you already have a little experience, you’ll most likely be better off purchasing a standalone tank or a more advanced aquarium kit.
Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Glass Aquarium Kit – A Quick Look
- Clear display
- Easy feeding
- Rounded corners
- Great for beginners
- Flimsy plastic lid
- Weak LED light
Specifications
| Brand name: | Penn-Plax |
| Shape: | Rectangular |
| Dimensions: | 17.8” W x 11.8” D x 12.6” H |
| Weight: | 19.25 Pounds |
| Material: | Glass |
| Lighting: | Silver LED light lamp |
| Filter: | Cascade 300 |
| Accessories: | LED light, internal filter, glass lid, mat, clear mounting clips |
Great for Beginners
This aquarium kit comes with everything you need to get started, and it takes the complication out of tank setups for beginners and children. Small freshwater fish of the hardy variety will be able to thrive in this aquarium with no problem.
So, as long as you’re not trying to keep any particularly sensitive or delicate fish, you should be able to maintain a healthy aquarium without making any additional tank setup purchases. Your focus can shift more towards aquarium substrates, plants, and decorations.
Rounded Corners
The tank comes with rounded corners in the front. They help you to maintain a clear view of your fish without any obstructions, and they’re also safer because they eliminate the worry of bumping into sharp corners.
Overall, the Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Aquarium Kit provides one of the best views for aquarium kits in its class and price range.
Convenient Replacements
Since Penn-Plax creates and manufactures many kinds of aquarium supplies, it’s very easy to purchase replacements or other accessories that are compatible with this tank. You can also utilize the company’s customer service to ensure that you buy parts that will work with the rest of your aquarium setup.
Accessories
We’d say that the tank itself is worth the price you pay for the whole kit. However, the accessories are much more lackluster. While they do an adequate job of maintaining the aquarium, most users will replace them as they gain more fishkeeping experience.
For example, the plastic lid looks and feels very flimsy, especially when it’s resting atop a high-quality tank. The filter is also very bulky and a bold blue, so it usually sticks out like a sore thumb in most aquarium setups.
The kit also comes with an LED light, but it’s not quite strong enough for a planted aquarium. So, if you’re planning on placing a lot of aquatic plants in the tank, you’ll have to purchase an LED light that’s specifically designed for planted aquariums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the lid cover the entire top of the tank?
The lid covers most of the tank, but it’s slightly narrower, so there’s a substantial gap. The gap is meant for the filter and easy feeding. However, it’s a substantial size, and small fish and snails can escape.
Can the lid and hinges be taken off?
Yes, the lids and hinges can be completely taken off. It’ll be difficult to find a lid that fits the tank, so there’s a good chance you’ll have to order a custom-made lid.
Are all four corners rounded?
Only the front of the tank has rounded corners. The back corners are held together with sealant and are rigid, right angles. Other than the corners, the front and back don’t have any other design differences. So, if you wanted a tank with sharper corners, you could simply flip the tank around so that the rounded corners face the back.
What the Users Say
Our review of the Penn-Plax 10-Gallon Aquarium Kit is pretty similar to other customer reviews we’ve gathered from multiple sources. In general, customers were very impressed with the quality and display of the aquarium tank itself. Customers were pleased with the clear view of their fish and how the tank fits seamlessly with many different spaces in their homes.
Most people weren’t too happy with the accessories. We’ve noticed many comments containing dissatisfied reviews of the LED light. The brightness is very low and doesn’t do much, especially if the aquarium is already situated in a well-lit area.
There were mixed reviews about the plastic lid. While we weren’t really fans of it, some customers pointed out that it’s very lightweight and easy to remove, so it made cleaning and feeding very convenient.
Conclusion
The Penn-Plax 10-gallon Aquarium Kit is a great starter kit for small freshwater fish. It has everything that you need to set up a basic aquarium. However, the accessories aren’t the best quality, and most people usually replace them.
Overall, we’d recommend this aquarium kit for beginners. It’s suitable for starting, and as you become more experienced, you’ll outgrow and replace the accessories. However, the tank itself is so durable that it’ll probably last you much longer and is usually worth the investment.
Featured Image Credit: Penn Plax, Amazon
