Aqueon vs Tetra Aquarium Kits
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These are glass all-in-one kits. Here's what each includes, per the listings and Aqueon's product pages. We haven't tested them.
Side by side
| Kit | Tank size (listing) | Filter | Heater | Also included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aqueon 10 gal SmartClean | 10 gal | SmartClean filter, EcoRenew cartridge | Preset 50W (78°F) | LED hood with feeding door, thermometer |
| Tetra LED 10 gal | 20 x 10 x 12 in. | Internal filter | Not listed | Hinged LED hood, conditioner and food samples |
| Tetra 20 gal | 24 x 12 x 16 in. | Internal filter with carbon | Included | Thermometer, hinged LED hood |
| Tetra 29 gal | 30 x 12 x 18 in. | Whisper PF 30 | 200W | Thermometer, net, samples |
Aqueon
The 10 gallon kit uses Aqueon's SmartClean filter, which the listing says makes water changes "quick and easy." An Aqueon Essentials kit (listed on Amazon) bundles a QuietFlow filter, preset heater and thermometer if you already have a tank.
Aqueon 10 Gallon Starter Kit with SmartClean
- 10-gallon glass tank, LED hood with feeding door, per the listing
- SmartClean filtration with EcoRenew cartridge
- Preset 50W heater (holds 78°F) and thermometer
Aqueon Aquarium Essentials Kit (29 Gallon)
- Equipment for a 29-gallon tank (tank not included), per the title
- QuietFlow LED PRO filter, preset 78°F heater, thermometer
- Conditioner, net and food
Tetra
Tetra's 20 and 29 gallon kits both come with a heater and thermometer, per the listings. The 29 uses a Whisper PF 30 filter, per the listing.
Tetra 20 Gallon Aquarium Kit
- 24 x 12 x 16 in. glass tank with hinged LED hood, per the listing
- Internal filter with carbon cartridge
- Heater and thermometer included
Tetra 29 Gallon Aquarium Kit
- 30 x 12 x 18 in. glass tank, LED hood, per the listing
- Whisper PF 30 filter
- 200W heater and thermometer included
Tetra LED 10 Gallon Aquarium Kit
- 20 x 10 x 12 in. glass tank with hinged LED hood, per the listing
- Internal filter and cartridge
- Heater not listed in the kit contents
Either way
Add a test kit and conditioner, and cycle the tank before adding fish. Aqueon's own water-quality article says letting a tank run for 24 to 48 hours "is not cycling."
FAQ
Heater included?
Aqueon 10 SmartClean, Tetra 20 and 29: yes.
Aqueon preset temperature?
78°F.
Fish and gravel?
Not listed in any of these kits.