Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon

Everything You Need to Know About This Popular Small Tank

The Imagitarium 3.7 gallon aquarium is one of the most popular small tank options on the market today. Its compact size makes it perfect for beginners, apartment dwellers, and anyone looking for an affordable entry into the amazing world of fishkeeping.

But how do you know if this miniature ecosystem is right for you? This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Imagitarium 3.7 gallon tank. You’ll learn where to buy it, how much it costs, what fish and decorations to put in it, and tips for setup and maintenance.

Whether you’re a new hobbyist or seasoned aquarist, read on to find out why this little tank is causing such a big splash!

Where to Buy the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium

The Imagitarium brand is sold exclusively at PetSmart stores and on their website. The 3.7 gallon tank typically retails between $30-60, depending on whether you get just the tank or a kit.

Starter kits come with everything you need for basic setup, including lighting, filtration, and decorations. The standard kits feature fluorescent or LED lighting, a compact filter, and some plastic plants and hiding spots. There are also upgraded packages with features like glass lids and better filters.

If you just want the tank, you can easily build your own setup with preferred equipment. The tank dimensions are approximately 16 x 8 x 10 inches, providing ample room for a small community. The compact footprint makes it easy to fit on desks and tabletops.

How Much Does the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank Cost?

As mentioned above, you can expect to spend $30-60 depending on whether you get just the tank or a full kit. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included at different price points:

• $30-40 – Just the glass tank with no equipment
• $40-50 – Starter kit with basic filter, fluorescent light, and decor
• $50-60 – Upgraded starter kit with extras like glass lid, LED lighting, better filter

Keep in mind you may need to buy a few additional supplies like a heater, substrate, and plants. But the starter kits take care of the major setup needs at an affordable price point.

The small size makes the Imagitarium 3.7 gallon one of the least expensive aquarium options. It’s a great value for those on a budget!

Is the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Good for Beginners?

Absolutely! The Imagitarium 3.7 gallon is arguably one of the best nano tanks for beginners. Here’s why it’s a great choice:

• Small size: Less water volume makes it more forgiving to beginner mistakes. Easier to maintain stable water parameters.
• Affordable price: Low startup cost compared to larger tanks.
• Pre-packaged kits: No need to purchase separate equipment if you buy a starter kit. It comes with light, filter, etc.
• Low bioload: Can only house a few small fish or a betta. Less waste produced.
• Easy maintenance: Quick water changes and cleaning with smaller tank.

The modest size and capacity for just a few fish also mean less can go wrong. While it’s not impossible, it’s far less likely a small fluctuation will crash the system. Overall, the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium gives beginners wiggle room to learn without as much risk or commitment.

What Are the Dimensions of the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank?

This petite aquarium has dimensions of approximately 16 x 8 x 10 inches. Here’s a further breakdown of the specs:

• Length: 16 inches
• Width: 8 inches
• Height: 10 inches
• Volume: 3.7 gallons

The tiny 16 x 8 inch footprint makes it easy to place on a desk, bookshelf, or counter. While the 10 inch height still gives ample viewing area for underwater scenes.

With roughly 3.7 gallons of actual water capacity, this tank gives fish and invertebrates plenty of room to swim and explore. The small environment also lets owners easily observe behavior up close.

Just be sure to double check dimensions if purchasing used or an older model. Design specs can vary slightly in different Imagitarium 3.7 gallon packages.

What Fish Can I Keep in the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium?

Careful stocking is key for nano tanks. Though it may be tempting to fill the 3.7 gallon with all kinds of fish, overloading leads to instability.

Here are the best tank mates for an Imagitarium 3.7 gallon aquarium:

• Betta fish: A single male betta with some shrimp or snails makes an ideal centerpiece.
• Small tetras: Ember tetras, green neon tetras, and chili rasboras work well in a group of 6-8.
• Pea puffer: One pea puffer, or a mated pair if not aggressive. They need live foods.
• Endler’s livebearers: A trio of Endler’s livebearers brings beautiful colors. Fry may need removal.
• Least killifish: Feisty top dwellers that can be kept as a school of 6-8 fish.
• Snails/shrimp: Great cleaners like nerite snails, shrimp, and corydoras catfish.
• Guppies: Stick to just 2-3 male guppies, as they breed readily.

Avoid larger, messier fish that produce heavy waste. The small tank volume means water fouls quickly. Understock to leave breathing room.

Does the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Come With a Filter?

Most Imagitarium 3.7 gallon kits come with a compact water filter to keep things clean. Standard filters include:

• Internal or box filter: Hangs on the inside to take up less space.
• Low-flow sponge filter: Provides gentle water circulation.
• Mini canister filter: Mounted beneath the tank, with pressurized flow.
• Small power filter: Affixes to the back with replaceable cartridges.

Always follow manufacturer instructions for setup and maintenance. An air stone for extra oxygen is also recommended.

If buying just the bare tank, an appropriate nano filter rated for 3-5 gallons will be needed. Consider flow rate, space limitations, and noise.

Is the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank Suitable for Betta Fish?

The Imagitarium 3.7 gallon aquarium is a nearly perfect betta tank! Here’s why bettas thrive in this miniature home:

• Small size: Allows bettas to easily reach the surface for their labyrinth breathing.
• Low flow: Bettas dislike strong currents, making nano filters a good fit.
• Heating options: Small tank is easy to heat to betta’s preferred 78-82°F temperature.
• Places to hide: Plastic plants, caves, etc. let shy bettas feel secure.
• Bright colors pop: Vibrant betta tails and fins stand out against the blank background.
• Enrichment: More space than tiny 1-2 gallon tanks or betta bowls. Room to explore and play.

Be sure to regularly test water quality and only keep a single male betta in this size tank. Females may fight, and sororities need 10+ gallons. The 3.7 gallon Imagitarium gives bettas luxury accommodations!

What is Included in the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit?

Imagitarium 3.7 gallon starter kits provide everything you need to get up and running in one convenient package. Here are standard contents:

• 3.7 gallon glass tank
• Compact fluorescent or LED light hood
• Low-flow internal or sponge filter
• Airline tubing for filter
• Filter media like foam, carbon, bio-balls
• Plastic plants and decorations
• Colored gravel substrate
• Fish net
• Water conditioner sample
• Stick-on thermometer

More advanced kits may include upgrades like a glass lid, 50W heater, nicer LED light, more robust nano canister filter, and aquarium test strips.

Kits take the guesswork out of buying all the separate components. They make setup nearly hassle-free, especially for aquarium beginners.

Are Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tanks Made of Glass or Acrylic?

The standard Imagitarium 3.7 gallon tank is made from simple annealed glass. This type of glass is less expensive but also more prone to cracking than stronger low-iron glass.

While acrylic tanks offer benefits like lightweight and impact resistance, they tend to scratch easier over time. They also can develop water spots on the sides that must be polished out.

For its affordability and clarity, regular glass is a suitable material for small starter tanks like the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium. But take care not to knock or jostle the tank when cleaning or doing maintenance. The thin panels can crack or shatter if banged around too much.

How Do I Set Up an Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium?

Setting up a new Imagitarium 3.7 gallon tank is fortunately a pretty straightforward process. Here are the basic steps:

1. Rinse the tank, decorations, gravel, and filter media well before use.
2. Add and level aquarium gravel across the bottom. Arrange decorations and plants.
3. Install the filter and heater (if equipped) according to directions.
4. Fill tank slowly with dechlorinated water to avoid disturbing substrate.
5. Run filter to clear any cloudiness and check for leaks.
6. Adjust heater to reach ideal temperature of 72-82°F.
7. Test water parameters and use products like Prime to remove chlorine and chloramines.
8. Let tank cycle for 1-2 weeks, then add a few hardy fish to start.
9. Gradually introduce more fish over several weeks. Perform partial water changes of 20-30% weekly.
10. Enjoy your new underwater world! Monitor ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH regularly.

Take things slow and steady – a little patience goes a long way for successful tank setup and stability!

Does the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank Come with LED Lighting?

The lighting included depends on which Imagitarium 3.7 gallon kit you purchase:

• Standard kits usually come with basic incandescent or fluorescent bulb lighting hoods. These provide basic illumination but limited options for adjustable brightness, moonlight modes, etc.
• Upgraded kits may include LED light strips or low profile LED hoods. LEDs use less electricity and allow for customizable color spectrums and effects.
• Bare tanks do not include lighting. You’ll need to purchase a nano LED fixture or desktop lamp separately. Flexible gooseneck lamps work well.

Whichever lighting you use, aim for 6-8 hours of light per day. LEDs are recommended to support live plants and fish coloration. Help bring out your fish’s vibrant colors with bright, full spectrum LEDs!

What Decorations Are Best for the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank?

Picking the right tank decor transforms bare glass walls into a thriving underwater ecosystem. Here are ideal decorations for Imagitarium 3.7 gallon aquariums:

• Plants: Java fern, anubias, moss, and Amazon swords thrive with low light. Go for silk plants if you don’t want live.
• Caves: Rock caves, coconut huts, and clay pots make cozy hideaways and spawning sites.
• Driftwood: Natural branches and chunks provide tannins and surface area for biofilm growth.
• Rocks: Stack river stones and slate formations to create ledges and overhangs.
• Substrate: Finer gravel or sand allows planting. Larger pebbles are easy to clean.
• Background: Use aquarium background film to mimic natural environments.

Aim for a natural look with plants, rocks, wood, while leaving plenty of open swimming space. Test decor for sharp edges that could tear fins before adding fish.

Is the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank Suitable for Live Plants?

While challenging, keeping live plants in the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium is very doable with the right choices. Here are the keys to planted tank success:

• Low light plants: Anubias, java fern, mosses, Amazon swords, etc. These adapt well to low light nano tanks.
• Root tabs: Place fertilizer tabs near roots for nutrients. Liquid fertilizer spikes ammonia in small tanks.
• ** Soft gravel or sand:** Allows plants to root and prevents compacting.
• 6-8 hour photoperiod: Provide consistent daylight hours for plant growth.
• Balance fish load: Heavily stocked tanks lead to poor plant health. Keep stocking light.
• Algae control: Limit light duration, manually remove algae, use cleaners like nerites and shrimp.

Avoid heavy root feeders like stem plants. Focus on a few hardy, low light plants for a lush mini ecosystem.

How Often Should I Clean an Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium?

Here are some general guidelines for cleaning and maintenance:

• Partial water changes: 20-30% weekly, siphoning waste from gravel. Avoid deep substrate disruption.
• Filter media swaps: Rinse foam/floss monthly in old tank water. Replace cartridges every 2-3 months.
• Glass scrubbing: Wipe green algae growth every 1-2 weeks with algae pad or scraper.
• Gravel vacuuming: Thoroughly clean substrate every 2-3 months.
• Filter/tubing rinse: Take apart and clean pump every 3-4 months. Check for flow obstructions.

Small tanks get dirty quick with higher waste concentrations. Stick to smaller, more frequent water changes rather than deep cleaning all at once. This keeps water parameters stable for fish.

Can I Keep Shrimp or Snails in the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank?

Yes! Shrimp and snails are great cleanup crew additions to the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium. Some top options include:

• Ghost shrimp: Nearly transparent; help eat leftover fish food and algae.
• Amano shrimp: Peaceful algae eaters. Need hard water.
• Red cherry shrimp: Striking red color. Breed readily.
• Nerite snails: Algae grazing with vivid shell patterns. Cannot breed in freshwater.
• Ramshorn snails: Spiral shaped shells come in different colors.
• Malaysian trumpet snails: Burrow through substrate aerating it.

Always quarantine new shrimp and snails in a separate tank first to prevent introducing disease. Limit populations to 5-6 shrimp or 2-3 snails maximum to avoid overstocking the 3.7 gallon tank. Enjoy watching these busy cleaners interact!

Are Replacement Parts Available for the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank?

The good news is that most standard Imagitarium 3.7 gallon components can be replaced if needed either online or through PetSmart stores. Some commonly replaced parts include:

• Light hoods – Both incandescent and LED light hood replacements are sold.
• Power filter cartridges – Replacement filter inserts are readily available.
• Heaters – Small 25-50W heaters are easily found for nano tanks.
• Air pumps – Needed for sponge filters and air stones.
• Tubing – Both air line and intake/outflow tubing.
• Lids – Hinged glass lids help control evaporation and jumping fish.
• Decorations – Replacing broken ornaments is easy.

Having replacement parts at the ready helps reduce tank downtime when something malfunctions or breaks. Check manufacturer websites as well for specific filter media, impellers, hoses, etc.

How Much Water Does the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank Actually Hold?

While advertised as a 3.7 gallon tank, the actual working water capacity is closer to 3 gallons after subtracting displacement from decor and substrate. Here’s the breakdown:

• Total tank capacity: 3.7 gallons
• Substrate displacement: Around 0.5 gallons
• Decor displacement: Up to 0.2 gallons
• Actual water volume: Approximately 3 gallons

Always factor in displacement when calculating stocking and equipment needs. Aim to keep tank stocking and filtration capacity under 75-80% of total water volume for a 3 gallon working capacity. This prevents an overloaded, unhealthy tank.

What Are the Reviews for the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium?

Overall, reviews for the Imagitarium 3.7 gallon tank are very positive, earning it an average 4 out of 5 star rating. Here are some common pros and cons:

Pros

• Sturdy and attractive design
• Very affordable price point
• Sleek black trim is easy to decorate around
• Includes basic essentials for quick setup
• Light and compact making it easy to transport
• Quiet, low-flow filtration suitable for bettas

Cons

• Plain glass doesn’t have curved edges or seamless corners
• Not as clear as higher quality low-iron glass
• Fluorescent lights limit live plant growth
• Filter flow may be too strong for delicate fish like bettas
• Some kits use lower quality plastic plants

While not the most elegant tank, the Imagitarium 3.7 gallon offers an extremely beginner-friendly nano setup at a budget price. Just be prepared to potentially replace weaker components like lights and filters.

How Do I Maintain the Filter in the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Tank?

Regular filter maintenance keeps water healthy by removing gunk and debris. Here are tips for cleaning the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium filter:

• Unplug the filter before taking it apart to keep the impeller safe.
• Rinse foam/floss monthly in old tank water to clear debris. Replace as needed.
• Swirl/rinse bio-media like ceramic rings gently every few months to unclog. Never use tap water!
• Check the impeller for obstructions blocking flow. Remove anything tangled around it.
• Lubricate o-ring gaskets with aquarium oil to prevent drying out and cracking.
• Replace cartridges every 2-3 months. Cut open carbon pouches to reuse plastic frames.

Follow included instructions to take the filter apart and put it back together correctly. Never rinse media in tap water or you’ll kill beneficial bacteria!

What is the Warranty on the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Aquarium?

The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials for 90 days from the original date of purchase. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, improper use, or lack of maintenance.

To obtain warranty service, the customer must return the product with original receipt to the place of purchase. Either a replacement or refund of the purchase price will be provided at the store’s discretion if covered by warranty.

Some things that would void the 3.7 gallon Imagitarium tank’s warranty include:

• Excessive water evaporation causing seal failure
• Not using an aquarium stand leading to cracked seams
• Damages from improper cleaning or handling
• Discoloration or scratches over time
• Modifying or taking apart the filter system

Register products online and keep receipts handy for warranty issues. Overall the 3.7 gallon tank is a fairly durable starter aquarium with standard warranty coverage from PetSmart.

Wrapping Up the Imagitarium 3.7 Gallon Guide

Hopefully this deep dive covers everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining the popular Imagitarium 3.7 gallon nano tank!

To recap, this starter aquarium is an affordable option perfect for beginning fish keepers. Its compact 3.7 gallon size allows room for a betta, shrimp, or micro school of tiny tetras. Hang-on filters keep water clean for small bioloads.

While not fancy, included kits provide vital equipment like lighting and filtration. Have fun selecting plants, rocks, and driftwood to design your own underwater world! Perform partial weekly water changes and limit tankmates for a thriving miniature ecosystem.

The Imagitarium 3.7 gallon strikes an ideal balance of size, price, and functionality. Now that you’re a nano tank expert, you can happily enjoy the aquatic adventures this versatile little tank has to offer! Just be sure to stick to tough fish suited for life in small volumes of water.