The PNW Custom 2026 Holiday Gift Guide
Updated: Nov 2
A Desktop Aquarium for Every Budget
This year’s guide focuses on helping you choose a setup that makes sense for the person receiving it: a thoughtful starting point, a kit with practical upgrades, or a Plug-N-Play package that takes more of the guesswork out of getting started.
A Thoughtful Start: Our Standard Tank Kits
For someone who enjoys choosing their own aquascape and livestock, our standard kits provide a foundation they can make their own.
They bring the tank and core equipment together, leaving room to personalize the setup and add supplies as needed. They’re also our most accessible starting point within the Micro Tank and 1 Gallon collections.
40oz Micro Reef-Ready Tank
Our best-selling aquarium: the Micro Tank brings the beauty of an aquarium to places where a traditional tank simply wouldn’t fit. Handmade here in the Pacific Northwest, its compact display and separate sump make it a distinctive gift for a home office, countertop, or dedicated aquarium corner. Included lighting, a return pump, and filtration give the recipient a starting point for creating their own miniature underwater world.
Why it’s a thoughtful choice: It pairs a small footprint with plenty of personality, while allowing the recipient to choose the finishing touches.
Small-In-One | 1 Gallon Desktop Aquarium
The ultimate beginner kit: the Small-In-One combines a display and rear filtration compartment in one tidy desktop setup. Its included light, pump, media basket, and lid bring the core equipment together in a format that fits comfortably into everyday spaces.
Why it’s a thoughtful choice: It offers a practical foundation for a desktop aquarium, with flexibility to choose additional equipment and supplies around the intended setup.
More Included: Our PRO Kits
If you’d like to give a setup with upgraded equipment already selected, explore our PRO kits. Each PRO package builds on its tank’s design with a different collection of features.
40oz Micro Reef-Ready Tank PRO
The Micro Tank PRO brings together our signature desktop reef with features from the Roaming Reef Collection. Its upgraded display includes removable silicone plumbing for easier sump access, along with the ProFlow Sump, Desktop PRO LED Light, and a 10W adjustable heater. A Sealing Lid Kit and travel bands add useful features for hobbyists interested in carefully planned aquarium adventures.
Why it’s worth considering: The upgrades support easier access, enhanced lighting, and greater flexibility in how the tank is used.
Small-In-One PRO | 1 Gallon Desktop Aquarium
The 1 Gallon PRO pairs our compact Small-In-One aquarium with upgrades that support both setup and everyday maintenance. Along with the standard tank equipment, it includes our Desktop PRO LED Light, heater, drip tray, and Maintenance Kit with a FREE Micro Water Change Bucket.
Why it’s worth considering: It gives the recipient upgraded equipment and practical supplies they can keep using as their aquarium grows.
Less Guesswork: Our Plug-N-Play Kits
Shopping for someone who has always wanted a reef tank but doesn’t know where to begin? This is where we’d start. Choosing equipment, rock, sand, and corals separately can feel overwhelming for a beginner. Our Plug-N-Play Kits bring those decisions together in a coordinated package, helping the recipient spend less time figuring out their shopping list and more time learning about their aquarium.
40oz Micro Tank | Plug-N-Play Kit
This package combines our signature Micro Tank with equipment, rock, live sand, and a starter coral selection.
The value: A coordinated starting point that reduces the need to research and source each component separately.
Small-In-One 1 Gallon | Plug-N-Play Kit
Our 1 Gallon Plug-N-Play Kit brings the Small-In-One aquarium together with equipment, rock, live sand, and a starter coral selection.
The value: More of the essentials selected together, with a clear path into a new hobby.
A holiday gifting tip: Coordinate live coral delivery with the recipient so they’re ready to receive and care for their animals. Check the listing for shipment details and plan ahead if you’re gifting for a specific date.
A Wider View: The 3.3 Gallon Bundle and 5 Gallon Kit
3.3 Gallon Desktop Aquarium Bundle
With its long, narrow shape, the 3.3 Gallon Desktop Aquarium offers a different way to enjoy a desktop reef. Its extended viewing area gives the recipient room to create a landscape while keeping the footprint slim.
Why it’s worth considering: The bundle brings the tank and core equipment together around a distinctive display shape. It’s a thoughtful option for someone who wants to choose their own aquascape and livestock, with an option for either a Mesh Lid or a Solid Lid.
Small-In-One XL | 5 Gallon Desktop Aquarium Kit
Love the idea of our 1 Gallon Small-In-One, but want a bigger canvas to work with? The 5 Gallon Small-In-One XL brings that same integrated approach to a larger glass aquarium, with more room for aquascaping, growing corals, and choosing compatible livestock.
Why it’s worth considering: The extra space opens up more options for fish, invertebrates, and corals, while keeping the convenience of an all-in-one aquarium. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone starting their first desktop reef or ready to grow beyond a smaller setup.
Stocking Stuffers & Fun Accessories
Looking for a little something for the aquarium lover on your list? These smaller gifts make thoughtful stocking stuffers or finishing touches to a new tank kit.
40oz Micro Tank Sump Covers
Bring a little personality to your reef! Refresh their Micro Tank with a sump cover that suits their style. It’s a simple way to personalize an aquarium they already love.
Great for: Desktop tank owners who enjoy making their setup their own.
Drip Trays
Help catch everyday drips during feeding and aquarium care with a tray designed for their tank. Choose the compatible size for their Micro Tank or Small-In-One aquarium.
Great for: Desktop aquarium keepers who appreciate a tidy setup.
Slimline Small Frag Rack
Our popular Slimline Small Frag Rack provides space to organize and display coral frags in a compact design.
Great for: Reef keepers with a growing collection and limited display space.
Single Hole & Double Hole Frag Racks
These compact frag racks fit in almost any size aquarium, making them an easy stocking stuffer for the reef keeper on your list. Choose a Single Hole Rack for one special frag or a Double Hole Rack for a little more room to grow.
Great for: Coral collectors with anything from a desktop reef to a larger aquarium.
Coming Soon: A Little More Holiday Excitement
We have a couple more things in the works this season! These upcoming releases aren’t available to shop just yet, but here’s a peek at what’s ahead.
The PNW Custom Maintenance Kit
For the aquarist who loves keeping their tank looking its best, our upcoming Maintenance Kit is one to watch. Follow along through our emails and social media for the reveal, pricing, and release information.
A Little Underwater Joy for the Holidays
Thank you for supporting PNW Custom and making us part of your aquarium adventures.
Explore the collection, build your wish list, and find a little underwater inspiration for the holidays!
