Last Updated on September 9, 2023 by Fumipets
10 Best Goldfish Bowls in 2023
Choosing the best bowl for your goldfish is crucial for their health and well-being. Goldfish bowls come in various sizes and designs, and the right one should provide ample space, good water quality, and proper aeration for your aquatic pet. Here are five common questions and answers about the best goldfish bowls:
Best Goldfish Bowls
Goldfish were often kept in little bowls without any filtration for many years. Thankfully, that is changing, although some individuals still find a fishbowl to be more convenient than an aquarium. Fishbowls might be easier to maintain than aquariums, but there are certain crucial factors to take into account when buying one for a goldfish.
You must pick a bowl that can accommodate a goldfish’s demands since it includes a swimming room, enrichment, and plenty of filtration and oxygenation. These evaluations of the top ten goldfish bowls are meant to provide direction and a reliable starting point for you as you search for the bowl that will work best for your needs and those of your goldfish.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
| BEST OVERALL |
BiOrb Classic LED Aquarium | Available in three color options Includes LED light and air pump Includes five stage filter | Check Price | |
| BEST VALUE |
FREESEA Fish Tank With LED Light | Budget friendly Lightweight, sturdy plastic Two faux plants included | Check Price | |
| PREMIUM CHOICE |
Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚ | Customizable filter media trays Raised-top design Sturdy polycarbonate material | Check Price | |
| Marina Cool Goldfish Kit | Good starter kit for children Multiple samples and gravel Available in two color options | Check Price | ||
| BiOrb Life MCR Aquarium | Multicolor LED light and air pump Five stage filter and filter media LED light | Check Price |
The 10 Best Goldfish Bowls – Reviews 2023
1. biOrb Classic LED Aquarium
| Available Sizes: | 4 gallons, 8 gallons, 16 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Sphere |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
Due to its features and high quality, the biOrb Classic LED Aquarium is the top choice for a goldfish bowl overall. This bowl set comes in three different color choices for the lid and base, giving you the opportunity to pick from black, silver, or white. It is available in four sizes ranging from 4 to 32 gallons.
In addition to an air pump that aids in aerating and circulating the water, this bowl has a 5-stage filter that purifies and oxygenates the water. A built-in LED light in the lid is designed to endure for years without having to be replaced. The bowl itself is composed of durable acrylic, which is 10 times tougher and 50% lighter than glass. The filter cartridge contains specialized ceramic filter medium that supports a large number of advantageous microorganisms.
It is not possible to alter the filter media or the air pump system in this goldfish bowl since it is designed to be used with biOrb products. Additionally, since this bowl was not designed to be used with a heater, you must make sure that it is kept in a room with a constant temperature throughout the winter months.
Pros
- Available in four sizes up to 32 gallons
- Available in three color options
- Includes 5-stage filter
- Includes LED light and air pump
- Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
- LED light is made to last multiple years
Cons
- No customization
- Can only be used with biOrb products
- Cannot be used with a heater
2. FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump
| Available Sizes: | 2 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Square |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
An excellent option for a goldfish bowl that contains everything you need on a small budget is the FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump. There are two cover choices for this 1.2-gallon square fishbowl: a black lid and a white lid. Behind a faux wall at the rear of the tank, this kit has a concealed filtration system.
A sizable filter sponge from the package may be swapped out for another of your choosing. Two little artificial plants and a long-lasting LED light are also included. The tank is raised slightly from the stand it is placed on thanks to four little feet that support it. It is more transparent than glass and is composed of durable plastic.
It’s not a suitable long-term option for a goldfish since this tank is only offered in sizes of 1.2 gallons. The included filter is rather powerful, and it could be too powerful for goldfish that are extremely little, immature, or ill. Although the electrical chord includes a USB end, an adaptor is required to connect it to the wall; hence, this will need to be acquired independently.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Available in two color options
- Includes filtration system with filter sponge
- Includes LED light
- Two faux plants included
- Lightweight, sturdy plastic
Cons
- Only one size available
- Included filter is too strong for small, young, and sick fish
- Electrical cord doesn’t include wall adapter
3. Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚
| Available Sizes: | 10 gallons, 14 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Sphere |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
There are two sizes of the high-end goldfish bowl known as the Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360. This open-top bowl has a raised top with a touch-sensitive LED light within. It also has a filtration system, a protein skimmer for use in saltwater applications, and a surface oil skimmer.
The LED light has day and night settings and may be tuned to blue, red, or green. A Bio-sponge is included in this package, but there are also two customizable media trays so you may choose your own filter media. The bowl is constructed of durable polycarbonate.
This kit’s provided LED light cannot be turned to white and is insufficient for growing live plants. Since this filter is integrated into the top, it cannot be changed to a different kind.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Includes filtration system with Bio-sponge
- Includes touch-controlled LED light with three color options
- Customizable filter media trays
- Sturdy polycarbonate material
- Raised-top design
Cons
- Premium price
- LED light can’t be set to white light only
- Filter cannot be replaced
4. Marina Cool Goldfish Kit
| Available Sizes: | 1.77 gallons, 2.65 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Concave |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | No |
A wonderful goldfish bowl kit for kids is the Marina Cool Goldfish Kit since it comes with everything required to get the tank going, has a fun, concave design, and lets you choose between a dark purple or bright pink lid. It comes with samples of fish food, helpful bacteria, and water conditioner and is available in two sizes.
It comprises a silk plant, matching gravel, and a Marina internal filter with a starter filter cartridge. A double-sided backdrop is also included, giving you the option to choose and modify your background. It has four rounded, pink or purple feet that are rounded and give it a charming appearance.
There is no lighting included in this kit; you will need to buy it separately. The replacement filter cartridges are designed exclusively for the internal filter of the Marina i25 and cannot be altered. A feeding window is included in the lid, however, it is difficult to use since it is so near to the tank’s edge and will cause food to adhere to the side.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Available in two color options
- Includes filter with filter cartridge
- Includes multiple samples and gravel
- Good starter kit for children
Cons
- Does not include a light
- Replacement filter cartridges are filter-specific
- Feeding window is difficult to use
5. biOrb Life MCR Aquarium
| Available Sizes: | 8 gallons, 12 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Square |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
There are two sizes and three color choices for the luxury goldfish bowl known as the biOrb Life MCR Aquarium. This bowl has a square, rounded form, and a broad external edge, and you can see right through it from front to back but not side to side. There are three colors for the edging: clear, white, and black. This stylish goldfish bowl alternative has a base-mounted 5-stage filtration system that is concealed.
Additionally, it has an air pump and an easy-to-use remote-controlled multicolor LED light that is built to endure for many years. It includes customizable fading and brightness settings in addition to 16 pre-set color selections. It is lightweight and more transparent than glass since it is composed of strong, high-quality acrylic, and it also contains samples of good bacteria and water conditioners.
This goldfish bowl is compatible with any biOrb filter, filter media, or air pump but not with other product categories or brands. It has to be maintained in a climate-controlled area throughout the winter since it can’t be used with a heater.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Available in three color options
- Includes 5-stage filter and filter media
- Includes multicolor LED light and air pump
- Filter cartridges are made with special ceramic media
- LED light is made to last multiple years and is remote-controlled
Cons
- Premium price
- Can only be used with biOrb products
- No customization
- Cannot be used with a heater
6. Penn-Plax Desktop Fish Tank Kit with LED Light & Internal Filter
| Available Sizes: | 5 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangle |
| Filtration Included: | Yes |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
Another affordable option for a goldfish bowl with built-in lighting and filtration is the Penn-Plax Desktop Size Fish Tank Kit with LED Light and Internal Filter. This plastic container features a transparent cover and a raised black base. It has a 3-stage internal filter with an integrated filter media cartridge, an incredibly brilliant LED light, and both.
This kit is a fine beginning kit for a goldfish, but it is not a long-term answer. The filter may not be enough for a goldfish as it grows larger than 3 to 4 inches since it was designed to be a betta kit. The filter is attached to the side of the tank using the supplied suction cups, however since they are not very strong, the filter may often fall into the tank. This filter cannot be customized since there is only one brand and one size of replacement filter cartridge that may be used in it.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Includes 3-stage internal filter and filter cartridge
- Includes ultra-bright LED light
- Clear lid allows views from the top
- Raised base is included
Cons
- One size available
- Too small for long-term use
- Filter suction cups are weak
- One brand and size of replacement filter cartridge
- Not customizable
7. Koller Products BettaView 1.5 Gallon 360-LED Lighting
| Available Sizes: | 1.5 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Cylinder |
| Filtration Included: | No |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
KOLLLER PRODUCTS The elegant, cylindrical BettaView 1.5 Gallon 360-LED Lighting goldfish dish comes with an integrated LED light. With a simple remote control that lets you establish a lighting timer, the LED light can be adjusted to seven different color settings. To save money on batteries, the light itself can run on three AAA batteries or be plugged into a power outlet. The bowl itself is composed of lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate. Due to the acrylic material and the form, a complete 360-degree vision is possible.
The filter, which is required for a goldfish’s habitat but is not included with this goldfish bowl, must be bought separately. Care should be made to avoid spilling the bowl since the transparent top that comes with it is difficult to put on and take off securely. Some customers decide to switch out the LED light for a more dependable lighting choice since the LED light might be erratic.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Allows 360˚ viewing and top down viewing
- Includes LED light with remote
- LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
- Impact-resistant, high-clarity plastic
Cons
- One size available
- Filter not included
- Lid is difficult to get on and off
- May tip easily due to size and weight
- LED light can be difficult to get to work correctly
8. Penn-Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank
| Available Sizes: | 0.5 gallon, 1.4 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Cylinder |
| Filtration Included: | No |
| Lighting Included: | No |
The ingenious bowl shape of the Penn-Plax Aquaponic Fish Tank makes it an excellent temporary home for a goldfish. You may set a Peace Lily, Pothos, or other water-loving plant with its roots in the tank of this cylindrical bowl’s transparent cover built-in planter with ceramic substrate. These plants may improve your fish’s surroundings and aid with water filtration. The best technique to feed your fish is to completely open the vented cover.
There is still a requirement for a filtration system even when using this fishbowl as a planter since it lacks a light. This fishbowl’s lower size is too tiny for a goldfish and most other fish, while its bigger size is too small for a goldfish to utilize for an extended period of time.
Pros
- Clear lid with built-in planter and ceramic substrate
- Plants help filter waste products from the water
- 360˚ viewing
- Vented lid may be used as a feeding hole
Cons
- Opening the lid is the easiest way to feed your fish
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Doesn’t include a light
- 5-gallon size is too small for a goldfish
- 4-gallon size is too small for long-term use for a goldfish
9. Koller Products BettaTank 1-Gallon Deco Fish Tank with LED Lighting
| Available Sizes: | 1 gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Semicircle |
| Filtration Included: | No |
| Lighting Included: | Yes |
KOLLLER PRODUCTS One unusual choice for a goldfish bowl is the BettaTank 1-Gallon Deco Fish Tank with LED Lighting. Its form is a semicircle or half-moon, therefore it isn’t particularly broad, yet a goldfish may swim there for 15 inches without interruption. The bowl features a matching black cover and a black base. It has a switchable timer and an LED light with seven different color settings. The light may be powered by the included power adaptor or two AA batteries.
Because of its size and form, it is difficult to locate a filter that would fit this bowl, yet one is required to maintain a goldfish in it. Even with the large swimming room, this is hardly a long-term option for a goldfish. The LED light may be difficult to set up and prone to malfunction.
Pros
- Unique shape features 15 inches of uninterrupted swimming space
- Includes LED light
- LED light has 7 color options and can use batteries or outlet
Cons
- One size available
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Difficult to find filter and other items to fit
- Not a long-term solution for a goldfish
- LED light is unreliable
10. Koller Products 3-Gallon Fish Bowl
| Available Sizes: | 3 gallons |
| Available Shapes: | Sphere |
| Filtration Included: | No |
| Lighting Included: | No |
If you want a conventional fishbowl, the Koller Products 3-Gallon Fish Bowl is the best option. This dish is composed of lightweight, break-resistant plastic. Although it is often damaged in shipping, the dents can typically be simply removed. You will need to buy at least a filter separately since it does not come with a cover, a filter, or a light. With the right filtration and water upkeep, a little goldfish may survive in this dish for an extended amount of time. This goldfish bowl is simple and unadorned, and although it is cheap, it is not the greatest price if you buy a filter and accessories for it.
Pros
- Traditional fishbowl large enough for long-term keeping of a small goldfish
- Shatterproof
Cons
- One size available
- Easily dented in transit
- Filtration system will need to be purchased separately
- Not budget-friendly
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the Right Goldfish Bowl for Your Needs
- Size: It’s crucial to choose a bowl that is the right size for the size and number of goldfish you want to maintain since traditional goldfish bowls are sometimes much too tiny for even one goldfish. Even with adequate filtration, goldfish produce a lot of waste, which rapidly accumulates in a tiny space. To keep the water quality high, a goldfish in a 1-gallon bowl requires repeated weekly water changes. When selecting the size, keep in mind the area you have available for a goldfish bowl. For compact settings, there are several fantastic desktop-sized solutions available.
- Shape: There are now many different shapes available for goldfish bowls, which expands your possibilities. The form should take into account the fact that goldfish like lengthy, continuous swimming spaces, which are not offered by conventional bowls. The form must also match your aesthetic choices and the area you have available for it.
- Included Items: Pick a goldfish bowl or kit that you feel most at ease with. You may purchase a goldfish bowl without a filter if you feel confident selecting your own filtration system. You don’t have to spend more money on a kit just because it comes with a light if you already have a certain light that you wish to use. If you want a goldfish bowl to suit your demands, make sure it has all you want and nothing more, unless you just want to stockpile aquarium supplies.
How Important is Filtration?
Extremely!
One of the species that contribute the most bioload to aquariums is the goldfish. Since goldfish consume and excrete a lot, the water quality may rapidly deteriorate while they are around. The filtration requirements of a goldfish are quite different from those of a group of dwarf shrimp or tetras. Goldfish need water that has been thoroughly filtered, using a filter that effectively eliminates waste items like ammonia and colonizes good microorganisms. Lower water quality and more frequent water changes are the effects of an insufficient filter.
Conclusion
The biOrb Classic LED Aquarium, which is stylish and has everything you need, is the greatest goldfish bowl. If you don’t mind paying more, choose the Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360 F. For a more affordable choice, consider the FREESEA Fish Tank with LED Light and Filter Pump, which combines efficiency and affordability.
To make your quest for the ideal goldfish bowl easier, these reviews have compiled the greatest alternatives currently available on the market. Whatever you do, be sure that your goldfish’s health comes first and that their housing is clean and well-ventilated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I consider when selecting a goldfish bowl?
When choosing a goldfish bowl, consider the size, shape, and material. Opt for a bowl that provides enough space for your goldfish, allows for proper filtration and aeration, and is made of non-toxic materials.
What is the ideal size for a goldfish bowl?
The ideal size for a goldfish bowl depends on the number and size of goldfish you plan to keep. Generally, a single goldfish requires at least 20 gallons of water to thrive, but larger bowls are preferable for better water quality and swimming space.
Do goldfish bowls require filtration and aeration?
Yes, goldfish bowls benefit from filtration and aeration systems to maintain water quality and provide oxygen. Consider using small filters and air pumps suitable for the bowl’s size.
How often should I clean a goldfish bowl?
Regular maintenance is essential. Perform partial water changes weekly, remove uneaten food and debris, and clean the substrate. Full bowl cleaning should be done periodically, but avoid over-cleaning to preserve beneficial bacteria.
Can goldfish be kept in bowls long-term?
Goldfish bowls are not ideal for long-term housing. Goldfish are messy and produce a lot of waste, which can lead to poor water quality in a bowl. It’s best to provide them with a larger, well-filtered aquarium for their long-term health and happiness.
While goldfish bowls may be visually appealing, they are often insufficient for the long-term well-being of these beautiful fish. Consider providing your goldfish with a suitable aquarium that meets their space and filtration requirements to ensure they thrive.
