You might think that a goldfish will be happy in a small fish bowl but that’s not the case.
Goldfish actually need a lot more space to thrive. That’s why you should always use the best goldfish tank you can afford.
Goldfish can grow up to 10-inches and live as long as 20 years in the right conditions. Making sure your goldfish live a long, happy, and healthy life all starts with the right tank.
When it comes to fish tanks for your goldfish, there are a few really good options. There are kits that include everything you need, bow-front tanks for a unique and interesting view, as well as bare tanks that let you choose all the components separately. Here’s a quick summary of our picks for goldfish tanks:
One of the best looking goldfish tanks available is this one from SeaClear. This 20-gallon tank appears to be seamless. How do they do it? With a special molecular bonding and heat polishing process that provides a crystal clear view.
This tank is made out of acrylic which has a lot of benefits. It’s practically leaking and break-proof and can handle a little roughness. Because it’s 17 times stronger than glass. it’s chip and crack resistant. This makes it a great choice for a home with other pets or children.
Not only is it tough, it’s also about half the weight of a glass tank of the same size. This makes it easier to transport, lift, and setup.
This combo kit includes a 20-gallon tank and fluorescent light fixture. Plus, it’s covered by an industry-leading lifetime warranty.
2. Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
This starter kit from Aqueon is a great choice because it has everything you need to get started building a happy, healthy home for your goldfish.
It includes a 20-gallon tank, LED energy-efficient lighting, a QuietFlow power filter, filter cartridge, thermometer, and fishnet. Plus, there are fish food samples and a water conditioner sample.
The filter features a red LED light that indicates when it’s time to swap out the filter. Speaking of the filter, the included pad featured enhanced 5-stage filtration and an ammonia filter pad. This gives you a great start and helps you maintain a balanced and healthy environment.
(Note that this aquarium comes with a preset submersible heater that will keep the water at a constant 78 degrees. This is a little too warm for goldfish and shouldn’t be used in a goldfish tank).
The top hood includes the LED lighting as well as a feeding door that allows you to easily drop food in the water without having to remove the hood. Also included is a complete guide to help you with the initial aquarium setup.
3. Fluval Premium Bow Front Aquarium Kit
For something a little larger, check out this 45-gallon bow-front tank from Fluval. This is a great choice for beginners and people who have experience setting up and maintaining an aquarium.
The bow-front shape provides a great view of your goldfish and tank decorations while allowing just a little more room for your fish to swim. It adds an interesting look to your tank by making it just a bit more interesting.
Everything you need for the initial setup is included. It comes with a powerful C4 filter which performs 5-step filtration the keeps the water healthy and balanced. Plus, all the water treatments and food you need to get started are included, too.
Also included are a net, thermometer, and care guide to help get you started. Plus, the low-profile LED lights are perfect for planted aquariums because they generate 1470 lumens, which is ideal for plants and looks great, too.
4. Tetra Complete Aquarium Kit
Those who want a complete kit are going to like the aquarium from Tetra. It is made in the US and designed with scratch-resistant glass. You get an LED hood, which offers a natural daytime effect.
The Whisper Filter is extremely quiet and powerful, so you get the best water flow possible. You also get a mini UL heater to keep the water temperature correct. If that weren’t enough, you also receive four fake plants and an artificial Boxwood plant mat.
Of course, the kit doesn’t come with fish. However, you can add whatever fish you like to the tank. You may also want to add gravel at the bottom.
It’s also possible to add other plants, rocks, and more. This allows you to create the habitat you want and make it unique.
You are also going to get a digital thermometer, a TetraMin Sachet, and a fishnet. Therefore, you have everything you need to set up your new aquarium.
5. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Starting an aquarium isn’t easy. However, when you get the aquarium kit from Marina, you are all set.
It’s a 20-gallon tank, so it is big enough for your fish. You get a Marina Slim filter, which clips to the tank at the back.
This ensures that it stays out of the way so that you can see your fish. A few quick-change cartridges are also included for the filter. It saves you money because you don’t have to buy new cartridges right away.
The LED lighting module gives your fish a daytime effect. Therefore, they think it is daytime whenever you have the light on. This ensures that they are playful and swim around when you want to see them.
Along with the rest, you also get fish food and water conditioner. You are not required to use this food and can buy whatever brand you like. The conditioner is essential to make the tap water safer for your fish.
6. Skroutz Aquarium Starter Kit
If you’re interested in a 29-gallon angled tank, you are going to like the kit from Skroutz. It features a low-profile hood. This means it doesn’t take up much space, so you see more of the fish and habitat.
The product comes with LED lighting in the hood. Therefore, you can illuminate the fish and watch them when it best suits you. It features a normal light sparkle, ensuring that you do not get ‘prism’ effects while watching your pets.
You are going to be very impressed with the inward channel, too. It keeps the angle correct no matter what the filter does.
Of course, it also ensures that the water is clear. Therefore, you can always watch your fish, regardless of where you look into the tank.
With the kit, you get a fishnet, filter, and some fish food. However, you can buy whichever fish food you prefer.
You also get a water conditioner. This is to ensure that the tap water is safe for your pets.
7. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Junior Executive Kit
The SeaClear brand is made of acrylic, which is stronger than glass. There are no ‘frames’, either. This means that you can see more of the tank and what’s inside.
You are going to get the hood and the fluorescent feature. However, it does require a 24-inch light bulb that isn’t included. This 29-gallon tank also has a power filter to keep the water clean and clear.
Of course, you also get a few plastic plants, a natural lava rock, and a fishnet. A thermometer is also provided to ensure the water stays at the right temperature.
This is an excellent starter aquarium kit for a beginner. Hobbyists are also going to like it. Plus, you can use it for saltwater and freshwater fish, reptiles, and turtles.
You can find other colors. The clear color means that the back is clear, and there is no colored background. There are also cobalt blue and black backgrounds, which can liven things up.
8. Landen Rimless Low Iron Aquarium Tank
Many people want to see their fish clearly. If this sounds like you, it’s important to consider a low-iron tank. The glass doesn’t use much iron, so you get a better view of the colors.
You get that from the Landen brand with 6mm thick glass. There is a 91-percent transparency rating with this type of glass.
Plus, you get a black Nano foam level mat. This ensures that the tank sits properly on the table where it is set.
Every one of these aquariums is hand-made. They use high standards to make and rim these tanks. This means you are not going to have to worry about leaks and other issues.
Keep in mind that this isn’t a kit. Therefore, it doesn’t have plants, lighting, or a hood.
9. Aqueon Tank Breeder Black
If you’re a fish breeder, you know that you need a larger tank. The breeder tank from Aqueon is 40 gallons and rectangular. It features a high-quality construction for the glass and plastic framing.
There are also clean silicone edges. You aren’t going to have to worry about hurting your hands if you run them over the edge.
Primarily, this tank is designed for freshwater inhabitants, such as reptiles and fish. You can use it for almost any application you can imagine. Many people choose to use it as a regular fish tank.
That means you can have a variety of fish. Just make sure that the species you choose are compatible with each other.
It is possible to find two styles. Oak and black trims are available for purchase. Plus, you can find multiple sizes, though the largest is the most popular.
With the larger aquariums, you have a one-piece center frame that eliminates the risk of bowing glass.
10. Aquarium Tank Glass
If you don’t want to invest in a whole kit, this simple 20-gallon glass aquarium is a great choice. The sides and bottom are made using triple-strength glass that’s welded together using silicone to prevent leaks. The top of the frame is designed for a recessed cover.
There are circumstances in which you might not want a full starter kit. Maybe you already have a filter and some of the equipment from a previous aquarium or if you just want to take your time and get each piece separately. Whatever the case, this is the best bare tank around.
How to Choose a Goldfish Tank?
There’s a lot more to choosing a goldfish tank than meets the eye. Here are some things to consider when choosing one.
Goldfish Tank Size
As we already mentioned, goldfish can live for a long time. To make sure they reach adulthood their full potential, the right tank is essential.
Because goldfish grow very rapidly, it’s best to start with a larger tank so you don’t have to keep upgrading.
What’s an ideal size?
Go for 20-gallons for one or two goldfish. There’s a few reasons for having a tank this size.
Large tanks are easier to keep clear, especially if you only have one or two fish in them. That means less maintenance, fewer water changes, and a happy, calmer goldfish.
Why?
Goldfish are very sensitive to temperature which is why water changes can be so stressful. Not only that but the larger the tank, the less sensitive the water is to ambient temperature changes.
Here’s the thing, goldfish are meant to be pretty big. If their environment was unrestricted, they could potentially grow up to be upwards of 10 inches long. By keeping them in a small tank that inhibits their growth, their bodies don’t develop properly.
Goldfish can also live a really long time. If their growth is inhibited, they usually only live a few years instead. Believe it or not, in the right conditions, goldfish can live up to 20 years.
Goldfish grow very quickly and can get very heavy. Because of this, they use a lot of oxygen which is why a large tank with a lot of surface area is essential to their well-being.
Another reason it’s a good idea to have a large tank is because goldfish are pretty messy. They’re big and make a lot of waste. Having more water volume dilutes the waster so the water quality is affected much more slowly than in a small tank.
Another thing to think about is whether or not you want more than one goldfish. They’re a social species and love having company. That said, more fish means a larger tank. You should add 10 gallons of water to the size of the tank for each additional fish.
As for shape, remember that more surface area is better. Rectangular tanks are the best shape for this. Plus, your goldfish will love swimming the length of the tank as opposed to swimming up and down. Avoid tanks that are too deep or oddly shaped.
Acrylic vs Glass
There are advantages and disadvantages to both glass and acrylic so the choice is up to you.
Acrylic
Acrylic aquariums are really lightweight. They’re easier to lift which makes acrylic a good choice for large tanks because you should be able to lift them unassisted. They’re generally just easier to transport and move.
Another great thing about acrylic is that it’s a little more forgiving than glass. If you have children in your home, this is particularly important. They can handle a small collision or impact without cracking or breaking.
The bonding process used to create acrylic tanks is pretty impressive. They likely won’t leak and hold up very well over time. The seams are often done so well that they’re practically invisible which makes more a spectacular view of your tank.
Temperature is another thing to consider. Acrylic retains heat better than glass which means that there will be fewer and less extreme temperature fluctuations.
Glass
Glass aquariums don’t scratch but are more susceptible to cracks and breaking. They also keep their shape while an acrylic tank can bend or warp over time.
While acrylic tanks look great at the beginning, they can yellow or get cloudy over time if exposed to too much sunlight. On the other hand, the glass will never cloud or discolor no matter how much time it spends in the sun.
Glass is heavy and somewhat impractical for large tanks over, say, 200 gallons. It’s just too much to lift and can really strain the stand or even your floor.
Another thing to think about is that glass typically only comes in ordinary shapes. That said, rectangular tanks are the best suited for goldfish so this is still an appropriate choice.
How to Set Up a New Goldfish Tank?
Setting up a new goldfish tank isn’t all that different from setting up any other fish tank, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Here’s a quick step-by-step breakdown of what to do.
1. Install a Filtration System
Remember, goldfish are messy so you need a powerful filter with a strong flow rate. Flow rates are measured in gallons per hour.
The way to figure out a good flow rate is simple, just use a filter that cycles between five and 10 times the volume of the tank every hour.
So, for a 20-gallon tank, use a filter with a flow rate between 100 and 200 gallons per hour.
Undergravel filters are quite popular with other kinds of fish but are not ideal for goldfish tanks. Use a canister filter instead.
Set up the filter on the side of the tank but don’t turn it on just yet.
After you have your filter set up (but not turned on), it’s time to focus on gravel. Make sure you rinse all gravel carefully before putting it into the tank as it usually contains a lot of dirt and sediment.
Once it’s rinsed, add about three or four inches of gravel to the bottom of the tank. Use larger gravel as goldfish tend to put small gravel in their mouths.
3. Decorate
Add any large decorative rocks, logs, plants, or anything else you want to put in the bottom of your tank.
4. Add Water
Fill the tank with cold water to about the halfway point. The water has to be dechlorinated. You can use tap water but make sure you get the right water treatment and use it properly before adding water to the tank.
Adjust your decorations as needed since they’ll probably move around a bit as you’re adding the water.
Fill the tank all the way to the top with clean, cold, treated water all the way to the top leaving only about an inch or so of space.
5. Turn on the Filter Pump
Make sure the pump is working appropriately before you put any goldfish in the tank. Allow the water to cycle for several minutes so that it’s well circulated.
If you haven’t already added water condition, do so now.
6. Check the Temperature
You want to water to be around 70 to 74 degrees before adding your goldfish.
Conclusion
Contrary to what a lot of people think, goldfish actually don’t thrive living in a small bowl. They actually need a much larger tank to grow to their full potential and live a long, healthy life.
Our top pick for the goldfish tank is the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo. It’s a gorgeous tank that appears seamless and crystal clear giving you an ideal view of your pet. Plus, it’s really strong, leak-free, and lightweight.
We also like that it’s a small kit that includes the tank and a light fixture. This way, you can still take the time to research and choose the filter that you want to use.
This was a very clear and informative article. Told me exactly what I needed and the choices I have . Excellent. Well done. Thank you. Wish all enquiries ended up like this.
Your post is extremely comprehensive and helpful. I have been a fishkeeper for 2 years now and still there are so many things I have just learned thanks to you.
You might think that a goldfish will be happy in a small fish bowl but that’s not the case.
This was a very clear and informative article. Told me exactly what I needed and the choices I have . Excellent. Well done. Thank you. Wish all enquiries ended up like this.
What about cycling the tank and testing for ammonia, etc. Prior to placing the fish in the tank? Is it necessary?
Your post is extremely comprehensive and helpful. I have been a fishkeeper for 2 years now and still there are so many things I have just learned thanks to you.