When it comes to setting up a home for goldfish, the tank you choose is easily one of the most important parts of the process. You want to choose a tank that’s an appropriate size for your goldfish as well as the right shape. The old “x number of gallons per goldfish” rule isn’t really accurate based on current knowledge, but it is important to ensure your goldfish have enough space to happily swim, which includes having a tank that is longer than it is tall. These reviews of the 10 best goldfish tanks are meant to serve as a guide to help you sort through the different tanks on the market for goldfish by allowing you to start your research and planning with the best of the best.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
The 10 Best Goldfish Tanks – Reviews 2021
1. Aqueon LED Aquarium Starter Kit
| Available Sizes: | 10-gallon, 20-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Plastic |
The Aqueon LED Aquarium Starter Kit is a great goldfish tank for beginners because it includes everything you need to get started. This rectangular tank is available in 10-gallon and 20-gallon options and includes lighting built into the low-profile hood. This kit also comes with an Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO Power Filter, a sticker thermometer, fish net, samples of fish food and water conditioner, and a preset heater, which you are unlikely to need for goldfish. Both size options are acceptable tanks for a couple of goldfish, but multiple goldfish may outgrow the 10-gallon size quickly, so the 20-gallon size may save you time and money in the long run. This tank is made from clear plastic, so it’s lightweight and shatterproof. It is still able to crack if dropped or handled too roughly and plastic scratches easily.
Pros
- Two size options
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Low-profile hood contains LED lighting
- Appropriate sizes for a couple of goldfish
- Comes with food and water conditioner samples
- Clear plastic is lightweight and shatterproof
Cons
- Heater is unnecessary for most homes
- Plastic scratches easily and can crack
2. Aqua Culture 10-Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit with LED
| Available Sizes: | 10-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Plastic |
The Aqua Culture 10-Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit with LED is a great option for the beginner on a budget. This kit includes a low-profile hood with built-in LED lighting. It also comes with a Tetra internal power filter and samples of fish food and water conditioner. This tank has built-in cutouts that allow the hood to stay low-profile when all the equipment is in use. The included filter is likely adequate for one goldfish, but goldfish produce a lot of waste and a more powerful filter would be needed for more than one goldfish. Multiple goldfish may outgrow this tank quickly as well, but it is inexpensive enough that it is a good short-term investment for many people. This tank is made from lightweight, shatterproof plastic but it does scratch easily.
Pros
- Cost effective
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Low-profile hood contains LED lighting
- Appropriate size for a couple of goldfish
- Comes with food and water conditioner samples
- Clear plastic is lightweight and shatterproof
Cons
- Only one size available
- Plastic scratches easily and can crack
- Included filter likely inadequate for multiple goldfish
3. SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set
| Available Sizes: | 8-gallon, 10-gallon, 15-gallon, 20-gallon, 29-gallon, 30-gallon, 40-gallon, 46-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular, hexagonal, bowfront |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | No |
| Material: | Acrylic |
If you’re in the market for a premium-priced product, the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set line is right up your alley. The 8-gallon and 10-gallon mini kits include a filter, but all other sizes and shapes do not. They all include a light fixture and reflector, which can be chosen from black, clear, or cobalt. These tanks are 17 times clearer than glass and are lightweight and shatterproof, but, like the lower quality plastics, are prone to scratches and can crack with rough handling. Since there are so many shapes and sizes to choose from, you can pick a tank based on the number of goldfish you’re intending to have and whether you intend to upgrade the tank. A 46-gallon tank can last a couple of goldfish a lifetime while an 8-gallon tank will likely be outgrown quickly.
Pros
- Two sizes include everything needed to get started
- Multiple shapes and sizes available
- All options include LED lighting and background reflector
- Options allow for buyer’s choice based on number of fish and intent to upgrade
- Acrylic is 17 times clearer than glass, half the weight, and shatterproof
Cons
- Premium prices
- Filters not included with most size options
- Acrylic scratches easily
4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
| Available Sizes: | 5-gallon, 10-gallon, 20-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Glass |
The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is another great option for beginners because it’s available in multiple sizes and has everything needed to get started. The included filter is the Marina Slim Clip-on Filter, which promises cartridge changes in 1 minute or less. This kit also includes LED lighting built into the included tank hood, a fish net, samples of fish food, water conditioner, and beneficial bacteria supplement, and an aquarium care guide to help you get things up and running, as well as providing you information on how to maintain your aquarium. Since this aquarium is glass, it isn’t shatterproof but it’s unlikely to scratch and should last multiple years before the silicone seal requires maintenance. Most goldfish will outgrow the 10-gallon tank quickly, but the 20-gallon should suffice for multiple goldfish for a long time. A 5-gallon tank is too small for most goldfish.
Pros
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Comes with aquarium care guide
- Three size options
- Hood contains LED lighting
- Appropriate sizes for a couple of goldfish
- Glass is scratch-resistant and lasts a long time
Cons
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- 5-gallon size is too small for most goldfish
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
5. Tetra 55-Gallon Aquarium Kit
| Available Sizes: | 55-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Glass |
For a tank that will last you a long time with multiple goldfish, the Tetra 55-Gallon Aquarium Kit is a great option. A 55-gallon tank is large enough for multiple goldfish for years, if not their entire life. This kit includes a sticker thermometer, heater, fish net, filter with cartridges, multiple faux plants, and samples of fish food, water conditioner, and beneficial bacteria supplement. It also includes two tank hoods that have removable LED light strips. Since this tank is made from glass, it’s extremely heavy and weighs almost 80 pounds on its own. You’ll need to ensure you have a surface that can safely hold 600 pounds or more once water, substrate, and décor are added. Depending on how you stock this tank, the filter may work well, or it may not provide enough filtration, especially in an overstocked tank.
Pros
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Two tank hoods with strip LED lights
- Appropriate size for multiple goldfish
- Glass is scratch-resistant and lasts a long time
- Large enough to last many goldfish their entire life
Cons
- Only one size available
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
- Heater is unnecessary for most homes
6. Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium Fish Tank Kit
| Available Sizes: | 20-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Glass |
The Tetra ColorFusion Aquarium Fish Tank Kit is a good option if you’re looking for something a little on the funky side. This kit includes a low-profile hood with built-in LED lighting that can be rotated through multiple colors including blue and orange. This kit also comes with a heater, filter, two faux plant packs, a white faux anemone, a fish net, and samples of fish food and water conditioner, as well as a getting started guide. This 20-gallon tank is an appropriate size for a couple of goldfish, but the filter may need to be replaced with larger fish or an overstocked tank. This kit weighs just over 30 pounds, so once filled with water it will need a secure stand.
Pros
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Low-profile hood includes LED lights with multiple color options
- Comes with a getting started guide
- Appropriate size for a couple of goldfish
- Glass is scratch-resistant and lasts a long time
Cons
- Only one size option
- Heater is unnecessary in most homes
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
7. Landen 60P 25.4-Gallon Rimless Low-Iron Aquarium
| Available Sizes: | 4-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | No |
| Included Filtration: | No |
| Material: | Glass |
For a simple starting point, the Landen 60P 25.4-Gallon Rimless Low-Iron Aquarium is a great pick because it comes with the tank and nothing else. You will need to purchase a leveling mat for this because it is a rimless, frameless aquarium, so any uneven surfaces can lead to leaks in the silicone. This tank gives you the opportunity to pick the filter and light that you want instead of purchasing a full kit. This tank is made from low-iron glass, which is almost as clear as acrylic and has less visual distortion than regular aquarium glass. It’s held together by clear silicone, giving it a seamless appearance. This tank is a very premium price, but the clarity and quality make it worth the price for many people.
Pros
- Allows you to customize your tank completely
- Low-iron glass provides exceptional clarity
- Glass is scratch-resistant and lasts a long time
- Seamless appearance
Cons
- Only one size available
- Premium price
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
- Doesn’t include necessary leveling mat
8. Tetra Connect Curved Aquarium Kit
| Available Sizes: | 28-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Bowfront |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Glass |
The Tetra Connect Curved Aquarium Kit is a premium-priced pick if you’re looking for a bowfront tank kit. This kit includes a glass tank canopy, heater, samples of fish food and water conditioner, LED light with Wi-Fi control, filter, and automatic feeder with Wi-Fi control and manual option. The Tetra My Aquarium app makes controlling the tank’s features easy and includes recommendations and presets. The low-profile glass hood gives this tank a modern look, so it’ll fit right in inside any modern home. The bowfront design of this tank provides adequate swimming room without the long length of a large, rectangular tank. This tank is quite heavy at around 40 pounds, so make sure you have a solid surface to hold it.
Pros
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Wi-Fi controlled lights and feeder
- Low-profile hood and modern appearance
- Appropriately sized for a couple of goldfish
- Glass is scratch-resistant and lasts a long time
Cons
- Premium price
- Heater is unnecessary in most homes
- Only one size available
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
9. BiOrb Classic LED Aquarium
| Available Sizes: | 4-gallon, 8-gallon, 16-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Spherical |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Acrylic |
For a unique look, the BiOrb Classic LED Aquarium is a good option. It’s not an ideal pick for goldfish because it’s round, but it is well-suited to small spaces. This tank allows you to pick your stand and lid color from silver, black, and white. It includes BiOrb’s special filtration, aeration, and lighting systems. A big downside to this tank is that you are not able to customize the tank accessories since only BiOrb products will fit. This tank is sleek and modern, and the lid and base give it a seamless look that hides all equipment from view. This tank is 10 times stronger than glass, lacks the visual distortion that some glass causes, and is half the weight of glass. It includes ceramic filter media, which is reusable for a long time and allows for beneficial bacteria colonization.
Pros
- Three size options
- Includes everything needed to get started
- Seamless look can be customized with color options
- 10 times stronger than glass and half the weight
- Includes ceramic filter media
Cons
- Shape is not ideal for goldfish
- Acrylic scratches easily
- Premium price
- Cannot customize accessories
- Goldfish may outgrow it quickly due to rounded swim space
10. JBJ Rimless Desktop 10-Gallon Flat Panel Peninsula
| Available Sizes: | 10-gallon |
| Available Shapes: | Rectangular |
| Included Lighting: | Yes |
| Included Filtration: | Yes |
| Material: | Glass |
The JBJ Rimless Desktop 10-Gallon Flat Panel Peninsula kit provides an ultra-modern look and includes everything you need to get your tank up and running. This kit includes a clear, low-profile lid, filter, light with adjustable settings, and an attractive pedestal base. The size of this tank means a couple of goldfish may outgrow it quickly. This tank kit is a premium price and replacement parts can be difficult to come by. This kit allows for very little customization since accessories must fit the long, narrow tank. The included filter tends to have a noisy return, which may make it distracting as a desktop tank. The filter may not be powerful enough for multiple goldfish.
Pros
- Ultra-modern look
- Includes everything needed to get started
- LED light is separate from the tank and lid
- Glass is scratch-resistant and made to last a long time
Cons
- Premium price
- Glass is heavy and not shatterproof
- Glass tanks require silicone seal maintenance every 10 years
- Cannot customize accessories easily
- Filter may not be powerful enough for more than one goldfish
- Noisy filter return
Buyer’s Guide
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Goldfish Tank for Your Needs
Size
When it comes to picking the right goldfish tank for your needs, you’ll need to consider the size of the tank versus the number of goldfish you intend to have and the size of those fish. Goldfish grow rapidly the first two years of life, so they can quickly outgrow a 10-gallon tank. If your intention is to get multiple goldfish, then starting off with a larger tank will save you time and money within a year or two when the goldfish get large.
Shape
Shape isn’t just important for your space, but it’s also important for your goldfish. Goldfish like to have long, uninterrupted swimming space, which makes rectangular tanks ideal for them. Other tanks can work for goldfish but may take some tweaking with décor and plants. The shape you choose should also fit the space you have for a tank. If you have a long, narrow space available, then a rectangular tank will work well for you. However, if you only have a small space available, like an entryway or bedroom, then a bowfront or spherical tank may be better suited to the space.
Customization
How comfortable are you customizing the accessories for your goldfish tank? If you already have your sights set on a specific type or brand of filter or light, then that opens more options for what tank you choose. If you aren’t sure what you want or need, then a kit may be better suited to your needs right now. That way you know you’re getting the things you need to get a tank up and running and you’ll only be left with substrate and, in some cases, décor.
Material
Depending on your household, you may want a glass, plastic, or acrylic tank. Glass is sturdy and scratch-resistant, but also heavy and requires maintenance every few years. Plastic is lightweight and clear, but scratches easily and tends to be more flimsy than acrylic. Acrylic is lightweight and extremely clear, but scratches easily and can stain with chemical additives in the water. In homes with pets or small children, glass may be the best option since they won’t be able to scratch it up and it’s heavy enough to not easily be knocked down or picked up.
Things to Look for When Buying a Goldfish Tank
- Quality: Look for fish tanks with positive reviews about the quality of the item. A low-quality glass tank may leak within a few weeks or months of initial use, but a low-quality plastic or acrylic tank is unlikely to leak. However, low-quality plastic or acrylic may scratch easier than high-quality options or may come with low-quality accessories that are difficult to replace, like specialty hoods with built-in LED lights.
- Warranties: Always get a tank that has some kind of warranty or guarantee. Even the highest quality tanks can have problems sometimes. If you spend $200 on a tank, only for it to pop a leak within two weeks, you’ll want to know that the vendor or manufacturer will help you get it fixed or replaced. The more expensive and higher quality the tank, the better the warranty being offered should be.
- Size: Goldfish get much larger than many people realize, and they do it quickly. It’s important to have at least a 10-gallon tank for the long run for goldfish. This is especially important for single-tail goldfish, like commons and comets, and ensures they have appropriate swim space and high water quality. A small tank is much more difficult to manage the water quality in, especially with multiple fish.
- Accessories: When you start looking at tanks, it’s a good idea to have a picture in your mind of what you want. Some tanks come as kits while others are just a tank that offers you a blank canvas to accessorize. If you are purchasing a kit and part of the cost is a filter that you aren’t going to use because it isn’t as functional as you need it to be, then see if you can save yourself money by selecting a tank that doesn’t include a filter. Sometimes, you’ll save money by purchasing a kit, even if you turn around and replace parts.
Conclusion
The top pick for goldfish tanks is the Aqueon LED Aquarium Starter Kit, which is available in multiple sizes and is extremely beginner friendly. For a budget-friendly option, the Aqua Culture 10-Gallon Aquarium Starter Kit with LED is a good pick, especially if you need a setup to get you by for a short time. If you’re in the market for a premium product, the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set is a great choice because it’s high quality and functional. Choosing a tank for your goldfish doesn’t have to be complicated or confusing! These reviews are a great starting point for you to begin developing an idea of what you want and what’s available on the market.
Brooke Billingsley spent nine years as a veterinary assistant before becoming a human nurse in 2013. She resides in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years. She loves all animals and currently shares a home with three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. She has a soft spot for special needs animals and has a three-legged senior dog and an internet famous cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. Fish keeping has become a hobby of Brooke’s and she is continually learning how to give her aquarium pets the best life possible. Brooke enjoys plants and gardening and keeps a vegetable garden during the summer months. She stays active with yoga and obtained her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. She hosts a podcast focusing on folklore and myth and loves spending her free time researching and writing. Brooke believes that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth and she spends time daily working toward new skills and knowledge.
