The Best Goldfish Tanks

A goldfish is a great easy, low-maintenance pet. One of the most important things that you need to do is buy the best goldfish tank that you can find for your home and pet. You may be limited by the space that you have available or the setup that will work with your tank stand. Maybe this is your first goldfish and you aren’t even sure where to begin.

Goldfish don’t need a lot of care but do benefit from a tank that has some enrichment, clean water, and space for food. If you have just one goldfish, its space requirements are pretty minimal. The tank should be longer than it is wide and all of the recommendations on our list fit this need. For tanks with multiple goldfish, more space is necessary as well as more places for them to explore and get privacy when they need it.

Find out our top recommended goldfish tanks for beginners as well as experienced fish owners.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Goldfish Tanks

#1 Best Overall: Aqueon LED Fish Aquarium Starter Kit

In our review, the best goldfish tank is the Aqueon LED Fish Aquarium Starter Kit.

This tank is great for beginners and experienced fish owners alike. It is 20-inches long, has a capacity of 10 gallons and can fit multiple goldfish comfortably. The lid is secure, one of the things that reviewers liked most about this tank.

The sides are glass so make sure that you have a sturdy place to put the tank that can support the weight, including the water. The lid has an opening on the top that is large and great to scatter food for multiple fish. The included LED light mounts on the top to illuminate your fish tank and the heater and filter work to keep the water clean and safe for your fish. You will need to add the aquarium elements like rocks, plants, and other interactive accessories separately.

It also features a QuietFlow filter, and when it’s time to change it, a built-in LED light blinks red. This makes it really easy to keep the water clean. Attending to the water in your fish tank is one of the most important aspects of owning a fish. The thermometer and 50W pre-set heater make it easy to monitor the water temperature, another important task. This kit even comes with a sample of fish food and a net to transfer your fish into and out of the tank when needed.

The only drawback to this product is that some customers have reported that the hood is made from thin plastic that is not very durable.

Pros and Cons of the Aqueon LED Fish Aquarium Starter Kit

Overall Best

Aqueon LED Fish Aquarium Starter Kit

• Made from glass
• Include LED light that mounts on the top
• Easy to keep the water clean with included filter
• Great for beginners

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2. Best on a Budget: All Glass Aquarium Tank

For one of the most affordable tanks, consider the All Glass Aquarium Tank.

This simple fish tank is well made but doesn’t come with any extras. It is a whopping 30-inches long and can hold 20-gallons of water. The sides are made of glass with silicone edges to keep them leakproof and safe.

You will need to add everything to this tank — including the filter, top, heater, lights, decor, features, and fish. However, the great thing is that due to its affordable price, you can get a high-quality tank and then add just what you need. This is more of a DIY or customizable approach to designing and maintaining a fish tank.

It’s best to go with this option if you have some knowledge of being a fish owner, access to a mentor with experience, or are willing to do a lot of research into what your goldfish needs to live its best life. Because you will need to research, find, and purchase everything separately, it can take more time and possibly more money to outfit your tank than going with a kit.

Pros and Cons of the All Glass Aquarium Tank

Best on a Budget

All Glass Aquarium Tank

• Very affordable tank
• The glass sides have silicone edges
• Can be used for freshwater and marine tanks
• Very easy to clean

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3. Best Premium Tank: SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

If you don’t mind splurging then the best premium option is the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set.

We’ll preface this recommendation by acknowledging that this option is pricey but it really packs a big bang for your buck. At 29 gallons it is the largest option on our list, perfect for multiple goldfish. It comes in ten different size and shape configurations, as well as three different background colors. The sides are super clear acrylic that will make everything inside the aquarium take center stage. Plus, acrylic is stronger than glass and less prone to damage such as cracks and chips.

You will need to purchase additional features separately (such as a heater and an filter). However, the aquarium comes with a reflector and an electrical light fixture built in. This is a premium tank at a premium price, but it will certainly make a statement in your home.

Pros and Cons of the SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

Best Premium Tank

SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium Combo Set

• Comes in 10 size and shape configurations
• Made from clear acrylic
• Has a filter at the back
• Comes with a built-in electrical light fixture

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4. Best Crescent Tank: Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit

Tanks can come in various shapes and sizes and the best crescent tank in our opinion is the Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit.

This smaller fish tank offers a unique look with its curved crescent shape. It has a black cover and base to provide stability, as well as high-quality acrylic sides. The acrylic is seamless so you don’t need to worry about leaks or breakage.

There is an opening at the top for feeding and an LED light is included. The filter is very quiet, like other Tetra tanks. You do need to purchase replacement cartridges. But the overall cost is affordable and great for people just starting out with fish.

Unfortunately, some customers have reported that the lid is quite flimsy and not very durable. Also, due to it’s small size it is really only advisable as a starter kit.

Pros and Cons of the Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit

Best Portable

Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit

• Curved crescent design
• Made from high-quality acrylic
• Very quiet filter included
• Affordable option

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When deciding on a tank for your goldfish, you should consider the size, features, and how easy it will be to maintain. Here we look at each of these factors.

Size

Goldfish tend to grow quite a bit compared to many home aquarium fish. They need a minimum of 20 gallons of water to live a long, healthy life. This may seem like a large tank, especially for a young goldfish, but they will grow into their tank if given the chance. It is also best to choose a tank that is longer than it is tall for long-term use.

A larger tank is a necessity for creating a safe and healthy environment for your goldfish but having a small tank on hand is also helpful. Using a small net, you can transfer your fish to this temporary tank while you clean their main aquarium or if you need to transport them somewhere.

Features

To create the best environment for your goldfish, you should add features like rocks and pebbles, plants, and larger hiding holes in the tank for your goldfish to explore. Some kits come with the starter elements or you can purchase them separately. Adding features and accessories to your goldfish tank is often a very enjoyable part of owning a fish for many pet owners.

Consider the additional cost of adding accessories whether you opt for a kit or a stand-alone aquarium tank. Even if you go with a kit that includes these items, almost all fish owners ended up adding accessories to their setup that reflected their tastes, added style and kept their fish occupied. These can also create places for fish to hide and get shelter, great for keeping their environment low-stress.

Maintenance

Any aquarium requires periodic cleaning and maintenance to make sure that it is a safe and healthy environment for its occupants. Look for a tank that is easy to clean and that has a filter. This helps ensure that the water remains clean for your fish. You may want to purchase a smaller tank to rehome your fish during the times when you need to change out the water in their main tank or do a deeper clean.

The Different Types of Goldfish Tanks: Pros and Cons Compared

When selecting a new tank for your goldfish or purchasing one for the first time, you can choose between an aquarium kit and a stand-alone tank. Each option has pros and cons, which we’ve outlined here.

Aquarium Kit

Stand-Alone Aquarium