Fishbowls have an incredibly long history. Used by the ancient Romans as well as the ancient Chinese, fishbowls have been an incredibly popular way to keep fish for centuries. But are they really the best for them?
This is the 21st century, and fishbowls have come a long way! It turns out old-style fishbowls were really bad for fish, who need to be kept in bigger, cleaner, safer habitats. In the wild, fish live in expansive environments where they can swim to different parts of the water column and explore their surroundings. Old-fashioned fishbowls, on the other hand, provide a very limited, unhealthy environment for fish, especially goldfish and bettas.
We’re going to show you the best new-style fishbowls and starter kits to get you set up for your goldfish or betta. These are easier to maintain too, because they help to continuously stabilize physical and chemical parameters in your fish’s habitat. This list of reviews will help you choose the right starter kit that matches not only your fish but also your needs, space, and budget.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
BiOrb CLASSIC LED Aquarium
Filter cartridges conveniently collect waste
LED lighting, a low-voltage air pump, and ceramic media
Acrylic material is 10 times stronger and 50% lighter than glass
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Best Value
Koller Products Tropical 360 View Aquarium Starter Kit
LED lights come in seven fun colors
Cleaned and purified by an internal filter
Plastic is impact-resistant with panoramic viewing
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Premium Choice
BiOrb FLOW LED Aquarium
Biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
Water stabilization and oxygenation built-in
Waste is conveniently collected within a filter cartridge
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Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquarium Kit
Curved front gives some of the feel of a fishbowl
Easy maintenance with the cartridge filter
Exciting color-changing LEDs
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Marineland Contour Rail Light Aquarium Kit
Glass tabletop features rounded corners and a clear top
Hidden three-stage filter
Hinged lights
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This tank is round which gives it the class fishbowl look, however, the biOrb CLASSIC LED Aquarium is a beautiful and sturdy aquarium that is perfect for anyone who wants to get into fishkeeping. Many people are drawn to aquariums because they provide a natural habitat for aquatic creatures. However, some people want to add a little extra fun and excitement to their home aquarium by purchasing an LED Aquarium.
Dimensions: 13.25 x 12.875 x 12.75 inches
Capacity: 4 gallons
Material: Plastic
Goldfish: Up to 2
Bettas: Up to 4
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This tank is easy to set up and use, and it comes with a variety of features that will make your experience with fishkeeping fun and rewarding. The filter cartridge conveniently collects and holds excess waste. This unit has long-lasting lighting, a low-voltage air pump, and special ceramic media. The acrylic material used in the construction is much stronger than glass and half as heavy. It features 5-stage filtration to make sure that the water column stays clean and crisp.
The aquarium is unsuitable for use with a heater, and you also shouldn’t place it near heat sources or in the sun.
Pros
Filter cartridges conveniently collect waste
LED lighting, a low-voltage air pump, and ceramic media
Acrylic material is 10 times stronger and 50% lighter than glass
Features 5-stage filtration for clean, clear water
Cons
Incompatible with heaters, heat sources, and direct sunlight
Some people do not enjoy the distortion a fishbowl creates
Introducing the Koller Products Tropical 360 View Aquarium Starter Kit! While this isn’t a perfect sphere, the round shape is reminiscent of a traditional fishbowl. This complete kit includes everything you need to get started including a tank, filter, and lighting, and is the best fish bowl starter kit for the money. The tank is made from high-quality acrylic and has a 360 view design that gives you a unique perspective of your fish. The filter is an efficient mechanical filter that will keep your tank clean and healthy. The lighting provides the perfect level of illumination for your goldfish or betta fish.
Filter cartridges conveniently collect waste
LED lighting, a low-voltage air pump, and ceramic media
Acrylic material is 10 times stronger and 50% lighter than glass
Features 5-stage filtration for clean, clear water
- Filter cartridges conveniently collect waste
- LED lighting, a low-voltage air pump, and ceramic media
- Acrylic material is 10 times stronger and 50% lighter than glass
- Features 5-stage filtration for clean, clear water
Incompatible with heaters, heat sources, and direct sunlight
Some people do not enjoy the distortion a fishbowl creates
- Incompatible with heaters, heat sources, and direct sunlight
- Some people do not enjoy the distortion a fishbowl creates
Dimensions: 10.2 x 14.5 x 10.2 inches
Capacity: 3 gallons
Material: Plastic
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: Up to 3
You can choose from seven fun colors, including aqua, blue, green, purple, red, and white, and an internal filter cleans and purifies the tank. The plastic is impact-resistant and allows you to enjoy your goldfish or bettas from every angle.
Pros
LED lights come in seven fun colors
Cleaned and purified by an internal filter
Plastic is impact-resistant with panoramic viewing
Cons
Curved sides cause distortion
A small number of users report problems with the light
Can’t be used with a heater
The biOrb FLOW LED Aquarium is the perfect addition to any fish enthusiast’s home. This sleek and stylish aquarium features a sleek design, as well as incredible LED lighting that makes for an amazing view. Not only does the BiOrb FLOW LED Aquarium provide a beautiful display for your aquatic friends, but it is also easy to maintain thanks to its automated filtration system. Excess waste is conveniently collected in the filter cartridge, and a low-voltage air pump, long-lasting lighting, and ceramic media are included with this unit.
LED lights come in seven fun colors
Cleaned and purified by an internal filter
Plastic is impact-resistant with panoramic viewing
- LED lights come in seven fun colors
- Cleaned and purified by an internal filter
- Plastic is impact-resistant with panoramic viewing
Curved sides cause distortion
A small number of users report problems with the light
Can’t be used with a heater
- Curved sides cause distortion
- A small number of users report problems with the light
- Can’t be used with a heater
Dimensions: 8.2 x 11.8 x 12.4 inches
Capacity: 4 gallons
Material: Acrylic, plastic
Goldfish: Up to 2
Bettas: Up to 4
Although the acrylic used for this tank is tougher and lighter than glass, acrylic aquariums aren’t suitable for use with heaters, and you shouldn’t place them near heat sources or in the sun.
Pros
Biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
Water stabilization and oxygenation built-in
Waste is conveniently collected within a filter cartridge
Durable LED lighting
Less distortion when viewing fish
Cons
Not the classic fishbowl shape
Not suitable for use with heaters
Biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
Water stabilization and oxygenation built-in
Waste is conveniently collected within a filter cartridge
Durable LED lighting
Less distortion when viewing fish
- Biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
- Water stabilization and oxygenation built-in
- Waste is conveniently collected within a filter cartridge
- Durable LED lighting
- Less distortion when viewing fish
Not the classic fishbowl shape
Not suitable for use with heaters
- Not the classic fishbowl shape
- Not suitable for use with heaters
It covers all you need to know about creating the most ideal tank setup, goldfish care, and more!
The unique Tetra ColorFusion Half Moon Aquarium Kit is perfect for anyone looking to add some color and excitement to their home aquarium. The kit includes a half-moon-shaped tank, an automatic color-changing submersible LED lighting unit that creates a colorful bubble effect, and a Tetra Whisper cartridge filter for hassle-free maintenance. Make it your own by adding plants, gravel, water, and of course your goldfish or betta!
Dimensions: 6.875 x 12.5 x 12.938 inches
Capacity: 3 gallons
Material: Plastic
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: Up to 3
The lights and bubbler share the same plug, but you can shut off the lights and only use the bubbler. The lid rests on top of the tank and does not lock into place.
Pros
Curved front gives some of the feel of a fishbowl
Easy maintenance with the cartridge filter
Exciting color-changing LEDs
Cons
Gravel not included
Owners have trouble getting the lid to sit straight
Cannot be used with a heater
Beginner fish enthusiasts will love the Marineland Contour Rail Light Aquarium Kit. With the Marineland Contour Glass Fish Aquarium Kit you’ll have everything you need to create a stylish new home for your fish. An adjustable flow filter pump and a three-stage filtration system are hidden inside the sleek glass cube. While a sliding glass canopy allows easy access for cleaning or feeding, the LED lighting system provides gleaming white light for the day and moody blue light for the evening.
Curved front gives some of the feel of a fishbowl
Easy maintenance with the cartridge filter
Exciting color-changing LEDs
- Curved front gives some of the feel of a fishbowl
- Easy maintenance with the cartridge filter
- Exciting color-changing LEDs
Gravel not included
Owners have trouble getting the lid to sit straight
Cannot be used with a heater
- Gravel not included
- Owners have trouble getting the lid to sit straight
- Cannot be used with a heater
Dimensions: 11.82 x 11.62 x 12.05 inches
Capacity: 3 gallons
Material: Glass
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: Up to 3
The only thing missing is water, some stylish underwater décor, and your bettas or goldfish. The kit is easy to set up and use and is perfect for anyone who wants an aquarium that stands out in their home.
Pros
Glass tabletop features rounded corners and a clear top
Hidden three-stage filter
Hinged lights
Filter comes with Rite-Size Z Cartridge and Marineland Bio-Foam
Can be used with a heater
Cons
No replacement parts are available
Some owners have trouble with the lights
Aqueon’s LED MiniCube Aquarium Starter Kit is a great way to get started with fish keeping. This kit comes with everything you need to get started, including a tank, filter, and light. The Aqueon MiniCube Aquarium is small but has all the features of a standard aquarium. This kit is perfect for beginners who are looking to get into aquarium keeping without spending a lot of money. To make the display pop, an energy-efficient LED light is attached to the hood of the aquarium.
Glass tabletop features rounded corners and a clear top
Hidden three-stage filter
Hinged lights
Filter comes with Rite-Size Z Cartridge and Marineland Bio-Foam
Can be used with a heater
- Glass tabletop features rounded corners and a clear top
- Hidden three-stage filter
- Hinged lights
- Filter comes with Rite-Size Z Cartridge and Marineland Bio-Foam
- Can be used with a heater
No replacement parts are available
Some owners have trouble with the lights
- No replacement parts are available
- Some owners have trouble with the lights
Dimensions: 10 x 7.5 x 7.5 inches
Capacity: 1.6 gallons
Material: Plastic
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: 1
The package includes samples of Aqueon QuietFlow Filtration and water-care products. It’s ideally suited to one betta fish or small goldfish.
Pros
The aquarium hood is illuminated by an energy-efficient LED light
Water-care samples included
Ideal for a single betta fish or small goldfish
Cons
Only suitable for one small fish
Some owners report problems with the filter and lights
Your home decor will be enhanced by the GloFish Aquarium Starter Kit. A seamless aquarium is included, with a clear cover, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a low-voltage adapter, along with an easy-to-maintain Tetra Whisper filtration unit with a Tetra Bio-Bag. An excellent choice for beginners, this colorful piece is perfect for the home, office, classroom, or dorm. In addition to the feeding hole, each cover has cutouts for the cords of the light, filter, and accessory.
The aquarium hood is illuminated by an energy-efficient LED light
Water-care samples included
Ideal for a single betta fish or small goldfish
- The aquarium hood is illuminated by an energy-efficient LED light
- Water-care samples included
- Ideal for a single betta fish or small goldfish
Only suitable for one small fish
Some owners report problems with the filter and lights
- Only suitable for one small fish
- Some owners report problems with the filter and lights
Dimensions: 11.22 x 16.54 x 13.19 inches
Capacity: 3 gallons
Material: Plastic
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: Up to 3
Some people report issues with the filter and say that the kit feels flimsy—remember this is a lightweight, no-frills starter kit, and you get what you pay for.
Pros
Seamless aquarium with a clear cover
LED lighting and Tetra Whisper filtration
Easy to set up and maintain
LED low voltage light
Cons
Some owners have problems with the filter
Kit is flimsier than some others
The Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit is designed for use in small spaces and features a modern, minimalist design. The kit includes a glass aquarium, a filter, an air pump, and LED lighting. The filter is designed to keep the water clean and healthy for your goldfish or betta, and the air pump helps to create a healthy environment for your fish by providing oxygenated water. A fully rotating center cube makes it easy to move, clean, and replace filters easily.
Seamless aquarium with a clear cover
LED lighting and Tetra Whisper filtration
Easy to set up and maintain
LED low voltage light
- Seamless aquarium with a clear cover
- LED lighting and Tetra Whisper filtration
- Easy to set up and maintain
- LED low voltage light
Some owners have problems with the filter
Kit is flimsier than some others
- Some owners have problems with the filter
- Kit is flimsier than some others
Dimensions: 14.4 x 10 x 10 inches
Capacity: 5 gallons
Material: Glass, plastic
Goldfish: Up to 2
Bettas: Up to 5
This is a glass aquarium with a plastic lid. Some owners rave about this, but many seem to run into difficulties with the light or filter over time. That’s why although we love it, we’ve ranked it a little lower on our list.
Pros
Glass construction
Can be used with a heater if necessary
Built-in filtration
Bright LED lighting
Uniquely elegant design
Cons
Some people run into trouble with the filter or light over time.
The Tetra LED Betta Tank is a small, desktop fish tank that is designed to house one betta fish. The tank has a built-in LED light that creates a beautiful underwater environment for the fish to swim in and includes a filter to keep the water clean. The tank is also very easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for beginner fish enthusiasts. Many reviewers have commented that this tank is too small, even for a single Betta.
Glass construction
Can be used with a heater if necessary
Built-in filtration
Bright LED lighting
Uniquely elegant design
- Glass construction
- Can be used with a heater if necessary
- Built-in filtration
- Bright LED lighting
- Uniquely elegant design
Some people run into trouble with the filter or light over time.
- Some people run into trouble with the filter or light over time.
While it meets the minimum size requirement for a betta under one inch in length, once you put in gravel and decor, it’s a little bit of a tight squeeze. That’s why we’ve ranked this tank toward the end of our list.
Pros
Easily turn lights on and off
Wider mouth for better natural oxygenation
Cons
Lights are battery run
Very small—your fish will outgrow it quickly
Plastic so you can’t use a heater
No filter
The Cobalt Aquatics Microvue Aquarium Kit is a small aquarium that is designed for use in tight spaces. The kit includes a 2.6-gallon tank, a built-in filter, and an LED light. The Clearvue 20 internal filter is designed to keep the tank clean and the light is designed to provide sufficient illumination for plants and fish. The kit is easy to set up and it can be used to house goldfish or bettas. This is a good-looking aquarium and will make your desktop or dorm room bright and colorful.
Easily turn lights on and off
Wider mouth for better natural oxygenation
- Easily turn lights on and off
- Wider mouth for better natural oxygenation
Lights are battery run
Very small—your fish will outgrow it quickly
Plastic so you can’t use a heater
No filter
- Lights are battery run
- Very small—your fish will outgrow it quickly
- Plastic so you can’t use a heater
- No filter
Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 inches
Capacity: 2.6 gallon
Material: Glass
Goldfish: 1
Bettas: 2
Pros
Beautiful looking tank
Glass construction
Quiet filter
Cons
Some people find the internal filter a little big
Many people have trouble getting the lid to sit correctly
More expensive than most
Beautiful looking tank
Glass construction
Quiet filter
- Beautiful looking tank
- Glass construction
- Quiet filter
Some people find the internal filter a little big
Many people have trouble getting the lid to sit correctly
More expensive than most
- Some people find the internal filter a little big
- Many people have trouble getting the lid to sit correctly
- More expensive than most
Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Fishbowl Starter Kit for Goldfish and Bettas
You may want a fishbowl on your office desk, your bedside table, or in your entryway. Especially when stocked with a miniature fish and aquatic plant, these bowls can be cute. Moreover, some beginners, especially those hesitant to spend much money, might consider a goldfish bowl as a cheaper alternative to an aquarium. However, they don’t provide fish with a healthy or suitable environment. Here’s why.
Is it Easier to Maintain a Fishbowl?
The short answer is no. Without a filter, water must be replaced more often in a fishbowl than in a filtered tank, since the lack of a filter allows pollutants to accumulate in the water more quickly. In addition, fishbowls typically have much less surface area than filtered tanks, which means that less oxygen is available for the fish.
Are Fishbowls Healthy for Fish?
The use of fishbowls as a form of aquaculture is controversial. Some people believe that they are not healthy for fish because the water can become stagnant and oxygen-deprived. Others argue that fishbowls are an effective way to raise small fish and that the water can be changed regularly to ensure that the fish are healthy.
Do Bettas Need a Heater?
You may have seen bettas in tiny glass jars, but life in these conditions is grim for these beautiful fish. Surviving is not thriving. A betta also prefers very warm water, which is even warmer than other tropical fish require. A reliable water heater is therefore essential. This means that you should steer clear of plastic tanks unless you live in a hot climate.
Do Goldfish Really Need a Big Tank?
Goldfish are small and easy to care for, but they need a tank that is at least one gallon per fish smaller than one inch. A bigger tank is better because it will allow fish more space to swim and play. Goldfish also need a filter to keep the water clean. Additionally, goldfish are waste-producing fish, and they also grow to sizes that make them great for ponds. It’s not fair to squash them into a small space.
Is it Cruel to Keep Fish in a Small Bowl?
The hobby of fishkeeping is indeed rife with conflicting opinions. There is, however, almost universal agreement among the most experienced aquarists and industry professionals that fishbowls simply don’t work. Fish of any size, big or small, cannot live in a bowl. Provide the biggest, healthiest home you can for the fish in your care.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a modern fishbowl or starter tank is a great option for small fish like a goldfish or betta. They provide plenty of space for the fish to swim and are easy to clean. Just make sure to get a bowl or aquarium that is big enough for the fish to grow into and that has a filter to keep the water clean. Goldfish and bettas are both easy to care for and can thrive in a bowl if it is properly maintained. By following these simple tips, you can create a beautiful and healthy home for your fishy friend.
The BiOrb CLASSIC LED Aquarium is a beautiful and sturdy aquarium that is perfect for anyone who wants to get into fishkeeping and our favorite choice overall. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the Koller Products Tropical 360 View Aquarium Starter Kit includes everything you need to get started including a tank, filter, and lighting.
Sources
Pet MD VetHelpDirect
Featured Image Credit: mart-production, Pexels
- Pet MD
- VetHelpDirect
