Choosing a bowl for a goldfish can be a big task because we know now that goldfish kept in small bowls without filtration often don’t live very happy, healthy lives. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with keeping your goldfish in a bowl, though. It’s just a commitment to ensuring proper care and maintenance.
One thing that can make a goldfish bowl easier to care for is to purchase a larger bowl than a standard 1-gallon. A larger bowl allows for more space for filtration and fewer water changes. We’ve chosen the best of the best large goldfish bowls and provided reviews to help make choosing a large goldfish bowl easier for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
biOrb Classic LED Aquarium
Available in 4 sizes up to 28 gallons
Three color options
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
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Best Value
Koller Products Tropical Aquarium
3-stage filtration included
Seamless acrylic
Color changing LED lights
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Premium Choice
biOrb Tube MCR Aquarium
Holds 9 gallons of water
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
Seamless acrylic
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Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚ Fish Aquarium
3-stage filtration included
Strong polycarbonate construction
Holds 10 gallons
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biOrb Halo MCR Aquarium
5-stage filtration
Multicolor LED light with remote control
Hood hides the waterline
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The 7 Best Large Goldfish Bowls – Reviews & Top Picks 2023
The best overall large goldfish bowl is the biOrb Classic LED Aquarium. This bowl is available in four sizes from 4 gallons to 28 gallons. It’s made with a seamless appearance and has a base and matching lid. You can choose from black, white, or silver for your base and lid. This bowl includes a 5-stage filtration system and a bubbler to help aerate your bowl.
Available sizes: 4 gallons, 8 gallons, 16 gallons, 28 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Sphere
Special features: Available in three colors
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This bowl is compatible with all biOrb products and parts, making it convenient to replace or repair anything you might need to. It includes ceramic media to help colonize beneficial bacteria and the bowl is made from acrylic, which is much lighter and stronger than glass. The LED light is built into the lid and is made to last for years.
This bowl is not compatible with a heater and cannot be placed in direct sunlight. In high heat, the acrylic may warp.
Pros
Available in four sizes up to 28 gallons
Three color options
Seamless acrylic
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
Compatible with all biOrb products
Includes ceramic media for beneficial bacteria colonization
LED light built into the lid
Cons
Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
You may also be interested in: 10 Best Budget Friendly Goldfish Tank Filters in 2023
Available in four sizes up to 28 gallons
Three color options
Seamless acrylic
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
Compatible with all biOrb products
Includes ceramic media for beneficial bacteria colonization
LED light built into the lid
- Available in four sizes up to 28 gallons
- Three color options
- Seamless acrylic
- 5-stage filtration and bubbler included
- Compatible with all biOrb products
- Includes ceramic media for beneficial bacteria colonization
- LED light built into the lid
Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
- Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
The best large goldfish bowl for the money is the Koller Products Tropical 360 View Aquarium Starter Kit. This cylindrical fishbowl is available in three sizes from 2-6 gallons. It includes a 3-stage filtration system and startup filter media. This seamless acrylic fishbowl includes a black lid and attached LED light.
Available sizes: 2 gallons, 3 gallons, 6 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Cylinder
Special features: Color-changing LED light
This bowl allows for 360˚ panoramic viewing of your fish through ultra-clear acrylic. The included LED light has seven color options to choose from and can be set to rotate through the colors or stay on one color. This kit also includes samples of water conditioner and tropical fish food. This kit is safe to use with a heater, but you will have to purchase one separately.
The LED light for this bowl is battery-powered and the batteries commonly run out of power quickly. Some people have found that investing in different lights with the kit saves money in the long run.
Pros
Best value
Available in three sizes up to 6 gallons
3-stage filtration included
Seamless acrylic
Includes color changing LED lights
Includes samples
Can be used with a heater
Cons
LED light is battery powered
Heater safe but does not include a heater
For the premium choice of large goldfish bowls, the biOrb Tube MCR Aquarium takes the cake. This fishbowl is available in 9 gallons and the base and lid can be black or white based on your preference. This kit includes 5-stage filtration and a bubbler for aeration. The lid sits flat on top of the bowl, giving it a low-profile appearance.
Best value
Available in three sizes up to 6 gallons
3-stage filtration included
Seamless acrylic
Includes color changing LED lights
Includes samples
Can be used with a heater
- Best value
- Available in three sizes up to 6 gallons
- 3-stage filtration included
- Seamless acrylic
- Includes color changing LED lights
- Includes samples
- Can be used with a heater
LED light is battery powered
Heater safe but does not include a heater
- LED light is battery powered
- Heater safe but does not include a heater
Available sizes: 9 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Cylinder
Special features: Shorter than most cylindrical fishbowls
The LED light included with this kit can be set to 16 different colors, giving you plenty of options. This fishbowl is compatible with all other biOrb products. It includes high surface area filter media to help colonize beneficial bacteria. This kit includes samples of water conditioner and a biological booster to help startup your beneficial bacteria colonies.
This bowl is not compatible with a heater and cannot be placed in direct sunlight. Like many other acrylic tanks, it may warp in high heat.
Pros
Holds 9 gallons of water
Can choose black or white for the lid and base
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
Seamless acrylic
Low-profile lid
LED light can be set to 16 different colors
Compatible with all biOrb products
Includes ceramic media and samples
Cons
Premium price
Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
Holds 9 gallons of water
Can choose black or white for the lid and base
5-stage filtration and bubbler included
Seamless acrylic
Low-profile lid
LED light can be set to 16 different colors
Compatible with all biOrb products
Includes ceramic media and samples
- Holds 9 gallons of water
- Can choose black or white for the lid and base
- 5-stage filtration and bubbler included
- Seamless acrylic
- Low-profile lid
- LED light can be set to 16 different colors
- Compatible with all biOrb products
- Includes ceramic media and samples
Premium price
Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
- Premium price
- Cannot be in direct heat or it may warp
It covers all you need to know about the ideal tank setup, tank size, substrate, ornaments, plants, and so much more!
The Penn-Plax Aquasphere 360˚ Fish Aquarium is a premium price item with great functionality. This fishbowl includes a 3-stage filtration system and LED light. The bowl itself is made from sturdy polycarbonate acrylic, making it strong and lightweight. It includes a surface oil skimmer and protein skimmer for saltwater setups.
Available sizes: 10 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Sphere
Special features: Surface oil skimmer and protein skimmer
The light included with this kit can be set to red, blue, or green, all with a single touch. The LED light and filter are built into the hood, which hovers over the top of the bowl. This bowl is compatible with a heater but does not include one.
This bowl is not fully covered with the hood, and it does not “seal” the tank shut, so use caution around children and pets. The LED light does not include a white light option and is not strong enough to support plant growth.
Pros
Holds 10 gallons
3-stage filtration included
Strong polycarbonate construction
Includes surface oil and protein skimmers
LED light is included and can be set to red, green, or blue
Can be used with a heater
Hovering hood
Cons
Premium price
Does not close
No white light option
The biOrb Halo MCR Aquarium is a great option if you’re looking for a large fishbowl that is on the smaller side since it only holds 4 gallons of water. This tank kit includes 5-stage filtration and a multicolor LED light. The fishbowl sits on a white base that is raised and sits on four feet.
Holds 10 gallons
3-stage filtration included
Strong polycarbonate construction
Includes surface oil and protein skimmers
LED light is included and can be set to red, green, or blue
Can be used with a heater
Hovering hood
- Holds 10 gallons
- 3-stage filtration included
- Strong polycarbonate construction
- Includes surface oil and protein skimmers
- LED light is included and can be set to red, green, or blue
- Can be used with a heater
- Hovering hood
Premium price
Does not close
No white light option
- Premium price
- Does not close
- No white light option
Available sizes: 4 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Sphere
Special features: Sits on raised base
The hood of this fishbowl hides the waterline, giving it a fully seamless appearance. It is magnetic, making it easy to access the inside of the tank if needed. The LED light has 16 colors to choose from and has settings that allow you to fade or brighten the lights. The light is fully remote controlled. This kit includes ceramic filter media, water conditioner sample, and biological booster sample.
Since this large fishbowl is on the smaller end, it will require more routine water changes than a larger bowl would. Since the lid is magnetic, it may be opened by children and pets.
Pros
5-stage filtration
Multicolor LED light with remote control
Sits on a raised base
Hood hides the waterline
Seamless acrylic
Magnetic lid makes for easy access
Includes ceramic filter media and samples
Cons
Small end of large fishbowls
No color options for base and lid
Magnetic lid may be accessible to small children and pets
- Koller Products AquaView 3-Gallon Aquarium
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Available sizes: 3 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Sphere
Special features: One piece construction
The Koller Products AquaView 3-Gallon Aquarium is a good pick for the smallest size “large” fishbowl. It is larger than the standard 1-gallon but is still compact enough for small spaces. This kit includes a 3-stage filtration system and LED light. The LED light has seven color options that are easy to adjust. This fishbowl is compatible with heaters, although it does not include one.
5-stage filtration
Multicolor LED light with remote control
Sits on a raised base
Hood hides the waterline
Seamless acrylic
Magnetic lid makes for easy access
Includes ceramic filter media and samples
- 5-stage filtration
- Multicolor LED light with remote control
- Sits on a raised base
- Hood hides the waterline
- Seamless acrylic
- Magnetic lid makes for easy access
- Includes ceramic filter media and samples
Small end of large fishbowls
No color options for base and lid
Magnetic lid may be accessible to small children and pets
- Small end of large fishbowls
- No color options for base and lid
- Magnetic lid may be accessible to small children and pets
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Available sizes: 3 gallons
Includes light: Yes
Includes filtration: Yes
Shape: Sphere
Special features: One piece construction
This fishbowl will require regular water changes due to its size. You may need to invest in a more powerful filtration system if you intend to keep heavy bioload fish like goldfish. This bowl may be difficult to clean, and bubbles may collect on the surfaces of the acrylic, decreasing visibility.
Pros
3-stage filtration included
Compact for small spaces
LED light has seven color options
Compatible for use with heaters
Cons
May require frequent water changes and is difficult to clean
Filter may not be powerful enough for heavy bioload
Bubbles may collect on the acrylic and decrease visibility
- Sungmor Large Garden Bowl
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Available sizes: 3 gallons
Includes light: No
Includes filtration: No
Shape: Halfmoon
Special features: Outdoor friendly
The Sungmor Large Garden Bowl is a neat fishbowl option if you are looking for something to use to create a small water garden indoors or outdoors. This bowl holds approximately 3 gallons of water and is available in ash black, blue black, and earth yellow. It is not clear, so you will only be able to view fish from above. It features a nice texture on the outside of the bowl, giving it a stone or concrete look. This bowl does not include any filtration or lighting. It is made for outdoor use, so it will not fade or break down for years if left in the elements.
3-stage filtration included
Compact for small spaces
LED light has seven color options
Compatible for use with heaters
- 3-stage filtration included
- Compact for small spaces
- LED light has seven color options
- Compatible for use with heaters
May require frequent water changes and is difficult to clean
Filter may not be powerful enough for heavy bioload
Bubbles may collect on the acrylic and decrease visibility
- May require frequent water changes and is difficult to clean
- Filter may not be powerful enough for heavy bioload
- Bubbles may collect on the acrylic and decrease visibility
Available sizes: 3 gallons
Includes light: No
Includes filtration: No
Shape: Halfmoon
Special features: Outdoor friendly
Pros
Outdoor friendly
Three color options
Textured appearance
Looks like stone or concrete
Cons
May require frequent water changes
Not clear
No filtration or lighting
Outdoor friendly
Three color options
Textured appearance
Looks like stone or concrete
- Outdoor friendly
- Three color options
- Textured appearance
- Looks like stone or concrete
May require frequent water changes
Not clear
No filtration or lighting
- May require frequent water changes
- Not clear
- No filtration or lighting
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the Right Large Goldfish Bowl to Meet Your Needs
Size: The size of your goldfish bowl should provide an appropriate amount of swimming space for the number and size of goldfish you have. The more goldfish you have, the larger your goldfish bowl should be. A 4-gallon bowl would work well for one or two small goldfish, but four goldfish or two large goldfish would need much more space.
Kit Contents: Some kits come with everything you need to get up and running while other kits come with limited items. Consider how much you want out of your purchase when choosing the right goldfish bowl for you. If you have a preferred filtration system or light, then you can aim for a fishbowl that doesn’t include these items. If you aren’t comfortable choosing these products, then an all-inclusive kit is a great option for you.
Space: The available space you have for a large fishbowl is an important aspect of choosing a bowl. If you’re looking for a large goldfish bowl you can keep on a desk or kitchen counter, you will want it to be on the smaller size, so it doesn’t overtake the space. If you are looking for a large goldfish bowl you can use as a centerpiece on your coffee table or large piece of furniture, then a larger goldfish bowl is ideal to help draw attention to that space.
Why Do I Need a Filter?
Technically, you don’t need a filter, but when keeping goldfish, you really want one. Goldfish create a heavy bioload, which means they create a lot of waste in their environment. Filtration can help remove some solid waste and it functions as a space to colonize beneficial bacteria to keep toxic waste products, like ammonia and nitrites, under control.
Filtration also functions as an important part of aerating your tank, which adds oxygen to the water for your fish to breathe. Goldfish are able to breathe surface air, but it isn’t ideal for their health to keep them in a low oxygen environment that requires this all the time. Aerating and filtering your tank will create a healthier space for your goldfish.
Conclusion
The best overall pick for a large goldfish bowl is the biOrb Classic LED Aquarium, which is an all-inclusive kit to get you started and is available in multiple large sizes. If you’re on a tighter budget, the Koller Products Tropical 360 View Aquarium Starter Kit is a great option that provides everything you need to get started. For a high-end item, you’ll love the biOrb Tube MCR Aquarium, which features everything you need, including a light with 16 color options.
These reviews are to provide you a condensed view of the best large goldfish bowl options on the market. Choosing a fishbowl that’s an appropriate size and creates a healthy environment for your goldfish will keep them with you for a long time.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
