Fish tank maintenance is a vital part of being an aquarist. Cleaning the water and changing filters are necessities that may be unappealing to beginners, but you can use a self-cleaning tank to save time and minimize replacement costs. Self-cleaning aquariums keep the water clean by using fish waste to feed the plants growing above, and the plants, in turn, supply the tank with oxygen. Smaller tanks are designed for tiny species, but you can keep goldfish in them temporarily until you transfer the fish to a larger aquarium.
We examined the best self-cleaning goldfish tanks on the market and compiled reviews of our eight favorite aquariums.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Back to the Roots Water Garden Fish Tank
Easy to set up and maintain
Includes seeds, gravel, pump, and beta coupon
Fits on a desk or kitchen counter
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Best Value
biOrb CLASSIC LED Aquarium
Suitable for freshwater or saltwater
Durable acrylic tank
Uses a 5-stage filtration system
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Premium Choice
AquaSprouts Garden Self-Sustaining Desktop Aquarium Aquaponics Ecosyst
Elegant design
Grows herbs, vegetables, and ornamentals
Suitable for young goldfish and other small species
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Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank
Sleek design is ideal for a desktop
Requires fewer water changes
Oxygen is recycled every 2 minutes
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ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System with LED Lighting
Four LED grow settings
Includes remote control for lighting adjustments
Holds 17 pots of plants
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The 8 Best Self-Cleaning Goldfish Tanks
If you’re interested in learning about aquaponics, the Back to the Roots Water Garden Fish Tank is an excellent place to start. It won our best overall self-cleaning tank award, and it has everything you need in one kit to create a thriving ecosystem. You can grow succulent houseplants to brighten your home or raise microgreens to add to salads and sandwiches.
Size: 8.31” L x 12.12” W x 12.25” H
Tank capacity: 10 gallons
Color: White
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The Back to the Roots kit includes wheatgrass and radish seeds, fish food, a growing medium for plants, water de-chlorinator, water conditioner, and a coupon for a fish. It’s the ideal kit to teach children about sustainable ecosystems, and it provides year-round greens for your kitchen. Customers were overwhelmingly pleased with the tank, but some mentioned that the pump’s suction could injure weak swimmers.
Pros
Easy to set up and maintain
Includes seeds, gravel, pump, and beta coupon
Fits on a desk or kitchen counter
Cons
The tank’s pump is too powerful for weaker fish
Although the biOrb CLASSIC LED Aquarium is not technically a self-cleaning tank, its unique 5-stage filtration system keeps the water cleaner, so you only have to change the water every 3 or 4 weeks. The biOrb won the prize for the best self-cleaning tank for the money, and it’s the perfect tank for small spaces. The filtration system employs mechanical, chemical, biological, oxygenation, and stabilization processes to remove waste and maintain clear water.
Easy to set up and maintain
Includes seeds, gravel, pump, and beta coupon
Fits on a desk or kitchen counter
- Easy to set up and maintain
- Includes seeds, gravel, pump, and beta coupon
- Fits on a desk or kitchen counter
The tank’s pump is too powerful for weaker fish
- The tank’s pump is too powerful for weaker fish
Size: 13.5” L x 12.875” W x 12.75” H
Tank capacity: 4 gallons
Color: Black, white
Unlike most of the tanks on our list, the biOrb can be used with freshwater and saltwater setups. It features a low-voltage air pump, ceramic rocks, and a long-lasting LED lamp. The fish waste is collected and stored in a hidden filter cartridge in the tank’s base. Since it requires a filter to keep the tank clean, you have to replace it every 4 weeks, unlike traditional self-cleaning aquariums.
Pros
Suitable for freshwater or saltwater
Durable acrylic tank
Uses a 5-stage filtration system
Cons
Filter must be changed every 4 weeks.
Suitable for freshwater or saltwater
Durable acrylic tank
Uses a 5-stage filtration system
- Suitable for freshwater or saltwater
- Durable acrylic tank
- Uses a 5-stage filtration system
Filter must be changed every 4 weeks.
- Filter must be changed every 4 weeks.
It covers all you need to know about creating the most ideal tank setup, goldfish care, and more!
The AquaSprouts Garden is one of the most stylish tanks on our list, and it’s functional as well as attractive. You can grow vegetables, herbs, and edible plants on the top tier and fill the 10-gallon tank with small fish. Young goldfish will have more room to swim around the AquaSprouts aquarium than some of the smaller products on our list. You do not have to worry about replacing the filter or changing the water every few days because the fish waste is recycled through the roots to feed the plants, and the plants keep the water oxygenated. Although the AquaSprouts is one of the best designs available, it’s too large to use as a desktop aquarium.
Size: 28” L x 8” W x 10” H
Tank capacity: 10 gallons
Color: Black
Pros
Elegant design
Grows herbs, vegetables, and ornamentals
Suitable for young goldfish and other small species
Cons
Too large for desktops
- Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank
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Size: 12.5” L x 11.7” W x 7.9” H
Tank capacity: 3 gallons
Color: White
The Huamuyu Hydroponic Garden Aquaponic Fish Tank is a great option if you’re trying to conserve space. The kit includes a water pump and growing medium for plants, and it’s suitable for fish that are at least 2 to 3 inches long. You can grow herbs, flowers, and small vegetables in the top compartment, and the waste from the tank feeds the growing plants. Although we liked the compact design of the Huamuyu, several customers complained that the tank’s pump was too powerful for their fish. The manufacturer suggests placing a decoration or large rocks in front of the pump to protect fish, but if the pump is completely blocked, the clog can cause the water to overflow.
Elegant design
Grows herbs, vegetables, and ornamentals
Suitable for young goldfish and other small species
- Elegant design
- Grows herbs, vegetables, and ornamentals
- Suitable for young goldfish and other small species
Too large for desktops
- Too large for desktops
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Size: 12.5” L x 11.7” W x 7.9” H
Tank capacity: 3 gallons
Color: White
Pros
Sleek design is ideal for a desktop
Requires fewer water changes
Oxygen is recycled every 2 minutes
Cons
Suction from the pump is too powerful
- ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System with LED Lighting
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Size: 25” L x 13” W x 10” H
Tank capacity: 10 gallons
Color: Black
Most self-cleaning tanks require natural sunlight to grow the plants, but the ECO-Cycle Aquaponics Indoor Garden System includes a massive light bar to keep the plants thriving. You can switch between four LED grow-light settings with the handy remote control, and the built-in timer ensures your plants receive the correct amount of light. The ECO-Cycle is one of the largest self-cleaning products on our list, and the top section holds up to 17 plant pots. Most smaller units are only used for herbs and microgreens, but the ECO-Cycle can accommodate lettuce, vegetables, and larger houseplants. We love the aquarium, but it’s too expensive for the amateur aquarist.
Sleek design is ideal for a desktop
Requires fewer water changes
Oxygen is recycled every 2 minutes
- Sleek design is ideal for a desktop
- Requires fewer water changes
- Oxygen is recycled every 2 minutes
Suction from the pump is too powerful
- Suction from the pump is too powerful
Size: 25” L x 13” W x 10” H
Tank capacity: 10 gallons
Color: Black
Pros
Four LED grow settings
Includes remote control for lighting adjustments
Holds 17 pots of plants
Cons
Expensive
- As Seen on TV 56028 My Fun Fish Tank
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Size: 4.5” L x 4.5” W x 10” H
Tank capacity: 0.5 gallons
Color: White
Most self-cleaning tanks use an aquaponics system to clean the water, but the As Seen on TV tank employs a gravity-cleaning process to remove fish waste. When you pour fresh water into the aquarium, the dirty water from the bottom is ejected through a pour spout at the top. It does not provide fresh greens for your kitchen, but the tank features one of the simplest tank cleaning methods. It’s an affordable unit with an LED light, one aquatic plant, and riverbed stones. However, your options are limited with regard to fish species. The half-gallon tank is large enough for a few guppies, but you could only keep a larger fish in the aquarium temporarily.
Four LED grow settings
Includes remote control for lighting adjustments
Holds 17 pots of plants
- Four LED grow settings
- Includes remote control for lighting adjustments
- Holds 17 pots of plants
Expensive
- Expensive
Size: 4.5” L x 4.5” W x 10” H
Tank capacity: 0.5 gallons
Color: White
Pros
Affordable
Includes an LED light, riverbed stones, and one aquatic plant
Cons
Too small for most fish
Cannot use a filter with the tank
- Betta Fish Tank, 360 Aquarium with LED Light
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Size: 6.5” L x 6.5” W x 9.5” H
Tank capacity: 1.0 gallon
Color: Clear plastic
The Beta Fish Tank features a unique cylindrical design and color-changing LED with six color choices. To clean the tank, you add 1/3 cup of conditioned water, and the waste material is flushed out of a spout at the top. The Betta Fish kit includes a six-color LED, cobblestones, artificial water weeds, and artificial coral. Customers were generally pleased with the tank, but several mentioned that the LED light does not last long. The aquarium is large enough for a single tiny fish, but it’s too small to keep multiple fish healthy. Also, it may be too small to hold a heater if you’re keeping tropical fish.
Affordable
Includes an LED light, riverbed stones, and one aquatic plant
- Affordable
- Includes an LED light, riverbed stones, and one aquatic plant
Too small for most fish
Cannot use a filter with the tank
- Too small for most fish
- Cannot use a filter with the tank
Size: 6.5” L x 6.5” W x 9.5” H
Tank capacity: 1.0 gallon
Color: Clear plastic
Pros
Affordable
Includes a color-changing LED
Cons
LED light is not durable
Too small for most species
- Springworks Microfarm Aquaponic Garden
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Size: 23” L x 14” W x 12” H
Tank capacity: Lid fits 10-gallon tanks
Color: Black
The Springworks Microfarm Aquaponic Garden includes a tank lid for a 10-gallon aquarium, a clay growing medium, a quiet water pump, a preset timer, fish food, organic basil and oregano seeds, and high output light. It includes nearly everything you need except for the fish and tank. Although the long list of aquatic supplies is impressive, the manufacturer’s decision to omit the aquarium is unfortunate.
Affordable
Includes a color-changing LED
- Affordable
- Includes a color-changing LED
LED light is not durable
Too small for most species
- LED light is not durable
- Too small for most species
Size: 23” L x 14” W x 12” H
Tank capacity: Lid fits 10-gallon tanks
Color: Black
The Microfarm is ideal if you already have a 10-gallon tank, but you have to ensure the tank’s shape will fit the Springworks’ lid. Also, the system is pretty expensive for an aqua garden without an aquarium. A better term for the system would be “Aquaponic Conversion Kit” rather than “Microfarm.”
Pros
Ideal for converting an aquarium into an aquaponics system
Cons
Does not include the tank
Light is inadequate to grow plants from seeds
Expensive
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Self-Cleaning Goldfish Tanks
Self-cleaning aquariums can save you time and money on supplies, but some models are more reliable than others. Before ordering an aquarium, read on for helpful tips that may influence your decision.
Ideal for converting an aquarium into an aquaponics system
- Ideal for converting an aquarium into an aquaponics system
Does not include the tank
Light is inadequate to grow plants from seeds
Expensive
- Does not include the tank
- Light is inadequate to grow plants from seeds
- Expensive
Keeping Goldfish
Although some goldfish can grow 12 to 18 inches long, we did not find any large self-cleaning tanks that could accommodate a goldfish for its entire life. If you want a healthy goldfish that lives close to 20 years, you can only keep it in a small tank for a short time. Goldfish can live in less than adequate conditions, but they’ll live healthier, longer lives when you can keep them in large tanks designed to hold 75 to 100 gallons. However, you can still place young goldfish and other small species in most aquariums on our list. The half-gallon and one-gallon tanks are more appropriate for guppies and bettas.
Space Considerations
We reviewed several desktop tanks, but the models with large areas for growing plants require significant space. Tanks with grow lights do not need sunlight, but the models that require indirect light to keep the plants alive may be too large to place in front of a window or door. If you’re having trouble finding a sunny spot in your home, you may have to purchase a grow light that hangs above the aquarium.
Plant Selection
Most smaller tanks are only designed to grow microgreens or herbs, but larger models allow you to plant small vegetables and lettuce. However, we suggest avoiding plants that develop extensive root systems and ones that grow several feet high. Heavy plants can eventually cause the lid to sag, and you have to consider how much weight is added when the plant produces fruit. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and melons are not suitable for small aquaponic tanks. We suggest using herbs, non-vining plants like sweet peppers, and lettuce.
Basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley are perfect for self-cleaning tanks, but you should avoid all varieties of mint. The root systems of mint grow too large for small tanks, and even in the garden, mint is an invasive plant.
Garden Center Plants
You can grow your plants from seeds on top of the aquarium or add seedlings that you’ve sprouted elsewhere. However, you have to be careful when adding a young plant from a nursery or garden center. They’re usually grown in soil and treated with chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
Organic plants may be safer, but even organic fertilizers can disrupt the tank’s water chemistry. When you pull a garden center plant out of the potting soil, rinse the plant and roots thoroughly with cold water to remove any chemical traces before inserting them into the tank’s growing medium.
Access to Sunlight
As we mentioned before, you may need a grow light to keep your plants healthy if you cannot place the tank in a sunlight area. A tank placed near a large window may supply enough light for the plants, but it can also raise the temperature of the water. Cold water fish usually thrive in temperatures under 70° F, and you must check the tank’s temperature to ensure sunlight does not raise the water temperature enough to harm your marine life. Tanks that receive too much light will also grow algae faster, which cannot be removed from the glass by the self-cleaning system.
Tank Maintenance
Whether you use a gravity-cleaning system or aquaponics, your tank will not stay clean without your assistance. Self-cleaning tanks can reduce your cleaning chores, but you still have to remove algae from the glass and check the water temperature and alkalinity. When you maintain an aquaponic system, the plants should receive nutrients from fish waste.
However, some plants will grow faster than others, and you have to replace any dying plants immediately to prevent abrupt changes to the water’s chemistry that could endanger the fish. Keeping a self-cleaning tank is a balancing act that is more complex than the manufacturers would have you believe. However, it’s not difficult if you monitor the progress of the plants and fish every day.
Conclusion
Self-cleaning tanks allow you to wait weeks before changing the water, and the aquaponic systems grow tasty herbs and greens for your kitchen. Although our reviews included some of the best aquariums on the market, our top pick was the Back to the Roots Water Garden Fish Tank. It’s easy to set up and includes seeds, growing medium, fish food, and even a coupon for a betta fish. Our best value favorite was the biOrb Classic LED aquarium. It has a 5-stage filtration system to keep the water clean, and it’s small enough to keep on a kitchen counter.
Featured Image Credit: Kazuend, Unsplash
