Best Goldfish Tanks UK: Glass, Acrylic and Starter Tanks

Picks were chosen by product type and the sizes and materials stated in each listing. We grouped glass, acrylic, panoramic, cube, starter and coldwater tanks so you can compare shapes and set ups, with details checked on 21 October 2026.

What Size Goldfish Tank Do I Need?

Two fancy goldfish need a tank of at least around 100 litres, with more space for each extra fish, while common and comet goldfish grow so large that a pond is usually better. Goldfish can reach 15 to 20 cm or more and live for over a decade, so a small bowl or nano tank will quickly become overcrowded and polluted. Larger volumes stay more stable, diluting waste and holding steady temperatures. Shape matters too: a long, wide tank gives more swimming room and surface area for oxygen than a tall, narrow one of the same volume. Before buying, measure the space and check the floor or cabinet can take the weight, as water weighs about 1 kg per litre. A useful comparison tip is to divide each tank’s stated volume by the number of fish you plan to keep, then compare it with the guidance above.

How Do These Goldfish Tanks Compare?

The table compares each goldfish tank by style and material. Check the stated volume and footprint first, then confirm which filter, lid and light are included.

Is a Glass or Acrylic Goldfish Tank Better?

Glass goldfish tanks are usually the better everyday tank for goldfish, because glass resists scratches, stays clear for years and is generally cheaper. Acrylic is lighter and less likely to shatter, which helps with large tanks or homes with young children, and it can be moulded into curved shapes. The drawback is that acrylic scratches easily, including from gravel caught in a cleaning pad. Panoramic and bow front tanks look striking but can distort the view slightly. Cube tanks suit small spaces, though they offer less swimming length for active fish. Whatever you choose, check that the tank comes with or fits a suitable lid, as goldfish can jump. As a comparison tip, look at the stated length, width and height rather than litres alone: a goldfish tank that is long and wide usually beats a taller one of similar volume.

What Equipment Does a Goldfish Tank Need?

A goldfish tank needs a good filter, a lid, a light, a water conditioner, a test kit and a gravel cleaner, but usually no heater. Goldfish produce a lot of waste, so choose a filter rated for at least the tank volume, ideally more. External or large internal filters both work well. Water conditioner removes chlorine and chloramine from tap water, which are harmful to fish. A test kit lets you check ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, the key signs of water quality. Smooth gravel or sand is safer than sharp stones, as goldfish forage along the bottom. Many starter kits include some of these items. Before adding fish, cycle the tank for several weeks so helpful bacteria can build up in the filter. A simple check is to compare the filter’s stated flow rate with the tank volume: aim for at least four times the volume per hour.

How Do You Set Up a New Goldfish Tank?

Set up a new goldfish tank by placing it on a level, strong surface, adding rinsed gravel and decor, filling it with conditioned water and running the filter for several weeks before adding fish. This process, called cycling, lets beneficial bacteria build up in the filter to break down ammonia and nitrite from fish waste. You can speed it up with a bacteria starter product or a little fish food added as an ammonia source. Test the water every few days, and only add goldfish once ammonia and nitrite both read zero. Keep the tank out of direct sunlight, which can cause algae and temperature swings, and away from radiators and doors. Introduce fish gradually, a few at a time, so the filter can adapt. Float the bag for about 15 minutes to match temperatures before releasing them. Goldfish tanks need a fitted lid and plenty of open swimming space, so avoid filling the tank with too many ornaments.

Next, see our guide to aquarium filters, then the aquarium heaters guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed: 22 October 2026.