The Best Fish Bowls
Every pet deserves a home it can call its own. Fish, in particular, can have finicky demands when it comes to their environment, so choosing a suitable aquarium is essential in ensuring they live long and healthy lives. Fish bowls are well suited to smaller fish collections, as their simple shape can be place anywhere in the home. Thanks to their spherical form, they also provide an exceptional viewing experience. We've rounded up this list of our favorites, so take a look. Your next aquarium could be just a few clicks away.
What to Look For
To help you choose the right fish bowl for your underwater friends, we had three questions in mind during our search: What is the total water capacity? Does it allow the use of a filter or other water purifying accessories? Is it made of a sturdy material that’s resistant to cracking and accidental impact? Our favorite overall is the glass fish bowl from WGV. This classic design comes in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different fish, and it’s made from thick hand-blown glass, making it more durable than most glass bowls. If you’re looking for an option that comes with a filter included, check out the AquaView bowl from Koller Products. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
WGV Glass Fish Bowl
Classic design
When you picture a fish bowl in your mind’s eye, it probably looks a little similar to this classic design from WGV. Though simple in its conception, this sturdy crystalline orb can be transformed into a haven for smaller fish. The hand-blown glass is just over 5 millimeters thick with a reinforced base, resulting in dependable durability and stability for housing your precious pets.
Pros:
- A range of sizes is available to suit large and small spaces.
- The large opening at the top makes it easy to fit a range of underwater decorations inside and retrieve your fish when it’s cleaning time.
- This versatile bowl can also be used as a vase or terrarium.
Cons:
- This glass can arrive with a coating of dust due to industrial storage, so be prepared to clean it extensively before use.
KNIKGLASS Slant Cut Fish Bowl
While it might look precarious at first glance, this reimagining of the classic fishbowl could make your aquarium stand out from the rest. Despite the angle, there’s no need to worry that this bowl won’t sit securely in place thanks to the thickened glass base. And even if it does suffer an accidental knock, this high boron silicon glass is tougher than most, meaning it can fend off the occasional chip or crack.
Pros:
- The slanted design means a larger opening compared to the overall volume of this fish bowl.
- Despite a robust glass thickness, this bowl weighs just under 2 pounds, making it easy to lift.
Cons:
- With a diameter of just 7 inches, this bowl might not offer enough space for larger fish.
Stock Your Home Plastic Fish Bowl
The more the merrier
Avid collectors of marine wildlife are sure to have more than a few species in their possession. While mixing different fish in the same aquarium can be a feast for the eyes, some species don’t get on and could end up in trouble if left alone together. This abundant 12-pack is a natural choice for large collections, giving you plenty of options to separate your fish.
Pros:
- This shock-absorbent heavy-duty plastic won’t shatter on impact like glass.
- If they seem too small for your main tank, these bowls can also be used to temporarily store fish when it’s cleaning time.
- The raised lip on the opening offers an extra line of defense against any escape artists in the tank.
Cons:
- With a diameter of just four inches, these small bowls will only accommodate smaller fish and don’t offer much room for decorations.
Koller Products AquaView 3-Gallon Fish Tank
Let there be light
As daylight shines through the watery world of your fish tank and catches the subtle shine of scales inside, you don’t need much else to appreciate the delicate beauty on show. But with the luminous glow of this LED fish tank, you can see your fish in a new light. The lighting attachment features seven color modes, including daylight white for neutral lighting applications. You can also program color transitions and a timer to turn the lights on automatically at the end of the day.
Pros:
- With a generous volume of three gallons, this tank can provide ample space for several fish alongside a host of underwater decorations.
- This tank also features a powerful internal filter. with a flow rate of 25 gallons per hour.
- Made from a single piece of break-resistant plastic, this tank is durable and unlikely to leak.
Cons:
- The opening for the filter is smaller than the standard size, meaning you might get stuck if you need to replace or upgrade the filter.
Prugna Wall-Hanging Fish Bowl
Off the wall
If the only thing stopping you from putting your fish on display is a lack of surface space, this nifty wall-hanging bowl could be just the solution you’ve been searching for. This hemispherical design holds up to one gallon of water, so even medium-sized fish will have room to roam inside. The acrylic design is incredibly lightweight and surprisingly sturdy, making this option a favorable alternative to glass if you’re worried about having fragile objects on display in your home.
Pros:
- By mounting this bowl on the wall, you can avoid accidental damage from pets or young children.
- Installation is simple; you only need to drill a single screw to hang this bowl.
- This bowl comes with some small stones and false weeds included for decoration.
Cons:
- It isn’t possible to use mechanical filters or aeration devices with this tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I clean my fish bowl before use?
Aquatic pets can be extremely sensitive to the chemical environment they inhabit, so it’s essential to consider what products you use before cleaning your aquarium carefully. Household cleaning products are off limits, as these can contain poisonous compounds that could compromise the health of your fish. The safest solution is to clean the bowl and any underwater decorations by simply rinsing them with warm water and scrubbing them with a paper towel or lint-free cloth.
How much water do I need per fish?
There’s no simple rule for how much water a fish needs to stay healthy and happy, as different species each have individual needs. As a rough estimate, you can calculate one and a half gallons of water per inch of fish body length. If you’re new to setting up aquariums, we recommend checking in at your local pet store for detailed and specific advice for your fish.
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.