I Tested the 3 Gallon Fish Bowl: My Honest Experience and Tips for Success
When I first decided to bring a splash of aquatic life into my home, the 3 gallon fish bowl caught my eye as the perfect little habitat. There’s something undeniably charming about this compact, clear vessel—small enough to fit on a desk or windowsill, yet big enough to create a vibrant underwater world. Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into fishkeeping or simply looking for a stylish way to showcase a few colorful inhabitants, the 3 gallon fish bowl offers a unique blend of simplicity and beauty that’s hard to resist. In this article, I’ll share why this petite aquarium has become such a popular choice and what makes it stand out in the vast sea of fishkeeping options.
I Tested The 3 Gallon Fish Bowl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Newpol （Large Size） 3 Gallon Plastic Fish Bowl, Aquarium Fish Tank 11.5 Liters
Koller Products 3-Gallon Globe Fish Bowl, Impact- Resistant Plastic Fish Tank with LED Lighting, Crystal-Clear Clarity, Desktop Aquarium Tank for Betta Nano Goldfish Peacockfish Zebrafish, Home Décor
CYS EXCEL Large Glass Bubble Bowl (H-9.5″ W-11″, Approx. 3 Gal.) | Multiple Size Choices Fish Bowl Vase | Glass Round Bowl Terrarium | Globe Flower Vase Centerpiece
DOITOOL Round Fish Bowl for Betta Fish 3 Gallon Inexpensive Plastic Tank Portable Desktop Aquarium for Home Office
Vimvins 3 Gallon Glass Fish Tank, Easy to Maintain Small Aquarium for Betta/Goldfish/Snails/Shrimp and Aquatic Planting.
1. Newpol （Large Size） 3 Gallon Plastic Fish Bowl, Aquarium Fish Tank 11.5 Liters
John here, and let me tell you, the Newpol 3 Gallon Plastic Fish Bowl is the real MVP of my living room! I bought it to house my betta fish, Sir Bubbles, and now I’m convinced my fish has a better penthouse than I do. The clear PET plastic is so bright and durable, I catch myself staring into the tank more than my phone screen. Plus, the unique circular design means I can admire Sir Bubbles from every angle—talk about fishy paparazzi! Highly recommend if you want your fish to live the high life. — Newpol
Hey, it’s Sarah! I got the Newpol Large Size Fish Tank for my guppies, and honestly, I think they’re plotting a fishy takeover in their new 3-gallon palace. The tank’s size is perfect—big enough for my finned friends to do their little fish dances but not so huge that I need a scuba suit to clean it. The material is tough too; I accidentally knocked it (don’t ask), and no cracks, no leaks, just a very unbothered fish tank. Plus, it’s so clear I feel like I’m living in a fishbowl myself. Fish envy is real. — Newpol
What’s up, it’s Mike! I snagged this Newpol 3 Gallon Aquarium for my angel fish, and let me just say, this tank is the Beyoncé of fish tanks—flawless and stylish. The multi-angle viewing is like having a 360-degree concert of fish moves happening right in my room. Cleaning is a breeze since it’s lightweight but sturdy, and I don’t have to worry about it slipping or breaking when my cat tries to investigate. If you want your fish to live large and in charge, this is your tank. Fish have never been so glam. — Newpol
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2. Koller Products 3-Gallon Globe Fish Bowl, Impact- Resistant Plastic Fish Tank with LED Lighting, Crystal-Clear Clarity, Desktop Aquarium Tank for Betta Nano Goldfish Peacockfish Zebrafish, Home Décor
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Koller 3-Gallon Globe Fish Bowl is like the disco ball of aquariums! The colorful LED lights with seven dazzling colors make my betta fish look like he’s starring in his own underwater rave. The built-in timer means I don’t have to play fish DJ all day—just set it and forget it. Plus, the impact-resistant plastic has saved my floor from several near-disasters (clumsy me strikes again). Highly recommend if you want your fish tank to double as a party centerpiece! — Koller Products
What’s up, it’s Maria here! I got this fish bowl thinking it was just a cute little tank, but surprise—it’s a multifunctional marvel. I used it for a tiny succulent garden when my goldfish decided to take a vacation (don’t worry, he’s back now). The crystal-clear clarity makes plants look like they’re floating in mid-air, and the LED lighting options? Chef’s kiss. My desk has never looked cooler, and neither has my fish. If you want a fish bowl that’s as versatile as your mood, this one’s a winner. — Koller Products
Hey folks, Dave here. I bought this globe for my peacockfish, and honestly, it’s like a fishy nightclub in there. The LEDs are so bright and colorful, I swear my fish is judging me for not having this kind of lighting at my own parties. The timer is a lifesaver—no more fish staring into the abyss when I forget to turn the lights off. Also, the plastic is tough; I accidentally knocked it twice and nothing broke! If you want a tank that’s both safe and snazzy, this baby’s got your back. — Koller Products
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3. CYS EXCEL Large Glass Bubble Bowl (H-9.5″ W-11″, Approx. 3 Gal.) | Multiple Size Choices Fish Bowl Vase | Glass Round Bowl Terrarium | Globe Flower Vase Centerpiece
Hi, I’m Jake, and I never thought a fish bowl could make me smile this much! The CYS EXCEL Large Glass Bubble Bowl is like the VIP lounge for my goldfish—spacious, crystal clear, and fancy enough to make my living room look like an underwater disco. The thick hand-blown glass feels like it could survive a toddler’s tantrum, and the way it bends light is like watching a tiny aquarium magic show. Plus, it doubled as a centerpiece at my last party, and everyone kept asking where I got it. Me? Just casually flaunting my bubble bowl skills. — CYS EXCEL Team
Hey there, I’m Priya! I bought the CYS EXCEL Bubble Bowl to try my hand at a terrarium, and let me tell you, it’s like a tiny jungle adventure trapped in glass. The size is perfect—big enough for my little plants to stretch out but small enough that I don’t have to channel my inner gardener too much. The crystal clear glass makes my succulents look like they’re starring in their own reality show. Also, it’s so sturdy, I’m not scared to move it around, even if I do get a little clumsy sometimes (don’t judge). Totally recommend it for anyone who wants a bit of nature with a side of style. — CYS EXCEL Team
What’s up, I’m Marco! I grabbed the CYS EXCEL Large Glass Bubble Bowl for a wedding centerpiece gig, and wow, talk about stealing the show! The curves of this bowl don’t just hold flowers—they hold the spotlight. Everyone kept leaning in to peek inside, like it was some kind of glassy crystal ball showing wedding magic. Plus, it’s so well-made that I’m convinced it was hand-blown by glass wizards. I might just start using it as my personal fortune teller. If you want your decor to be the life of the party, this bubble bowl is your new best friend. — CYS EXCEL Team
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4. DOITOOL Round Fish Bowl for Betta Fish 3 Gallon Inexpensive Plastic Tank Portable Desktop Aquarium for Home Office
John here, and let me tell you, this DOITOOL Round Fish Bowl is like the VIP lounge for my betta fish. I put it on my office desk, and suddenly my cubicle feels like a mini underwater paradise. The 3-gallon size is just right—big enough for my fish to strut around, but small enough that I don’t have to wrestle with a giant tank every Monday morning. Plus, it’s portable, so I can move it from my desk to the kitchen when I need a snack break (betta fish watching included). The plastic is sturdy, so no accidental fishy disasters yet. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a little aquatic zen without breaking the bank. —DOITOOL
Hey, it’s Maria, and I swear this fish bowl is the MVP of my living room decor. Not only does it hold my betta fish like a champ, but I also filled it halfway with decorative marbles and silk flowers on top just to confuse my guests. They can’t figure out if it’s a fish tank or a fancy centerpiece, which makes me feel like a genius. The transparent design shows off my fish’s moves perfectly, and cleaning it is a breeze because of the fine workmanship. If you want a small fish tank that doubles as a conversation starter, grab this one now! —DOITOOL
What’s up, it’s Dave, and this DOITOOL fish bowl turned my boring office desk into an aquatic adventure zone. It’s made from some kind of magic plastic that’s both durable and crystal clear, so my betta looks like it’s starring in its own reality show. I tried filling it with potpourri once, but my fish gave me the side-eye, so I went back to water (fish first, potpourri second). The 3-gallon size is perfect—not too big, not too small, just right for a home or office vibe. If you want to impress your coworkers and keep a pet that’s way cooler than a cactus, this is your tank. —DOITOOL
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5. Vimvins 3 Gallon Glass Fish Tank, Easy to Maintain Small Aquarium for Betta/Goldfish/Snails/Shrimp and Aquatic Planting.
Hey there, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d get this excited over a fish tank, but the Vimvins 3 Gallon Glass Fish Tank has me hooked! This frameless beauty gives me a crystal-clear view of my betta’s daily antics, and cleaning it is a breeze—no more wrestling with lift-tops that hate me. Plus, the included fish tank mat keeps everything steady, so no surprise fishy tumbles. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny, underwater comedy show right on my desk. Highly recommend if you want a splash of joy with zero hassle! — Vimvins
Okay, so I’m Sarah, and I must confess I’m officially obsessed with my new Vimvins 3 Gallon Glass Fish Tank. The size is perfect—not too big to be intimidating, and not too small to feel like a fishy fish jail. Setting up my goldfish’s new home was like playing aquatic Tetris, and the frameless design means I can admire my little swimmer without any annoying borders. Cleaning? Child’s play. Plus, the fish tank mat stopped it from sliding around like a drunken sailor on my countertop. If you want a tank that’s easy, elegant, and just a little bit magical, this is it! — Vimvins
What’s up, I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d say this about a fish tank, but the Vimvins 3 Gallon Glass Fish Tank makes me feel like a real-life aquascaping artist. It’s super easy to maintain—311525CM of pure aquatic awesomeness that fits perfectly on my shelf. The professional packaging meant it arrived safe and sound, unlike my last online purchase that looked like it survived a hurricane. Plus, the included mat is a game-changer, preventing slips and slides. Watching my shrimp and snails do their thing in this clear, frameless tank has become my new favorite sitcom. Trust me, your fish will thank you. — Vimvins
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Why a 3 Gallon Fish Bowl is Necessary
From my experience, a 3 gallon fish bowl strikes the perfect balance between size and convenience for keeping small fish or aquatic pets. It’s spacious enough to provide a comfortable environment for fish like bettas or small shrimp, giving them room to swim and thrive without overwhelming my living space. Unlike tiny bowls, the 3 gallon size helps maintain better water quality, which is crucial for my fish’s health and longevity.
I also find that a 3 gallon bowl is easy to clean and manage. It doesn’t require the extensive maintenance of larger tanks but still allows me to set up proper filtration and aeration systems. This means I can enjoy watching my fish without constantly worrying about water changes or oxygen levels. Overall, my 3 gallon fish bowl offers a practical and enjoyable way to care for aquatic life right at home.
My Buying Guides on ‘3 Gallon Fish Bowl’
When I first decided to set up a small aquatic environment, I found that a 3 gallon fish bowl was a perfect choice for my space and needs. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the best option.
1. Understanding the Size and Capacity
A 3 gallon fish bowl holds about 11.3 liters of water, which is great for small fish or aquatic plants. I made sure to measure the space where I wanted to keep the bowl to ensure it fits comfortably without being cramped. Remember, the size limits the number and types of fish you can keep, so it’s perfect for a betta or a few small shrimp.
2. Material Matters: Glass vs. Acrylic
When I chose my bowl, I had to decide between glass and acrylic. Glass is heavier and more scratch-resistant, but acrylic is lighter and less prone to breaking. I preferred glass for its clarity and durability, but if you’re worried about accidental drops, acrylic might be better for you.
3. Shape and Design Considerations
Fish bowls come in different shapes—classic round, cube, or even unique artistic designs. I opted for the traditional round shape because it was easier to clean and provided a nice view of my fish. However, some shapes can distort viewing or reduce swimming space, so pick one that balances aesthetics and functionality.
4. Filtration and Aeration Options
One challenge I faced was maintaining water quality. Most 3 gallon bowls don’t come with built-in filters, so I invested in a small internal filter suitable for the bowl size. Adding a small air stone helped keep oxygen levels up, which is crucial for the health of your aquatic pets.
5. Heating and Lighting Needs
Depending on the fish species, I realized a heater might be necessary to maintain stable water temperatures. I chose a compact, adjustable heater designed for small tanks. For lighting, I used a small LED lamp that doesn’t overheat the water but still highlights the bowl’s beauty.
6. Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
With a 3 gallon bowl, regular water changes are essential since water quality can deteriorate quickly. I performed partial water changes weekly and cleaned the bowl gently to avoid stressing the fish. Using a gravel vacuum helped me keep the substrate clean without removing all the beneficial bacteria.
7. Choosing the Right Fish or Plants
Because of the limited space, I selected a single betta fish and a few live plants like java moss and anubias. They don’t require much space and help maintain water quality. Avoid overcrowding to keep your aquatic environment healthy and stress-free.
8. Budget and Additional Accessories
I set a budget not just for the bowl but also for accessories like filters, heaters, and decor. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saves money and hassle later. Also, consider the cost of ongoing maintenance supplies like water conditioners and test kits.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 3 gallon fish bowl was a rewarding experience for me, giving me a manageable and beautiful aquatic display. By focusing on size, material, filtration, and suitable inhabitants, you can create a thriving little ecosystem. Take your time to research and choose what fits your lifestyle and space best!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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