I helped DS install one a couple of years ago. It's a 65 gal (high) and is 24-30" high. I can't remember actual height but I know it's too high to easily service. One has to remove the lights and then get a ladder to do more than feed the fish without using an extended rod of some sort. Do you have the extra room to keep the equipment necessary to run it? Do you plan on having a sump tank? Will you be taking care of it or a hired service? I ask because that will play a part in just how large an aquarium you should get and where it should be placed. I will probably inherit DS's aquarium, but I don't want all the bells and whistles that it now requires. Instead, I'll take all the fish, etc. and will be buying a NanoCube by JBJ to house them in. Excellent lighting, no heat build up, and everything is built-in. I've seen a unit in a friend's home and it looks great! Check the link below for the one with LED lights. I've seen better prices........ Here is a link that might be useful: Aquarium

Thanks so much for the feedback! It seems there are two schools of thought: keep it simple b/c there's already a lot going on vs. add extra table etc. I'm still waffling about the shelf, myself! :-) I like the idea of adding a mirror because it will probably help to brighten the space. Also, I could easily check how I look (or whatever) before heading out instead of running down to the bathroom (nearest mirror). Re: the tape--> It's the blue tape from when they textured and painted the wall. I would take it off except we need to re-texture part of it again. teacats--> which wall are you referring to--the wall closest to the door or the wall more recessed from the front door (I think the first wall I see is the recessed wall)? I COMPLETELY agree about the clock. I've never found anything I like so I just keep the old clock. Also, a bigger clock would be easier to read :-) mjlb--> you're right about all the moulding etc; I'm looking for a cheap fix though, so painting out the doors is probably what I'll do for now. We do have to replace the closet door b/c it has a hole in it so that will be the time for the moulding. All our old interior door mouldings match the closet but whoever put in the new front and garage doors changed it. evaperconti--> I like your idea about the console table w/bench underneath and a chair by the door. I've been scanning Craigslist but, so far, nothing. Plant won't work, unfortunately, but I could try for some other vertical element. So many great ideas!!! You guys have given me a lot to think about and helped me to see the entry a little differently. Thanks so much :-)

You can absolutely do that. I put a 55gal on an old (not antique) sideboard - cut an access hole in the back panel so that I could house the air pump, etc inside the cabinet (along with tons of supplies) and had the tank on top. It looked great - much prettier than the 'style deficient' stands that are sold for aquariums.

A tank-suitable goldfish will grow to be 10” or more and needs a tank 70” long or more. More fish means adding tank size. Goldfish also produce a lot of waste so they need a really good filtration system and lots of water for that reason as well. Goldfish are not well-suited to living in bowls, and the original goldfish bowls were just market display for baby goldfish (like putting fish in a plastic bag). I really really love goldfish and would love to have a pond or tank someday but they seem to be a lot of work.