Choosing the Best Fish Tank for Betta Fish in 2023 | Fishkeeping Advice (2024)

As betta fish owners, we want nothing but the best for our vibrant friends, and it all starts with selecting an appropriate fish tank.

While bettas can survive in small containers like tiny bowls, we should understand that these setups aren’t optimal living environments. In reality, bettas require ample space to swim and explore, a proper filtration and heating system, and temperature stability.

With that said, we’ve put together a list of the best fish tanks for your betta, including the essential features, sizes, and types that contribute to a safe and healthy habitat for your betta fish.

Shop our top picks below or scroll down for more detailed info.

02/29/2024 08:43 am GMT

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Betta Fish Tank

Betta parents must be careful to meet some crucial environmental factors for their betta. These factors range from the right tank size to the right shape and the best equipment suited for their needs.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a beta fish tank:

• Tank Size
• Tank Shape and Material
• Filtration and Heating

Let’s explore each aspect in detail:

Tank Size

Betta fish require adequate swimming space. A larger tank is generally better, since it provides more room for the fish to explore and reduces the risk of water parameters fluctuating quickly. A minimum tank size of 5 gallons (19 liters) is the general recommendation, but the bigger, the better. Remember, a bigger tank means a happier betta.

Larger tank volumes also provide space to add suitable tank mates if desired, as long as they are compatible with bettas.

Tank Shape and Material

Betta fish prefer tanks with larger surface areas, rather than tall or deep ones. That is because bettas have a unique respiratory organ called the labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface. Tanks with a larger surface area provide easier access to oxygen and make it easier for your bettas to swim up to breathe air from the surface.

In addition to the shape, the material of the tank is also essential. Glass tanks are a popular choice, as they provide excellent visibility and are less prone to scratches. Acrylic tanks are lightweight and more impact-resistant but may require extra care to prevent scratches during cleaning.

Filtration and Heating

Proper filtration and heating are vital for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment for your betta fish. A reliable filtration system helps remove toxins, waste, and impurities from the water, ensuring optimal water quality.

Look for tanks with a built-in filtration system (like the YCTECH Betta Aquarium or the Coralife Biocube), or choose an external filter, suitable for the tank size. Ensure the filter provides gentle water flow, as bettas prefer calm waters.

Additionally, bettas are tropical fish and require a stable water temperature between 78°F and 80°F (25°C to 27°C). A submersible heater will help maintain the desired temperature range, promoting your betta’s overall health.

Opt for a heater with an adjustable thermostat with an adjustable thermostat to accurately regulate the temperature.

Is a 3 or 5-gallon Better for Betta?

A five-gallon tank is the perfect option for your betta fish! It’s like giving them their little slice of paradise. Why settle for less when you can provide your finned friend with a spacious and comfortable home?

However, a three-gallon tank can still serve if your room has limited space, as long you change the water more regularly.

Top Picks – Best Betta Fish Tanks

Choosing the best betta fish tank can be challenging, as there is often a choice between beauty and functionality. However, getting a functional and well-equipped tank for your betta is possible without giving up on your aesthetic preferences.

The options available go as far as self-cleaning aquariums and complete aquarium kits. That is why we have come up with these six top picks – giving you a range of choices that incorporate high levels of functionality without skimping on aesthetics.

Let’s dive into our recommendations:

Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Kit

This extraordinary betta fish tank surpasses expectations, catering to every crucial requirement for your beloved bettas. It includes essential features such as a gentle filter system, LED lighting, and a pre-set heater.

Pros

Temperature control is paramount for bettas, and the Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Kit has you covered. It has a pre-set heater that maintains the water temperature within the ideal range for your betta’s comfort. The added convenience saves you the trouble of purchasing and installing a separate heater.

Another standout feature of this kit is its filtration system. Recognizing that bettas thrive in calm waters, the aquarium has a gentle filter that ensures a slow and steady water flow.

This feature helps protect your betta’s delicate fins from damage and creates an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat. Additionally, the filters are virtually silent, ensuring a peaceful ambiance without any disturbances.

Cons

A drawback of this kit, however, is its tank’s size. With a capacity of 2.6 gallons, it is suitable for only one small betta fish. So, this certainly isn’t the best option if you have dreams of a community tank. But, if you intend to have one betta friend, you should consider this tank.

MarineLand Portrait Aquarium Kit

The MarineLand Portrait Aquarium Kit is an exceptional choice for betta fish enthusiasts who want to provide their fish with a comfortable and homey habitat. Its 5-gallon capacity offers ample space for your betta to swim and explore, ensuring their well-being.

Pros

One of the standout features of this tank is its advanced 3-stage back panel filtration system. This filtration system, equipped with a hidden pump, effectively removes impurities from the water, keeping it clean and clear.

The white and blue LEDs in the MarineLand Portrait Aquarium Kit create a mesmerizing underwater ambiance that mimics the natural colors of the ocean. This lighting not only enhances the aesthetics of the tank but also provides a soothing environment for your betta.

The tank’s 5-gallon capacity allows for ample decoration opportunities. You can personalize the tank with decorative elements such as stones, sand, and underwater vegetation, providing an engaging spacefor your betta.

Cons

The water flow might be too strong and scatter the food morsels in the tank, so you might need to turn it off during feeding periods.

Aqueon Betta Falls Kit

The Aqueon Betta Falls Kit is an incredibly unique option for a betta fish tank. Its multi-stage design offers three separate tanks in a single unit. Each tank has a distinct compartment, providing a visually appealing and functional display for your betta fish.

Pros

One of the notable features of this kit is the adjustable water flow control. You can customize the water flow in each compartment, allowing you to create the ideal environment for your betta fish. This feature also adds a dynamic element to the tank, making it more captivating to observe.

Despite its multi-level design, the Aqueon betta Falls Kit boasts a QuietFlow power filtration system. This ensures that the filtration process is almost silent, providing a peaceful environment for you and your fish. The included filter cartridge efficiently removes impurities from the water, keeping it clean and maintaining optimal water quality for your betta.

Con

While the tank size is relatively compact at 2.2 gallons, it offers a stylish and space-saving option for smaller areas. That makes it an attractive choice for those who want to showcase their betta fish in limited spaces without compromising style and functionality.

Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit

The Tetra Glass 20 Gallon Aquarium, with a 20-gallon capacity, is a fantastic choice for betta fish owners who prioritize providing their fish with ample space and natural habitat. This tank exceeds the minimum requirement of a five-gallon tank, allowing betta fish to explore their surroundings freely and live a more fulfilling life.

It has scratch-resistant glass, and this durability ensures that it withstands the test of time without dulling. The high-quality glass provides excellent visibility, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of your betta and their aquatic environment.

Pros

The LED hood is a standout feature of this tank. It enhances the aquarium’s aesthetics and provides a natural daytime effect for your fish. The combination of lighting and the vibrant colors of the betta fish create a stunning display, especially in darker settings.

This tank has an integrated Whisper Filter, known for its quiet operation. The Whisper Filter efficiently cleans the water, removing impurities and maintaining excellent water quality for your Betta fish. The minimal noise emitted by the filter ensures a peaceful and undisturbed environment.

The tank has a Tetra Mini UL Heater, which helps maintain a stable and comfortable temperature range for your betta fish, ensuring their well-being and overall health.

The Fluval Edge Aquarium

The Fluval Edge Aquarium kit includes an Edge filter with Cycleguard, Nutrafin Cycle, and Aquaplus water treatments. The Edge filter utilizes all three stages of filtration – mechanical, chemical, and biological – ensuring clear and healthy water for your fish. Additionally, the clever design of the filter remains completely hidden from view, which preserves the aquarium’s beauty and provides an unobstructed view.

Pros

One of the most striking features of the Fluval Edge Aquarium is its illusion of suspension in mid-air. Its crystal clear glass tank elegantly placed within a pedestal creates a stunning visual effect that adds a touch of sophistication to any environment.

This aquarium is equipped with white and blue LED bulbs and provides stunning underwater illumination. The white LED bulbs simulate natural daylight, while the blue ones create a mesmerizing moonlight effect. These lighting options not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium but also contribute to the overall well-being of its occupants.

Cons

The filter can be slightly noisy, which may be a drawback for those seeking a quieter aquarium experience. Additionally, the LED lights are suitable for low to medium-light plants, so if you want to cultivate high-light plants, additional lighting may be necessary.

Fluval Flex 9 and 15 Gallon

Available primarily in two sizes—9 and 15 gallons—the Fluval Flex Aquarium is a premium choice for betta owners.

Pros

The filtration system is top-notch, effectively removing debris and toxins from the tank. It ensures clean and clear water, providing a safe and healthy habitat for your betta fish.

In terms of lighting power, the Fluval Flex provides ample illumination to ensure the well-being of your betta fish and promote healthy plant growth. It also comes with remote-controlled LED lighting, which helps you easily customize light options.

Cons

It’s worth noting that the Fluval Flex doesn’tcome with a heater. However, you can remedy this by adding a separate heater to maintain the desired water temperature for your betta fish.

Betta Fish Tank Accessories

Creating a comfortable and enriching environment for your betta involves more than just choosing the right tank. Accessories play a vital role in enhancing thehabitat’s well-being and aesthetic appeal. This section will explore essential accessories that can further elevate your betta fish tank experience.

Live Plants

Incorporating live plants into your aquarium adds a touch of natural beauty and provides several benefits. Plants like Java Fern, Anubias, and Amazon Sword offer shelter and resting places for your bettas, reducing stress levels and mimicking their natural habitat.

Live plants also oxygenate the water, absorb excess nutrients, and promote a healthier ecosystem. They also serve as natural grazing and play areas for your bettas.

Water Conditioners

Water conditioners play a vital role in keeping your bettas safe and healthy by treating tap water before it reaches their home. Tap water often contains chlorine and chloramine, chemicals added to kill bacteria but harmful to fish.

Water conditioners come to the rescue by neutralizing these chemicals, making the water safe for your bettas. They also detoxify heavy metals lurking in tap water, ensuring your bettas swim in a clean, toxin-free environment.

But that’s not all! They also have stress-reducing properties. They contain unique ingredients like aloe vera or slime coat protectants that soothe and protect your bettas’ delicate skin.

Hiding Spots

Betta fish appreciate hiding spots where they can retreat and feel secure. Adding decorations such as caves, tunnels, or driftwood creates hiding places for your bettas to explore.

Substrate

Selecting the appropriate substrate is essential for your betta fish tank‘s visual appeal and functionality. Gravel or sand substrates are commonly used and come in various colors and textures.

Choose a substrate that is gentle on your betta’s delicate fins and easy to clean. Rinse the substrate thoroughly before adding it to the tank to remove debris. Some substrates, such as plant-specific ones or those with fertilizers, can also promote the growth of live plants in your tank.

Betta Fish Toys

Betta fish toys can provide entertainment, stimulation, and exercise for your beloved bettas. While it may seem surprising that fish can play with toys, bettas are intelligent creatures that can benefit from interactive elements in their environment.

For example, floating toys like floating logs, leaves, or floating balls often mimic natural elements. They provide a point of interest for your betta fish to investigate, swim around, and even rest on. There are also floating hammocks that your bettas can use as a perch to stimulate their natural swaying motion in their habitat.

The Right Fish Tank Makes All The Difference

Congratulations on taking the first step towards providing the best care for your betta fish!

Remember, bettas are unique and have specific requirements for their well-being. The right tank size, shape, filtration system, and heating setup can make all the difference in ensuring their happiness and longevity.

By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you’re well on your way to choosing the perfect fish tank and accessories to create a thriving and visually stunning habitat for your finned friends.

Share this article with fellow betta fish enthusiasts and drop comments about your fantastic discoveries in your betta journey. So go ahead, let your creativity shine as you create a personalized haven for your bettas!