While bettas, also called Siamese fighting fish, are commonly kept in small fish bowls and tiny containers, these aren’t suitable enclosures for this tropical species. Bettas need at least 5 gallons of space to explore, avoid diseases, and be healthy.
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When I first started keeping fish over 15 years ago, I was told by a pet store employee that I could house a betta in a 0.2-gallon aquarium with no filter or heater since bettas live in shallow waters. Fortunately, I’d done my research and knew this was completely untrue.
However, there is still a lot of misinformation about this species out there, which is why I’ve compiled a list of the best betta fish tanks. The fish tanks featured have been carefully chosen to ensure they meet the needs of bettas.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
On to the Reviews…
Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit 5 Gallons
The Tetra Crescent acrylic aquarium is one of the best fish tanks for small tropical fish like bettas as it has a volume of 5 gallons. It also includes a filter, LED lighting system, and a hood to keep your fish safe and happy.
Top Pick: Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit 5 Gallons
The Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit is one of the best betta fish tanks as it provides a good amount of space for the species and includes a few useful accessories for keeping these fish.
The aquarium is 5 gallons in capacity, making it a decent size for betta fish (they need at least 5 gallons!). It boasts a curved front, which allows for a better viewing angle. It also includes a white energy-efficient LED light that is built into a cover.
Not only will this help illuminate your betta’s surroundings, but the cover will also prevent them from jumping out of their enclosure!
Lastly, you get the Tetra Whisper filter to help keep your betta aquarium clean and healthy.
The only downside of this aquarium starter kit is the flimsy lid it comes with – it doesn’t fit the top of the tank well, so you may want to purchase a separate aquarium hood.
Specs
- Dimensions: 16.6" x 11.2" x 13.2"
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Volume: 5 Gallons
Pros
- Decent size for betta fish
- Unique curved front design
- Comes with a LED light, cover, and an internal filter
Cons
- Included lid is a bit flimsy
Aquarium Tank, Glass, 5-1/2 Gal
This betta fish tank can hold 5.5 gallons of water, so it will provide your aquatic pet with a decent amount of room. Although it doesn’t come with any accessories, it’s a great choice for fish keepers on a budget.
Best Value: Aquarium Tank, Glass, 5-1/2 Gal
If you need an affordable tank to house betta fish, this 5.5-gallon aquarium is a solid option. It has a simple design and doesn’t include any extras, but this means it’s very budget-friendly.
It sports a durable and leakproof glass construction that is welded together with a heavy-duty silicone rubber. Its sides and base are also triple strength to ensure it lasts you and your fish for many years.
However, you’ll need to purchase a filter, LED lights, aquarium hood, and nano fish tank heater separately to give your siamese fighting fish a healthy environment.
While this will drive up the overall cost, the above equipment can be found relatively cheaply, so this tank is still less expensive if you’re on a limited budget.
Specs
- Dimensions: 16.5" x 9" x 10.5"
- Weight: 7.35 lbs
- Volume: 5.5 Gallons
Pros
- Best betta tank for those on a budget
- Provides a good amount of space for bettas
- Made from durable glass
Cons
- Doesn’t include any accessories
Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon, White
Although a little pricer than the other tanks in this list, The Fluval Spec V is a beautiful glass aquarium that offers small fish like bettas a good amount of swimming space. It comes with powerful LED lighting and a 3-stage filtration system.
Editor’s Choice: Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon, White
If you can afford to spend a bit extra on a tank for your betta, I fully recommend the Fluval Spec due to its high-quality construction. It’s perhaps one of the most beautiful betta tanks on the market, and is sure to be a showstopper in any room it’s placed in!
The small tank boasts an etched glass design with an aluminum trim, which looks stunning. It also comes with a few accessories, including a 37-LED lighting system and 3-stage filtration system.
The filter is filled with all the necessary media you need for healthy water quality like a foam block, Biomax bio rings, and activated carbon.
Unfortunately, the included filter with this glass aquarium isn’t the best quality, so you may want to buy one separately. However, I still think this tank is a fantastic choice for keeping betta fish as it’s a good size and is very high quality.
Specs
- Dimensions: 24.7" x 12" x 16"
- Weight: 15.5 lbs
- Volume: 5 Gallons
Pros
- High-quality glass construction
- Comes with powerful LED lighting
- Includes a 3-stage filtration system
Cons
- Filter is not the best quality
Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit with LED Lighting
The Aqueon Aquarium Kit provides you everything you need to start a freshwater aquarium like a 20-gallon fish tank, filtration system, heater, LED lighting, fish food, and water conditioner.
Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit with LED Lighting
If you’re looking for a larger tank for a betta fish, the Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit is an excellent choice as it comes with a spacious 20-gallon tank. This is a fantastic tank size for a betta fish and a few roommates.
The kit includes a lot of useful extras like an aquarium hood with a feeding hole, LED lighting system, internal power filter, filter cartridge, preset heater, thermometer, fish net, fish food, water dechlorinator and setup guide. That’s everything you require to get started as a betta owner – all you need is the fish!
The included heater is preset to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for bettas (their preferred temperature range is between 75 and 80 degrees).
I also like that the filter has a red LED light indicator that flashes when it’s time to replace the filter cartridge – you’ll never forget to clean your filter again!
My main complaint with this fish tank is that the included filter could be better quality. It isn’t powerful enough for the size of the aquarium, so your best bet is to use a 20-gallon aquarium filter.
Specs
- Dimensions: 24.25" x 12.5" x 19.5"
- Weight: 32.95 lbs
- Volume: 20 Gallons
Pros
- Provides lots of space for bettas and other small fish
- Comes with essential aquarium equipment like a filter, LED light, and heater
- Includes extras like fish food and water dechlorinator
Cons
- Filtration system isn’t powerful enough for size of tank
MarineLand Contour 5 Aquarium Kit
This portrait glass LED aquarium kit from Marineland is one of the best betta tanks for fish keepers that don’t have a lot of room. It has a cool portrait design and includes a LED light, glass canopy, and back filter compartment.
MarineLand Contour 5 Aquarium Kit
Next up is the MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit, which offers a unique portrait design with rounded corners. Not only does this five gallon tank look gorgeous, but it’s also ideal for fishkeepers with limited space – it will easily fit on a desktop or small table.
The portrait glass LED aquarium kit comes with a clear glass canopy (great for keeping your betta fish secure), hidden back filter compartment, and a hinged LED light rail.
The LED lighting system has both daylight and moonlight settings to provide your betta with a healthy day/night cycle similar to their natural habitat.
However, the hidden filter compartment at the back can make this glass tank hard to maintain. The included LED light also isn’t overly powerful, so you may wish to upgrade it, especially if you plan on growing aquatic plants for betta fish.
Specs
- Dimensions: 11.75" x 11.75" x 16.75"
- Weight: 12 lbs
- Volume: 5 Gallons
Pros
- Portrait design – ideal for aquarists with limited space
- Hidden back filter compartment
- Part 3: Getting to Know the Jersey Giant
Cons
- Back filter compartment can make the fish tank hard to clean
- LED light lacks power for growing most plants
This 5-gallon tank from Fluval is inspired by Feng Shu to create a seamless balance of sight and sound.
Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set
If you’re searching for a reliable fish tank that also has that “wow” factor, you can’t go wrong with the Fluval Chi II Aquarium Set. The betta fish tank is inspired by Feng Shu and has been designed to create a calming effect by blending both sight and sound.
The aquarium has a vertical glass design and features a waterfall filter that offers a bubbling effect. This, when paired with the gentle glow of the LED light, provides a soothing and relaxing ambience that both you and your betta fish can enjoy.
Although beautiful, the included filtration system with this betta fish tank has a weak water flow, so it may have trouble keeping the tank clean.
Specs
- Dimensions: 14.4" x 14.4" x 15.5"
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Volume: 5 Gallons
Pros
- Gorgeous design
- Unique waterfall filtration system
- LED light with a gentle glow
Cons
- Fish tank filter is a little weak
The Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is a gorgeous glass tank for betta fish keeping that includes a hidden filter compartment with an adjustable flow filter pump, powerful LED light, and filter media.
Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit
Another one of the best betta fish tanks is the Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit, which provides a spacious 15-gallon aquarium and several accessories to keep your betta healthy.
It sports a front curved glass design that allows you to view your betta fish from all angles. The aquarium kit includes a good selection of fish tank equipment like a 7500K LED lamp that will improve the colors of your fish and aquatic plants.
The light also comes with a remote that supports settings like lightning bolt and faded effects to really make your betta tank pop.
One of the best features of this aquarium kit is the hidden rear filter compartment that conceals the 3-stage filtration system. The device has multi-directional dual outputs so you can adjust the water flow and includes foam, carbon, and Biomax filter media.
However, the hidden filter compartment takes up a considerable amount of space in the aquarium, so it reduces the amount of swimming room your betta has access to.
Specs
- Dimensions: 15.94" x 16.73" x 15.94"
- Weight: 28.04 lbs
- Volume: 15 Gallons
Pros
- Stylish curved front design
- Hidden back filter compartment
- Comes with a LED lamp and filter media
Cons
- Hidden filter compartment is quite bulky
This aquarium starter kit from Marina is a fantastic option for aquarists new to the hobby as it comes with almost everything you need to start owning bettas at an affordable price.
Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Last but not least is the Marina LED Aquarium Kit, which is one of the best small tanks for a betta as it comes with almost everything you need to get started. Alongside a 10-gallon tank which will provide enough room for your betta, the Marina LED Aquarium Kit includes a clip-on filter that’s easy to clean.
You also get an aquarium hood, soft mesh net (perfect for a betta’s delicate fins), setup guide, and LED lamp with long-lasting bulbs.
Better yet, the kit includes a Fluval biological supplement to boost the beneficial bacteria in your tank water, as well as Fluval food and a water conditioner to make your tap water safe for fish.
The main drawback of the Marina LED Aquarium Kit is the noisy filter it comes with – it can emit a fairly loud vibrating noise.
Specs
- Dimensions: 12.91” x 10.24” x 20.2”
- Weight: 17.35 lbs
- Volume: 10 Gallons
Pros
- Spacious 10-gallon aquarium
- Includes a filter, light, and hood
- Comes with food, water dechlorinator, and biological supplement
Cons
- Filter is a little noisy
Do Bettas Need Anything Special in Their Tank?
Bettas don’t need anything special in their tank other than a filter, heater, and light. However, adding live plants, decorations, substrate, and betta toys will improve the appearance of your aquarium and provide your pet with enrichment.
What Kind of Tank Is Best for Betta Fish?
The best fish tank for a betta is a 5-gallon or larger with a long design. Acrylic, plastic, and glass tanks are all suitable for bettas. That said, a plastic tank tends to be cheaper than a glass or acrylic tank. Self-cleaning fish tanks can help maintain the cleanliness of the aquarium, reducing the need for frequent manual cleaning and ensuring a healthier environment for your betta fish.
What Size Tank Should You Buy for a Betta Fish?
A single betta fish needs at least a 5-gallon aquarium to thrive, though bigger is always better. Contrary to what you might have heard, betta fishes cannot be housed in extremely small containers like fish bowls or vases. If the space is too cramped they might become stressed and inactive.
Betta Fish Minimum Tank Size
The minimum tank size for a single betta fish is 5 gallons, but if you can afford to go larger, a 10-gallon aquarium is a great choice. If you’re planning on housing your betta with other tank mates, you’ll need to upgrade to a bigger aquarium to give enough room for multiple fish and keep all your fish healthy.
I personally keep my betta in a 10-gallon aquarium with lots of live plants, driftwood, and rocks!
Although not a golden rule, the “1 inch of fish per gallon of water” can give you a good idea of the number of fish you can keep in your aquarium. However, you’ll still need to consider the size, temperament, and bioload of the species.
NOTE
For example, African cichlids often reach 5 inches in size, but that doesn’t mean they can be kept in a 5-gallon tank. They need at least 30 gallons and an extra 5 gallons per fish due to their aggressive and territorial nature!
Do Bettas Like Tall or Long Tank Shape?
Shallow streams and ride paddies make up a betta’s natural environment, so they prefer long tanks over tall tanks. In addition, betta fish enjoy a lot of horizontal space as they tend to spend most of their time swimming left to right.
What Are the Ideal Water Parameters for Bettas?
Alongside a decent-sized fish tank to call home, betta fish need specific water parameters to survive. Below are the ideal pH levels and water temperature range for your betta tank!
What’s the Right pH Level for Bettas?
The best betta fish pH level range is between 6.5 to 8.0. Make sure the pH level remains stable and doesn’t fluctuate by performing regular water changes.
What’s the Ideal Temperature for Bettas?
Betta fish are tropical fish as they originate from Thailand, so their environment should be kept at between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a fish tank heater.
Do Bettas Need a Filter?
Betta fish benefit from a filter as it helps keep the water parameters in their stable. A filter screens out debris, feces, uneaten food, and decaying plant matter to make your betta’s environment healthy.
TIP
Make sure the filter you use on your betta tank is suitable for the size of the aquarium. As a general rule, your filter should have a turnover of 4 times the volume of your betta fish tank.
Do Betta Fish Need a Bubbler?
Betta fish don’t need a bubbler as long as they have a filter in their aquarium. Bubblers and air stones help oxygenate tank water, which a filter already does! However, there’s no harm using a bubbler if you enjoy the aesthetic of it or you want to add extra oxygen for your fish.
Can You Use Tap Water for Betta Fish Tank?
Yes, you can use tap water for betta fish, but you’ll need to treat it with a water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals.
How Often Should I Clean My Betta Tank?
This mostly depends on the size of your aquarium and its bioload, though most aquarists clean their betta tank once a week. You should aim to remove around 10% to 15% of water on a small tank (make sure you replace it with clean, dechlorinated water).
What Do Bettas Like in Their Tank?
Betta fish enjoy a low-flow filter, live plants (silk plants will also work!), natural decor like rocks and driftwood, and Indian almond leaves. You can also use artificial decorations, but make sure they don’t have any sharp edges that could damage your betta’s delicate fins.
Do Betta Fish Need Sand or Rocks?
Sand or gravel/rocks can work in betta tanks, as can setups with no substrate (bare bottom tanks). That said, gravel tends to be easier to clean and maintain than sand.
Do Bettas Prefer Dark?
It’s important for bettas to have periods of both light and dark as this helps stimulate a natural day/night cycle and give your betta time to rest. Your betta should have around 8 to 12 hours of light and 12 to 16 hours of darkness each day.
Do Bettas Need a Tank Hood?
Betta fishes are notorious for jumping out of their tank, so it’s always best to use an aquarium hood or cover on their aquarium.
- Curved front for better viewing
- Good size for betta fish
- Comes with a lid, LED light, and filter
- Affordable
- Durable glass construction
- Base and sides are triple strength
- Etched glass design
- Comes with a powerful light
- 3-stage filtration system
Final Thoughts
I hope this guide helped you select the best betta fish tank and gave you some ideas on what to put in your aquatic pet’s new home! Remember, betta fish need at least a 5-gallon aquarium, as well as a filter and heater for optimal health.
Which betta fish tanks are your favorite in this list? I’d love to hear your thoughts over on our social media platforms. Be sure to share this post so other fish owners can find the best betta fish tank for their aquatic pet too!
