The 6 Best Tanks for Betta Fish, According To An Aquatic Veterinarian

Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.

There are a few things you need to take into consideration when selecting the best tank for your betta fish—what's right for a goldfish isn't necessarily what's best for a betta. With their long, delicate fins, bettas need low water flow with lots of places to hang out and nap. Most bettas are kept as single fish, since males will fight one another and not all female bettas will get along well with others of their same species. Your betta tank needs a reliable filter, heater and all the love and care that goes into any other fish system.

No betta, or any other fish for that matter, should be kept in a bowl or vase, since it can be detrimental to their health and longevity. "All betta fish require an environment catering to their individual needs and limitations," Certified Aquatic Veterinarian Dr. Jessica Fox says. "We have seen too many betta fish kept in inappropriate environments (i.e. bowls or vase) that can severely impact their health."

The 5-gallon Fluval SPEC aquarium kit is our go to recommendation for all betta owners, since it includes everything you need (except a heater), while the tank itself is designed for betta activity levels. As a private practice veterinarian, specializing in pet fish for over 10 years, I have first hand experience with all of the following systems.

Best Overall: Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit

Buy at Chewy.com

Buy at Amazon.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Heater not included

The Fluval SPEC 5-gallon aquarium kit was designed with bettas in mind. It provides an ideal environment, taking into consideration a betta fish's anatomy and swimming ability. The filter outflow is directed along the long axis of the tank, decreasing the flow that could push your betta around. Many bettas like resting up against the filter intake, which is not damaging at all and provides them with additional nap spots.

All of the high quality Fluval filter media comes included with this kit, and even has a spot designed to add in a heater, the only component not included in this kit. These tanks are well designed and sturdy enough to last for many betta fish generations. We recommend these kits to all of our clients looking to upgrade their betta or adopt a new one.

There is a smaller unit of this kit, but at 2.6 gallons, the filter outflow can be a little bit rough and your betta will appreciate the extra space. Check out our other recommendation for a nano tank below. Overall, the price may be a little daunting for "just a betta," but you will get more than your money's worth and your next 3-4 generations of bettas will have an exceptional home to call their own.

Price at time of publish: $116

_{Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.5 x 11.6 inches | Materials: Glass sides, plastic housing | Colors: Black, white | Gallon Capacity: 5 gallons | Included Accessories: Lid, LED light, foam sponge, carbon filter, ceramic media}

Best Budget: Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kits with LED Lighting

Buy at Chewy.com

What We Like

All equipment included
Excellent price point
Durable tank

What We Don't Like

If you're looking to get your betta housed with all the accessories on a budget, check out the Aquaeon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit. This 10-gallon system is an excellent choice for a betta and includes a heater, filter and lid for under $100. The filter media is not high quality, but can be easily swapped out for any standard sponge filter cut to the correct size.

Setting up this aquarium and all its components is very easy and it can be ready for your new betta within a couple of hours. All you need is to add some betta-friendly décor and you're ready to welcome in your new pet. You will need to obtain a higher quality thermometer to ensure your heater is working correctly, which is strongly encouraged for all heated fish tanks, both fresh and saltwater. Overall, this aquarium kit is a great price point and well suited to house a betta fish.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Dimensions: 20.25 x 10.5 x 13 inches | Materials: Glass aquarium, plastic lid | Colors: Clear with black | Gallon Capacity: 10 gallons | Included Accessories: Lid, LED lights, filter with media, heater, stick on thermometer, net, sample size water conditioner and fish flakes}

Best Upgrade: Fluval Flex 15-gallon Aquarium Kit

Buy at Chewy.com

Buy at Amazon.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

The 15-gallon Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is the ultimate betta fish tank. With its high-quality filter, integrated and programmable lights and large volume, this is the tank that cultivates happy bettas. Make all your other fish jealous by providing the ultimate betta fish tank.

This 15-gallon tank is not too large for your fish and allows for lots of décor options and room to swim comfortably without snagging delicate fins. The Fluval Flex comes with high quality filter media, including a sponge, carbon, and ceramic media. The LED lights built into the lid are programmable and come with an easy to use remote. Yes, it is a more expensive option, but the high quality and multiple features make this a high value system. Your betta will thank you.

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Dimensions: 16 x 17 x 16 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing |  Colors: Clear tank with black lid and housing | Gallon Capacity: 15 gallons |  Included Accessories: Lid with integrated/programmable LED lights, filter media (sponge, carbon, ceramic media), pump}

Best 5-gallon: Aquatop Venti Aquarium Kit

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Aquatop.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

Noisy air pump

At only 10 inches at its largest dimension, the Aquatop Venti 5-gallon aquarium will give your betta a quality home with a small footprint. The biggest complaint about this tank is the noisy air pump. Without a standard filter, this tank relies on air lift technology to run filtration using just air flow. This is not ideal for many fish species but will work fine for one betta. If you cannot stand the noise from the included model, here are some other options to try.

The use of air lift filtration allows for the filter flow to be very low, which is ideal for betta fish. These filters tend to become clogged more often than traditional, higher-flow filters, so you will need to clean them more regularly. This aquarium kit provides a one-way check valve for your aerator setup which is critical to preventing back siphoning if your air pump fails. Always keep your air pump above your aquarium's water line to prevent your tank from accidentally siphoning dry.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{ Dimensions: 8 x 12 x 12 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing | Colors: Clear tank with black case | Gallon Capacity: 5 gallons | Included Accessories: Air pump, filter cartridges, check valve, lid, LED light}

Best 10-gallon Kit: Marina LED Aquarium Kit

Buy at Chewy.com

Buy at Amazon.com

What We Like

What We Don't Like

No heater included
Needs better thermometer

Want to give your betta an upgrade? Then you need a 10-gallon oasis, and the Marina Aquarium 10-Gallon Kit is a great choice. This solid glass tank includes a solid lid with built in light, soft, betta-safe net and decent filter. You can ditch the stick-on thermometer for an in-tank model, grab a heater and some décor of your choice and move your betta right in.

Does my betta really want a larger fish tank? Yes! What fish doesn't like more room to swim and explore? The 10-gallon Marina Aquarium Kit is an excellent option to upgrade a smaller tank for your betta. With a few modifications and additional equipment options, your betta will be settled in no time.

Price at time of publish: $125

_{Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 12 inches | Materials: Glass tank, plastic lid | Colors: Clear with black lid | Gallon Capacity: 10 gallons | Included Accessories: Filter, lid with built in LED lighting, water conditioner, bacteria support, stick-on thermometer, small (4-inch) net}

Best Nano: Fluval Betta Premium Aquarium Kit

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Walmart.com

What We Like

Tiny profile
High quality filtration
Low flow
Heater included

What We Don't Like

If you want a betta and are very low on space, consider the Fluval Betta 2.6-gallon tank. Like the other Fluval tanks on this list, this tank includes high quality filter media and a heater. The low flow pump was included specifically for betta fish in mind and even has an additional baffle on the effluent to keep currents slow.

Keep in mind that a nano system will require more cleaning and maintenance due to the low water volume. If you do not have time for weekly or twice a week maintenance, get a larger system. It can be very easy to over-decorate a small tank, which can cause tears in your betta fins. Small volume tanks are also more susceptible to temperature swings, which can be very harmful to your betta's health.

Price at time of publish: $96

_{Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 9 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing | Colors: Clear tank with black housing | Gallon Capacity: 2.6 gallons | Included Accessories: Pre-set heater, lid, small LED light, filter media (sponge, carbon, ceramic), pump with foam baffle}

Final Verdict

Overall, the Fluval SPEC 5-gallon Aquarium Kit is the model we recommend to all our betta clients in our unique all-aquatic veterinary practice. It comes with everything you need except a heater and décor, which can easily be added and customized to whatever your betta desires. If you have the room and a little extra in your budget, upgrade to the 15-gallon Fluval Flex. This will give your betta lots of room to explore with excellent filtration and fun lights to enjoy.

What to Look for in Fish Tanks for Bettas

Betta Environmental Needs

Like other tropical fish, betta require a filter and a heater to stay healthy. Never keep your betta in a vase or bowl. If your betta tank is small, you can expect to see temperature variations throughout the day, so a reliable thermometer is highly recommended. Here are our favorite aquarium thermometers.

Betta fins are very delicate, so high-flow filters can easily push them around, causing them to burn additional calories and become lethargic. If your filter is causing your fish to get tossed around, you may need to baffle or disperse the water return or get a smaller filter. Bettas are also prone to fin tears from over-decorated or pointy décor, which can commonly be confused as "fin rot." If you are concerned about your betta's fins, it is important that they are assessed as early as possible by a fish veterinarian.

Glass vs. Acrylic

Glass aquariums are heavier, but sturdier and more expensive. They are also easier to clean and do not scratch very easily. Acrylic tanks are lighter, but not as durable and prone to scratching. We recommend glass tanks due to their longevity and ease of cleaning.

Additional Accessories

Lid

Bettas are prone to jumping, so a tight-fitting lid is a requirement for any betta tank, which all of our above options include.

Heater and Thermometer

Bettas are tropical fish, so they will require a heater. An adjustable heater is preferred since you will be able to tailor the output to whatever room you have your aquarium in. Bettas prefer a temperature range of 78 to 82F (25 to 28C). With any heated tank, you will need an in-tank thermometer to ensure your heater is working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best size for a betta tank?

The best size tank for a betta fish is the biggest you can fit in your space. What fish doesn't like having more room to swim, more places to hang out and territory to call their own? Just because a betta, or any fish for that matter, could do okay in a small space does not mean that they wouldn't do better in a larger space. The more water your fish has, the easier the tank is to maintain and the healthier and happier your fish will be.

What are suitable tank mates for a betta fish?

Betta fish do not often play well with others of their same species. Two betta males should never be kept in the same tank, or even within eyesight of each other. Betta females can be kept together, but some can be aggressive and bully other in their tank. Only bring a male and female together if you are looking to breed them.

Tank mates for bettas should be small, tropical fish who get along well in a community setting. Here are some suitable tank mates for your betta fish:

Neon Tetra

Corydora

Rasbora

Congo Tetra

Plecostomus

Why Trust The Spruce Pets

With over 10 years in aquatic veterinary practice, I have seen hundreds of betta cases, and many times, their current illness is secondary to their environment. All these betta tanks would be a considerable improvement over the sad setups I have come across. Betta fish deserve the love and respect of any other pet. By providing them with a suitably sized tank (the bigger the better), a proper filter and a heater, you can do a lot to ensure your betta lives a long and healthy life.

With 10 years of practice as an aquatic veterinarian, Dr. Sanders has hands-on experience with a wide range of aquarium products, including at-home tests of fish tank equipment. She is the chief veterinarian at Aquatic Aquatic Veterinary Services and is a certified aquatic veterinarian through the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. She has previously researched and recommended the best aquarium filters, heaters, LED light kits, powerheads, and more.

Read Next: The 6 Best Small Fish Tanks of 2023

Read the original article on The Spruce Pets.

Search This Blog

Acuarium