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A betta fish may be the very first fish you plan on getting. But since the pet store keeps them in small containers with no filtration, that obviously means that you can get a small tank for your betta fish, right? No. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions about caring for bettas. This article will discuss betta fish care and everything you need to know about tank size requirements.

We’ll list and review our top five aquarium kits to help you get started with your betta fish tank!

But first…

What is the Best Size Tank for a Betta Fish?

One of the most extensive discussions within the aquarium hobby is how much space betta fish actually need. When shopping for a betta tank, it can be easy to fall into the trap of buying an all-in-one betta bowl or another small plastic aquarium. If you want to know more about why these small tanks are not enough to keep betta fish happy and healthy, make sure to check out our post here.

Generally, a 5-gallon (18.9 L) tank is the minimum accepted size to house one betta fish. Some hobbyists will even argue that a 10-gallon (37.8 L) tank is the best option to give your betta a natural ecosystem. If you want to keep other fish species with your betta, at least 15 gallons (56.8 L) will be needed.

Betta fish are surprisingly active fish despite their often sluggish appearance in stores. Given the proper care, high-quality food, and time to flourish, betta fish will fill out a tank no matter how many gallons it can hold.

What Do I Need for a Betta Fish Tank?

A betta fish tank should be treated just like any other freshwater aquarium. The tank water needs to be fully cycled and heated by an aquarium heater. Water temperature should remain constant between 77 and 83° F (25-28° C) and be tested with an aquarium thermometer several times throughout the day.

Tank water will also need to be regularly tested for ammonia, nitrites, nitrates, and pH, with regular weekly or biweekly water changes. Water conditioners should always be used to prevent chlorine and other unwanted chemicals from entering the system.

Betta fish also need a filter to help maintain water parameters and create flow within the tank. However, the filter needs to be powerful enough to clean the water but not so powerful that it pushes your betta fish all over the tank. Those betta fish variations with longer fins will need special consideration when choosing a filter, as they usually have more difficulty swimming.

Many hobbyists choose to use an internal filter, a hang-on-back filter, or a sponge filter for excellent water quality and easier tank maintenance.

Betta fish will also need a substrate and places to hide. Again, hobbyists are divided about the best substrate for betta fish, with both gravel and sand having pros and cons. Sand provides a natural environment for the fish and is easy to clean, but gravel allows for plants and other decorations to be weighed down easier and won’t be pushed around by water currents.

Betta fish will also appreciate places to hide throughout the tank in the form of caves and dense vegetation. Driftwood and smooth rocks can be used to create safe places for your fish throughout the tank. Betta fish will also prefer low lighting, meaning that any plants you want to add to the tank should be low to moderate light-demanding species.

For more help setting up the basics for your betta fish, you can find a full equipment list needed for your betta tank here.

Our Top Five Betta Fish Tanks

Many companies will sell an all-in-one betta fish bowl kit for easy setup. These bowls are usually tiny and under the desired 5-gallon (18.9 L) minimum, and they should never be used to house any fish. However, some companies also sell other appropriately-sized aquarium kits that usually include all you need to give your betta fish the tank it needs.

We have chosen our top five betta fish tanks based on size, included accessories, price, and customer reviews.

Fluval 2.6 Gallon Betta Premium Aquarium Kit

• 2.6-gallon Nano aquarium
• Etched glass tank with aluminum trim
• Natural soft-glow LED lighting

The all-new Fluval Betta Kit is designed to replicate the betta’s natural habitat. The kit includes a multi-stage diffused filtration unit, a convenient pre-set heater, and soft LED lighting. This attractive nano tank is approximately 2.6 gallons, which is ideal for a betta fish.

The filter system features up to six stages of filtration, providing superior water clarity and quality. Since betta fish evolved to live in stagnant or slow-moving water, they don’t appreciate a strong current in their tank.

This filter system provides a range of intake slots that you can adjust to reduce the strength and power of the flow, preventing your betta buddy from becoming wedged in the filter intake. The diffusion chamber significantly reduces the movement of water, thanks to a wider output and multiple sponge layers.

The submersible, preset heater included in this betta aquarium kit fits neatly into the rear chamber and efficiently maintains the ideal water temperature for your fishy friend. Natural soft-glow LED lighting provides the dim lighting levels of a betta’s wild habitat. The lights are specially calibrated to bring out your betta’s vibrant colors and can be used with most digital and mechanical timing devices.

The tank has a cover that keeps dust and foreign bodies out and helps to reduce water evaporation.

Pros

• Comes with a heater and filter unit
• LED lighting is designed to accentuate your betta buddy’s beautiful colors
• The filtration system ensures efficient cleaning without creating a strong current that would stress your betta fish

Cons

• Some users report that the filtration system is not powerful enough

Aqueon 5 Gallon MiniBow LED Desktop Fish Aquarium Kit

• Compact fish tank with a contemporary design and elevated base
• Simple to setup and maintain, looks great in any room
• Sleek, low profile LED energy efficient light hood with feeding hole

This basic bowfront aquarium could be perfect for a beginner betta fishkeeper! The Aqueon 5-Gallon MiniBow LED desktop aquarium kit also comes in several other smaller sizes. However, the 5-gallon tank measuring 14.5? L x 10.0? W x 13.5? H (36.8 L x 25.4 W x 34.3 H cm) would be the best option. This tank is slightly lifted off the ground by a plastic platform and is also available in white.

This plastic tank includes an internal Aqueon filter (requires small Aqueon filter cartridges), pre-installed blue and white LED lights attached to the aquarium hood, fish food, and water conditioner. A heater is not included.

Some hobbyists have found a few problems with the kit:

1. The filter tends to malfunction if it clogs up
2. The water current from the filter can be too strong but is easily fixed by introducing more media
3. The aquarium hood does not lay flat due to electrical cords.

However, this sleek and compact tank offers enough room for a betta fish to happily live with LED lights that will make the water shimmer beautifully!

Pros

• Rounded design for desktop viewing
• Included internal filter, hood, food, and water conditioner
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Some issues with the filter, lights, and hood that are not easily replaced due to nontraditional dimensions
• Heater not included
• Plastic

Marineland 5-Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit

The MarineLand 5-Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit is one of today’s most popular nano tanks. This tank can be used for either freshwater or saltwater purposes and really puts a betta fish on its best display. This glass tank measures 9.63? L x 9.63? W x 17.20? H (24.5 L x 24.5 W x 43.7 H cm) and has been tastefully designed with rounded corners and a slightly raised platform.

The tank includes a hinged LED light (with blue and white LEDs and the option for full moonlight mode), a glass lid, and an internal filter. Like most sumps, this filter is designed with a chamber system and includes a return pump that directs water back into the tank via a return nozzle. A heater is not included.

While filtration customizability is a big bonus for hobbyists, some have said that the inlet slots are on the larger side and can easily suck in small invertebrates. The tank is also taller than average, which can make growing plants and maintenance a little more challenging.

Pros

• Finished all-in-one look with rounded corners
• Highly customizable lights and filtration
• Includes glass lid

Cons

• A taller-than-average tank
• Larger inlet slots
• Heater not included

Aqueon 10-Gallon LED Aquarium Kit

• All the equipment needed to get started in one box!
• Low profile full hood contains vibrant cool white LED lighting to bring your aquatic environment to life.
• The filter has a red LED light that flashes to indicate when it’s time to change the cartridge.

If you’re looking for a slightly larger tank that doesn’t require much additional care or maintenance, then the Aqueon LED Aquarium Kit is perfect.

This glass tank measures 20? L x 10? W x 12? H (50.8 L x 25.3 W x 30.5 H cm) and includes a low profile aquarium hood with attached LED lighting, 50-Watt preset heater, QuietFlow 10 LED PRO power filter, fish food, water conditioner, fishnet, and stick-on thermometer. The LED lights do not come with a moonlight setting.

This tank is easy to set up and cycle in a very short time. Many hobbyists find the silicone seal messy, but these tanks have proven to be watertight. The filter can sometimes be on the noisier side, and a preset temperature setting of 78° F (25.5° C) isn’t optimal for fishkeeping.

I have used this aquarium kit for a saltwater reef tank and have since upgraded the lighting, filtration, and thermometer. However, I was able to keep red mushrooms with the stock LED lights and filtration, as well as clownfish, a yellow watchmen goby, hermit crabs, and snails.

Pros

• More space than a 5-gallon tank at a comparable price
• Included filter, preset heater, LED lighting in the hood, fish food, water conditioner, fish net, and stick-on thermometer
• Standard tank size for easy upgrades

Cons

• Messy silicone
• Sometimes loud filter
• The preset heater should be upgraded

Cobalt Aquatics 5.3-Gallon Microvue3 Aquarium Kit

• Includes Clear Vue 20 internal filter
• Included 6w black mini LED lamp
• 5.3-Gallon Capacity

If you’re willing to spend a little more money on quality equipment and a seamless look, then a Microvue3 Aquarium Kit by Cobalt Aquatics may be the solution. These glass tanks come in three sizes, 2.6 gallons (9.8 L), 5.3 gallons (20.1 L), or 8.0 gallons (30.3 L). For betta fish, we will only focus on the 5.3-gallon and 8.0-gallon options.

The 5.3-gallon tank measures 10? L x 10? W x 11? H (25.4 L x 25.4 W x 27.9 H cm) while the 8.0-gallon aquarium measures 11.5? L x 11.5? W x 14? H (29.2 L x 29.2 W x 35.6 H cm). Both options include an adjustable Clear Vue 20 internal filter, a 6-Watt black mini LED lamp, a glass lid, and an underlying foam pad.

The LED lighting will support low to moderate light-demanding plants. The filter can also be secured anywhere along the vertical wall of the tank to provide surface water agitation or be hidden lower under decorations. An especially cool asset of this aquarium kit is that the lid can be temporarily hinged to the wall of the aquarium to make tank maintenance easier.

Pros

• Quality and appealing glass cube design
• High-quality LED light for growing a variety of plants
• Easy-to-clean filter that can be hidden in the tank

Cons

• Expensive
• LED light cannot be dimmed

FAQs

Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?

Betta fish are naturally territorial fish that actually prefer to be given their own space. Betta fish are solitary and will not get lonely in their own tank. However, it is possible for your betta to become bored, especially in smaller tanks. Enrichment, like live foods and plants, as well as adequate swimming space, should keep your betta healthy and interested.

As aggressive as these fish can be towards each other, they have especially bold personalities most of the time! It is not unheard of for betta fish to interact with you through the glass or during feeding times.

Can I Keep Other Fish with my Betta?

Yes! But only if there is enough space. For a betta fish community tank, at least a 15-gallon (56.8 L) tank is recommended, with 20 gallons (75.7 L) being even better. Female betta fish tend to intermingle better with other fish, but hobbyists have also had success with males. Every fish will be different, but immediately remove the fish from the tank if you see any signs of stress.

Most times, betta fish are compatible with other community fish, like small tetras and guppies. Fin-nippers and overly active fish should be avoided.

What Filtration does my Betta Fish Need?

Betta fish need a filter, just like any other kind of fish. Poor water quality will affect the overall health of your fish; betta fish should also never be placed in an uncycled tank.

Choosing a filter that isn’t too overpowering for the betta fish is important. Some betta fish have especially long fins that can make swimming difficult, especially against a strong water current. Many hobbyists like to use sponge filters or other internal filters. Hang-on-back filters can also be used but may need to be modified to lessen the return flow.

Bettas are tropical fish and will always need a heater unless ambient room temperature is consistent in an appropriate range.

Can I put Invertebrates with my Betta Fish?

Betta fish are natural omnivores, meaning they will need a diet of both meat- and plant-based foods. Their bold personality also usually makes them unafraid to pick at and try to eat anything that resembles food in their aquarium. This means that smaller invertebrates, like shrimp and snails, can become quick snacks.

Some hobbyists have had success keeping their betta with larger snails, such as Mystery snails. However, some species of snails can reproduce very readily and could end up taking over a small tank. Also, remember that each fish is different; while one betta fish might ignore everything added to the aquarium, another betta fish may eat those same things overnight.

How Often Should You Clean the Tank?

Ideally, your betta’s tank should be cleaned once a week.

Cleaning the tank involves carrying out a partial water change of 20% to 30%, vacuuming the substrate with an aquarium vacuum cleaner, and cleaning algae from the viewing panes.

You should wash the filter media in tank water every couple of weeks to remove sludge and replace spent media per the manufacturer’s directions.

In addition, trim any dead stems and brown leaves from living plants, so they don’t rot and pollute your tank water.

At What Temperature Should I Keep the Tank Water?

Bettas are tropical fish that need warm water to thrive. The recommended temperature for a betta fish tank is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Do Bettas Need a Bubbler?

Betta fish do not generally appreciate having a bubbler installed in their tank. They don’t like much movement in their water. If the bubbler is too powerful, the fish will struggle to swim and become stressed.

In addition, bettas build bubble nests, usually in the top corner of the tank or under floating plants. A bubbler will damage or even destroy the bubble nest, further stressing the fish.

Final Thoughts

Betta fish are easy, beautiful aquarium fish that are usually shoved into tight spaces. Giving your betta a 5-gallon tank with good water quality will lead to a long and healthy life for your fish and bring out its best personality.

There are a few things to consider when buying a tank for your betta fish, like if you want to keep other fish and the amount of space, you have to put an aquarium. When choosing between kits, you will also need to consider the shape, material (glass/plastic/acrylic), stock lighting, filtration, and aquarium hood. Unfortunately, most kits don’t include a heater, so make sure to pick one up at the same time!

If you have any questions about betta fish, setting up a betta fish tank, or have had experience with keeping betta fish, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

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