Best Betta Fish Tanks for Any Budget

The tank that you choose for your betta fish is crucially important. Sadly, over the years numerous betta fish have perished in unsuitable conditions, but in this guide we’re going to try and put all that right.

Read on to discover what size tank your betta fish really needs and the features you should look out for when selecting an aquarium.

Possibly most interesting of all we’ll compare and contrast some of the most popular betta fish tanks currently on the market, helping you to choose the best betta fish tank no matter what your budget. Let’s get going!

In a Hurry? Top 3 Betta Fish Tanks

Features to Look For in the Best Betta Fish Tanks

These are the key features that will help you select the ideal betta fish tank…

Tank Size

Small novelty fish tanks and fish bowls are a complete no-no as far as bettas are concerned.

While the wild cousins of today’s betta fish may survive in the shallow rice paddies of Southeast Asia, this water is spread across vast areas. This provides wild bettas with plenty of room to move around. Size is therefore a crucial factor, with a minimum of 5 gallons of water being recommended for betta fish.

Bettas also have what is known as a “labyrinth” organ. This enables them to take in oxygen directly from the air. Once in a while, they like to go up to the surface of the water and breathe.

As a result, the aquarium you select should be big enough to hold at least 5 gallons of water and still leave some space above the water surface as well.

Larger fish tanks can also help to ensure that water conditions remain stable for longer periods of time. This is not only better for the health of your betta fish but can also cut down on your routine maintenance.

Lastly, the size of your betta fish tank also determines the decorative elements such as rocks, plants, weeds, etc. that you can place inside it.

In short, larger tanks are more practical, can look better and make it easier to keep your fish healthy. So ditch the goldfish bowl and buy a suitable fish tank instead.

Filtration

The filtration system in the fish tank is as important as the size of the tank.

Even though the natural habitat of bettas is primarily shallow, still water, it’s by no means dirty water. These water bodies are part of biodiverse ecosystems that are not only clean but well oxygenated as well, due to the presence of a wide variety of plants.

Note that poor quality of water in the fish tank exposes bettas to diseases, especially fin rot.

The other thing to keep in mind is that though the labyrinth organ allows bettas to breathe in oxygen directly from the air, it’s only a temporary solution at best. Just like most other fish, their primary respiratory organs are their gills. A filter will ensure that the aquarium has an oxygen rich environment.

Finally, given that bettas are naturally used to living in still water or streams with very low current, the filter shouldn’t create too much disturbance in the water. Select an adjustable filter or fix a pre-filter on the existing filter to reduce the level of water flow.

Heater

The natural habitat of bettas is warm. The preferable water temperature for bettas is between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24 and 28 degrees Celsius).

Unless you live in a place with a warm climate and temperatures through the year remains steady around the 75 degree Fahrenheit or above mark, you should get a fish tank with a heater.

Top Betta Fish Tanks Reviewed

Now that we’ve discussed the most important features, let’s have a look at some actual fish tanks currently on the market. By comparing them with all the points raised so far we’ll be able to assess which is likely to be the best model for your betta fish…

Fluval Spec V: Great Balance of Style and Function

The Fluval Spec V combines a number of great features with a stylistic design. It’s not designed specifically for bettas, but a few minor tweaks transforms it into the ideal fish tank for bettas.

Its 5 gallon capacity is perfectly suited for bettas and it has a sophisticated 3-stage filtration system in place as well. The filtration system essentially provides three different types of filtering. The porous foam block provides mechanical filtering, the activated carbon provides chemical filtering and the BioMax bio rings provide biological filtering. Overall, that ensures the water remains clean and clear.

Since it’s not specifically designed for bettas, the circulation pump is much more powerful than necessary, even though it’s equipped with an adjustable output nozzle. So, you will have to separately buy a Fluval EDGE pre-filter sponge, which costs $5. It will help ensure that the water inside the tank remains calm.

It’s also features an overhanging lighting system, which comprises a total of 37 LED lamps. This is placed above the aquarium and illuminates the decorative elements. The dimensions of the aquarium are 6.3 x 17.2 x 10.6 inches.

Pros

• This etched-glass aquarium offers all the important features necessary for bettas and at the same time it’s quite stylistic.
• The filtration system in place is of good quality, which is essential for bettas.
• The lighting system will help you highlight both the vibrancy of bettas and of other elements you add in the aquarium.

Cons

• You will have to separately buy a heater.
• You also need to buy a pre-filter to ensure that the water flow isn’t too high.
• Despite the fact that you need to buy a few extra pieces of equipment, the price of the aquarium is on the higher end of the spectrum.

(3 / 5)

Aqueon Ascent: Frameless Aquarium with QuietFlow Filtration

The frameless build of the Aqueon Ascent aquarium is the perfect home for bettas. Plus, it has a 10 gallon capacity, which is ideal for bettas.

The wide viewing area offered by this aquarium, aided by the concealed LED lighting, highlights the overall aquascape well.

The section where the filter (and heater) is fitted is conveniently placed for easy access.

This aquarium is also equipped with QuietFlow power filtration, which is important to make bettas feel comfortable and at home.

Besides the glass aquarium, the cover with LED lights, filtration system and filter cartridge, you also get high-quality fish food sample, along with a water conditioner sample and a guide to set it all up.

Pros

• The 10 gallon capacity of this aquarium is ideal for bettas.
• Its modern design aesthetics are attractive and will allow you to show off both the colorful fish as well as the decorative elements you add to the aquarium.
• The filtration system is equipped with QuietFlow technology, which ensures that the water flow remains calm.
• Affordably priced.

Cons

• You will have to buy a heater separately.

(4 / 5)

Fluval FLEX: Top Quality Filtration and LED Lighting System

The first thing that you’ll notice about Fluval FLEX is its distinctive curved facade. The filter compartment is hidden at the back, which further accentuates the look. However, what makes this one a great option for bettas is its 3-stage filtration system (the same as that in Fluval Spec V) and the twin options in regards to tank size (9 gallon and 15 gallon).

This aquarium also features multi-directional dual outputs, which offers customized water flow.

Fluval also claims that its 7,500K LED lamps will spur plant growth, besides highlighting the vibrant bettas. The lighting system can be customized as well and operated via remote control.

The dimensions of this aquarium is 13.2 x 13.8 x 12.8 inches and it weighs 11.1 pounds.

Pros

• The filtration system is of top quality and an important factor in providing bettas with a healthy environment.
• The lighting system along with the curve front section of the Fluval Flex makes it stand apart from other aquariums.
• The lighting can not only be customized, but also aid in plant growth.

Cons

• The rear section that houses the filter compartment takes up some space, which makes the 15 gallon version a better option, but there’s a $20 price difference between the 9 gallon and 15 gallon versions.
• You will have to buy a heater separately.

(3.5 / 5)

Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium: Top Quality and Value for Money

This is the best value-for-money aquarium/fish tank for bettas or any other tropical fish for that matter.

It’s QuietFlow filtration system ensures that the water is clean and healthy. It even has an indicator to inform you when the filter cartridge needs to be replaced.

There are five stages to the filtration process. Firstly, particles and debris are removed, then the activated carbon eliminates toxins and odors, next the bio-holster tackles the toxic ammonia and nitrites and removes them, followed by the bio-media grid that removes any remaining toxins along with oxygenating the water and calming it down and finally a special filter pad further treats the water.

In addition, it has a preset heater in place that ensures the water temperature remains at a constant 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which is perfect for bettas. This 10 gallon aquarium also features a low profile full-hood with LED lighting.

Food and water care samples, a fish net and a stick-on thermometer to keep track of the water temperature are also provided.

The dimensions of the aquarium are 20.2 x 10.5 x 13.3 inches.

Pros

• Top notch filtration system with five different stages.
• 400;”>Heater provided with the aquarium along with a thermometer.
• There’s an indicator to intimate you when the filter needs to be changed.
• All of this for under $70.

Cons

• When the lights are on for a long period of time the water gets really hot.
• The hood doesn’t have a hinge, so you will have to take it off completely and put it back on every time.

(4.5 / 5)

FluvalSEA EVO: Premium Aquarium with Focus on Display

The FluvalSEA EVO is a premium quality aquarium with a 13.5 gallon capacity and all the standard features, but what sets this apart from others is its focus on displaying the fish and the other underwater decorative elements in the best possible way.

The 14,000K LED lighting system is bright and creates optimal conditions for plant life to thrive. It also features a day and night lighting option and the night light looks particularly stunning.

It is equipped with the 3-stage filtration system that includes a foam filter block, BioMax insert and activated carbon insert.

The honeycomb design of the aquarium adds to the aesthetics and conceals the filtration section.

The dimensions are 22 x 11.5 x 15 inches.

Pros

• The lighting system is one of the best available among aquariums and includes day and night light settings.
• The 13.5 gallon capacity is excellent for bettas.
• Standard filtration system and a special feed door.

Cons

• The space at the back of the tank is a little smaller than ideal.
• The feeding hole doesn’t have a lid, which is a bit disappointing.

(3.5 / 5)

Fluval Edge: Sealed Glass Cube-Shaped Aquarium

This cube-shaped aquarium is a visual delight. If you want a great home for your betta that adds personality to your room then the Fluval Edge is the ideal choice.

It sports a clean, elegant design that highlights the fish and the other paraphernalia you add to the aquarium, while all the equipments are hidden from view.

It’s quite a compact aquarium as well so it won’t take up too much space.

Pros

• It’s equipped with a powerful filter with Cycleguard.
• The water treatment system is excellent and will ensure your betta doesn’t face any problems.
• The night-time light in the Fluval Edge is ideal for bettas.

Cons

• The filter is quite noisy, which can potentially disturb the bettas.
• It has limited stocking, which can become a problem if the tank is completely full.

(3.5 / 5)

Conclusion: What’s the Best Betta Fish Tank?

It’s now easier than ever before to get your hands on a fish tank that is perfect for betta fish. As we’ve seen, there are a number of different options on the market. In closing it does perhaps make sense to combine all the information covered so far, and decide which really is the best tank currently on the market.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to buy a new betta fish tank then you can’t go far wrong with one of these three fantastic options:

Photo by Daniella Vereeken Photo by Daniella Vereeken