Betta fish require at least a 5 gallon tank, filled with live aquarium plants, decorations and gentle water flow (as they’re not the best swimmers).
To help you navigate and choose the best betta tank for you, I’ve researched and reviewed some of the best beginner kits and also bare tanks in order to help you understand what is best for you.
Best Betta Fish Tanks Overview
Fluval SPEC Kit (Best For Beginners)
Quick Specs
- Dimensions: 8.2″ x 21.4″ x 12.5″
- Material: Glass
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, 3-stage filter, media
What we like
This 5-gallon etched glass tank is perfect for small spaces and ideal for bettas. Featuring a separate chamber for a pump, filtration system, and heater, which can be removed by experienced aquarists for more space and customization. The LED light is sufficient for low-medium light plants but lacks a remote or timer.
Maintenance is straightforward with a removable lid, though removing the light can be cumbersome over time. The quiet 3-stage filtration system includes all necessary media. The circulation pump, initially strong for bettas, can be adjusted or modified with a pre-filter sponge for gentler flow. This tank is an excellent option for beginners.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Great looking design
Quiet pump
Easy maintenance
Suitable for beginners & experienced aquarists
Cons
Pump can be a bit powerful for betta, but can be buffered with sponge
Light not programmable
Fzone Rimless Tank (Best For Customization)
Quick Specs
- Dimensions: 11.81″ x 11.81″ x 11.81″
- Material: Ultra-white glass
- Capacity: 7 gallon
- Accessories: Leveling mat
What we like
The Fzone 7 gallon timeless tank is ideal for customizing betta tanks, offering ultra-clear, strong glass and no built-in filters for easy setup and maintenance.
It lacks accessories, encouraging a DIY approach for a superior ecosystem. Its clear view and customizable options outweigh the minor annoyance of a logo, making it perfect for those seeking freedom in aquarium setup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Completely customizable
Ultra-clear glass
High-quality build
Easy maintenance
Cons
Logo etched in top corner
No lid
Hagen Fluval Flex Kit (Best 9 Gallon Kit)
Quick Specs
- Dimensions: 13.19″ x 13.78″ x 12.8″
- Material: Glass
- Capacity: 9, 15 gallons
- Accessories: LED light & remote, filter, media, net water conditioner, aquarium care guide
What we like
Ideal for bettas, featuring a curved front panel for enhanced viewing. Its compact back panel houses filtration, heater, and pump, but may be tight for larger hands. The adjustable pump prevents strong currents, beneficial for bettas.
The included LED light supports low to medium light plants and has a spectrum-controllable remote, though it lacks automation and has some durability issues. With an easily removable lid, maintenance is straightforward. This tank is great for beginners, offering ample space for plants and decorations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Fully integrated lid, lights (with remote) and filter
Curved panel provides excellent viewing
Equipment can be hidden
Quiet
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Can’t automate lights
Some reports of light breaking
Marina Aquarium Starter Kit
Quick Specs
- Dimensions: 21.8″ x 14″ x 18.8″
- Material: Glass
- Capacity: 5, 10, 20 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, filter, media, net, water conditioner, Cycle biological supplement aquarium care guide
What we Like
Ideal for novices, this complete betta fish tank kit includes essential equipment, a care guide, water conditioner, and a biological supplement. The efficient, quiet filter may buzz but is fixable.
The sturdy, non-hinged lid and bright LED lights enhance the experience, though it lacks air stones. Suitable for beginners, but the Fluval Spec or Hagen may be superior.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Available at 5,10, 20 gallons
Great beginner option
Easy to maintain
Quiet
Cons
Filter isn’t the best
No moonlight LEDs
Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit
Quick Specs
- Dimensions: 16.6″ x 11.2″ x 13.2″
- Material: Acrylic
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, filter, media
What we Like
The Tetra Crescent Acrylic aquarium, with a curved front for great viewing angles, is a good alternative to glass tanks. Its acrylic composition may scratch and fog but retains heat well, beneficial for bettas.
It includes an adjustable Tetra Whisper 3-stage filter, ideal for low-flow settings, and a pre-filter sponge can reduce flow further. The bright hidden LED lights support plant growth but may cause stressful reflections for bettas. Its hinged lid allows easy access, though it can be flimsy and prone to warping.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Seamless bow front gives great viewing
Quiet filter 3-stage filter
Easy to maintain
Cons
Flimsy lid
Easy to scratch
LED could be too bright for betta
What to Consider When Choosing Your Betta Fish Tank
There are a few things you’ll want to keep your eye out for when you’re looking for the best Betta fish tank. Generally, it’s about finding a tank that will create a healthy environment for your Betta.
- Tank Size: a betta tank must be at least 5 gallons.
- Filtration: a filter is key to keep the water healthy, but ensure the flow is not strong as bettas aren’t strong swimmers.
- Lighting: LED lighting will provide the required PAR output for healthy aquarium plants whilst also providing a proper day/night schedule for your betta.
- Appearance: No one likes an ugly tank! Appearance is key to making your betta fish center of attention.
- Maintenance: Some tanks have awkward lids which can make regular cleaning a pain.
- Accessories and customisation: Personally, I prefer a tank that allows me to customize the equipment, however, if you’re a beginner, getting a tank with everything included may make things less stressful for you.
The Best Betta Fish Tanks Reviewed
Let’s now check out the reviews for the best Betta fish tanks currently on the market.
1. Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit (Best 5 Gallon Starter Betta Tank)
- Dimensions: 8.2″ x 21.4″ x 12.5″
- Material: Glass
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, 3-stage filter, media
When it comes to 5 gallon tanks for Betta’s, you may have a hard time finding a more suitable tank. Made from etched glass, you get a contemporary-looking aquarium that’s ideal for small areas. Such as desktops and counters.
One end of the tank has a separate chamber for your pump, filtration system, and heater. If you’re more of an experienced aquarist, you’re able to do a bit of DIY and remove this chamber, allowing your betta more swimming space and your own equipment.
Like most LED lights in aquarium kits, they’re not the best you can buy, but they put out enough PAR for you to have some low-medium light aquarium plants like anubis, dwarf hairgrass, java moss, and java fern. No remote for the light or timer is a disappointment.
For maintenance the light must be completely removed, which is easy enough but over time could become a tad cumbersome. General maintenance is very easy as you can remove the whole lid.
The 3-stage filtration system is quiet and effective, making the tank very easy to clean. It comes with all the necessary media: a porous foam block with a handle, activated carbon, and BioMax rings.
The circulation pump can be too strong for Bettas. But, the output nozzle is adjustable, and turning it upwards can help. Additionally, purchasing a pre-filter sponge can also help to defuse and calm the water jet right down.
Overall this is a great choice for beginners, and if you’re more experienced, you’re able to remove the kit’s equipment and replace it with your own.
Pros:
- Great looking design
- Quiet pump
- Easy maintenance
- Suitable for beginners & experienced aquarists
Cons:
- Light not programmable
- Pump too strong for betta but can be combated by adding a pre-filter sponge
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Fzone Rimless Tank (Best For Customizable Betta Tank)
- Dimensions: 11.81″ x 11.81″ x 11.81″
- Material: Ultra-white glass
- Capacity: 7 gallon
- Accessories: Leveling mat
If you want to fully customize your betta tank, the Fzone 7 gallon timeless tank is one you need to check out.
Doesn’t include any accessories, other than a leveling mat, but that’s nothing to worry about when you want a DIY experience. Most kits don’t come with high-quality equipment so buying everything separate can result in a better functioning ecosystem overall.
The ultra-white 5mm thick glass is very transparent and makes for an excellent viewing experience – ideal for a fish as flashy as a betta. And not being hamstrung by built in filters makes set up and maintenance easy as you can create it how you see fit.
The clear-cut mitered edges offer outstanding strength without taking away from viewing your aquarium.
The logo in the top right corner is a little annoying, but overall the build-quality, clear viewing, and ability to customize with your owner equipment makes this tank perfect for anyone who wants more freedom with their setup.
Pros:
- Completely customizable
- Ultra clear glass
- High-quality build
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Logo etched in top corner
- Must create lid
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium (Best 9 Gallon Starter Betta Tank)
- Dimensions: 13.19″ x 13.78″ x 12.8″
- Capacity: 9 & 15 gallons
- Accessories: LED light & remote, filter, media, pump, base mat
- Material: Glass
The Hagen Fluval Flex is a fully integrated nano tank that’s like a Betta Shangri-La. The front viewing panel gently curves outward, giving you a better view of the fish.
A hidden back panel stores your multi-stage filtration system, heater, and pump. The back is quite tight, so for those of you with larger hands, you may find this a bit finicky. Two pump outlets are also adjustable so you can ensure your betta isn’t getting hit with strong direct currents.
The LED light included isn’t the greatest, but it’s plenty good enough for some low to medium light aquarium plants like java fern, dwarf hairgrass, mario moss balls, hornwort, and amazon sword. It also comes with a remote where you can control the lighting and adjust the spectrum. Downside of the light is you’re unable to automate it and some people have reported it breaking.
Maintenance on this tank is a breeze as you’re able to remove the whole lid for easy access.
This tank is perfect for a beginner who is able to provide their betta with a bit more room with more space for plants and decorations.
Pros
- Fully integrated lid, lights (with remote) and filter
- Curved panel provides excellent viewing
- Equipment can be hidden in the filtration compartment
- Quiet filter
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Reports of light breaking
- Unprogrammable light
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
- Dimensions: 21.8″ x 14″ x 18.8″
- Material: Glass
- Capacity: 5, 10, 20 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, filter, media, net, water conditioner, Cycle biological supplement aquarium care guide
A good pick for any novice looking to buy their first tank for a betta fish.
The kit includes all the equipment you’d need to get started. Including an aquarium care guide for beginners. It’ll teach you how to set up and maintain your tank, net, and food.
You’ll get the AQUA Plus water conditioner and Cycle Biological supplement to make the initial nitrogen cycle easier for you if you’re a beginner.
The filter is powerful, quiet, doesn’t take up too much space, and does the job of keeping your tank clean. Some report the motor can cause an annoying buzz, but can be fixed by cutting a silicone coaster to fit the contact line between the filter and tank. Adding some mats under the tank can also help with excess noise.
The lid is sturdy, but not being on a hinge means it can make maintenance a little annoying. There is also no cover for the feeding hole and filter. So you’ll need to be careful nothing unwanted falls in
LED lights in the canopy are bright–producing natural daylight so you can illuminate your fish, plants, and decorations. Although this is a complete kit, it doesn’t come with any air stones. I recommend adding one if you want to keep live plants.
Overall, this is a good option for beginners, but I do think the Fluval Spec or Hagen outperform it in most areas.
Pros:
- Includes everything a beginner would need
- Bright daylight LED lights
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Lid not on hinge
- Can’t cover feeding and filter hole
- Noisy (can be combated)
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
- Dimensions: 16.6″ x 11.2″ x 13.2″
- Material: Acrylic
- Capacity: 5 gallons
- Accessories: LED light, filter, media
If you’re not a fan of glass aquariums, the Tetra Crescent Acrylic aquarium is a nice option. Measuring at 16.6 x 11.2 x 13.2 inches, it comes with a seamless curved front providing some excellent viewing angles of your betta.
The downside of acrylic tanks means you could scratch it when doing maintenance and cause the plastic to fog. However, on the plus side, it does retain heat better, which is a positive for when keeping a tropical fish like a betta.
The kit includes the Tetra Whisper 3-stage filter which you’re able to adjust for a low-flow, which makes it great for betta fish who aren’t strong swimmers. If you’re finding the flow is still too strong on the lowest setting, adding a pre-filter sponge can help buffer this.
Hidden LED lighting illuminates your tank with its bright white lights and is bright enough for aquarium plants. However, they are so bright it can cause reflections which could stress your betta.
And the hinged plastic lid offers easy access to your tank for maintenance. However, some people have reported it being quite flimsy and warping.
Pros:
- Seamless bow front gives great viewing
- Quiet filter 3-stage filter
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Flimsy lid
- Easy to scratch
- LED could be too bright for betta
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
My Final Thoughts on Which Tank is Best For Betta Fish
For me, I can’t look past the Fzone rimless tank. Personally, I like to build out my own aquarium and have more freedom with what equipment I use. Betta tanks don’t require a high-tech set up and a simple sponge filter, air pump, and LED lighting system with the ability to be customized and programmed to work automatically wouldn’t be expensive to set up.
However, if you’re a complete beginner and would prefer a more “done-for-you” kit and take some of the worry out, I recommend you go for the Fluval Spec. It’s a great place to start, and you have the ability to rip out the chamber in the future if you want to totally replace all of the equipment with your own.
If you wanted a larger tank, making it a bit easier to manage the water-quality, the Hagen HG Fluval Flex would be my next best choice for you.
Preview | Product | |
---|---|---|
Fluval SPEC Aquarium Kit, Aquarium with LED Lighting and 3-Stage Filtration, 5 Gallon, White | Buy on Amazon | |
Fzone 7 Gal Rimless Low Iron Fish Tank Nova Clear Ultra-White 45° Mitered Edges Translucent Glass... | Buy on Amazon | |
Fluval Flex 9 Aquarium Kit - Fish Tank for Fish & Plants - Comes with LED Lights, Filtration System... | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-11-03 / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs:
What size tank to Betta fish need?
Betta fish need a minimum of 5 gallons in order to live a happy and healthy life.
What fish can I keep with my betta?
None. Bettas are fiercely territorial and will likely attack or kill any other fish in it’s tank. You can however, house them with snails safely.
Does my betta tank need a filter?
Yes, betta fish require a filter in order to establish the nitrogen cycle which helps maintain a healthy water parameters.
Does my betta tank need a heater?
Yes and no. If you live in a location where naturally your tank water always stable around 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit you can get away with no heater. However, having a heater will ensure the tank water is always a consistent temperature.
Great list of tanks! It’s nice to see betta tank suggestions that the fish can actually be healthy and thrive in.