Betta fish, known for their vibrant colors and striking fins, deserve a quality home where they can thrive. However, there is a lot of misinformation online suggesting that they can live in small bowls and tanks, which is simply not true. To keep your Betta fish happy and healthy, it is crucial to choose the right aquarium that meets their specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the best betta fish tanks available on the market, what to look for when choosing a tank, and review our top picks.
What to Look for When Choosing Your Betta Fish Tank
When selecting the best betta fish tanks, it is essential to consider a few factors that will ensure a healthy environment for your fish. These factors include tank size, filtration systems, LED lighting, and the tank’s overall style and design.
The Importance of Tank Size
Betta fish originate from Southeast Asia, where they inhabit shallow streams and rice paddies. However, this does not mean that they can be kept in tiny bowls or tanks. Experts recommend a minimum tank size of 5 gallons for Betta fish to thrive, with larger tanks being even better.
Filtration Systems for Betta Fish Tanks
Though Betta fish come from still waters, it is essential to provide them with a tank that has a proper filtration system. Filters are crucial for maintaining water quality and keeping your Betta stress-free. When choosing a tank, look for one with a gentle or adjustable filter, as Betta fish struggle to survive in strong currents. Alternatively, you can purchase a separate filter for your tank.
LED Lighting for Betta Fish Tanks
Betta fish are known for their beautiful colors, so it is essential to provide adequate lighting to showcase their spectacular hues. LED lighting is the best choice as it is energy-efficient and offers bright illumination. Additionally, some tanks come with day and moonlight settings, allowing you to maintain a regular day and night cycle, which contributes to your fish’s overall health.
Style and Design Considerations
Betta fish are stylish creatures, so it is only fitting to house them in an equally spectacular tank. Choose a tank with multiple unobstructed viewing angles to get the best experience. However, always prioritize the health of your fish over aesthetics. Ensure that the tank’s design does not compromise your Betta’s ability to thrive in the environment.
The Best Betta Fish Tanks Reviewed
Now that we have covered the essential factors to consider when choosing a betta fish tank, let’s dive into the reviews of the best betta fish tanks currently available on the market.
1. Fluval Edge Aquarium with LED Light (6 or 12 Gallon)
The Fluval Edge Aquarium is a visually stunning tank that comes in two sizes: 6 and 12 gallons. Its unique 3D cube design offers 360-degree views, and the crystal-clear glass tank sits inside a pedestal, creating the illusion of suspension in mid-air. The kit includes white and blue LED bulbs that provide beautiful ‘daylight’ and ‘moonlight’ underwater effects, as well as an Edge filter with CycleGuard, Nutrafin Cycle, and AquaPlus water treatments. The filter uses all three stages (mechanical, chemical, and biological) to provide your Betta with clear and healthy water. Additionally, the filter is hidden from view, maintaining the tank’s aesthetics.
Pros:
- Available in 6 and 12-gallon sizes
- Visually stunning design
- 360-degree viewing angles
- Compact design requires minimal space
- Easy to set up and maintain, suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Filter can be noisy
- LED lights are only adequate for low to medium light plants
- Small opening makes cleaning more difficult
2. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit (5-Gallon)
The Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit is an excellent option for a 5-gallon tank, made from etched glass for a contemporary look. Its compact design is ideal for small spaces, such as desktops and counters. The tank features a separate chamber for the pump and filtration system, with extra space for a heater. The kit includes a hanging LED light system that is bright and efficient, covering almost the entire length of the tank. The 3-stage filtration system is quiet and effective, making the tank easy to clean. However, the circulation pump may be too strong for Betta fish, but adjusting the output nozzle and adding a pre-filter sponge can help remedy this issue.
Pros:
- Modern design
- Quiet pump
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Excellent LED lighting
- Suitable for beginners and experienced fishkeepers
- Separate chamber for filter and pump with extra space for a heater
Cons:
- Circulation pump can be too powerful, but can be resolved by adjusting the nozzle and adding a pre-filter sponge
3. Marineland ML90609 Portrait Aquarium Kit (5-Gallon)
The Marineland Portrait Aquarium Kit is a reliable 5-gallon tank featuring a unique 16.8″ tall portrait design with thick curved glass. The vertical design allows your Betta to explore more of the tank, as decorations and plants take up less space. The kit includes a 3-stage Bio-Foam filter with adjustable flow settings, allowing you to customize the flow for your Betta. Hinged LED lighting makes for easy access to the tank, with a 3-way switch for white, blue, off, and blue-only settings. The bright white lights create a shimmering effect, mimicking the underwater effect of sunlight. A horizontal sliding lid makes feeding and maintenance easy.
Pros:
- Unique portrait design for optimal space utilization
- Adjustable flow settings
- LED lighting creates a natural shimmering effect
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Separate power cords for light and pump for customization
- Suitable for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers
Cons:
- The back compartment for the filter is narrow, making it difficult to clean
- Limited space for plants and decorations
4. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit (5 Gallons)
For those who prefer acrylic tanks over glass, the Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit is an excellent choice. Measuring 16.6 x 11.2 x 13.2 inches, this tank features a seamless curved front, black base frame, and clear cover. The standout feature is the tank’s Tetra Whisper filter, which uses a 3-stage filtration process and is incredibly quiet. The kit also includes ultra-activated carbon, which effectively removes odors and discoloration. Hidden LED lighting illuminates the tank with bright white lights, and the hinged plastic lid provides easy access for maintenance. However, there is an opening at the top, so be cautious of your Betta potentially jumping out.
Pros:
- Tetra Whisper filter is quiet and effective
- 3-stage filtration process
- Ultra-activated carbon removes odors and discoloration
- Bright LED lighting
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- Plastic lid is flimsy
- Acrylic tanks scratch more easily than glass
5. Marina LED Aquarium Kit (5, 10, or 20 Gallons)
The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is a fantastic option for novices looking to buy their first tank and begin their fishkeeping journey. The kit includes everything needed to get started, such as an aquarium care guide for beginners, water conditioner, cycle biological supplement, food, and a net. The filter is powerful, quiet, and space-efficient, ensuring a clean tank. LED lights in the canopy provide natural daylight illumination for your fish, plants, and decorations. This tank is available in 5, 10, or 20-gallon sizes.
Pros:
- Available in 5, 10, or 20-gallon sizes
- Starter kit includes beginner’s guide, water conditioner, cycle biological supplement, food, and net
- Bright daylight LED lighting
- Quiet filter
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Ideal for complete beginners
Cons:
- Filter does not have a 3-stage filtering process
- No moonlighting LEDs
6. Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium
The Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Aquarium is a classic bare tank that allows you to configure the setup to your preference. This glass tank features black plastic frames around the top and bottom, providing a blank canvas for you to create your ideal Betta fish environment. With this option, you get just the tank and can mix and match equipment to best suit your fish’s needs. At 10 gallons, there is plenty of room for decorations and plants to create a beautiful Betta paradise.
Pros:
- 10-gallon size
- Allows you to choose your equipment
- Plenty of room for plants and decorations
Cons:
- Beginners may struggle with selecting the right equipment
7. Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium (15 Gallon)
The Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium is a stunning 15-gallon tank that offers a fully integrated environment for your Betta fish. The front viewing panel gently curves outward for an enhanced view, while the compartment behind the back panel holds a multi-stage filtration system and additional equipment, all hidden from sight. The kit includes a 7500K LED light, perfect for growing plants, and a remote control for changing the color scheme and fine-tuning the spectrum. This tank provides ample room for decorations, plants, and even other community fish to coexist with your Betta.
Pros:
- Fully integrated lid, lights, and filter
- Beautiful design with curved front panel
- Equipment hidden in the filtration compartment
- Quiet filter
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons:
- None!
Final Thoughts: Which Betta Tank is Best?
All the betta fish tanks discussed in this guide are suitable for housing your Betta fish, as they meet the minimum size requirement of 5 gallons. However, our top pick is the Hagen HG Fluval Flex Aquarium, thanks to its stunning design, high-quality equipment, and ample space for your fish to thrive.
If you prefer a smaller tank or have limited space, the Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit is an excellent alternative. This tank offers outstanding value for money and a quiet filter, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced fishkeepers.
Regardless of which tank you choose, always prioritize the health and well-being of your Betta fish. By selecting the best betta fish tanks and providing proper care, you can ensure that your colorful companion will thrive in its new home.
