Best Betta Tanks From Small to Large

It may seem like a daunting task, but picking out the best betta tank doesn’t have to be a tough decision. Betta fish are a great option for beginners but do have a few specific needs. It’s best to become familiar with their requirements before you settle on your ideal betta tank.

For instance, did you know that bettas can jump several inches out of their water?

To avoid the potential for death-by-dehydration or other problems, I’ve put together this primer on betta habitats. You’ll learn which features to prioritize and how to choose the perfect betta tank for your needs.

Quick Comparisons of the 6 Best Betta Tanks

Buyer’s Guide to Betta Fish Tanks

Next to choosing your pet fish, the most exciting part of starting an aquarium is shopping for your tank. Aquariums come in a dizzying array of designs, and it’s easy to get distracted by a unique or cool betta tank set-up, even when it’s not the best style for your fish.

There are really two aspects to choosing a tank for bettas:

• Understanding the basics of betta behavior, and how it influences their environmental preferences and needs
• How your aquarium set-up specifically impacts the health and happiness of your pet

To avoid wasting your money or investing in the wrong equipment, here are the factors you should consider before shopping for your tank!

How Betta Behavior Influences Habitat Requirements

Bettas (Betta splendens) are a colorful and curious tropical fish originally native to Southeast Asia. Their wild ancestors still live in rivers, rice paddies and irrigation ditches throughout the region, where they feed on insect eggs and larvae.

Bettas are Also Known as Siamese Fighting Fish

Their nickname may tip you off to one of the biggest challenges of keeping these flashy fellows, and that’s the fact that they don’t much care for other fish.

• Male bettas are downright aggressive and will fight on sight. They will even exhaust themselves trying to fight their own reflection or a male in a near-by tank.
• The females are a bit more laid back, and are sometimes willing to co-habit if their tank is spacious enough. But they often squabble or pick on each other.
• Both male and female bettas may be housed with a few other similar-sized fish, as long as their tank mates don’t have long, flowing fins and are peaceful in temperament. Your betta may nip at fish with fancier fins.
• You have to keep an eye on the situation if you get your betta a companion, and it’s best to have a spare tank handy in case they don’t get along.

Divided tank designs, also called double betta fish tanks, aim to solve this problem by partitioning a tank into separate sections. Sometimes the barrier is removable, and in other cases it’s fixed in place.

This style may work for keeping multiple bettas in the same tank safely, depending on the capacity of each section. The tricky part about them is that male fish will still try to fight if they can see each other through the divider. Pick a tank with a solid barrier if you want to keep multiple male bettas.

Bettas Don’t like Dirty, Stagnant Water

Bettas are a type of labyrinth fish and have an organ that allows them to breathe oxygen directly from the surface of the water. The myth put out by shady pet stores is bettas can survive in mud puddles, so it’s fine to maintain them indefinitely in a little bowl of water in your home.

The thing is, there’s a reason bettas have inherited the remarkable ability to jump several inches out of the water; it’s to rescue themselves from muddy puddles and into cleaner, more spacious accommodations!

Bettas are sensitive to their water conditions. While they don’t require a high level of oxygen in their water, and don’t like swimming in strong currents, they do prefer very clean water.

They also enjoy breathing air at times and like to hang out on the surface of their tanks. You’ll want to be sure your aquarium’s design leaves them room to do this.

Bettas are Carnivorous and Need a High Protein Diet

Another common mistake new betta owners often make when selecting an aquarium is picking a style designed for a species that primarily eats algae. These so-called “self-sustaining” tanks are a lot of fun and a great option for teaching kids the principles of ecology.

The idea is to create a miniature ecosystem inside the tank with the right mix of plants and animals. Plants recycle waste products from the animals and use the energy to grow. In return, the animals eat the plant material. In theory, these tanks are low-maintenance and you don’t have to clean or add food to them.

But they are not the ideal habitat for bettas. Your betta needs to eat a high protein diet, so algae or plant roots just doesn’t cut it. You’ll need to supplement them with a proper betta diet if you want them to thrive, and this might throw off the balance of your self-sustaining tank.

Quick Look at Betta Tank Preferences and Requirements:

Average Adult Size (total length)	3 to 5.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size	5 to 10 gallons preferred
Required Temperature Range	Tropical; 75-86°F
Preferred Filtration/Flow Rate	Well-filtered water with a low flow rate
Compatibility with Tank Mates	Both genders are best kept in their own tank   May be housed with a few small-finned, similar-sized fish such as gouramis Males should not be housed together, or where they can see another male Females may be housed together but often squabble
Other Considerations	Bettas are champion jumpers and frequently leap out of their tanks. Any tank housing bettas should be covered with a lid or aquarium hood.

Considerations When Choosing Your Ideal Betta Tank

Picking out an awesome betta tank isn’t hard once you’ve mastered the basics of betta behavior!

There’s two ways to go about buying a new betta set-up:

• You can buy a kit that includes your tank and basic equipment such as a hood and filter.
  • If you’re not sure what to put in your betta tank, this could be the easiest way to go and is usually very cost-effective.
  • The downside is that your starter kit may not come with everything your betta needs. You might have to shell out more money for the missing items.
• Alternatively, you can buy an empty aquarium and fill it with the equipment and decorations you already have or buy the specific products you prefer.

Let’s put your newfound knowledge to work and take a look at aquariums and equipment for bettas. See our post on other fish tank ideas for betta here.

Tank Size and Capacity

Aquarists typically talk about the size of their tanks in terms of their capacity, or how much water they can hold. This is actually a bit of a misnomer, because it only applies to a completely empty aquarium.

Everything you add to your aquarium, from decorations to the fish themselves, subtract from its overall capacity.

For instance, once you add substrate to your tank it will hold less water.

• A 10-gallon tank with a graveled bottom only holds about 9 gallons of water.
• Add your equipment and decorations and you may be down to a capacity of 7 or 8 gallons of water.

When selecting a tank size for your betta fish, you’ll have to take this water displacement into account. Bettas need room to swim and explore, or they get stressed.

While you can keep your betta in a small, well-maintained 2.5-gallon tank, it’s not ideal. Once you add the basic equipment your fish might only have a gallon of water to swim in. A larger-capacity 5 or 10-gallon tank is usually a better pick.

My personal rule-of-thumb is to allow for a minimum of 5 gallons per betta for a basic set-up with a minimal amount of decorations. For highly decorated or live-plant tanks I go with one betta for every 10-gallons of capacity.

If you happen to come across a unique betta tank with a non-standard design, you can easily calculate it’s capacity on your own. Then you’ll know if the tank is roomy enough for your fish.

The size and capacity of your tank will also influence how often you have to do water changes. It’s easier to maintain a large betta tank over a smaller one. I recommend getting your betta the biggest tank that will fit in your home and budget.

Tank Construction Material

Aquariums are usually constructed from either glass or a durable plastic such as acrylic.

Glass aquariums are strong, resistant to scratching and don’t turn cloudy or yellow with age. You can rehab a 30-year-old glass aquarium to like-new condition with a bit of effort.

Glass tanks have a few disadvantages, though. They’ll crack or break if something hard lands on them. They’re also heavy and add to the total weight of your aquarium. A glass tank typically weighs about one pound for every gallon of capacity, before you add anything to it.

When stocked with equipment and fish, a 10-gallon glass tank may weigh more than 100 pounds! If you’re planning to keep your fish on a table or shelf, make sure it can handle the full weight of your stocked betta tank.

Plastic or acrylic tanks make a good option for smaller betta habitats. They are lighter and most only weigh a few ounces for every gallon of capacity. But plastic tanks are easily scratched, tend to yellow or become cloudy over time and don’t last as long as a glass aquarium.

It may also be a little harder to find equipment that works with a non-standard or customized plastic betta set-up. That’s not a problem if you go with a standard 5 or 10-gallon glass tank.

Additional Equipment for Betta Tanks

Starter tank kits often come with a selection of generic equipment for beginning fish keepers. Unless your kit is designed specifically for betta fish, however, chances are it’ll be missing something your betta needs.

Equipment typically found in starter aquarium kits includes:

Heater

Any betta habitat you purchase should come with an appropriate-sized heater. Having a stable and consistent temperature in your tank will keep your betta healthy and showing off their brightest colors.

If your starter tank doesn’t come with a heater you’ll have to find one off-the-shelf that will fit. Some aquarium designs don’t leave room for a heater, so be sure you can find one for the tank you go with.

Filter

Filtration systems are a nice bonus in a betta tank, as long as you can adjust the flow rate. Bettas don’t like a lot of water current. A male betta won’t be able to build a bubble nest if your filter outflow causes a lot of disturbance at the surface of the water.

Filters remove debris from your tank and may help keep the water clean, if they come with replaceable carbon cartridges or substrate. Some filters also allow for the proliferation of healthy bacterial colonies on a “bio-wheel” or similar device.

Bettas prefer very clean water, but you can get by without a filter so long as you do frequent water changes. But if you have the option, I’d pick a tank with a filtration system over one without.

Lights/Hood

I’ve mentioned how talented betta’s are when it comes to leaping out of their water.

This is a definite hazard when you have these fish as pets, and one reason uncovered fish bowls and flower vases are not my choice for housing bettas.

If your tank doesn’t come with a lid or hood you’ll have to get one before you introduce your fish to their new home. Even a small 1-inch gap could be enough for your betta to slip through.

If you go with a starter kit that includes a hood, chances are it will also include a light. LED betta tanks are a great option if your room is often in shadows, and help show off your aquarium when it’s dark outside.

An additional advantage to a LED light over standard fluorescent aquarium light is they don’t get as hot and are more energy efficient. Some hoods also include a blacklight or “moon light” to highlight your tank at night when the regular lights are off.

Using Bottles, Fish Bowls or Vases for Bettas

Back in the 1990s, it was very popular to keep bettas in small individual betta habitats. These bowls, cubes and vases were so attractive and stylish! They seemed like the way to go for a modern betta tank.

Like many novices, I was seduced by a pair of cute hexagonal cubes which fit together on my bookshelf. They were inexpensive too, which my budget-minded teenage self really appreciated.

My two male bettas, Bert and Ernie, were much less impressed. Within a few days they lost appetite and looked dull in color. It didn’t help that I unknowingly placed them where they could see and compete against each other. No wonder they were exhausted!

By the end of the first week they were clearly unhappy. So I shelled out for two 10-gallon tanks and turned my desk into a fish tank stand. My cheap betta tanks ended up costing me a whole lot of money by the time I fixed my mistake.

No matter how cute or stylish, I don’t recommend using tanks under 1-gallon. Fish bowls and flower vases are simply not suitable for bettas. They don’t have enough room for a single fish, let alone a heater and decorations.

How to Choose a Betta Tank

Now you should have all the information you need to pick the ideal betta fish habitat for any situation!

To sum up, when choosing the perfect betta tank:

• Get the biggest tank that will fit in the location you’ve picked out, with regards to the size and weight of the tank.
• Aim for a maximum of one fish for every 5 gallons of capacity, though 10 is even better. If you want a tank mate for your betta you’ll need at least a 10-gallon set-up.
• If you get an aquarium starter kit, be sure it comes with a heater or has a heater available for purchase.
• Always get a set-up with a lid or aquarium hood to keep your betta from jumping to their death.
• Filtration systems are useful for keeping bettas, but not essential, as long as you’re willing to do frequent water changes.

Avoid tanks that:

• Have features that make them difficult to maintain, such as awkward corners you can’t reach or hoods that restrict your feeding and cleaning routines
• Are tall, narrow or too cramped to allow for an aquarium heater
• Are uncovered or don’t have a hood/lid you can buy to prevent your fish from jumping out
• Provide less than 5-gallon of water capacity for a single betta fish

Top 6 Betta Tanks From Small to Large Reviews

I’ve searched the internet to find the top options for housing bettas. I’ve based my reviews primarily on how these tanks and starter kits meet the needs of betta fish. But I also looked for products that are user-friendly and provide a good value for your money as well.

These seven set-ups each have something special or unique to offer to the right household. If you’re still not sure what kind of set-up you want for your betta, consider these tanks:

1. Fluval 5 Gallon Spec V Aquarium Kit, Black

Check on Petco

Fluval has long been a by-word for quality in the aquarium trade, and this modern betta tank is no exception. I really like the set-up and features of this tank, even though it’s a little tricky to clean and requires a narrow aquarium siphon.

The 5-gallon glass aquarium comes with an adjustable 3-stage filter that sits in a dedicated side compartment. It also has a small but powerful LED overhead light with a dimmer night light, and a clear cover for the top of the tank.

The Fluval is a great option if:

• You’re trying to fit your aquarium into a narrow space like a counter or side table
• You want to keep a single betta and live plants
• You prefer the appearance a narrower aquarium over a standard shape

Pros

• Perfect size for a single betta and will fit on a kitchen counter or small table/shelf
• Filter medium is replaceable, and includes a “bio active” media to maintain healthy bacterial populations
• Light makes it ideal for growing live plants along with your betta

Cons

• Filter creates a powerful current, even with the low-flow setting. You may have to add a Fluval-Brand sponge filter to get it down to your betta’s prefered flow rate
• Set-up does not include a heater, and it can be tricky to fit one in this tank. You may have to drill a hole in the lid for the heater cord to pass through
• Typically more expensive than other options, especially since you still need a heater, substrate and decorations

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2. Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium Tank with  Aqueon Versa Top Hinged Glass Aquarium Top

Aqueon makes very high-quality fish tanks and other associated supplementary aquarium equipment.

This standard 10-gallon fish tank is made from excellent quality shatterproof glass, giving you a crystal clear view of your betta and aquascaping. The viewing panes are sealed with clear silicone for a leak-free finish and your peace of mind.

Please be aware that this is not a kit; you only get the tank. 

Supplementary items of equipment such as a heater, filter unit, decorations, and tank lid must be purchased separately. Check out the review below for the best tank lid option for this aquarium.

Pros

• High-quality glass
• Finished with clear silicone for a stylish, clean look
• Fully-customizable

Cons

• Doesn’t include any supplementary equipment

Aqueon Versa Top Hinged Glass Aquarium Top

Check the Price of the Lid

If you buy a standard Aqueon aquarium like the one we’ve reviewed above, you’ll need a lid to go with it. 

Betta tanks should always be fitted with a cover slide or lid. These feisty fish are very capable jumpers, so you need a canopy to keep your betta safely inside his tank. Also, a tank without a lid is prone to losing water through evaporation, which can adversely affect the water parameters.

This glass canopy has a clear vinyl strip that creates a tight seal but can easily be customized to accommodate other essential equipment.

Pros:

• Reduces evaporation
•  Keeps your betta in the tank!
• Fully-customizable

Cons:

• You have to cut your own openings in the rear strip for cables

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3. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

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It can be tricky to find a good tank for a small apartment or dorm room, but the Tetra Crescent is designed to be seen in small spaces. The bowed front and seamless construction offers you a clear view into your tank, even from awkward side angles.

This is a great design for tiny homes, and the built-in LED light and low-flow Whisper filter make this a very energy efficient option too. With a 5-gallon capacity and discreet cover, you’ll have easy access for feeding and cleaning your tank. It’s the ideal size for a single betta and some decorations.

Consider the Crescent if:

• You live or work in a small space and want a betta tank that’s viewable from most angles
• You particularly like the bowed appearance and seamless design
• You want an energy-efficient tank with built-in filtration system and lights

Pros

• Seamless, bowed front design makes it easy to see your fish from the sides as well as front
• Easy access for cleaning tank and feeding your betta
• LED light fixture and Whisper filter are both rated as energy efficient

Cons

• Made from acrylic instead of glass, so it may be easily scratched, and may not age well if kept in bright sunlight
• Does not come with a heater, so you’ll have to purchase one separately
• A bit pricey given the lack of heater, substrate and decorations

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4. Lifegard Aquatics CRYSTAL Aquarium

This standard fish tank is one of Lifegard’s new line of Crystal Series aquariums. 

The aquariums are created using low-iron glass with a beautifully designed 45-degree cut edge that makes the silicone joints virtually invisible. That means you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of every part of your aquarium and your beautiful betta fish!

You can buy the unit as a plain tank with no additional equipment so that you can customize it or choose an aquarium with a side or back filter included.

Pros:

• 45-degree cut glass edges for a clearer view
•  Crystal-clear low-iron glass
• Fully-customizable

Cons:

• Doesn’t come as a kit, so you have to buy all the supplementary equipment separately

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5. Marina LED Aquarium Kit

Check The Price

Choosing an aquarium kit is the cheapest way to get started in the hobby. This kit from Marina includes a 10-gallon glass fish tank, LED natural lighting module, canopy, filtration unit, and filter cartridges.

This excellent value kit also comes with a fish net, fish food, water conditioner, and there’s even an aquarium care guide to help you set up your betta’s new home.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Includes filter and lighting unit
• Includes fish food and water conditioner

Cons:

• Doesn’t include a heater

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6. Aqueon LED 10 Gallon

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The 10-gallon aquarium kit from Aqueon includes an LED lighting unit housed within a sleek, low-profile hood. The cool white lighting modules are ideal for growing the broad-leaf plants that your betta loves to rest on and for illuminating the tank so that you can see your pet.

This kit also comes with a crystal-clear glass aquarium, power filter, filter cartridge, and a submersible preset heater. You even get a water conditioner sample, a sample of premium fish food, a fish net, a thermometer, and a comprehensive setup guide. All you need to buy are some decorations, plants, and your betta fish!

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Includes filter, LED lighting unit, and heater
• Includes fish food and water conditioner

Cons:

• Doesn’t include substrate

Conclusion

As you can see, there’s a lot of factors to consider when choosing a home for your pet betta. Once you’ve taken their behavior into account, it’s not very hard to come up with a short list of tanks that would be perfect for any situation.

Bettas are an easy fish to maintain, as long as they’re kept warm with a heater and have at least 5-gallons of water to swim in. They really are an ideal choice for beginning aquarists, too.

Any of the tanks I reviewed would be a good pick for your first betta tank. The Fluval 5-gallon has almost everything you need, once you add a heater to the set-up. But if you still need a bit of help, I’ll recap things for you.

If you have a limited budget for a betta aquarium, consider:

• Penn Plax Aquaponic
• Tetra Crescent
• Aqueon NeoGlow Kit

If you’re setting up a betta tank for children, these could be a good choice:

• Aqueon NeoGlow Kit
• Back to the Roots Water Garden
• Penn Plax Aquaponic

If you have limited room for an aquarium, these space-saving tanks could be the ones for you:

• Fluval 5-gallon
• BioOrb Flow
• Marineland Portrait