Bettas are stunning fish that deserve an equally stunning home. If you are keeping a betta, how do you choose the best betta tank to keep him happy?
Your betta needs the right amount of space and a filter you can adjust to prevent strong currents causing him stress or damaging delicate fins.
After many weeks of research and testing, we’ve put together our definitive guide to the best betta tanks. And we’ve found that the Fluval SPEC V is the winner overall!
But you may be looking for tanks with a different design, or on a different budget so we’ve included alternatives from some of the best brands across a range of factors.
Whatever the scenario we’ve got you covered – so let’s dive straight in!
- Best Overall: Fluval SPEC V
- Best For Value: Tetra Crescent Aquarium
- Premium Pick: Fluval Edge Aquarium Kit
- Best Budget Kit: Koller Panaview 5 Gallon Aquarium
- Best Starter Kit: Marina LED Aquarium Kit
- Best Complete Kit: Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
- Best Community Tank: Fluval Flex 15 Gallon Aquarium
- Best For Easy Maintenance: Aqueon LED MiniBow Starter Kit
- Best Portrait Tank: BiOrb Flow Aquarium
- Best Fishbowl Style: BiOrb Halo Aquarium
10 Best Betta Tank Picks Reviewed
All the tanks on this list are 5 US gallons or larger, which we always recommend as the minimum size to keep your betta happy and healthy.
1. Fluval SPEC V Freshwater Aquarium Kit
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular, 5 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 20.5 (l) x 7.5 (d) x 11.6 (h) inches, 11.02 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Equipment Included: 37 LED lighting system with daytime and night dimmer settings, hidden 3 stage adjustable filter (55 to 80 GPH), aquarium canopy with access slot
- Best for: Overall
Fluval’s SPEC V is a sleek 5 gallon tank constructed of etched glass and narrow aluminum trim giving unobstructed views on 3 sides. Perfect for display in the center of a room or a side cabinet. Its long and narrow design is ideal for your betta as it gives plenty of horizontal swimming space. Yet with a base of 20.5 x 7.5 inches, it will easily fit on a desk.
The 7000k 37 LED overhanging lighting unit gives enough power to grow a range of starter plants. And the dimmable night mode is perfect for your betta’s natural nighttime rhythm.
The 3 stage filtration unit is hidden in a discrete side chamber and the media lifts out easily for maintenance. Although some report the pump creates a powerful current, this can be easily dealt with by running it on the lowest setting and covering the nozzle with a pre-filter sponge.
2. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Bow front crescent, 5 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 16.6 (l) x 11.2 (d) x 13.2 (h) inches, 6.0 pounds
- Material: Acrylic
- Equipment Included: Tetra Whisper internal power filter, low-profile hood with integrated bright-white energy-efficient LED lights
- Best for: Value
Tetra’s 5 gallon crescent kit is great value as a small but stylish betta tank for a bedroom or college dorm. And whilst it’s not quite 5 gallons once you have substrate and decor added, the bow front design and 16.6 x 11.2 base will give your betta the swimming room he needs.
The Tetra Whisper filter is quiet and adjustable and provides a good low flow rate for bettas at its medium to low setting. Plus the Bio-Bag cartridges make maintenance simple. Whilst the bag does contain activated carbon, it’s really only a mechanical filter so you may wish to upgrade in the future.
The Tetra Crescent receives very positive feedback as a great starter tank for a betta fish, with the lightweight acrylic, and stylish design. Be aware though the large feeding hole at the front of the lid can be a concern due to betta’s tendency to jump. You can prevent this simply by covering it with mesh.
3. Fluval Edge Aquarium Kit
Photo: Amazon.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular, 6 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 16.8 (l) x 10.25 (d) x 14.0 (h) inches, 19.0 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Equipment Included: 6 sided sealed glass aquarium, rear column and base with ventilated hood, 6500k integrated LED day and night illumination, 3-stage adjustable hang-on-back (HOB) filter with media, water conditioner, and biological enhancer
- Best for: Premium pick
The Fluval Edge is a truly stunning tank. With it’s glass top it offers near 360 degree visibility, allowing you to view your betta from any angle. He’ll have plenty of space thanks to the 6 gallon capacity. Plus the Edge is also available in a 12 gallon version. Enough for your betta and a small community!
The sealed top means there’s no danger of your betta jumping out, yet he can still come to the surface under the central hood. The 6500k LED lighting is plenty bright enough for low light plants. And the daytime and moonlight settings allow you to provide a natural day and nighttime cycle for your betta.
Overall it’s no surprise this tank attracts high praise for its gorgeous style and aesthetics. And it goes down well with betta owners thanks to its powerful but fully adjustable 3 stage HOB filter.
4. Koller Panaview 5 Gallon Aquarium
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular bow front, 5 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 14.2 (l) x 10.0 (d) x 11.5 (h) inches, 4.8 pounds
- Material: Acrylic
- Equipment Included: Internal power filter (45 gallons per hour), energy-efficient LED lighting with daylight and 6 other colors
- Best for: Budget kit
If you’re on a budget, the Koller Panaview is a great option. At 14.2 x 10 inches, the base will fit on a small table. While its 5 gallon capacity gives your betta the room he needs.
At 45 GPH, the internal filter is powerful enough to cycle the water 9 times an hour – more than enough to keep it clean and toxin-free for your betta. For extra safety though we do recommend you baffle the nozzle with filter sponge.
The hood fits the top of the tank snuggly, preventing any jumping! And as the whole lid is hinged it makes the tank really accessible to clean. All in all a great budget tank for a betta that’s compact enough for a small apartment or dorm room.
5. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
Photo: Amazon.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular, 5 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 21.8 (l) x 14.0 (d) x 18.8 (h) inches, 10.0 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Equipment Included: Slim S10 power filter with cartridges, hood with integrated daylight effect LED lighting, LCD thermometer, 4 inch fish net, Fluval Max fish food, Fluval Aqua Plus water conditioner, Fluval Cycle biological supplement, Aquarium care guide
- Best for: Starter kit
As a starter tank for your betta, the 5 gallon Marina LED Aquarium Kit has to be one of the best to go for. Its 21.8 x 14.0-inch base gives lots of room for planting and decorations and is perfect for a single betta. Marina also does a 10 gallon or 20 gallon version, which you could keep a community in.
It comes with plenty of extras for those starting out in the hobby, such as Fluval’s Aqua Plus water conditioner, Fluval Cycle biological supplement, and an aquarium care guide with all you need to set up. If you’ve never cycled a tank before these are a definite plus!
The slim S10 clip-on filter is powerful and very quiet, and great for betta’s as it can be adjusted down and comes with sponge guarding the nozzles. Whilst it’s not a 3 stage filter, the bio-bags do a good job of keeping the water clean. Overall a fantastic starter kit that’s highly praised by new betta owners!
6. Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular, 10 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 20.25 (l) x 10.5 (d) x 13.31 (h) inches, 17.5 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Equipment Included: QuietFlow HOB filter, preset (78°F) submersible heater, hood with cool white integrated LEDs, thermometer, aquarium set up guide, fish net, water conditioner and fish flakes sample packs
- Best for: Complete kit
Whilst this tank is billed as a starter kit, it’s actually one of the most complete kits you can get for your betta. It has all the accessories of the Marina, but also comes with a heater. Preset to 78°F it’s the perfect range for your betta.
At 10 gallons it’s a slightly larger tank than some featured, yet with a base of 20.25 x 10.5 inches will still be fine for a smaller room. Do take care to support this tank properly though as at around 100lbs when filled it’s not a light tank.
The QuietFlow HOB filter is 3 stage with easy to replace cartridges and a handy light that shows red when it needs changing. Although we’ve noted it can come on a little early when there’s actually still some life left in the cartridge.
Overall a great tank for your betta, particularly if you want to start a small community with some tank mates.
7. Fluval Flex Aquarium 15 Gallon
Photo: Amazon.com
- Shape and Capacity: Cube bow front, 15 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 15.94 (l) x 16.3 (d) x 15.94 (h) inches, 28.0 pounds
- Material: Glass
- Equipment Included: 7500k white and RGB integrated lighting with remote control, 3-stage integrated filtration with multi-directional outputs, hood with easy feed opening
- Best for: Community tank
With its stylish curved bow front and large capacity, the Fluval Flex is a great option if you want to start a community tank with your betta. Fluval produces a 9 gallon and a 15 gallon version, but we went with the latter option here.
Whilst it’s listed as 15 gallons, you actually get around 12 gallons of tank space due to the filter compartment at the back. It’s no bad thing though as not only do you get a 3 stage filter, but there’s also room to hide a (separately purchased) heater out of sight.
The pump’s directional twin output nozzle has a wide arc and can be pointed towards the edge of the tank, further reducing the water flow for your betta. Overall a beautiful tank that’s highly praised for its sleek design, effective filtration, and easy-to-set LED lighting.
8. Aqueon LED MiniBow Starter Kit
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Rectangular bow front, 5 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 15.0 (l) x 10.67 (d) x 15.44 (h) inches, 5.25 pounds
- Material: Acrylic
- Equipment Included: low-profile LED hood, integrated power filter with SmartClean and filter cartridge, fish food and water conditioner samples, aquarium set-up guide
- Best for: Easy maintenance
Another awesome little tank for your betta fish is the Aqueon LED Minibow. It comes in 1 gallon and 2.5 gallon options, but we feature the 5 gallon here. This is the best size for your betta once you have added decorations and plants.
The 15.0 x 10.67 inch base and acrylic construct make it lightweight and perfect for a kitchen worktop or dorm. It has a simple LED light built into the hood which is plenty for your betta and a few small plants.
But the most exciting feature of this tank is the SmartClean filter. We tested this and it’s a really awesome feature! You just push down the filter nozzle and it swivels so you can position it over a container outside the tank. Push down again and it will automatically pump out the dirty water, making water changes a breeze!
9. BiOrb Flow Aquarium
Photo: Chewy.com
- Shape and Capacity: Square, 8 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 15.5 (l) x 10.25 (d) x 14.75 (h) inches, 7.0 pounds
- Material: Acrylic
- Equipment Included: 5-stage filter (biological, mechanical, chemical, water stabilization and oxygenation), filter cartridge and ceramic media, integrated LED lighting, water conditioner and beneficial bacteria
- Best for: Portrait tank
If you need an upright tank, perhaps to sit on the corner of a desk, then the BiOrb Flow is an excellent choice. We tend to stay away from portrait tanks for bettas, but the BiOrb is square enough to give him the horizontal space he needs – as well as being stunning to look at!
Its 5 stage filtration is not only great at maintaining your water parameters, but it also oxygenates the water which will help keep your betta healthy. There’s also plenty of room at the surface and a good size feeding hatch for easy access.
The BiOrb Flow is very low voltage, running off just a 12V transformer, so great for saving on your electric bill! Overall a stylish, practical tank that comes in 4 gallon or 8 gallon options.
10. BiOrb Halo Aquarium
Photo: Amazon.com
- Shape and Capacity: Fishbowl, 8 US gallons
- Dimensions and Weight: 15.75 (l) x 15.75 (d) x 18.0 (h) inches, 11.8 pounds
- Material: Acrylic
- Equipment Included: 5-stage filter (biological, mechanical, chemical, water stabilization and oxygenation), filter cartridge and ceramic media, multi-color remote controlled LED lighting
- Best for: Fishbowl style
Our final pick, also from BiOrb, is the Halo and it doesn’t disappoint! Its space-age design and 16 multi-color LED lighting will look gorgeous in any home. The LEDs are bright but also fully dimmable so you can easily give your betta the day/ night cycle he needs.
The hood is sturdy and hinged giving you easy access for feeding and maintenance, but ensures you don’t have any jumping accidents! Note whilst the spherical design offers you a full 360 degree view, and plenty of swimming space, it can make planting more limited.
We also found the output of the bubble tube to be a little strong, but it’s easily fixed by using filter sponge as a baffle. Overall this is an excellent fish bowl aquarium that will give your betta the environment he needs whilst being a unique addition to your home!
Guide To Buying The Best Betta Tank
So we’ve looked at some of the best betta tanks available from some of the top brands. But how do you decide which to choose?
If you want to settle on the right tank for your betta fish, there are a number of factors you’ll need to pay attention to.
Your Betta’s Habitat And Space Requirements
Betta’s are tropical fish originating from Southeast Asia, where they inhabit rice paddies, irrigation ditches, and shallow streams [1].
Most of the time these rice paddies are deep and interconnected, giving them a very spacious habitat. In fact, wild bettas have an average population density of just 1.7 fish for every ten square feet! [2].
These habitats also have dense vegetation, providing the betta with plenty of places to hide and establish territory. So a spacious, well-planted tank is a must for your betta fish.
Don’t Use Bottles, Small Fish Bowls, Or Vases!
There are times when the rice paddies and ditches making up the betta’s habitat can dry up, leaving small pools of poorly oxygenated water.
Betta fish have adapted to survive by developing a labyrinth organ. A lung-like structure that allows them to gulp air and breathe oxygen from the surface [3]. The fact that betta can survive in these small pools has, in part, led to the belief that they can be kept in very small bowls or containers. But this is definitely not the case.
As well as space to swim, hide, and establish territory, your betta needs very clean water kept at the right temperature. So you’ll also need room for a filter and heater.
A bottle or small fish bowl just won’t suffice.
Water Quality And Current For Bettas
Betta fish are highly sensitive to the water conditions in your tank.
They need very clean water, with ammonia and nitrate levels being kept as close to zero as possible. So you need to keep a careful eye on your water parameters and test them on a weekly basis.
Bettas are also particularly sensitive to current and flow in your tank.
Their delicate fins are not built to swim against strong currents, and if your filter is too powerful they are likely to spend their time hiding in a corner to avoid it [4].
The Right Water Temperature For Your Betta
Coming from the tropical waters of Thailand and Vietnam, it’s unsurprising that you need to keep your betta in warm water.
Often, these waters can range from 75°F to as high as 88°F in the breeding season [5].
The best temperature for your betta is around 79.8°F. Research has shown this to be the ideal temperature for bettas during breeding and in general [6].
Betta Fish Temperament And Tank Mates
Male bettas are highly territorial and aggressive towards one another. You should never keep more than one male in a tank, otherwise they will fight, often to the death.
There is the option of using a divider tank – where partitions are used to create separate sections. But if you do this make sure you buy a tank with solid dividers. Males will still try to fight if they can see each other and will become highly stressed [7].
Another option is to keep female bettas as they can often be housed together. But you should use caution as some can be more aggressive than others.
Should You Keep Your Betta With Other Tank Mates?
You may see advice that male bettas should only ever be kept alone. But many people ask whether they can be kept as part of a community tank.
It’s true that bettas do very well by themselves, but they can also live happily as part of a community. You’ll obviously need a larger tank, and you’ll need to choose tankmates carefully.
Avoid aggressive fish, those with flowing fins, or those that have a similar appearance to your betta. Dwarf gourami, for example, are not compatible and can fight with bettas [8].
Instead, go for small schooling fish or peaceful bottom dwellers such as cory catfish or otocinclus.
How To Choose The Best Betta Tank For You And Your Fish
Now you’ve considered your betta’s needs, how do you choose the right tank for you and your fish?
Here’s what to look for.
Tank Size And Capacity
We would always recommend you keep a single betta fish in a 5 gallon tank or larger. It is possible to use a 2.5 gallon tank as an absolute minimum, but it’s not ideal.
Just consider the size of the tank versus it’s actual capacity.
Manufacturers give the size based on the overall capacity of the empty tank. But once you start adding substrate, equipment, and decorations the remaining water volume is actually less. So it’s important to take this into account when calculating the size of your tank.
A 5 gallon tank will give your betta the space it needs to swim and establish territory. It also means you have more room for plants and places for your betta to hide. Make sure you bear in mind the dimensions of your new betta tank too. You’ll want one that will fit comfortably wherever you plan to place it.
Our list above gives many different styles and shapes of betta tank. From rectangular to fishbowl shapes, there are plenty of options to fit on a sturdy desk or cabinet.
Filtration
Whilst it is technically possible to keep your betta in a tank without a filter, it’s not at all practical and I wouldn’t recommend it.
Keeping your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels to a minimum is very difficult in a smaller betta tank and would require water changes of 40 to 50% around 2 or 3 times a week!
A 3 stage filter is really the best way to go. As well as the mechanical components filtering out debris, the beneficial bacteria in your filter will keep your water parameters in check.
A filter will also oxygenate your water sufficiently for your betta, meaning you do not need a bubbler or airstone. Just ensure you choose one with an adjustable flow rate.
You’ll need a filter that can cycle all the water in your tank around 4 to 6 times an hour. So for a 5 gallon betta tank a flow rate adjustable down to around 25 to 30 gallons per hour (GPH) would be ideal. Using the low flow setting means you won’t stress your betta with too strong a current.
Heating Your Betta Tank
To maintain a consistent temperature for your betta of around 79.8°F you are going to need an aquarium heater.
Whilst betta tanks frequently come with built-in filtration, you’ll often find a heater is not included and you’ll need to find it separately. Make sure that as well as finding the right heater for your tank’s water volume, that it also physically fits inside.
Many heaters come with a built-in temperature display, but this is not always true on smaller ones. So in this case you’ll also need a thermometer in your tank to monitor the temperature.
Tank Material
As with most aquariums, betta tanks are usually made from glass or acrylic plastic. There are pros and cons of each, and which you go for depends on what is important to you.
Glass tanks tend to maintain their clarity better, and are more scratch resistant. But they are also much heavier and are more difficult to repair if they do get chipped.
Acrylic tanks tend to be more expensive, but come in a wider range of designs. They can scratch more easily though, and can yellow over time due to chemicals in the water. However, scratches and yellowing in acrylic tanks can be buffed out relatively easily so with a little maintenance you can keep your tank very clear.
Lighting, Style, And Decor
Choosing the right lighting, decor, and type of betta tank is often a balance between the style you are looking for and the needs of your fish.
Lighting Your Betta Tank
Many betta tanks come with integrated LED lighting, often in a range of colors, which can really highlight the beauty of your fish.
And as with other fish, light plays an important part in regulating your betta’s periods of rest [9]. Your betta needs a regular cycle of day and night. Choosing a tank with day and moonlight LED lighting is both energy efficient and helps with this cycle.
Style And Shape
Betta tanks come in a wide range of styles, from rectangular to fishbowl shaped. Choosing a stylish tank, one that is rimless for example, will really make a stand out feature in your room.
Just don’t fall into the trap of choosing style over substance. Bettas prefer horizontal swimming, so it’s better to choose a wider shaped tank than one that is too tall and narrow.
You’ll also want to consider how easy your tank is going to be to maintain. Does it have any hard to reach corners or odd shaped curves? Is the filter easily accessible?
Decor And Substrate
Bettas love a well-planted tank as it mimics their natural habitat. But make sure you only use soft plants such as java ferns, amazon sword, or cabomba so your betta won’t damage it’s fins.
You can add rocks or driftwood to give your betta more places to hide and help him feel secure and less stressed [10]. But make sure these have no sharp edges that could tear delicate fins.
Sand or smooth aquarium gravel both make great substrate for betta tanks. And often your betta will spend more time up towards the surface or in the middle of the tank.
A Hood For Your Betta Tank
Betta fish are jumpers, having evolved the ability to leap out of stagnant puddles in the wild to find more open bodies of water.
Getting a betta tank with a lid is essential so you don’t end up with any unfortunate accidents like finding your fish on the floor!
Our Verdict
Choosing the right tank for your betta fish not only comes to having the space he needs, but also ensuring you can control the water flow to keep him happy. All this while trying to find a tank that will fit with your room and decor.
The Fluval SPEC V provides all this and more with it’s sleek design and powerful but adjustable pump. It’s a tank that is sure to keep you and your betta very happy!
FAQs About Betta Tanks
Here are the answers to some of the most popular FAQs when it comes to betta tanks.
What Is The Minimum Size Tank I Should Get For My Betta?
The absolute minimum size for a single betta is 2.5 gallons. But we would always recommend 5 gallons to give space to hide and establish territory, and to house equipment and decorations.
What Is The Best Shape For A Betta Tank?
Bettas prefer plenty of horizontal swimming space. So a wider tank is always going to be better than a tall narrow one.
How Should I Set Up A Betta Tank?
Set up your equipment, decor and planting before filling your new aquarium with conditioned water. As with any new aquarium you must cycle your tank before introducing your betta.
How Often Should I Clean My Betta Tank?
You will want to clean a 5 gallon tank around once a week, and do a 25% water change depending on your water parameters.
How Might My Betta’s Diet Influence My Choice Of Betta Tank?
Bettas are carnivores and need a protein-rich but varied diet. When choosing an aquarium, just avoid ‘self-sustaining’ tanks designed for smaller aquatic life that only feed on algae.
