If you’re wondering what the best betta fish tank is then you’ve come to the right place! Bettas are some of the most beautiful and peaceful pets you will ever own.

They’re great for many reasons: you don’t have to clean up poo, you can enjoy their beauty nearly anywhere in your home, and they are relatively easy to take care of.  

That being said, you have to have the right tank if you want your betta to live the best life possible. So, what makes a betta tank great? Keep reading our article to find out.  

What Are The Best Betta Fish Tanks?

Now you know what you should and shouldn’t look for in a betta fish tank. Here are some of the best fish tanks for betta fish.

Fluval Flex Aquarium 9/15 Gal 

The Fluval Flex Aquarium is an aquarium that will have your imagination running wild with all the possibilities. It has gorgeous illumination and multi-stage filtration. The design is modern and trendy but somehow timeless and looks stunning no matter what room you place it in.

This is a glass tank that features a remote control allowing you to choose different colors and special effects to enhance the beauty of the tank.  

The water quality of your fish tank will always be on point thanks to the powerful three-stage filtration that is included with the filter media. The media, by the way, are mechanical, chemical, and biological. The filtration system is hidden in the back of the tank, so it makes it look all the more elegant!

The curved front of this aquarium makes it look larger than it is, and makes a lovely addition for a home office or bedroom. The hole in the top of the tank makes it a breeze to feed your fish. This tank comes with everything you need to get started raising a betta fish, but the only thing it lacks is the heater. (Although, there is a spot for the heater to go)

Filling the back empty filter area with some filter sponge is a good idea because it helps slow the flow of the water and makes it more comfortable for your betta fish. 

You can get this tank in two sizes, either 15 gallons or 9 gallons. I personally, have the 9-gallon one and my betta loves it!

Pros 

• Lots of space for styling and fish comfort.  
• Filtration and wiring are neatly hidden in the back.  
• The cool curved front is stylish and modern.  

Cons 

• The filtration system is so strong-filtration sponge should be used! 

Check out the Fluval Flex 9 Gallon or Fluval Flex 15 Gallon.

Marineland Portrait 5 Gallon Glass LED Aquarium Kit (Perfect If You Have Less Space)

Marineland has long been trusted when it comes to providing stellar aquarium equipment, and the Marineland Portrait 5 Gallon Aquarium is no different than the other quality products they offer. This tank measures in at 9.6×9.6×17.2, which we thought we would include because the Amazon description describes the box it comes in.  This does include the rear filter compartment, however.  

The contoured glass corners look amazing, and the black stand adds to the beauty of the tank. It is hard to budge when filled with water, so fear not about your betta if he is perched on a table or shelf. 

It is a portrait orientated tank, so this makes it ideal for placing tall ornaments or plants. You will still have lots of room for your betta accessories, such as logs or leaf hammocks, right at the surface too. This also means it takes up less room when you actually have it set up.  

The filter motor is nice and quiet on this tank, and you can find the cartridges right on Amazon or local fish shop. Suction cups hold the filter motor in place quite nicely. You can easily get into the tank by simply flipping up the tank lid. This makes feeding and cleaning quite easy.  

Pros 

• The vertical design takes up less space 
• Nice, quiet filter motors 
• Sturdy tank design despite being plastic 

Cons 

• LED lights are quite bright and can bother some bettas.  
• The filter creates quite a strong current.  

Find out more about the Marineland 5 Gallon Portrait Aquarium.

Koller Panaview 5 Gallon Aquarium (A Great Budget Aquarium)

The Koller Panaview 5 Gallon Aquarium is a beautiful tank featuring different LED color selections that can help your fish look gorgeous when illuminated. We recommend sticking with the LEDs, as it is the most natural, but you can certainly use the other colors provided your fish aren’t stressed out by the color change.

The filtration system included does a great job of cleaning and purifying the tank at a rate of 45 gallons per hour. This gets rid of all organic contaminants like toxic gases and heavy metals and uses easy to find Tetra Whisper 5 filter cartridges.  

The plastic is impact resistant and looks great, so you get the nice look of a glass tank without the fear of it shattering. It is all one piece as well, this makes it easy to set up and take down should you move, change rooms or just need to perform deep cleaning.

It is rounded and looks super stylish despite its very low price and included accessories. This is a break-resistant tank that is not glued together using silicone; thus, it lowers the risk of leaks happening. Add in the fact that this tank has plenty of great reviews, and it is an ideal choice for your betta fish.  

Pros 

• Many other buyers found this to be a great solution for their betta fish.  
• It is nicely sized and can fit just about anywhere in your home.  
• The lights can be turned on or off and can be a variety of colors, so your fish can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.  
• The lid is attached, so betta fish will not jump out.  

Cons 

• The filtration is strong for a tank this size, and the betta’s fins could end up getting stuck.  

Find out more about the Koller Panaview 5 Gallon Aquarium.

Aqueon Aquarium LED Kit, 10 Gallon 

Voted best on Amazon for warm water fish, the Aqueon 10 Gallon Aquarium is a nice starter kit for those of you that want to get your betta off on the right foot. This features a low profile hood that has vibrant and beautiful LED lamps that make the environment look bright and beautiful.

The power filter is nice and quiet, creating a soothing humming noise that puts you and your fish at ease. There is also a bright red LED that flashes to let you know when a filter change is needed on the tank. It really takes the guesswork out of caring for your betta fish! 

This one is our vote for absolute betta beginners. There is a setup guide included. A nice heater is also included in the kit and will keep the aquarium at a toasty 78°F, which is ideal for betta fish health.

Aside from that nice heater, you will also get a fishnet, thermometer, filter with the cartridge, and the low profile hood to keep the fish in. This is a classic aquarium tank; it is just what you expect when you think about a little fish tank. It will never go out of style, and you can easily put in decorations and plants for your betta to enjoy. 

Pros 

• Assembly is easy, and you will have your tank set up in no time.  
• Tank lights are really beautiful and enhance your betta’s beauty. 
• Lots of great accessories included  

Cons 

• Some users complained the filter vibrated a lot when in use.  

Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Kit With Filter, Heater, and Plants 

The Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Kit not only looks great but also has everything a beginner needs to get started. A Tetra Whisper filter and colored aquarium lights, plus the tank and a beautiful grouping of fake sea anemones are all here to make your betta feel right at home.

There are different colored LEDs, too.  The filter is nice and quiet and will not bother anybody in the same room with it. The cool classic design is sturdy and spacious, both your guests and fish will love it.

Simply pick yourself up some fish, some gravel to line the bottom of your tank, and the betta care items, and you will be totally ready to house your very own betta fish.  

Pros 

• Makes a great starter kit for beginners as it has all the basics.  
• Comes with a heater, so it’s always warm.  
• Tetra always makes quality fish products, they are a brand you can trust.  

Cons 

• Some users reported finding scratches on the inside of their tanks after buying them.  

What To Look For When Purchasing The Best Betta Fish Tank?  

Sadly, some people think it just takes a bowl to raise a betta fish. This could not be further from the truth. You need to be an informed consumer when purchasing a setup for a betta, which is where we come in. Here’s what you need to consider.  

If you want to take care of a Betta fish but don’t know where to begin, here’s a comprehensive guide on Betta fish care! 

Betta Fish Tank Size 

You need to go at least five gallons for the tank to be appropriately sized. Bowls or cheaply made “betta kits” are not acceptable.  

Many people think that because bettas live in rice paddies, they can do just fine in small tanks. However, rice paddies are bigger than we know and give the fish plenty of room to swim and grow.  

Furthermore, a tiny bowl leads to less than desirable water quality. Ammonia can and will get to unsafe levels in that bowl. By keeping your betta in a 5 gallon or larger tank, they will get lots of space to swim around, and you will get to see them at their best, flowing fins and all.

Even some species of betta, such as the Crowntail, require you to keep in larger size tanks. Make sure you do research on your desired betta species, so you know just what to buy.  

The bottom line? Just go with at least a five-gallon tank. That way, you can be absolutely sure you are giving them the right amount of room.  

Dimensions Of The Tank 

Tank size in gallons is important because it gives your fish room to grow. But, make sure for your own sake you measure the space you want to keep your betta tank in.  

You would not want to get your hopes up by planning on buying a betta only to come home, unbox the tank and find it doesn’t fit in your room or living space! 

And remember, betta tanks can’t just go anywhere in the house. Bettas will not thrive in your dark, unheated garage, for example. And, it is not exactly sanitary to keep a fish tank in the kitchen.  

Tank size will also affect pricing. You will find that the tanks in this article are quite affordable, but everybody’s budget is different, and getting a larger tank will result in a larger bill once you get to the checkout line.  

Your goal is to place the tank in a spot that is able to be seen, but not so busy that the noise disturbs the fish. For instance, the living room may not be the greatest spot for the fish tank, but your bedroom is a fine place where the fish can be enjoyed but not bothered.  

You also have to keep the tank away from ventilation systems and windows. Drafts blowing on the tank can affect its temp and sunlight can lead to larger algae amounts.  

The Filtration System 

Some people think that because bettas live in shallow waters, it’s OK for them to live in dirty conditions. Once again, this is a huge misconception; thanks to the plants and other members of their ecosystem, their water is actually pretty clean.  

Bettas also have the great ability to jump into new bodies of water. They literally can hop from puddle to puddle as they seek out new places to live. Having a clean environment is very important to these fish. So while they can survive in a small cup or puddle, this is not recommended as they cannot thrive. And they won’t be able to survive for very long.

Thus, a filter keeps the buildup of bacteria and dirt in your tank low. If you don’t include a filter, which we do not advise, you’ll need to do partial water changes every day, or every other day.

You may also wish to include a pre-filter to slow down the flow of water on the filter’s outlet, as this will make it more gentle for the betta fish.  

(Find out more about whether bettas need a filter.)

Heaters Are Necessary 

Betta fish are native to Cambodia, where temps are hot! Your tank should always be at or above 76 degrees F.  

Unless you live in a place where temps are ALWAYS above 76°F, then you will need a heater as a means of providing the best betta fish tank. While 76°F is the minimum, 78°F is ideal. And you should make sure the temperature never goes above 82°F. A good heater will turn off when the water gets too hot.

Make sure you put in a thermometer so you can closely monitor the temp and keep it comfortable for your betta fish.  

(Check out the best heaters for a 5-gallon betta tank.)

Included Accessories 

Some of the best betta fish tanks include accessories like heaters, gravel, decorations, or other helpful items. Other times, they do not come with necessary objects like decorations, heaters, or filters. Some people like to buy all their items separately, and others want it all in a betta starter kit. It’s a matter of personal preference, as you may have some accessories already purchased.  

Be sure to read what comes included with the tank you are interested in so you know exactly what you’re getting.  

What To Avoid When Purchasing Betta Fish Tanks? 

Now onto what you should avoid when it comes time to create your betta setup. Read this now to avoid heartbreak in the future! 

Stay Away From Too Small Tanks 

You should always give your betta fish a tank that is at least five gallons or larger in size. a tank that is too small, or a bowl, will only make the fish feel trapped and claustrophobic.  

Remember, Betta fish need a tank 5 gallons in size or more because it allows them the room they need to swim around and hide comfortably. They can live as they would in the wild, and enjoy less buildup of environmental toxins.  

Less Is More With Decoration 

Decorating a fish tank is probably the most fun part of setting up the tank. After all, with accessories that look like mermaids, Spongebob characters, and sunken ships, it’s all in your imagination how you want to decorate your betta’s tank.  

However, you have to be careful when it comes to choosing decorations for the tank. Some of these may look cool, but they are not ideal for betta fish.  

You don’t want the decorations that come with a betta tank to take up most of the space. This pushes the fish to the periphery and limits the areas they are able to explore comfortably.  Another thing to watch out for is decorations that have sharp edges on them.

These edges can tear the fins of the fish, and leave them feeling in pain and not looking their best. It is in your best interest to avoid these types of decorations when choosing your tank.  

Avoid Getting Two Bettas 

Some animals are best housed alone. Hamsters and bearded dragons are two examples…and so are betta fish.  

You may think that because you are getting a larger tank, you can buy two fish and have them be buddies. This is not the case. These guys aren’t called Siamese fighting fish for no reason.  

Betta fish are territorial by nature, and should not be kept with fish that look similar to them. These fish will fight and will do so until one of them dies. However, without decorations and toys, they’re like to get bored. It’s best to look for betta safe toys and decorations to keep them occupied.  

Betta Bowls: Not Ideal 

Betta bowls are not the right size-remember; the magic number of keeping a betta fish comfortable is at least 5 gallons. You may see articles and websites stating that 2.5 gallons is just fine for bettas, but this is not so.

Water quality really suffers when you keep fish in these tiny setups, and they simply don’t have enough room to move around and explore. Besides, having a larger aquarium looks better, too.  

After all, ammonia and nitrite levels can be fatal to your betta when they get out of hand. Water temp is also difficult to maintain when you keep your betta housed in a bowl. It makes the fish feel very stressed out, and this is not good for their immune systems.

Your fish could be at risk for fin rot, parasites, fungal infections, or even swollen eyes if their water is not in great condition.  

Then you have to go down the path of medicating the fish, which carries risks such as overmedicating….it’s far easier to just get the right size tank from the beginning! 

Avoid Tanks With No Lid 

If your tank doesn’t come with a lid, you’re going to need to find one or choose a different product. Remember, bettas can jump in the wild. These guys are known to go from puddle to puddle, seeking out a new body of water. A lid also gets your betta the air he needs.  

Best Tank Mates For Your Bettas

If you plan on keeping bettas, then the chances are you’re not going to want to keep them on their own for long. While the tanks above are great for those who want to just keep a betta alone, if you have a 20 gallon tank or bigger, here are some great tank mates I’d recommend!

Snails

Snails are the most non-threatening and non-assuming tank mates you can keep with your betta that you know won’t irritate them. This peaceful nature allows for a harmonious living environment. Moreover, snails act as an effective cleaning crew, aiding in keeping the tank environment healthy by feeding on algae and leftover food.

Shrimp

Shrimp offer a dual benefit: Not only are they entertaining to watch, but they’re also going to keep your tank clean as well. Due to their small size bettas generally find them uninteresting. And like snails, they contribute to a balanced tank ecosystem by feeding on algae and detritus.

Just be warned, if you have an aggressive betta, then he may end up praying on your cherry shrimp.

Corydoras

Corydoras are some of the best tank mates for bettas, and my personal top choice. While bettas stay near the middle and top of your tank, corydoras are going to stay near the bottom, which means they rarely bother each other.

On top of this, corydoras have a friendly yet reserved nature, being social among themselves while minimizing any intrusive behavior towards the betta. Additionally, their scavenging habits make them another useful member of the tank’s cleaning crew.

Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios bring an energetic dynamic into the tank that not only entertains but also serves a functional purpose. They are swift swimmers that can easily evade a curious betta, which minimizes the risk of conflicts.

Kuhli Loaches

Kuhli Loaches are particularly fascinating because of their nocturnal behavior, which complements the betta’s diurnal (daytime) tendencies. They are most active when bettas are less so, essentially minimizing the potential for undesired interaction.

When these species do cross paths, the Kuhli Loaches’ docile and non-aggressive nature ensures a harmonious living arrangement.

FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions people have about buying their first betta fish tank!

Should You Go For A Long Tank Or A Tall Tank?

When picking a tank for your betta, it’s always better to choose a long tank over a tall tank. Bettas prefer to swim horizontally, so they won’t end up utilizing a lot of the space in a tall tank.

What Should A Betta’s Tank Have?

Asides from a filter, heater, and thermometer, you should add decorations like driftwood, plants and other aquarium toys to your tank to make sure that you’re betta is suitably entertained.

Can A Bettas Fish Tank Be Too Big?

There is no such thing as a tank that’s too big for bettas. The bigger your tank, the more room there is to explore. Just make sure you’re filling your tank with interesting things!

Do Betta Fish Get Lonely?

Betta fish don’t get lonely, however, they do get bored. This is why it’s important to make sure that you’re adding lots of decorations in your tank.

Recap 

After all, is said and done, let’s talk about the strongest choice out of the five. In my opinion, the Fluval Flex is the best choice. It has everything a beginner needs to start, it is not too big, and the price is right. It even has a hood, so the little guys can’t jump out on you. The Fluval Flex is truly a nice choice for people who are just starting out, may be limited on space, and just want a nice spot for their betta fish to grow.  

No matter what tank you go with, keep these points in mind:  

• Look for tanks measuring 5 gallons or larger.
• Make sure you include a filter, heater, and thermometer. 
• Colored LEDs are nice, but do not use them if they stress your fish. 
• Make sure to include only safe decorations free of sharp edges. Look for items designed especially for bettas.