There is a lot of disagreement among hobbyists about the best betta fish tank size for their pets.
Most people believe Bettas like living in small spaces like bowls. It is also assumed that they should live alone due to their aggressive nature.
While it is true that this fish specie comes from Southeast Asia where they inhabit shallow streams, it does not mean you keep them in tiny tanks or bowls.
The minimum recommended tank size for Betta fish is 2.5 gallons. A 5-gallon tank is an ideal size for a male or female betta. This is because small tanks can result in more build-up of bacteria and toxins than a bigger aquarium.
The Smaller the tank, the more difficult it is to maintain a safe and clean environment for the fish.
A small aquarium would also need more frequent water changes and cycling. Tiny bowls would not let you maintain water parameters and ammonia spikes can be frequent.
As a fish owner, you should give your betta a healthy, long life and that is not possible with a tank smaller than 5 gallons. While this size would look like a lot of room for the tiny fish, it gets enough space to move and thrives better. It is also more appealing to look at.
If you will be breeding your own bettas in considerable numbers, then you might consider getting a larger tank like the 40 Gallon breeder tank.
If you have a smaller tank, the pee and poop of your fish will break into chemicals and make it sick. If the water is less, chemicals build up too quickly affecting the health of your betta.
There are lots of varieties of bettas available and almost all of them need a minimum of 5-gallon capacity tank. Bigger is always better but you can get a 10-gallon tank if you have just one.
This size would provide enough space for swimming and keep the water conditions stable. It would also need lesser maintenance.
Here are the top recommendations for Betta Fish Tanks:
Best Betta Fish Tank
1. Fluval Edge Aquarium
The ultimate pick for bettas, Fluval Edge is a strikingly beautiful cube-shaped tank with a thoughtful design.
It is a 6-gallon aquarium with a unique 3D design and 360-degree views. It is embraced closely by the exterior to give a feel of floating in the air.
The kit includes an Edge filter with multiple water treatments to provide clear and healthy water to the fish. It also features blue and white LED bulbs to create daylight and moonlight effects for the bettas.
With this aquarium, filters don’t disturb the aesthetic value because it is hidden from view. The top of the tank is glass and allows an unobstructed view of the interior.
Pros
- Attractive design complements any home or office
- Easy to setup and maintain for beginners
- 360-degree viewing
- Compact design takes up less space
- High-quality filtration system
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- LED lights ideal for low-light plants
- The filter can be noisy
- Small design can make it difficult to clean
2. MarineLand Portrait Aquarium Kit
An affordably priced option for beginners, the MarineLand aquarium kit is a reliable pick for any betta owner. It features a unique tall portrait design that looks great and is easy to maintain.
The modern, stylish 5-gallon tank features thick glass with rounded corners for an appealing look. MarineLand must have been thinking about the best possible fish tank size for betta when making this aquarium.
It also has a black back and base and a glass lid that slides in and out for convenient feeding. It features a hinged light that you can access when required.
LED lights offer a few settings to suit the needs. White day lights and blue moonlight keep the fish relaxed all the time. There is a filter at the back and adjustable flow settings.
Pros
- Portrait design lets the fish enjoy the space
- LED lighting creates a natural effect
- Suitable for newbies and experienced
- Light and pump can be turned on simultaneously
- Unique lid design
- Adjustable flow settings
- Quiet and easy to maintain filter
- Adjustable lights
Cons
- Back placement of filter can make it difficult to clean
- Not enough space for decor and plants
3. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit: the perfect betta fish tank size
A modern tank with a sleek lighting system and powerful filter and pump, the Fluval Spec V is one of the best 5-gallon betta fish tank on the market. Constructed out of etched glass, this tank is great for small spaces like counters and desktops.
The tank has a separate chamber at the end for the filter and pump. It features an overhanging lighting system with a large number of LEDs.
It also offers a 3-stage filter and a powerful adjustable lamp. It ensures efficient filtration with activated carbon, biomax rings and foam blocks.
The glass tank has a long shape that lets bettas swim well. The circulation pump can be too powerful for bettas but the adjustable output nozzle can help.
Pros
- Quiet pump
- Great viewing with lighting system
- Contemporary design with aluminum trims
- Extra chamber for pump and filter
- A lot of horizontal space for swimming
- Fits smaller areas easily
Cons
- The circulation pump can be too powerful for bettas
- Lights are not so strong for plants
4. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
A perfect option for those who are not a fan of glass tanks, the Tetra Crescent Acrylic aquarium has a clear cover, black base frame and seamless curved front.
What makes it special is the Tetra Whisper filter that uses a 3-stage filtration process and keeps the tank clean. And it hardly makes any noise.
The aquarium kit also comes with ultra-activated carbon that effectively eliminates discoloration and odour. There is also LED lighting that illuminates the tank with white lights.
You get easy access to the tank for maintenance with the hinged lid. Acrylic construction and the seamless front offer unobstructed views.
Pros
- Tetra Whisper filter works quietly and efficiently
- 3-stage filtration system
- Easy to clean and maintain
- LED lighting is bright and easy to install
- Activated carbon removes odours and discoloration
Cons
- A plastic lid can break
- The acrylic material can be scratched easily
5. Aqueon Black Aquarium
A high-quality glass tank for those who like to create their own aquarium, the Aqueon black is a blank canvas that lets you set up your own betta tank. It is an affordable option with high-quality glass construction.
It has nothing fancy; just a rectangular tank with black trim styling. It suits freshwater as well as marine applications. Clean silicone edges add to the convenience and visibility.
You can buy your own filter, heater, lights and lid to create an aquarium that suits your betta fish. While this tank can be basic for beginners, it gives you the freedom to make an exciting environment for your betta.
Pros
- Classic shape
- High-quality and sturdy construction
- Affordable if you have equipment available
- Amazing quality
- Ideal for different applications
Cons
- Does not include a lid
- You need to buy separate equipment
- Not beginner-friendly
6. Marina LED Aquarium Kit
The Marina LED aquarium kit comes loaded with everything you need to keep your betta healthy and happy. It is a great choice for those who want to buy their first tank and enjoy the hobby of fish-keeping.
This kit offers you all the required equipment and an aquarium care guide to help beginners.
This guide teaches you how to set up and take care of your tank. You also get some sample products to ensure you have a safe environment for your fish.
It has a powerful, quiet filter that does not take up a lot of space. It is effective at keeping the tank clean. Canopy LED lights produce bright, natural day-like light so that you can easily illuminate the decor, plants and fish.
Pros
- Available in 5, 10, 20 gallons size options
- Bright LED daylight lighting
- Quiet and efficient filter
- Ideal for beginners
- Includes water conditioner, food, net, cycle biological supplement
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Night light LEDs are not present
- Filter does not use a 3-stage process
7. Aqua Culture 10 Gallon Tank
A classic aquarium that comes in a number of tank sizes, the Aqua Culture is a glass tank with black plastic frames at the top and bottom. It is an excellent choice for beginners and suits a variety of fish.
The glass enclosure is made out of high-strength silicone that creates a strong, permanent water-resistant seal.
This tank is a great pick for those hobbyists who like selecting accessories of their choice rather than buying a kit. You simply get a tank without any lid, lights or other accessories.
You can use it to make your own aquarium for your betta. A capacity of 10 gallons gives you ample space to add plants and decor for a perfect betta habitat.
Pros
- You can mix and match equipment
- Ample room for fish, plants and decor
- 10 gallons capacity
- Offers endless possibilities
Cons
- Beginners might struggle to find the right equipment
On to the Readers
In this article, we’ve covered the best betta fish tank sizes. There are, of course, numerous other options that might best suit your unique requirements, in which case the factors and specs we’ve mentioned should still help you plan better.
Pay attention to factors such as desired betta fish tank mates, the number of betta fish you wish to keep, and aesthetic preferences when purchasing a betta fish tank.
References
The Unusual Pet Vets: Betta Fish Care Sheet