The beautiful and eye-catching betta fish is one of the most popular fish to keep in the aquarium due to how exotic their colorful feathers look. They are common pets in Asian countries and are one of the few pet fishes that can actually recognize their owners!
However, most people, when getting Betta fish, are not aware of the basics of taking care of these labyrinth fish.
The average tank size for one betta fish should be a minimum of 3 gallons – a fact that is often commonly ignored. This causes early death to many betta fish – the details of which you can find in this article.
Read on to find everything you need to know about the types of tank Betta fish require and the best ones in the market.
How To Choose The Best Tank For Betta Fish?
Betta fish are intelligent creatures who have shown interest and affiliation towards their owners. Although they are solitary fishes who have no problem staying alone, they can get bored in small tanks, eating the same food and following the same routine every day. This might cause depression and sometimes even aggression.
Other things can cause agitation, too – like the tank having too much light. Betta fish are known to try escaping tanks that are unfit for them, and it is a common phenomenon for them to try to commit suicide. A lot of these problems can be solved by just getting the perfect tank for them.
There are a lot of statements and experiences by people on the internet claiming that betta fish can live in bowls and small spaces. These beliefs are false – betta may survive in such conditions, but living a full life is not possible when they are so confined. An ideal tank set up for betta fish should have the following things:
- Container/Tank sized 20-40 liters (if many) at least
- Light above aquarium (UV or LED)
- Water filter
- Heater
- Tank lid
When choosing the ideal aquarium for your betta fish, there are some crucial things you need to look for.
1. Tank Size
A betta fish can survive in most conditions – even in the cups they are often sold in, but a big tank would be the best for your fish. Bettas like to exercise and are smart fish that can get bored living in the same routine. They are also very territorial, so the ideal tank for them would be one with lots of space.
Hence, there is no such thing as a tank too small for them, but the ideal size would be a 5-gallon tank for one betta. In case you have two males, make sure to get a size that is bigger than 10 gallons so that there is enough space for them.
2. Space For Decoration
Along with lots of space, your betta would also require a good imitation of its natural habitat to feel more at home. This is why the bigger the tank, the better, as plants, gravel, and other decorative items can take up a significant amount of space in your aquarium.
Another great thing about a bigger tank is that the larger your aquarium is, the easier it will be to clean. A 15-20 gallon tank would require cleaning only once or twice a month as compared to a 5-gallon one which needs to be cleaned weekly.
3. Mandatory Equipment
Make sure that the tank you buy comes with an inbuilt heater, filter, and LED light. If it is not already installed in the aquarium, look for one which is compatible with these things and easy to set up. Try to go for aquarium kits made for beginners instead of buying all these things separately.
Best Betta Fish Tank
There are a lot of capable aquariums in the stores as well as online. It can be a big hassle for beginners to understand which tank to choose. If you are selecting a tank for just one betta fish, remember that it should at the least be 5 gallons. If you are planning to keep more, then a 10-gallon aquarium would be ideal.
Here is a list of great aquariums which are beginner-friendly as well and come with everything you need for fish keeping.
1. Marina LED Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallon
The Marina LED Aquarium Kit is a great budget buy for beginners as the Marina brand is under the well-reputed aquarium brand Hagen. It comes with everything you need to keep your betta fish healthy – a tank, LED light, water filter, and some other necessary items you might need at the beginning of your fishkeeping journey.
The LED light gives off a clean, daylight look to your aquarium and is also capable of helping the growth of plants in the tank. The filter that comes with this aquarium kit is the Marina i110 Internal filter which even has a waterfall feature to make your aquarium look top-notch.
Another great thing about this aquarium is that it comes with an Aqua Plus Water Conditioner to make tap water safe for fish, as well as a Cycle Biological Supplement to create a healthy and biologically well-balanced aquarium for your fish. There is also a net plus an aquarium care guide to help you out with the basics.
If you want to get a bigger tank, the aquarium comes in the variation of 10 and 20 gallons as well. The only con is that it does not come with a heater which you would require for keeping betta fish.
2. Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallon
Although a bit on the pricier side, the Fluval Spec Aquarium Kit is a sleek and stylish aquarium that is another excellent tank for beginners. It has a simple setup procedure and comes with an LED lighting system, 3 stage water filtration system, and variations in colors and sizes.
The special thing about this filter is its filtration system, which has three stages – mechanical, chemical, and biological media for your aquarium to look clean and elegant. The tank’s light also has a high 7000 K output LED, which can help promote the healthy growth of your aquarium plants as well.
When it comes to looks, the tank has a sleek design with its strong pump and filtration system attached at the back so that your beautiful betta is clearly visible. For a beginner, this is a great tank due to its easy maintenance, size, and durability.
3. Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit, 15 Gallon
The Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is a sturdy and beautiful fish tank that is perfect for betta fish. The tank provides enough space for your fish to roam and has a powerful light and filtration system to help your fish thrive healthily. The trait that stands out of all its features is probably its unique, curved design with a honeycomb wrap.
The tank has a 7500K LED lamp system that has over 80 colors and special effects to set the mood of your aquarium while also promoting plant growth. This aquarium also comes with a unique 3 stage filtration system which is specific to Fluvel tanks and is hidden in the rear compartment.
It is easy to set up and, along with its many features, comes with a pump, hood, and filter media as well.
4. Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit, 10 Gallon
The Aqueon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit is another good beginner’s kit priced very reasonably. At a 10-gallon size, it is the perfect size to keep betta fish. Though it may not look as fancy as the other recommendations, it is easy to set up and maintain.
The best thing about this kit is that it comes with everything you need – a filter, heater, hood, thermometer, fish food, LED lights, and even a net to scoop up your fish. This aquarium is perfect for betta fish as it has a preset heater that keeps your aquarium at a constant 78 degrees – a temperature fit for more tropical fish.
Another great feature of this aquarium is that it has a red LED light that flashes to remind you that it is time to clean your aquarium’s cartridge. The only con is that the preset heater can be weak for heating the tank during colder weather conditions.
5. Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallon
The Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit is a unique and stylish shaped tank that lives up to its name of being crescent-shaped. The beautifully designed aquarium comes with a filter, LED light, and a cartridge for the filter. The small size is perfect for any room in your house and is ideal if you want to keep a betta fish to swim around.
The best quality about this tank is that it is seamless – offering you a great view of your swimming pets. It makes a great starter kit for beginners and has only one con – the aquarium is an acrylic one which is a material that can scratch easily.
Related Questions
Is 1 Gallon Enough For A Betta?
No, a 1-gallon tank is not enough to keep betta or any other fish as it is not an ethical fish tank size. Fish may be small creatures, but its natural habitat is the ocean. Compared to that, a 1-gallon tank will be like a box. Even if hygiene, cleanliness, and temperature may be maintained, your fish can still die of depression or boredom.
Even if you can manage to keep an individual betta alive, a bigger tank with more gallons of water can ensure a longer and happier lifespan. There is a rule of thumb concept for keeping fish in a tank – every inch of a fish should be compensated with 1 gallon of water in a tank.
Is A 20 Gallon Tank Too Big For A Betta?
Yes, a 20-gallon tank may be too big for a single betta, but if you are planning to keep many together, then it is a great size. A 20-gallon tank provides enough space to move around as well as an extra area to swim in. If you have enough space to keep a 20-gallon tank, you can start by keeping a few fish in it.
Although there is no limit on how big a tank should be, it may not be practical to get a 20-gallon tank for a single, little betta. If you are planning to keep betta fish in a tank of this size, make sure that you only keep female bettas together as they are a territorial species. Male betta will fight each other to death for their space.
Can Bettas Live In A 2.5 Gallon Tank?
Betta fish are hardy, and while they can manage to live in a 2.5-gallon tank, it is not the ideal size for an adult betta. Your fish may not live its full life span in a tank that size, and there are other additional problems as well.
The temperature needs to be regulated properly in a tank of that size, and it also gets dirty very easily. You might need to clean the tank more frequently, and the size is half of what is ideal for a betta fish. Although it is a bigger size than a 1-gallon tank, it is still unethical to keep any fish in such an enclosed space.
Can A Tank Be Too Big For A Betta?
Considering that a fish’s most natural habitat is large, natural water bodies, there is
nothing such as a tank too big for your betta fish. The wider the area, the better the space. Additionally, bettas are a territorial and solitary species as well, so they may never get lonely.
A big, clean tank with everything a betta needs, plus interesting decorations similar to a fish’s natural habitat, can keep your betta happy and live a long life.
How Do You Know If A Betta Fish Likes Its Tank?
Most betta fish would swim around daily to show their contentment with the tank. There can be changes in movements, but if your fish has no trouble swimming and does not seem to be struggling or leaning to one side, then it is happy and healthy.
Do Betta Fish Need To Be In A Tank Alone?
It is not necessary for betta fish to be kept in solidarity in your tank. They are not very friendly but do not have problems existing with other fish unless it is another betta male.
How Often Should I Clean My Betta’s Tank?
This mainly depends on the number of fish, size of your tank, and how good its filtration system is, but a betta fish’s five-gallon tank should be cleaned at least once a week. Bigger tanks can be cleaned once a month according to their size.