The 10 Best Betta Fish Tanks (Review)

Written by:

Vicki Smirnova

Vicki Smirnova is a professional writer and editor who adores animals and helps readers get along well with their pets. She has been working in digital media for more than 5 years and has great experience writing content about lifestyle, including pets. Vicki specializes in dog health and nutrition, cat feeding, dog training. She is an aquarium lover and is passionate to write about fish care at home. Also, Vicki headed several websites and worked as a news editor.

View all 245 articles

Learn about our editorial process and veterinary review board.

Viewed: 1014

Updated on: 02/21/2023

Keeping betta fish does not require many skills and knowledge, so the fish is suitable for beginners. Bettas are labyrinth fish, which means that they breathe atmospheric air with an organ called a labyrinth, which allows them to be kept in a small aquarium without aeration.

best betta fish tanksPhoto by Sarah Brown on Unsplash

The Best Aquariums for Betta Fish (Review)

Below we will present a list of great betta tanks on the market.

1. Marineland Portrait Blade Light Aquarium Kit

marineland portrait blade light aquarium kit
Our #1 Pick

The aquarium is equipped with an integrated LED system. The light changes from flickering white to moon-blue at the flick of a switch. The sliding glass canopy makes it easy to feed inhabitants or check the water without any extra hassle. The aquarium will look great with tall live plants. The kit has everything you need.

This product is perfect for keeping betta fish, and it not only looks great, but it also has a lot of practical features, such as a built-in, 3-stage filtration system.

If you are looking for the perfect home for your betta fish, this model C will suit you. This model will give a spacious place to one male or several companions in the aquarium.

Features:

  • Takes up less space than more extended tanks.
  • Rounded corners and a clear glass canopy allow viewing from multiple angles.
  • A sliding glass canopy provides easy access for feeding or cleaning.
  • Unique lid design.
  • A filter is quiet and easy to buy media for.

Pros

Cons

  • Adjustable lights.
  • Sturdy base.
  • Comes with a rite-size Z cartridge.
  • The filter area takes space away from the tank.

Summary: Marineland ML90609 Portrait Fish Aquarium Kit is a magnificent all-glass tank with a remote 3-stage filtration system and an adjustable filter pump.

2. Fluval Flex 34l Aquarium Kit

fluval flex 34l aquarium kit
Our #2 Pick

The glass tank is equipped with remote control, which allows you to choose different lighting modes and special effects to enhance the aquarium’s beauty.

The water quality in your aquarium will always be excellent, thanks to the powerful, 3-stage filtration sold in the kit. The filtration system is located in the back of the aquarium and does not spoil the appearance. 

Fluval Flex is a stunning, fully integrated nano tank. This aquarium’s main feature is that the front viewing panel bends smoothly, providing a better view of the fish.

The multi-stage filtration system is hidden behind the back wall of the tank. There is also free space in this compartment so that you can add a heater or other equipment. All equipment will be completely hidden behind the darkened back wall of the tank.

This product also has enough space for various decorations and plants; therefore, you can decorate your aquarium as you want.

Features:

  • Great design with a convex front wall.
  • All wires can be hidden behind the center of the tank.
  • Plenty of space to add a heater or additional filtration.
  • 15-gallon capacity offers your bettas lots of space to swim and play.

Pros

Cons

  • Lots of different lighting effects.
  • The curved front is stylish and modern.
  • Provides lots of space for decoration and fish comfort.
  • Filtration is powerful.

Summary: the Fluval Flex Aquarium features excellent lighting and multi-stage filtration.

3. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit

fluval spec v aquarium kit
Our #3 Pick

The Fluval Spec Aquarium is ideal for offices and children’s rooms. This product with an aluminum finish combines style and functionality. A powerful circulation pump with a 3-stage filter system provides more than enough filtration to maintain ultra-pure water. 

This aquarium looks modern and stylish and is also great for keeping betta fish. The model will fit nicely into small rooms and will please the owner. One side of the tank has a separate chamber to accommodate the pump and filtration system. Also, the product has extra space for any equipment you want to use.

The kit also includes a bright, suspended LED lighting system. Thirty-seven diodes, bending over the aquarium, cover almost the entire length of the tank. The 3-stage filtration system is quiet and efficient, making the tank very easy to clean.

Features:

  • Stylish, contemporary etched-glass aquarium with aluminum trim.
  • Powerful circulation pump with adjustable output nozzle.
  • The system is simple to set up and maintain.
  • Includes all the necessary filter media, including a porous foam block.

Pros

Cons

  • Full starter kit.
  • Simple design.
  • Reasonable price.
  • Many reported issues with the lighting system.

Summary:  The system includes all the necessary filter materials, ensuring efficient and thorough mechanical, chemical and biological filtration.

4. Marina LED Aquarium Kit

marina led aquarium kit
#1 Value

This 5-gallon, all-glass aquarium features a built-in canopy. Also included is a long-lasting LED module with the effect of natural daylight.
To keep the fish healthy, the tank has an aqua plus water conditioner that makes tap water safe for fish. The product is sold with a net and a guide to care.

This aquarium is an excellent choice for beginners who want to start their aquarist’s journey with keeping betta fish. The kit includes all the necessary equipment to get started. Also, the kit consists of a guide to care for beginners. This guide describes how to set up and maintain the aquarium and feed the fish.

The aquarium is sold with a powerful and quiet filter that does not take up much space and keeps your tank clean. Bright LED lights create natural daylight so that you can light up your fish, plants, and decorations.

Features:

  • Comes with everything needed for your first fish tank.
  • 5-gallon glass aquarium starter kit.
  • Marina’s slim, S20 clip-on aquarium filter keeps your water clear and uses quick-change filter cartridges.

Pros

Cons

  • The lighting module is incorporated into the fish tank’s canopy.
  • Amazing kit for the price.
  • Long-lasting, natural daylight effect LED aquarium.
  • The bright light may easily irritate the fish.

Summary: the kit Is ideal for novice aquarists. This product is equipped with everything that a novice aquarist might need.

5. Aqueon LED 8.75 Gallon Shrimp Aquarium Kit

aqueon led gallon shrimp aquarium kit-min
Great Concept

Aqueon designer kit allows you to enjoy the beauty of your own underwater world. This product has an angled glass top that provides an unobstructed view from top to bottom. The built-in filter includes a medium-carbon cartridge and a unique, removable, pre-filtration protective sponge. 

For the lush growth of living plants, the aquarium kit includes a lamp with 60 bright LEDs. Such lighting will stimulate the growth of plants. This product is sold with 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of a substrate, a water conditioner bag, and an aquarium setup guide with plant recommendations. This kit really includes everything you need to start taking care of your aquarium.

Features:

  • The package includes 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of a substrate, water conditioner sachet, etc.
  • This glass aquarium features an angle top pane of glass, allowing for unobstructed top-down view.

Pros

Cons

  • Water conditioner sachet.
  • Aquarium setup guide.
  • Offers a truly unique viewing experience.
  • The front silicone is not aesthetically pleasing.

Summary: This kit includes everything you need to run the aquarium. 

6. biOrb Cube 30 Aquarium with LED

biorb cube 30 aquarium with led
#1 Translucent

The unique design and straight lines provide the aquarist with a complete overview of all the aquarium elements, including its population. The 8-gallon aquarium is available in several colors: white, black, and transparent. 

LED lighting from 30 modern elements illuminates the interior of the aquarium well. It is also equipped with an aquarium water filtration system. Thanks to this system, the care is only to replace the filter cartridge every 4 weeks and make a water change. The product walls are acrylic, more robust material than glass, and have a 2-year warranty.

Thanks to its clean facets, this model provides an unobstructed view of the inhabitants of your aquarium. Open space allows you to come up with the most sophisticated decorations, giving freedom to creativity.

This beautiful aquarium features a standard white LED light with an easy on/off switch. The proven filtration system does its job perfectly — you will only need to replace the filter cartridge every four weeks and change a third of the water. 

Features:

  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Modern approach on a traditional shape.
  • Unobstructed view of your aquarium inhabitants.

Pros

Cons

  • Made from a solid, sturdy, non-toxic material.
  • Well designed.
  • Easy feeding access.
  • Requires more filtration.

Summary: The biOrb cube 30 aquarium offers a new vision of the familiar shape. Provides the aquarist with a broad overview of what is happening in the aquarium.

7. Aqueon Kit Mini Bow Led 5 Gal

aqueon kit mini bow led white 5 gal
Great Quality

Aquael aquarium kit has a stylish compact design. The filtering process doesn’t make much noise, and the aqueous helps maintain a healthy aquarium system. Also, this aquarium is perfect for one beta fish or several tropical fish.

The stylish design gives a bit of quirkiness. Also, the streamlined shape of the aquarium will blend in with almost any decor. On top of the tank lid, there is a hole that opens for feeding fish. This product is equipped with a built-in LED light that can be turned off at night so that the fish can fall asleep.

The filter that is sold in the kit is equipped with the Aqueon Quiet Flow filtration system. You will need to buy replacement filter cartridges for the entire life of the fish.

Features:

  • Comes with a complete guide with clear instructions for easy setup — for beginners and hobbyists alike.
  • Compact enough to fit into smaller areas, like a desktop or dorm room.
  • The ideal size for a single betta fish or small tropical fish.

Pros

Cons

  • Compact.
  • Easy to set up and maintain.
  • Contemporary design.
  • Too strong a filter for some.

Summary: These tanks are compact enough to fit in small spaces, such as a work desk or dorm room.

8. Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit, Energy Efficient LEDs

tetra crescent acrylic aquarium kite energy efficient leds
#1 with Filter

The aquarium’s top cover comprises transparent and durable material and has several holes for feeding or servicing the aquarium. The tank is equipped with a water pump and a high-quality filter to clean and maintain water in its pure form.

The filter system and pump are supplied with the aquarium. The quality of water filtration is ensured by the unique Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit filtration system. Also, this system uses activated carbon to remove odors, impurities, and excess components from water. Installation and configuration instructions for the filter system are included with the aquarium.

The excellent filter built into the aquarium uses a 3-step filtration process. Thanks to this, the water remains clean. The filter works as quietly as possible.

Also, the kit includes ultra-activated carbon, which is excellent at removing odors and discoloration. Hidden LED lights will illuminate your tank with bright white light. A flip-down plastic cover provides easy access to the tank for maintenance.

Features:

  • A small size is perfect for a bedroom, living room, or dorm room.
  • Offers unobstructed viewing of your underwater environment.
  • Bright-white, energy-efficient LED lights are hidden inside the low-profile black cover.

Pros

Cons

  • Come in multiple sizes.
  • Modern design.
  • Comes with a mechanical pump.
  • A complimentary filter breaks down quickly.

Summary: Comes complete with a state-of-the-art, activated carbon water filtration system.

9. Penn Plax 2 Gallon Prism Nano Aquarium Kit, Black

penn plax 2 gallon prism nano aquarium kit, black
Powerful LED Light

This model is equipped with a crystal clear plastic case. The tank also has a built-in, quiet-power filtration system. A powerful LED lamp with 18 low-voltage lamps will safely and efficiently illuminate.

It is excellent for keeping betta fish. Thanks to its cubic design, you can install it on your desk at work or in your home office. The curved glass of this tank allows you to enjoy all the beauty of your underwater homeworld. Any fish you choose to live in the aquarium will be safe and thrive with proper care.

This model is sold complete with all the necessary equipment. The product is made of glass and has a hinged water filter and a thermometer. It is quite strong and has a lid; therefore, the fish can not jump out of the aquarium.

Features:

  • Ideal size for any office, school, dorm room or home.
  • Comes with everything you need except your personal decor touches.
  • Includes integrated filtration system and powerful LED light.

Pros

Cons

  • Excellent fish tank for novice aquarists.
  • Includes a 2-gallon glass tank.
  • 18 bulbs LED light shines brightly through the plastic.
  • The filter is too strong.

Summary: Great for any novice aquarist. Beauty and functionality in one aquarium!

10. biOrb Flow Aquarium

The biorb Flow aquarium has a 5-stage filtration system. Also, this tank stabilizes and saturates the water with oxygen. The built-in LED indicator saturates the aquarium with natural light. It allows your fish to thrive and grow. 

This product comes in black or white. It also has easy access for feeding. Don’t forget to close it so that your fish doesn’t jump out.

The air-driven filtration system generates a powerful stream of water. This supports oxygen saturation. The circular flow collects all the waste, passes it through the filter and then releases fresh oxygenated water.

All remaining waste ends up in the sponge cartridge. The water then passes through resin particles and natural stabilizers to remove toxic substances and maintain a constant pH level.

Features:

  • Low voltage — all biOrb aquariums operate from a 12V transformer.
  • Interesting advanced filtration — featuring a 5-stage filtration design.
  • Acrylic construction.

Pros

Cons

  • Modern and attractive design.
  • Easy to set up.
  • LED lighting included.
  • Access is tight for maintenance.

Summary: The BiOrb Flow Aquarium with LED is made using acrylic. This material is 10 times stronger than glass; it is also 93% transparent and 50% lighter.

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

Final Thought: Which Betta Tank Is the Best?

Our choice is the 5-gallon MarineLand Kit with LED lighting. This aquarium combines excellent design and has many practical functions. Particular attention should be paid to the function of switching between day and moon LED lighting. The tank size is large enough to make your fish feel comfortable and small enough to contain them.

The sliding canopy makes it easy to feed fish and clean up. The 3-stage filtration system is hidden in a compartment at the back of the tank and provides an adjustable flow rate.

READ MORE: Betta Fish Tank Mates

best fish tank for betta fishImage by @yancabrera from Pixabay

Buying Guide — Features to Look For

Form

The optimal shape is rectangular because the maintenance of this shape aquarium is more straightforward, especially for beginners (try to clean the algae from the walls of a round jar, and you will understand how difficult this task is). It is more challenging to choose equipment for aquariums of non-standard shape.

Volume

Here, you need to consider the required “living space” for each betta fish and think about the future. It is possible that, after a while, you will not want to limit yourself to only 3-5 fish. And if you set the scenery and plant plants, the free space will be too small for even such “Spartans” as Pisces betta to feel comfortable. If the possibilities allow, buy an aquarium with a margin of 25-50 in volume percentage.

Features

Aquariums made of Plexiglass are less preferable because this material is too “tender.” Its surface is easily scratched, even if you are very careful. Sellers can praise its quality as much as they want, but this material is not suitable for entry-level aquarists. And even Vushop specialists who carry out professional maintenance of aquariums admit that they find it more challenging working with such banks. [2]

Betta is an exotic fish that likes a lot of light and warmth. [1] That is why it is recommended to have high-quality lighting and water heating so that your fish are comfortable. At average temperatures, which are sufficient for other inhabitants, betta fish are pretty cold, become less active, and their health deteriorates. Even considering that betta fish are unpretentious, regular maintenance of the aquarium is required, particularly water substitution, pH control, mineral substances, and algae control.

Large volume tanks are not required. It is optimal to choose an aquarium with the calculation of 5 gallons (18.93 l) per 1 betta. This is enough to make your fish as comfortable as possible, grow well and be playful. And, as you know, the proper environmental conditions have an extremely positive effect, even on the color of fish, so you should be as aware of this as possible. 

The main thing is to maintain bio-balance. Tropical fish are more sensitive to the environment than others. That is why your main task is to keep optimal living conditions by all means. This applies to the water temperature, lighting, and concentration of oxygen, nitrates, etc. Even better, if you have a few plants and snails, you get a double effect: the plants will release oxygen, and the snails will eat algae so that the water does not bloom. [3]

However, small aquariums still require special attention, as changes in water composition, temperature, and stress factors are very pronounced in aquariums with a volume of fewer than 20 gallons (75.71 l). With a curious mind, patience, and diligence, you can also create a beautiful and, most importantly, healthy nano-environment. This article will tell you how to achieve these results.

READ MORE: Tropical Fish Tank Temperature

What to Avoid When Choosing Betta Fish Tanks?

There are often disputes about the size of the aquarium for betta fish. This topic has been a hot topic of debate among aquarists for many years and not without reason. Compact size is suitable for those who do not have space for a large model or organize a small living area at their workplace. But, undoubtedly, this is not the most excellent place to keep most fish.

It is easy to disrupt the biological balance in a small volume of water, and it is challenging to keep the hydrochemical parameters within acceptable limits. So, in nano-aquariums, the probability of fish death is high.

However, it is fair to say that technology in the aquarium industry is developing no less rapidly than in other sectors, and it is incorrect to compare, for example, nano-aquariums of the ’90s with modern ones.

Much new equipment has been introduced, ranging from LED lights to electronic water quality monitoring systems and nanoparticle filtration systems that allow all 3 filtration stages. Innovations have made nano-aquariums less susceptible to sudden fluctuations in water quality.

However, they can still only be recommended to experienced aquarists. [4]

What Size Tank Does a Betta Fish Need?

One betta fish needs a rectangular or cubic aquarium with a volume of 5-gallons or more for a comfortable life, and the height of the aquarium should not exceed its width. A cover or cover glass is required. A filter and heater are also needed.

Females can be kept together. Most conflicts occur when new, adult fish are introduced. The aquarium for females should have a cover or cover glass and shelter.

What to Put in a Betta Fish Tank?

A pet store or market offers both artificial and live plants. Plastic does not require lighting and other care, but it does not contribute to maintaining bio balance, can cause injuries and exceptionally long fins. Low-quality products can release harmful substances into the water.

Live plants help establish and maintain biological balance. They look natural. But they need light; even not too whimsical species need 5-8 hours of light. Moderate lighting will suit mosses, ferns, etc.

Betta is a tropical fish, so it definitely needs a heater. The temperature of the betta fish content is from 75,2 °F to 82,4 °F. Aquarium heaters are equipped with thermoregulations, but the readings are not always accurate. Therefore, it is better to install a thermometer for additional control.

It is advisable to install a weak internal filter, turning the flute and setting it so that the current is weak. Water aeration is not required — labyrinth plants, including betta, use atmospheric air for breathing.

Natural (solar) lighting is not recommended, because it promotes algae development and causes healthy temperature changes. The light should not be too bright. If necessary, you can shade about a third of the aquarium surface with floating plants.

Do not use natural seashells or corals as decorations and exclude items with sharp edges and protrusions. It is advisable to cover the aquarium with a glass lid/cover or fill the aquarium with water — not to the brim so that the betta fish does not jump out. [5]

READ MORE: Best Aquarium Decorations

what to put in a betta fish tankImage by @ruksutakarn from FreePik

FAQ

ᐉ Do betta fish prefer small tanks?

Indeed, betta fish need less space than other fish. In nature, these fish can survive almost in puddles when the streams dry up in the dry season. However, the standard size of the aquarium for this fish should be 5-gallons or more.

ᐉ What do bettas like in their tank?

These fish like warm water. Betta fish, especially males, are aggressive. You can use blood worms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and specialized betta pellets to feed these fish.

ᐉ Can betta fish live in a tank with a filter?

Betta fish can live without a filter but use one. However, to maintain health, it is recommended to use a sponge filter.

ᐉ How to set up a fish tank for a betta?

Preparation of the aquarium for betta fish takes place in several stages: 

  • Wash the aquarium without soap
  • Install filters
  • Add gravel 
  • Install plants and decorations
  • Cover with water
  • Turn on the filter and install the heater

Article Sources:

  1. Monvises, Adisorn, et al. “The Siamese Fighting Fish: Well-Known Generally but Little-Known Scientifically.” ResearchGate, Mar. 2009, researchgate.net/publication/228489120_The_Siamese_fighting_fish_Well-known_generally_but_little-known_scientifically.
  2. “Guidelines Released for Keeping Fighters.” Practical Fishkeeping, 17 Apr. 2019, practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/fishkeeping-news/guidelines-released-for-keeping-fighters/.
  3. Milner, Written. “Ideal Water Temperature for Betta Fish.” The Aquarium Club, 24 Oct. 2017, theaquarium.club/water-temperature-for-betta-fish/.
  4. Rehm, Jeremy. “Betta Fish: The Dazzling Siamese Fighting Fish.” LiveScience, 4 Oct. 2019, livescience.com/betta-fish.html.
  5. Ramos, A. “Artificial Selection for Male Winners in the Siamese Fighting Fish Betta Splendens Correlates with High Female Aggression.” Frontiers in Zoology, 8 Aug. 2019, frontiersinzoology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12983-019-0333-x.