Betta Fish Need Special Accommodations to Thrive—Here Are An Aquatic Veterinarian’s Favorites (2024)

Updated on 10/29/23

The Fluval SPEC 5-gallon aquarium kit was designed with bettas in mind. It provides an ideal environment, taking into consideration a betta fish’s anatomy and swimming ability. The filter outflow is directed along the long axis of the tank, decreasing the flow that could push your betta around. Many bettas like resting up against the filter intake, which is not damaging at all and provides them with additional nap spots.

All of the high quality Fluval filter media comes included with this kit, and even has a spot designed to add in a heater, the only component not included in this kit. These tanks are well designed and sturdy enough to last for many betta fish generations. We recommend these kits to all of our clients looking to upgrade their betta or adopt a new one.

There is a smaller unit of this kit, but at 2.6 gallons, the filter outflow can be a little bit rough and your betta will appreciate the extra space. Check out our other recommendation for a nano tank below. Overall, the price may be a little daunting for “just a betta,” but you will get more than your money’s worth and your next 3-4 generations of bettas will have an exceptional home to call their own.

_{Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.5 x 11.6 inches | Materials: Glass sides, plastic housing | Colors: Black, white | Gallon Capacity: 5 gallons | Included Accessories: Lid, LED light, foam sponge, carbon filter, ceramic media}

If you’re looking to get your betta housed with all the accessories on a budget, check out the Aquaeon Aquarium Fish Tank Starter Kit. This 10-gallon system is an excellent choice for a betta and includes a heater, filter and lid for under $100. The filter media is not high quality, but can be easily swapped out for any standard sponge filter cut to the correct size.

Setting up this aquarium and all its components is very easy and it can be ready for your new betta within a couple of hours. All you need is to add some betta-friendly décor and you’re ready to welcome in your new pet. You will need to obtain a higher quality thermometer to ensure your heater is working correctly, which is strongly encouraged for all heated fish tanks, both fresh and saltwater. Overall, this aquarium kit is a great price point and well suited to house a betta fish.

_{Dimensions: 23.88 x 12.75 x 13.88 inches | Materials: Glass aquarium, plastic lid | Colors: Clear with black | Gallon Capacity: 10 gallons | Included Accessories: Lid, LED lights, filter with media, heater, stick on thermometer, net, sample size water conditioner and fish flakes}

The 15-gallon Fluval Flex Aquarium Kit is the ultimate betta fish tank. With its high-quality filter, integrated and programmable lights and large volume, this is the tank that cultivates happy bettas. Make all your other fish jealous by providing the ultimate betta fish tank.

This 15-gallon tank is not too large for your fish and allows for lots of décor options and room to swim comfortably without snagging delicate fins. The Fluval Flex comes with high quality filter media, including a sponge, carbon, and ceramic media. The LED lights built into the lid are programmable and come with an easy to use remote. Yes, it is a more expensive option, but the high quality and multiple features make this a high value system. Your betta will thank you.

_{Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 15 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing |Colors: Clear tank with black lid and housing | Gallon Capacity: 15 gallons | Included Accessories: Lid with integrated/programmable LED lights, filter media (sponge, carbon, ceramic media), pump}

At only 11.75 inches at its largest dimension, the Aquatop Venti 5-gallon aquarium will give your betta a quality home with a small footprint. The biggest complaint about this tank is the noisy air pump. Without a standard filter, this tank relies on air lift technology to run filtration using just air flow. This is not ideal for many fish species but will work fine for one betta. If you cannot stand the noise from the included model, here are some other options to try.

The use of air lift filtration allows for the filter flow to be very low, which is ideal for betta fish. These filters tend to become clogged more often than traditional, higher-flow filters, so you will need to clean them more regularly. This aquarium kit provides a one-way check valve for your aerator setup which is critical to preventing back siphoning if your air pump fails. Always keep your air pump above your aquarium’s water line to prevent your tank from accidentally siphoning dry.

_{Dimensions: 8 x 11.75 x 11.75 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing | Colors: Clear tank with black case | Gallon Capacity: 5 gallons | Included Accessories: Air pump, filter cartridges, check valve, lid, LED light}

Want to give your betta an upgrade? Then you need a 10-gallon oasis, and the Marina Aquarium 10-Gallon Kit is a great choice. This solid glass tank includes a solid lid with built in light, soft, betta-safe net and decent filter. You can ditch the stick-on thermometer for an in-tank model, grab a heater and some décor of your choice and move your betta right in.

Does my betta really want a larger fish tank? Yes! What fish doesn’t like more room to swim and explore? The 10-gallon Marina Aquarium Kit is an excellent option to upgrade a smaller tank for your betta. With a few modifications and additional equipment options, your betta will be settled in no time.

_{Dimensions: 20 x 10 x 12 inches | Materials: Glass tank, plastic lid | Colors: Clear with black lid | Gallon Capacity: 10 gallons | Included Accessories: Filter, lid with built in LED lighting, water conditioner, bacteria support, stick-on thermometer, small (4-inch) net}

If you want a betta and are very low on space, consider the Fluval Betta 2.6-gallon tank. Like the other Fluval tanks on this list, this tank includes high quality filter media and a heater. The low flow pump was included specifically for betta fish in mind and even has an additional baffle on the effluent to keep currents slow.

Keep in mind that a nano system will require more cleaning and maintenance due to the low water volume. If you do not have time for weekly or twice a week maintenance, get a larger system. It can be very easy to over-decorate a small tank, which can cause tears in your betta fins. Small volume tanks are also more susceptible to temperature swings, which can be very harmful to your betta’s health.

_{Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 9 inches | Materials: Glass tank with plastic housing | Colors: Clear tank with black housing | Gallon Capacity: 2.6 gallons | Included Accessories: Pre-set heater, lid, small LED light, filter media (sponge, carbon, ceramic), pump with foam baffle}

Final Verdict

Overall, the Fluval SPEC 5-gallon Aquarium Kit is the model we recommend to all our betta clients in our unique all-aquatic veterinary practice. It comes with everything you need except a heater and décor, which can easily be added and customized to whatever your betta desires. If you have the room and a little extra in your budget, upgrade to the 15-gallon Fluval Flex. This will give your betta lots of room to explore with excellent filtration and fun lights to enjoy.

FAQ

• What is the best size for a betta tank?

  The best size tank for a betta fish is the biggest you can fit in your space. What fish doesn’t like having more room to swim, more places to hang out and territory to call their own? Just because a betta, or any fish for that matter, could do okay in a small space does not mean that they wouldn’t do better in a larger space. The more water your fish has, the easier the tank is to maintain and the healthier and happier your fish will be.

• What are suitable tank mates for a betta fish?

  Betta fish do not often play well with others of their same species. Two betta males should never be kept in the same tank, or even within eyesight of each other. Betta females can be kept together, but some can be aggressive and bully other in their tank. Only bring a male and female together if you are looking to breed them.

  Tank mates for bettas should be small, tropical fish who get along well in a community setting. Here are some suitable tank mates for your betta fish:

  Neon Tetra

  Corydora

  Rasbora

  Congo Tetra

  Plecostomus

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