What not to buy
Before we look at the best tanks, we'd just like to mention betta homes that are inadequate.
You may see photos of setups where a betta appears happy and healthy in a small container such as a vase, small bowl or a cup. But you should not keep a betta in one of these.
In fact, you really shouldn’t keep your betta in anything less than 19 litres if you want to be certain it's happy. We cover this topic in more detail in our post on the minimum tank size for a betta.
The problem with keeping a betta in something like a bowl or vase is that it makes it really hard to maintain the quality of the water. Water changes would need to be done very often, and the only way to combat this would be with a filter.
Even then, unless the vessel was particularly large, a filter would not be a good idea as it would leave even less room for the little guy to swim around comfortably.
The current of the filter would also cause stress in such a small container. You can read about this more in our betta care section.
What makes a good betta aquarium?
We’re going to cover some of the best aquariums for these little guys, ranging in affordability.
All of them at least meet what we regard as the minimum tank size for a betta, but some are specifically manufactured to be more comfortable.
We also have an article that talks you through setting up your own betta tank, which can save money if done correctly.
People who have the most success with betta keeping usually have a set-up that includes:
- A container / tank (usually glass) of between 20 and 40 litres (sometimes more)
- A light (UV or LED) above the aquarium
- A filter (read our post on filters)
- A heater
- A lid
A good aquarium will include all the items listed above as a minimum.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE: There are aquariums on the market that state they are ‘made for bettas’ or are ‘good for bettas’, but these manufactures are usually cheap and haven’t taken into account the anatomy of a betta. For example, we have come across aquariums ‘made for bettas’ that don’t even have a lid. This is a basic must-have for betta aquariums. There’s always a risk that a betta will leap out of its aquarium. If not found in time, they could dry up and die. If you purchase an aquarium like this, you’ll find yourself having to buy a filter, heater or a lid sometime in the future anyway.
Betta Aquariums We Recommend:
We wouldn’t like to say that any one aquarium in particular is the ‘best betta tank’, but we’ve listed some of the best options available for you to choose from, and noted what’s good about them. The good thing about all the tanks below is that they are easy to clean, even if you don’t have much experience as a betta keeper. You can read more about tank maintenance in our cleaning guide.
Where available we have linked to the tanks on Amazon. For those that don’t include links, they weren’t available on Amazon at the time of writing, but you may be able to find them else where if you do a Google search.
The Fluval ‘Spec’ 19L
- 5 Gallons
- Built-in filter
- Built-in LED light
The Fluval Spec comes in 2 different sizes (10L or 19L), but we highly recommend the 19L. The 19L model is the more popular version. It comes with a carbon / sponge filter, LED light and a moon light switch. Also, we don’t recommend keeping a betta in anything less than 19L, so we feel the 10L might not do a great job for betta keeping.
You may notice that there is a gap in the lid on the Fluval Spec. While we have recommended that a betta tank is not left uncovered, the gap in the tank is covered by the light, so it isn’t an issue.
NOTE: this aquarium does NOT come with a built-in heater. You can find more info in our betta heating section. The reason this aquarium is popular is that a small heater can easily be added to the aquarium, either in the filter compartment or the open section. We added an Aqua One Nano Heater 25W to ours without any issue.
There’s actually a great website, Spec-Tanks, dedicated to modifying Fluval Spec aquariums should you wish to customise the Fluval Spec further. You can check Spec-Tanks out here.
Bettas don’t like a strong current. This aquarium is great as the current is adjustable on the filter. The filter head is also adjustable too.
This aquarium is available in some fish stores and online.
Aqueon Aquarium Starter Kit
- 10 Gallons
- FIlter
- Built-in LED light
- Heater
Probably one of the best 'out of the box' aquarium kits available online coming with a filter, heater and is a roomy 10 gallons - essential components for keeping a healthy betta.
It's one of the more affordable 5+ gallon aquariums online, especially considering what it offers.
You also have the option of swapping out the filter and heater if you want to as they are not built-in.
One of the downsides is that the medium in the filter can't be easily adjusted or interchanged (read more about what this means on our Filtration page) and specific cartridges replacements will need to purchased for the filter every month.
If purchasing cartridges is not an issue for you then this is a great option if you're a beginner.
Tetra Aquarium 20 Gallon Fish Tank Kit
- 20 Gallons
- FIlter
- Built-in LED light
- Heater
- Water Conditioner
- Aquarium Decoration
Again, this is one of the best 'out of the box' aquarium kits available online. We find Tetra to be reliable brand so you can expect this kit to perform well.
It comes with a filter, heater and a number of other items that you'll need like water conditioner and aquarium plants.
Just to be clear, the aquarium plants are fake. The fake plants it comes with are a nice mix if you aren't too fussed about choosing aquarium decor yourself.
The roomy 20 gallons will limit any health risks that may affect your betta as the more water the merrier.
Like the Aqueon starter kit above, you have the option of swapping out the filter and heater as they are not built-in.
One downside is that the medium in the filter can't be easily adjusted or interchanged.
If you do go for this aquarium, we don't recommend using the included flake food. Instead, have a look at the options we suggest in our feeding guide.
MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Glass LED Aquarium Kit
- 5 Gallons
- FIlter
- Built-in LED light
A compact and affordable all-in-one aquarium, this is a reasonable option if you plan to keep just 1 betta fish.
Like the Fluval Spec, the built-in filter does allow you to easily interchange the media, unlike a filter that takes cartridges.
The light this aquarium comes with is also good for keeping a wide-range of hardy aquarium plants.
NOTE: this aquarium does NOT come with a built-in heater. You can find more info in our betta heating section. You will need to acquire a heater for your betta if you purchase this aquarium.
Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon
- 5 Gallons
- FIlter
- 18W Colored led Light
When it comes to size, style and aesthetic for the price, the Hygger gets our thumbs up.
This set up comes with a brilliant light which is great if you want to keep a range of live aquarium plants.
The filter is not built-in and can be removed, but is not that easy to replace. The filter design will allow you to interchange media, but not as easily as some of the other models above.
NOTE: this aquarium does NOT come with a lid.
We recommend a lid with every betta aquarium as betta have the capability of leaping out of the water — something that they only do when they are stressed.
8 US gallons is plenty of room for a 1 betta, some may argue this counteracts not having a lid as the volume of the aquarium will minimise the chance of stress. We would rather be safe than sorry, though.
This LED light does cover a portion the aquarium, but the surface is still subsequently exposed enough for a betta to easily exit the water.
A workaround may be to simply purchase a lid separately. We've used egg crate (like this on Amazon) as a lid replacement before.
It's can be easily snapped together and parted to fit the top of the aquarium, but may change the sleek look of the aquarium.
A sheet of glass as a lid may be a slicker look. Still, it all comes down to personal preference.
NOTE: this aquarium does NOT come with a built-in heater. You can find more info in our betta heating section. You will need to acquire a heater for your betta if you purchase this aquarium.
Plain Glass Tank
- 7.1 Gallon
DIY Aquariums
You may simply want to get a plain tank and add all the components yourself!
We recommend this 7.1 gallon glass tank on Amazon if so.
As part of our Premium Membership, we offer a video series on setting up and maintaining your own betta tank. For that we use a plain glass tank very similar to the one recommended above.
You can learn more about our premium membership here.
Assembling your own aquarium can sometimes be the more affordable option, and it is rewarding knowing that you’ve crafted your own setup. We also have a written guide that explains in detail how to set up your own betta tank.
You can buy an aquarium, heater, light and filter separately and create your own betta home. All of the compact set-ups above come with fancy lighting, but this isn’t strictly necessary if you’re not planning to keep live plants in your aquarium. That being said, housing a betta in one of the aquariums above might be less hassle for you and the betta if you are a beginner.
If you want to know more about what to add (filters, heaters etc.) head over to our betta care guide.
Can you Keep a betta without ‘maintenance technology’?
People like the idea of keeping a betta in an aquarium without any maintenance technology, AKA the old ‘goldfish in a bowl’ philosophy. Given the right conditions, this is possible, although it isn’t easy and it’s probably best for the betta if you use a more ‘complete’ set up. If you are going to proceed with minimal maintenance technology, there are some conditions that you must take into consideration.
Heaters
A consistent water quality and water temperature is vital.
If you feel the temperature of your betta aquarium can constantly sit between 74°F to 82°F then you may not need a heater. Most houses sit at room temperature, which is 70°F give or take. If water is left in a room at a temperature of 80°F, it will eventually cool down to room temperature in a matter of hours. So if an aquarium is left in a room of a standard temperature, the aquarium temp will be 70°F. You may have a room in your house that is particularly warm, for whatever reason. For example, some reptile keepers have reptile rooms which usually sit at quite a toasty temperature.
If you do decide to set up an aquarium without a heater, do check the temperature regularly (at least 5 times a day). Make sure it doesn’t fluctuate and stays at a good temperature. If this is not the case, add a heater.
Water
As much as bettas are hardy fish, they need to be kept in adequate water conditions . A filter is the best way of ensuring this. For 20 litres, we recommend a 50% water change every month. Even with regular water changes, it can still be hard to cycle the aquarium. A monthly water and cartridge change, with a filter, will ensure healthy water. For more info see our section on recommended betta water conditions.
A Lid
We highly recommend you have a covering on your betta tank.
You may have an aquarium set up without a lid or a hood or an overcover. The aquarium that we have doesn’t have a complete covering, there’s hole in the middle of the lid to allow the overhang light to shine through directly onto the surface of the aquarium water. However, vertically the aquarium is covered, so the betta won’t attempt to jump at any point. If the top of your aquarium is completely open, without any kind of light, mesh, hood or overhang, your betta may leap from the water.
We can’t stress this enough: a betta isn’t like your average goldfish. Betta are courageous and daring! Given the right opportunity and the right moment, they WILL leap from an aquarium, no matter where they might land. It sounds crazy, but it’s true.
