Top 5 Best Betta Fish Tank & Detailed Review Guide
1. Introduction to Betta Fish Keeping
So you are new to fish keeping? Or did you just win one of those fish from the local fair or carnival and are now looking for a fish tank? Regardless of how you ended up here, you are here, and we welcome you! Choosing the right tank for your Betta fish be scary, especially if it is your first fish… but you are in luck; together, we will review some of the best fish tanks for Betta fish on the market so you can determine what is right for your new buddy. Choosing the right fish tank can make a world of difference from the perspective of Betta fish care. Betta fish, or Siamese fighting fish, are sought out for their colorful display and elegant flowing fins. Amidst their beauty, these fish do require a specific type of environment to thrive. In this article, we will dive into the world of Betta fish. We will review the top five fish tanks on the market today that provide the ideal living conditions for any Betta.
2. A Brief History of Betta Fish
Betta fish are native to Southeast Asia and have a history as vibrant as their colors. Initially coming from shallow waters, warm waters of rice paddies(a shallow body of water used for growing rice), ponds, and streams, they have been loved for their beauty and unique behavior. Interestingly enough, Betta fish can breathe air! That's right; they can breathe air directly from the water's surface due to an organ called the labyrinth. This is a remarkable adaptation caused by their oxygen-deprived habitats.
In the 19th century, Betta fish were bred in Siam (now Thailand) for their aggressive fighting spirit. As they became well-known, breeders began to focus more and more on their array of colors and long-flowing fins. Today Betta fish are perfect pets around the world and come in a multitude of mesmerizing color scheme.
Paddies Field in South East Asia.
3. What Makes The Best Betta Fish Tank?
While many beginner aquarists keep Betta fish in small bowls, they must understand that they need specific conditions to live a happy and healthy life. Below are the 6 major factors that make for the best Betta fish tank selection.
The Absolute Best Betta Fish Tank Size:
Unlike in the bedroom ;) This is one place where size does matter. While Betta fish are relatively small, most not growing more than 3 inches, they are surprisingly active and very curious. They enjoy having room to swim, explore, and engage with the fishbtank and its owner. A common myth is that Bettas can thrive in tiny containers or a fish bowl due to their natural environment, like shallow paddies and ponds. However, this is not true; you see, these environments are part of a vast, interconnected water system that is constantly moving and has lots of live plants to help filter and oxygenate the water, unlike a small or isolated pool. A 5 gallon tank will give the Betta sufficient swimming space along with a larger water volume. This can help maintain stable water conditions. Smaller amounts of water can quickly accumulate harmful waste like ammonia and also experience drastic temperature fluctuations. These can both be detrimental to your Betta's health. Remember, no fish bowl.
The Best Betta Fish Tank Shape:
These tiny Betta fish possess a unique organ known as the labyrinth(which we covered earlier). This allows them to breathe air directly from the water's surface and not through their gills like a normal fish. This is an adaptation from their natural habitat, where the water is often poorly oxygenated. Because of this strange surface-breathing behavior, Bettas prefer fish tank that are wider than they are tall. A large surface area ensures they can easily swim to the top to breathe. This also provides more horizontal swimming space, which is a lot closer to their natural environment.
Ideal Filter Setup:
KEEP THE WATER CLEAN! While the filter is crucial to maintain water cleanliness and oxygenation, it is also important to note that Betta fish aren't strong swimmers! Their long, flowing fins are more for display than strong swimming. High-flow filters can create strong water currents that make it difficult for Bettas to swim against, this can lead to exhaustion and stress. Therefore, a low-flow or adjustable filter is the best route in a Betta Fish tank. Some filters are specifically designed for Betta fish tanks, with gentle flow rates that won't disturb these delicate Betta fish.
Ideal Heater Requirements For Most Tropical Fish:
Just like you enjoy a nice cozy home or a nice heated blanket, Bettas love it warm. Betta fish are tropical creatures originating from warm Southeast Asia. To thrive, they need a consistent water temperature between 76-80 degrees Fahrenheit, and I highly doubt your home is 76-80 degrees! Temperatures outside this range can lead to lethargy, decreased immunity, and in some severe cases, can be fatal. This is why a reliable, adjustable aquarium heater can help keep your little guy comfortable. Note: A thermometer is also helpful in monitoring the temperature regularly. The last thing you want is for a heater to stop working and you don't know until it's too late!
Lid and Cover Requirements For Jumping Fish:
THEY CAN JUMP! An often overlooked detail is a fish tank lid or cover. Bettas are known jumpers; this is another adaptation from their natural habitat, allowing them to move from pond to pond. Without a secure cover, you risk your Betta leaping out of the fish tank. A leap that they will not survive.
The Best LED Lights and Decorations For Fish Tanks:
You like your pretty new Betta, right? RIGHT? Well, if you do, then make sure you consider a good LED light source. Bettas do not require specialized led lighting; however, a quality aquarium led light can help accentuate their vibrant colors and can also support live plant growth. Live plants not only enhance your fish tank's aesthetics but can also maintain water quality by absorbing nitrates, they also give fish good hiding places. Silk plants can also be a good alternative as they don't have any sharp edges like plastic ones, which can damage your Betta's delicate fins.
4. Top 5 Betta Fish Tank
Here are our top five picks for Betta-friendly fish tanks:
1. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit: $115.98
This is a nice 5-gallon fish tank with a high-output LED lighting system that perfectly showcases your Betta's colors! It has a powerful, three-stage filtration system with adjustable flow, which ensures clean and clear water. The fish tank is also elongated and gives the Betta plenty of horizontal swimming space.
2. Marina LED Aquarium Kit: $47.05
Marina offers this model in several sizes, giving good upgrade options, with the larger ones being perfect for Bettas. The kit includes a clip-on filter with adjustable flow and an LED lighting module in the canopy. The wide design and range of sizes make it an excellent choice for these fish.
3. Aqueon LED MiniBow Aquarium Starter Kit: $82.97
A compact fish tank for desks or small spaces, this kit includes a quiet-flow filter and an LED-lit hood. Although it's small (under 5 gallon tank), the Aqueon MiniBow provides an acceptable environment for a Betta if maintained properly and regularly.
4. Hygger Horizon 8 Gallon Aquarium Kit: $139.00
This kit really stands out due to its unique convex design for wide-angle viewing. Not only does It come with an adjustable filter, and heater, but a daylight and moonlight LED lights fixture. The 8 gallon fish tank provides plenty of swimming room for your Betta to thrive.
5. Penn Plax Vertex Desktop Aquarium Kit: $79.00
This 2.7 gallon fish tank is the smallest on our list and similar in size to a fish bowl. This is why it comes in at number 5. But if you are tight on counter space, it could still be a great choice. It has a sleek, modern design which makes it ideal for people with limited space. It also comes with a unique bent glass design and a frameless top for quality viewing. Note that with small fish tanks like this, regular maintenance is crucial as harmful toxins will build up much more quickly and could put your Betta at risk. Having a larger fish tank can also help with the nitrogen cycle when you are first starting out.
5. Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You made it to the end! Give yourself a pat on the back. I genuinely hope you learned something here in regards to overall fish keeping but, more importantly, Betta keeping. These factors that we have covered above are highly important and will significantly impact the health and well being of your Betta. By looking at factors prior to making a decision, you can foster an environment that mimics the natural habitat of Betta fish and set yourself up for success. The five best fish tanks for Betta fish highlighted in this article offer an excellent starting point to ensure your Betta thrives.
Remember, no matter the fish tank you choose, regular water changes and maintenance are paramount to keeping your Betta fish healthy. Happy fish-keeping!
