Betta Fish Aquariums

Sorting and searching through all of the different betta fish aquariums on the market can be a bit overwhelming. I know all that you want is to provide a perfect home for your pet betta fish.

You will hear people refer to what they house their bettas in as betta bowls, containers, tanks, and aquariums. You may not see it, but there is a difference in these listed here.

The betta bowl or container will be simple bowl or plastic container that does not have an aquarium heater, aquarium filter, or fish tank light. The betta fish tank averages between 1-5 gallons and may include basic fish tank equipment. The betta fish aquarium is the last category and the one we will discuss below.

The Betta Aquarium

The first characteristic of a betta aquarium is that it is larger than the betta bowl and betta tank. Betta aquariums generally are 5-gallon aquariums or larger. Second, these aquariums need to have a fish tank heater, aquarium light and hood, thermometer, and aquarium filter. You may be asking is purchasing a 5-gallon or larger tank really necessary for one betta? Well, no it is not required for one betta. But, I prefer to always go larger than what I think I want or need. Why you ask?

Well, down the road, you may want to try breeding your betta and raising your own fry. Maybe you will want to try adding Betta Tank Mates, or try your hand at aquascaping and customizing your aquarium with decorations.

So, what exactly should you look for in a high quality Betta Fish Aquarium?

Aquarium Size

So what is the perfect size freshwater aquarium for your betta fish? There is no perfect answer and it really depends on what will fit in your budget and your house. Now, you do not need a huge tank just for one betta. Most betta keepers keep their betta or betta pair in a 10-gallon aquarium. Other common aquarium sizes bettas are kept in are 15-gallon, 20-gallon, and 29-gallon aquariums.

Betta Aquarium Filters

The first thing you need to consider is the filtration needs for your aquarium and betta. Bettas also known as Siamese Fighting Fish have extravagant finnage and have a hard time swimming in strong flowing water. In their natural habitat, they live in shallow pools of water with very little water flow.

What we need to do is ensure that the aquarium filter is not too powerful. Too strong of a current will make it hard for your betta to swim and result in stress for your betta. When shopping for an aquarium filter, most aquarium filters sold on the market today will be recommended for certain size aquariums. The box may say something like "For use on a 10-20 gallon aquarium."

Personally, I prefer HOB (Hang Off the Back) power filters. These filters are easy to maintain and do a great job with mechanical filtration.

I highly recommend the AquaClear Aquarium Power Filters. I use these on several of my tanks and absolutely love them.

Another excellent power filter for an aquarium 10-20 gallons is the Marineland Penguin 100 BIO-Wheel Power Filter. I have been using these filters for several years and love the bio-wheel feature. Excellent mechanical and biological filtration.

Heaters for Your Betta

Keeping the water temperature consistent is very important to the health of your betta. The heater you select should be manufactured for your particular tank size.

I like to use submersible heaters in my tanks. I recommend you place your aquarium heater at least 3 inches from the bottom of the tank so that water can circulate around the heater. I have used the Visi-therm Deluxe Heater and the Ebo Jager Heater with great success.

Aquarium Kit or Build Your Own?

You have the option to choose an aquarium kit that includes all of the necessary equipment or you can purchase the actual aquarium tank and equipment separately. There are advantages to both, but I will recommend that if you are new to the hobby, and do have alot of experience with the equipment, you should purchase a kit to get started. You can always upgrade equipment later.

Recommended Betta Aquariums

Mini Bow 5 Desktop Aquarium This betta fish aquarium kit holds 5-gallons and is an economical buy. This aquarium offers the bowfront shape that screams stylish. This kit includes a filter, light, and hood. The tank measures 16" L X 7.5" W X 14.5" H.

Marineland Eclipse System Six This betta aquarium kit holds 6-gallons and is made of acrylic. This aquarium offers the bowfront-curved tank front that so many love. This kit includes a bio-wheel filter, light, and hood. The tank measures 14.75" x 9 1/2" x 15.125" H.

Boyu Half-Moon - 8 Gallon This unique betta fish aquarium kit holds 8-gallons and is made of glass. This aquarium offers 180 Degree Viewable front. The back is completely flat which allows you to place up against a wall or purchase two and have 360 Degrees of Fish Viewing Pleasure. This kit includes a filter, compact fluorescent light, and hood. The tank measures 15" x 10.5" x 18.5".

Marineland Eclipse System 12 This betta aquarium kit holds 12-gallons and is made of acrylic. This aquarium offers the bowfront-curved tank front that so many love. This kit includes a bio-wheel filter, light, and hood. The tank measures 11.5" L X 21" W X 17.5" H.

Biube 9-Gallon Aquarium This betta aquarium holds 9-gallons and is made of acrylic. This aquarium offers a tubular design that so many love. This aquarium will be a nice addition to any room!.

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