Although your betta fish is beautiful and should take center stage, it needs more than just a vase or bowl with a sprinkling of gravel to be happy and thrive.
So, in this article, we take a look at 31 beautiful betta tanks that your betta fish will love. Plus, a quick refresher on the basic needs of a betta fish in order for your fish friend to have a long and healthy life.
BETTA TANK QUICK SETUP GUIDE
Contrary to popular urban myth, bettas are not happy living in jars or vases. They need much more than that to thrive!
You can read a complete and detailed article on betta fish care at this link. In the meantime, here’s a quick guide.
TANK SIZE
You should provide your fish with a tank that is at least five gallons in capacity.
Wild bettas establish territories of up to three square feet, so a small bowl or jar isn’t roomy enough.
TANK MEMBER
A betta tank should have a lid or at least a sliding lid.
In their natural environment, during droughts or dry spells, bettas will jump from puddle to puddle in search of food, a mate, or new territory. If your tank doesn’t have a cover, your fighter fish may jump right out of your tank, just because they can!
When you fill the tank, be sure to leave at least two inches of space between the water and the lid so your betta can easily reach the surface.
A LONG OR TALL TANK?
Bettas live primarily in the upper area of the water column and feed at the surface. In the wild, betta fish feed on insects and insect larvae that land on the surface of the water. Look closely at your betta and you will see that its mouth is upturned and full of small white teeth. That allows the fish to grab prey from the surface of the water and prevent it from escaping.
Betta fish are anabantoids, or labyrinth breathers. That means your fish can breathe air through a specially adapted respiratory organ. Wild bettas live in stagnant or slow-moving water where oxygen levels can be low. The ability to breathe air allows fish to survive in harsh conditions. Captive bettas also need to come to the surface of the water periodically to take deep breaths.
Additionally, ornamental betta splendens have lush, flowing fins, which look spectacular but are a distinct handicap for the fish when it comes to swimming to the surface to feed and breathe.
So for those reasons, you should choose a tank that is longer than it is deep.
WATER QUALITY
Dirty water stresses the fish, leaving it vulnerable to disease and even death. Therefore, your betta fish tank should have a filtration system to remove ammonia and nitrates from the water.
Bettas are not strong swimmers, so the movement of the water in the tank must be smooth. If necessary, dampen filter flow with plants or decorations.
The pH level of the water should be between 6.5 and 8.0.
You will need to do a 30% partial water change each week and use a water testing kit to ensure parameters are consistent and correct.
WATER TEMPERATURE
The water temperature should generally be between 75° and 86° in your tropical betta tank and ideally between a constant 78° and 80° Fahrenheit.
Bettas are very susceptible to temperature shock, which occurs if the temperature drops below 75° Fahrenheit for extended periods of time or drops below 69° Fahrenheit. Temperature shock can kill bettas, so be sure to purchase a heater for your tank.
Lightning
In the wild, betta fish live in shallow water, so they can see when it’s day and night. If your betta fish can’t see if it’s day or night, they won’t know when to eat or sleep, which can stress your fish.
So your betta fish needs lighting in its tank. LED lights are the best option. The LEDs are long lasting and produce a very bright light that is perfect for bringing out the bright colors of your betta fish.
SUBSTRATUM
The substrate is the medium that covers the bottom of the tank. You can use fine gravel, sand or aquarium soil.
A substrate is important as it provides a large space in which “helpful” bacteria can grow and proliferate, easing the load on your biological filter and helping to keep your tank environment healthy.
Bettas love plants and decorations to hide in and explore, and a substrate helps keep everything in place.
Finally, the correct choice of colored substrate can help bring out your betta’s beautiful colors to maximum effect. For example, a crimson veiltail betta fish looks spectacular against a black substrate.
DECORATIONS AND PLANTING
Betta fish are curious and nosy fish that like to have a lot going on in their tank, keeping them active and keeping them from getting bored.
Fill your betta fish tank with plenty of caves, floating hollow logs, betta fish toys, and natural driftwood to provide hiding spots and shady spots where your betta fish can take a nap.
In the wild, the betta fish’s environment is full of vegetation. The fish like to hide among the plants and use them to rest as well. Live plants in your betta’s tank help oxygenate the water and provide a place for beneficial bacteria, which kill harmful bacteria in the water.
If you prefer not to use live plants, use silk plants instead. I do not recommend using plastic plants as they can have hard, sharp edges that can snag on the tail and flowing fins of your fish.
TANK MATES
As a general rule of thumb, I think it’s best to avoid keeping betta fish with species that are pliers, such as barbs, which could harass and stress the betta fish. Remember that bettas are very territorial, so choose mates that live primarily at the bottom of the tank, like Corydoras catfish, or in the middle of the water column.
Bettas are members of the same family of fish as gouramis, and small varieties of that species generally work well as tankmates for betta fish. Snails and shrimp also make good tank mates and help keep the environment clean by eating algae and cleaning debris from the substrate.
Betta fish breed easily, and you can brighten a male betta’s day by adding a sorority of females to his tank. Watching the male betta fish build a bubble nest and then watch the spawning process of these lovely fish is mesmerizing!
betta fish tanks
In this section of our guide, we list 31 fish tanks that are suitable for bettas.
1. BACK TO THE ROOTS AQUATIC GARDEN
This mini home ecosystem is a cleverly designed scaled-down hydroponic system.
You grow microgreens on top of the tank while the plants clean the water using fish waste as fertilizer. That means you can enjoy vegetables in salads while your betta has crystal clear water in a spacious tank that doesn’t need cleaning!
The tank does not come with a heater or light.
2. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS BETTA AQUARIUM
This betta tank is super cute and great for kids who love SpongeBob SquarePants. The tank lid is vented for good air circulation. There is also a feed window.
The tank comes with a brightly colored SpongeBob SquarePants background, and the high-quality, sturdy plastic is well-made and durable. You can add more decorations, plants, etc. for your fish, but you will need to purchase a filtration system, light, and heater.
3. ACHAEON PRINCESS CASTLE
Princess Castle is designed to sit on a desk, and the bright colors make it a perfect fish tank for kids fishing for the first time.
The tank comes complete with a pink castle-shaped top, purple bell towers, and flags too. There are feeding holes so you can feed your fish, and the kit includes gravel, a small plant, betta fish food, and water conditioner. The tank does not have a filtration system, light or heater.
4.16 GALLON BIORB MEGA AQUARIUM KIT
This tank is effectively a high-tech fish tank incorporating a very effective filtration system and LED light. To clean the tank, simply replace the filter cartridge every six weeks and do a 30% water change every two weeks.
The Orb is made from extremely durable acrylic and comes with a two-year warranty.
You also get an attractive range of decorative items included with the tank.
5. TRICOLOR SPLIT TANK
>This homemade split tank is spectacular!
Split tanks are popular with betta owners as they mean you can keep three male bettas “together” without the risk of fighting or stress.
You can add a lot of variety to your split tank by creating a different environment in each section. In this example you can see how the owner has included a range of contrasting plants and pebbles to give the impression of three different zones.
6. HALF MOON TETRA AQUARIUM KIT
Tetra is a household name in the fishing industry. This half moon betta tank is well made of sturdy plastic and has a nice design, including an adjustable LED light and a feeding hole.
You will need to add gravel, plants, and decorations to the tank, and it does not come with a filter or heater system.
7. YELLOW SUBMARINE
>This betta enthusiast has created a tank filled with ornaments and plants, including a yellow underwater ornament that doubles as a perfect hiding spot for a shy fish.
Although the layout seems a bit messy to some tastes, that’s not a problem for betta fish, as they don’t need acres of open water swimming space to be happy. It is important to note that there is a lot of free water surface to feed and breathe labyrinthinely.
In addition, heating, filtration system and lighting are provided for the comfort of the occupant.
8.MARINELAND CONTOUR GLASS AQUARIUM KIT WITH TRACK LIGHT
This stylish tank creates a great focal point in any room. The aquarium comes in five gallon sizes and includes adjustable LED ambient lighting.
Advanced three-stage filtration keeps the water clean and within the correct parameters for bettas. The flow rate of the filtrate pump is also adjustable. The tank design hides the filtration equipment and the hinged light allows easy access to the tank. However, you must purchase a heater, substrate, plants, and decorations.
9. SUPER MARIO BETTA TANK
>This large tank has been imaginatively designed using painted Lego bricks and PVC pipe to recreate an iconic scene from the Super Mario Brothers video game.
If you have the creative flair and some DIY skills, designing and building your own themed betta tank can be a really fun project. When creating your custom betta palace, remember to incorporate a substrate, as well as a good quality filtration system, lighting, and heater.
Also, make sure the paint you use is non-toxic and waterproof, and use aquarium adhesive or sealant when necessary.
10. TANK TABLE
>If you want your betta fish to be the center of attention in your room, you can’t do better than this awesome tank coffee table.
The tank has a sturdy glass top that is both functional and attractive, and the aquarium element of the design has a filtration system, heater, beautiful ambient lighting, and extremely well-chosen, clean-looking aquascaping.
The aquarium is large enough to accommodate your betta fish and a good collection of tank mates as well.
11. GRASS FIELD
>I believe that less is more when it comes to displaying betta fish. It should be the fish that takes center stage, not the decoration that surrounds it.
Therefore, this beautifully designed tank is the epitome of style and allows your betta to be the star of the show. The living carpet of lush green plants provides a vivid splash of color that contrasts perfectly with the betta’s vibrant crimson coloration.
Simple rock decorations create a natural sculpture and a bold contrast to the smoothness of the tank floor. The tank is equipped with a filtration system, heater and lighting as well.
12. BUDDHA FOREST
>This simple yet stunning zen betta tank design captures the serenity and calm of the Buddha, sitting peacefully amidst the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat.
The resin Buddha head decoration is the focal point of the tank, while the surrounding dense jungle effect of plants not only looks beautiful, but gives your betta fish plenty of places to hide and rest.
The combination of many plants and an efficient filtration system will ensure that the quality of the water in the environment remains pristine.
13. BETTA FISH TANK IDEAS
>You don’t have to buy a special betta fish tank at a fish store to make a home for your fishy friend. You may want to take inspiration from betta enthusiasts who have created these beautiful fish tanks from large glass bowls.
Fish tanks have long been the traditional homes for goldfish and bettas, but these incredible designs take the concept to the next level. A glorious natural look is created through the use of natural substrate and décor and lots of plants.
Lighting is provided for the bowls and plants will help oxygenate and cleanse the water. However, the lack of a proper filtration system makes it necessary to carry out partial water changes of up to 40% at least once a week, depending on the size of the container.
14. FIVE GALLON TANK
This betta owner has used a five-gallon tank to great effect to display his beautiful crowtail betta fish.
I love the use of lush background plants and natural stone to form a frame that showcases the fish perfectly. This betta fish certainly seems to be enjoying his palatial residence!
Note the thermometer that the owner has placed on the front wall of the tank, making it easy to check the temperature of the water every day.
15. MAJESTIC AQUARIUM OF betta fish
>This spacious betta fish tank features a castle that looms majestically over the kingdom of betta fish. The resin ruins are softened by the addition of a selection of natural plants, and colored gravel completes the fairytale landscape effect.
A small heater, a low current filtration system and an LED light complete this simple but very effective visual treatment.
16. PIRATE SHIP
>If you prefer a more adventurous and less natural look for your betta tank, you may want to create an underwater scene like this one. A wrecked pirate ship with broken sails rests on a seabed of colored gravel, surrounded by rocks and exotic colored silk plants.
There is a lot of unobstructed surface area where betta fish can feed and gulp air and also some places to hide and rest.
17. AGRABAH
>This unique underwater fantasy land features a palace straight out of the Arabian Nights movie!
The designer of this creative betta tank has used large glass marbles and pebbles to create an interesting textured substrate, and some background vegetation helps soften the image. The upturned glass filled with blue gravel in the foreground is a perfect resting place for betta fish, as well as looking great.
18. BEAUTIFUL COLORS
>This tank is a riot of colors!
Although the light-colored gravel looks quite natural, the colorful silk plants add depth and interest to the image. The colors are not so bright as to detract from the betta, especially if the fish is crimson or yellow.
This betta fish enthusiast has provided some resting spots, a cave, and plenty of soft silk plants where his fish can relax or explore, depending on their mood.
19.AQUEON ASCENT 10 GALLON FRAMELESS LED AQUARIUM KIT
This sleek and stylish aquarium features polished edges instead of the traditional rigid frame and a modern floating base. The angled tank top gives the unit a sleek and distinctive look to blend in well with any room.
The water stays clean thanks to the powerful filtration unit, and there’s a bright LED light hidden under a glass canopy. You will need to provide a small heater, decorations and plants.
20. NATURAL AND SIMPLE
>The betta fish is the star of the show in this simple, natural-looking setup.
Sandy substrate, driftwood, pebbles and live bottom plants combine to replicate the fish’s wild habitat. There is plenty of room on the surface to breathe and feed, but I think a few more places to hide and rest would be good for betta fish.
21. MARINE BETTA STARTER KIT
If you live in a small apartment with limited space, you can still display your betta fish in this tidy, cubed aquarium. You can even mount the unit on a wall. The fireworks-themed bottom draws attention without detracting from the beauty of your fish and a small amount of gravel is included.
However, there is no light, heater, or filter system with this tank, so it is best used to temporarily house your fish during transport or when you are cleaning your main display tank.
22. Betta Falls
This beautiful cascading water feature is perfect for the betta fish fanatic who wants to have more than one fish. The unit is designed to incorporate three separate betta tanks that are divided by frosted panels that prevent the fish from seeing each other.
The smooth, curved design is ideal for your office desk, and the power filter is quiet enough not to cause a disturbance when you’re talking on the phone or watching TV at home. The unit is equipped with a filter system that helps keep the water clean and within the correct parameters for your bettas.
23. Betta Sorority Tank
>Although it is the male bettas that get the glory when it comes to looks, female bettas can be just as rewarding to keep, especially if you want a good community fish.
This owner has set up a tank for a sorority betta, using various colored plastic plants and bi-color gravel substrate. Since females lack the color and conspicuous fins of male betta fish, the colorful foliage adds to the effect, rather than detracts from the fish.
24. TRANSFORMATION OF TANKS
In this fascinating and informative YouTube video, you can learn how one owner transformed a dirty and messy old tank into an amazing new Dutch-style aquarium for his Betta Plakat fish.
You can see how the dark substrate really shows off the metallic colors of the fish, and the lush planting provides ideal hiding places for Richard the Plakat!
25. MANDALORIAN
>The Mandalorian’s helmet adornment makes this tank the perfect setup for Star Wars fans, and provides a great den for a betta fish to hide in as well.
A white substrate, simple random scattering of pebbles, and a solitary plant to add contrast make this desolate scene very effective while also allowing the resident betta fish to shine.
26. AQUATIC LANDSCAPING
In this entertaining and informative YouTube video, you’ll learn how to make a Beta Compact 30 nano tank aquascape in just 15 minutes.
The design is simple but extremely effective with a black substrate, two rocks, and a coral trim enhanced by lots of clever plants.
27. UMBRA FISHHOTEL MINI AQUARIUM
This award-winning aquarium is inspired by contemporary condominium apartments and consists of a white shell with asymmetrical windows through which the fish are viewed. Individual units can be stacked to create a realistic condominium effect.
The unit is a very unusual addition to a living room desk or coffee table, although it does not have a filter, heater or light.
28. JAPANESE GARDEN
>This Japanese garden design is perfectly suited for the oriental betta fish.
The designer has used just two resin decorations to establish the theme of the tank, enhanced with a range of plastic and silk plants to complete the look. There is plenty of surface area for the betta, as well as plenty of places to hide and rest.
29. AQUASPROUTS GARDEN
This clever idea is a self-contained fish tank and aquaponics kit that is a great feature for home, school, or the office.
The setup is virtually self-cleaning. The plants use the fish waste in the water as fertilizer, cleaning the water as they do so.
The kit comes with everything you need, including a pump, timer, and light bar. Full instructions are also included.
IN CONCLUSION
When choosing a good tank for your betta fish, there are several items to consider:
- The tank must be large enough.
- It should include a suitable substrate to anchor the plants and provide a large surface area where beneficial bacteria can grow.
- Toys and decorations are important to keep your fish entertained and prevent boredom.
- You should include structures like caves and hollow logs where your fish can sleep and hide.
- The environment should contain plenty of plants to oxygenate the water and provide places for your betta to explore.
We hope you’ve found plenty of inspiration in our list of betta fish tank ideas !
