Best 5-Gallon Betta Tank of 2024: Top 5 Picks

By Harry RamosLast update: 2024-02-08

Many people think that Bettas can live in small spaces like bowls and vases, but they are actually better off in larger tanks with more swimming room.

For a Betta, you need a tank with at least 5-gallon capacity along with some other criteria. In this post, we will show you how to choose the best 5-gallon Betta tank.

Here are the best 5-gallon betta tanks you can buy in 2024:

  • Best For Bedrooms: GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank
  • Best For Novice Aquarists: Marina LED Aquarium Kit
  • Contemporary Design: Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
  • Best For Living Rooms: Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
  • Elegant Design: Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons
5 Best 5-Gallon Betta Tanks
Best For Bedrooms
GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank
    Best For Novice Aquarists
    Marina LED Aquarium Kit
      Contemporary Design
      Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
        Best For Living Rooms
        Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
          Elegant Design
          Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons

            Best For Bedrooms: GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank

            GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank
            GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank
            Pros
            • Perfect as a night light in bedrooms – feature GloFish Cycle Light with four settings
            • Able to create little water movement to suit betta fish - a Tetra Hidden Filtration system with an adjustable pump
            • Run quietly
            Cons
            • The light color doesn’t highlight betta fish a lot

            This beautiful aquarium is perfect for multiple baby bettas.

            It comes with everything you need, including GloFish Cycle Light with four settings and a Tetra Hidden Filtration system. The tank itself is designed with curved corners to ensure there’s no sharp edge which potentially causes injuries to your fish.

            The best thing about its filtration system is it comes with an adjustable pump so that you can modify the water current to suit betta fish.

            A big plus is that it runs quietly. The only sound you might hear is like white noise while the adjustable lighting parts make it a good night light. A perfect addition to your bedroom!

            GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank Specifications

            Weight

            16 Pounds

            Dimension

            19.3 x 14.1 x 13.5 inches

            Shape

            Portrait

            Highlight Features

            feature GloFish Cycle Light with four settings

            a Tetra Hidden Filtration system with an adjustable pump

            Verdict

            For the price, size, and performance, GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank is currently one of the most sought-after options for bedrooms.

            Best For Novice Aquarists: Marina LED Aquarium Kit

            Marina LED Aquarium Kit
            Marina LED Aquarium Kit
            Pros
            • Easy to feed - A LED lighting module with natural daylight effect incorporated into the tank’s canopy
            • Maintenance-free - a clip-on Marina’s Slim S20 filtration system using quick-change filter cartridges
            • Able to use tap water for fish - Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner
            Cons
            • Wish the water conditioner was a bit bigger
            • The light is too small for most real plants

            Marina LED Aquarium Kit is our testers’ other clear favorite picks and serves as an excellent alternative to the Glofish for novice aquarists.

            It comes with everything needed to simplify the aquarium setup:

            A LED lighting module with a natural daylight effect to complement your betta’s beauty effectively. Additionally, it is incorporated into the tank’s canopy, making it easy to feed. There’s also a clip-on Marina’s Slim S20 filtration system using quick-change filter cartridges for maintenance-free.

            The best part is you can directly use tap water for fish with peace in mind, thanks to the Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner.

            Marina LED Aquarium Kit Specifications

            Weight

            10.03 Pounds

            Dimension

            21.8 x 14 x 18.8 inches

            Shape

            Square

            Highlight Features

            natural daylight effect LED aquarium lighting module

            Marina's Slim S20 clip-on aquarium filter

            Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner

            Verdict

            Marina LED Aquarium Kit is the only design that features a Nutrafin Aqua Plus Water Conditioner, making it the best contender for novice aquarists.

            Contemporary Design: Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon

            Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
            Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
            Pros
            • Perfect for betta fish – feature circulation pump with adjustable output nozzle
            • Effectively remove all the fish waste, chemicals, and debris – a 3-stage filtration with all the necessary filter media
            • Very bright - powerful 37 LED lights
            Cons
            • The rectangular gap in the center over which the light bar hangs is large enough for fish to jump out
            • The filter pump fits a bit tight in the chamber

            By featuring an etched-glass aquarium with aluminum trim, the Fluval Spec V is a great addition bringing contemporary breath to your countertops or desktops.

            It is also perfect for betta fish! The little water movement created by its adjustable three-stage filter is more to their liking than the hang-on-the-back filtration commonly found in 20-gallon tanks. Such low flow is also ideal for a moss ball and one real plant without getting stuck in the pump.

            Meanwhile, it has all the necessary filter media to ensure eliminating effectively all the fish waste, chemicals, and debris. You can also easily remove them for maintenance when in need.

            What we like the most about this 5-gallon aquarium is its powerful 37 LED lights, which enhances your betta’s beauty efficiently.

            Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon Specifications

            Weight

            11.02 Pounds

            Dimension

            20.5 x 11.6 x 7.5 inches

            Shape

            Square

            Highlight Features

            3-stage filtration and circulation pump with an output nozzle

            High-output 7000K LED

            etched glass tank with aluminum trim

            low-voltage transformer

            BioMax insert, activated carbon insert, and foam filter block with handle

            Verdict

            The Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit is perhaps the most contemporary design we tested, and it certainly is the most eye-catching in this list.

            Best For Living Rooms: Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit

            Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
            Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit
            Pros
            • Compact – measured by 15” x 9” x 11”
            • Enhance betta fish’s beauty efficiently – bright, energy-saving LED lights
            Cons
            • The lid doesn't fit very well

            This is currently the most inexpensive 5-gallon betta tank you could find out there that still includes hidden LED lights and Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter.

            The lighting is bright yet energy-efficient. The bright white glow helps your betta look outstanding, meanwhile, it also comes with a low voltage power adapter.

            We find the seamless, curved front design of this aquarium in addition to its petite measurement is perfect for any small area, especially the living room. For your information, its size is 15” x 9” x 11”.

            Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit Specifications

            Weight

            1 Pound

            Dimension

            15 inches x 9 inches x 11 inches

            Shape

            Crescent

            Highlight Features

            Measured by 15 inches x 9 inches x 11 inches

            Bright-white energy-efficient LED lights

            Tetra Whisper Internal Power Filter

            Curved-front crescent-shaped aquarium design

            Verdict

            Featuring a compact size, beautiful design with hidden LED lights and filter, the Tetra Crescent Acrylic Aquarium Kit is perfect for living rooms.

            Elegant Design: Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons

            Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons
            Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons
            Pros
            • Simple, elegant, and beautiful
            • Clean water thoroughly yet provides a gentle current to not stress your betta fish
            • Strong lighting
            Cons
            • Unable to have the light on a timer

            We love the simplicity and elegance of this Hagen Fluval tank.

            Besides, it’s large enough for a betta fish to live healthily. The filter works perfectly fine to clean water with minimal maintenance while the flow is gentle enough for bettas. The light is pretty strong although it is placed inside the tank.

            A big bonus is the filter and light are in one cable so you just have them plugging in once.

            Another good thing is the constant waterfall effect that the filter gives off is extremely relaxing to listen to.

            Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit, 5 Gallons Specifications

            Weight

            16 Pounds

            Dimension

            14.4 x 14.4 x 17.5 inches

            Highlight Features

            Made in the USA

            good lighting and filter

            Verdict

            Hagen Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit is our top contender for those who are looking for elegant design.

            How To Choose The Best 5-Gallon Betta Tank?

            Tank filter

            One of the most common misconceptions about betta fish is that they can live in a dirty water tank.

            The truth is, in nature, they live in shallow water that is a part of a large bio-diverse ecosystem. The water there is, in fact, well-oxygenated and clean thanks to a lot of plants.

            Another misconception is that because bettas can take in oxygen from the air, they can live in a small body of water. This ability only helps them jump from puddle to puddle until they reach a water body large enough for them.

            Therefore, you need to get a tank filter for them, to ensure the tank is clean and there’s always enough oxygen for them to breathe.

            If you don’t buy a tank filter, you have to change 40% of the water every three days.

            Tank heater

            Bettas originate in Cambodia and Thailand, which means their natural environment is very warm. So, to give them the right condition, maintain the tank temperature higher than 76 degrees F.

            Unless you live in a warm climate with the same environmental temperature, you will need a heater.

            Plus, you should place a thermometer at the other side of the tank from the heater to ensure the right temperature all over the tank. Ideally, the tank should be between 78 and 80 degrees F.

            Tank shape

            There are a lot of shapes for you to choose when shopping for a betta fish tank.

            Some of the most common choices include traditional tanks, bow front tanks, round bowls, Zen looking tanks, tanks with dividers, etc. You can freely choose whatever shape you like depending on your interest.

            LED lighting

            If you want to admire the beauty of your Betta fish, LED lighting is the best choice. LED lights are energy-efficient and do a good job of showcasing the fish’ spectacular colors.

            Keep in mind that Betta fish need a regular pattern of night and day. Therefore, you should choose a tank that has to daylight and moonlighting to make sure the fish stay healthy while you can watch them day and night.

            Which Brands Make The Best 5-Gallon Betta Tank?

            GloFish

            Founded in 2001, this brand is dedicated to thorough research when making aquarium products. It offers great fish tanks for you Bettas.

            Fluval

            Since 1975, Fluval has become a leading brand in terms of aquarium products. It’s known for innovation, technology, quality, and style.

            Tetra

            With nearly 70 years of experience in the industry, this is one of the largest brands in the world when it comes to aquarium products. No matter if you’re a beginner or a hobbyist, you will find what you need here.

            Hagen

            Over the past 65 years, this brand has worked with a passion for your pet fish. Its products are made to enhance the welfare and health of your fish. Here, you will find products with durability, practicality, safety, convenience, and more.

            FAQs

            Is a 5-gallon tank good for a betta?

            Yes, it is. This is the perfect tank size for a Betta, providing enough room for it to swim.

            What can I put with my betta in a 5-gallon tank?

            There are a lot of mates you can put in a 5-gallon tank with your Betta, but the following are some suggestions: Amano Shrimp, Dwarf Crayfish, Mystery Snails, Redtail Sharks, Mollies, Neon Tetras, and Platies.

            What is the best tank size for a betta?

            The best size of a betta tank is 5 gallons, which lets the fish do its normal activity with less toxin built up in the environment.

            How often should you clean a 5-gallon betta tank?

            For a 5-gallon tank, you should change 30% to 50% of the tank water once every few days. If you install a filter, you can less frequently clean the tank.

            Can I leave my betta fish for a week?

            Yes, though not all fish can live well unattended, you can leave without feeding them for up to 7 days.

            Conclusion

            Through this detailed guide, we hope that you have figured out what the best 5-gallon Betta tank should be like. Remember that the tank filter and tank heater are very important for your tank while you can freely choose any shape you like.

            I’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!


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