Thanks so much for visiting my site. I just wanted to say I think it’s great you’ve decided to use a filter for your Betta fish.
In my opinion, here are the best filters for your Betta:
- First, select a mini aquarium filter for your Betta.
- Then, find the correct sponge filter for your Betta.
- Ultimate selection guide to finding the best fish tank filter.
The filters in our comparison chart are great for aquariums from 3-10 gallon tanks. However, if you are looking for something smaller, here is some additional information.
And, if you are looking for a more natural Betta tank with a filter, I suggest reading: 7 Awesome Betta Fish Aquaponics Kits For Your Home.
The kits shown in this post don’t use filters. Instead, they naturally filter the water using plants and herbs.
Unlock the secrets to keeping your Betta fish happy and healthy with our expert tips. From tank setup to feeding routines, enhance your Betta fish-keeping skills and watch them thrive!
The filter is an essential piece of equipment if you want to set up a Betta tank that will keep your Betta happy and healthy.
However, if you’re unsure if you have to have a filter for your Betta, then I hope this guide will convince you.
Further Reading: If you’re setting up a new tank for your Betta, make sure you know what the ideal Betta Fish tank size is and give your little buddy some room to swim
Overview Of The 5 Best Filters For Betta Fish
Let’s review a few more filters that would be good options for your Bettas tank.
We will be going over the following filters:
- Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter
- Tetra Whisper Filter PF10
- Rio Mini 90 Internal Power Filter for Aquarium
- Zoo Med Nano 10 External Canister Filter
- Penn Plax Cfu55 Under Gravel Filter
Best Filter For Betta 2.5 Gallon
Finding a filter for a tank smaller than 2.5 gallons might be difficult. We recommend using a sponge filter, live plants, or this flat filter.
Our List Of The Best Betta Filters
1. The Rio Mini Internal Power Pump
Get The Rio Mini Internal
The Rio Mini is well-priced new, but there are used options available on Amazon well worth the price; it’s a great little filter for a great value.
It has a great flow which is adjustable if you need less. However, if you keep it on full, be sure to direct it properly.
This little pump is quiet and more durable than any other size pump. It is versatile, robust, and ideal for tanks around 5 gallons.
2. Penn Plax Under Gravel Filter – Best Filter For Betta 5 Gallon
Get The Penn Plax Under Gravel Filter
This under gravel filter has two filter plate systems with a jumbo 1” adjustable lift tube designed to fit a 5 ½ gallon tank.
This convenient, easy setup filter is designed to have trouble-free maintenance while keeping your tank looking crystal clear.
Most Helpful Review: “This is a great filter and actually made much better than other more expensive brands. The filter is build very sturdy. The slits are optimal for the waste particles to be “funneled” below the plates which is where you want it. Undergravel filtration is a great way to keep your tanks healthy”
3. Zoo Med Nano 10 External Canister Filter, up to 10 Gallons
Get The Zoo Med Nano 10 External Canister Filter
This external canister filter has a 3 stage external aquarium filter using mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration to keep your nano or small aquarium clean and clear.
The spray bar provides excellent aeration, and the removable hose-connection device allows an adjustable flow control system & easy open filter head, making this a perfect, easy-to-use filter for a betta tank, nano & small aquariums from 2-10 gallons.
Most Helpful Review: “I needed a small filter for my 6 gallon tank and this filter fit right where on the back hidden from sight. The flow rate is slow and perfect for Betta Fish– Perfect”
4. Tetra Whisper Power Filter – Best Filter For A 10 Gallon Betta Tank
Get The Tetra Whisper EX Silent Multi-Stage Power Filter
This external power filter has a hinged lid for improved ergonomics/ease of use and compact aesthetic design.
Bio-bag improvements include an upgraded dual-density carbon filter, time strip indicators, and three-stage filtration for healthier fish. For use in 5-10 gallon aquariums.
Most Helpful Review: “Compared to other filters I’ve had that either failed within a year, loud this filter did a good job of cleaning the tank. I came across this one and it’s awesome. It’s really quiet, does a thorough job of filtering the water and keeping it clear, especially if I replace the filter regularly”
5. Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter – Best Filter For A Betta 3 Gallon Tank
Get The Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter
This internal filter is the ultimate in convenience.
It’s quiet and mounts on the inside of the aquarium rather than hanging from the outside. Because of this, you can place your tank flush against a wall.
The small 3″ filter moves air bubbles through the airlift, making it ideal for small sensitive fish or breeding.
It can be adjusted easily to suit high or low water levels with suction cups or a mounting bracket.
This filter also comes with an air pump, two feet of airline tube, and one bio-bag cartridge.
Most Helpful Review: “This filter is easy to use & changing out the media sacks is simple. Even a child is able to do this. The filter is quiet and easy to install”
Do Betta Fish Need A Filter?
Using a filter for your Betta is the best thing to do for your Betta fish.
Here are a few things you should know about filters;
- They provide a place for beneficial bacteria to grow
- They remove toxins from your tank
- Keep water moving to prevent dead spots
- Disturb the water surface and oxygenate the water
The bottom line is that filters are needed to maintain a healthy environment in your Betta tank.
The size of your tank is a significant factor when deciding if you need a filter or not, and since most people keep Betta fish in small tanks, filters become even more critical to the survival of your Betta.
Did you know: The smaller the tank the faster the toxins will build up in your water and can quickly harm your Betta.
Because of this, you are purchasing a filter largely depends on the size of your aquarium.
As an example;
If you have anything smaller than a 10-gallon betta tank, you should consider some filtration.
If you have anything larger than 10 gallons, then weekly water changes might be enough to keep the toxins low. However, a filter is still the best.
By understanding the benefits and features of all the different types of filters, you will be able to determine the best Betta filter for your needs and if selecting a filter is the right decision for your particular type of Betta fish.
In this post, I will help you determine if you need a filter for your Betta and what type of filter would work best for your situation.
Let’s Dive Right In:
2 Awesome 5-Gallon Betta Fish Tanks With Filters:
For those looking for the ultimate betta fish tank setup, here are two small fish tanks with a filter that takes the stress off you and your fish.
You get a fantastic small filtered aquarium for your Betta so he can swim in clean, clear water for many years.
Both of these tanks come in 5-gallon sizes which are perfect for Betta fish – and if you are still unsure, click each tank below, and you can read our full review on each of these kits.
- Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit
- Marineland Portrait Aquarium Kit
Video: Beginners Guide To Filters For Your Aquarium
Here is a short video that will help you understand precisely what filters do for your tank, the available types, and the media required for each filter.
Now that you have a general idea of the filters available let’s look at each of the best Betta fish filter options for you and your Betta fish.
What Type Of Filter Is Best For Betta Fish
This is a much-debated topic, and I am not suggesting one method is better than the other; both have their merits.
However, I will attempt to provide at least some direction and options for those who would like to use a filter for a betta tank.
There are two central positions on this topic:
1. Filters are used for other fish species, so why not use a filter for a betta tank?
By not providing a filter in your betta tank, you are not providing them the best environment possible.
2. Betta fish prefer calm waters with little or no current. Filters are not required; using a filter may put your fish at risk.
Some betta fish of the long-tail species have large fins that can catch water currents like a sail and cause them undue stress and fin damage.
While both positions have valid points, we believe it would be a mistake to paint all situations with only these two viewpoints.
Our opinion is to consider your situation independently and supply what is best for you and your Betta.
Video: Do Betta Fish Need A Filter?
Here is an excellent video explaining if betta fish need a filtered tank or not.
Can You Put A Betta Fish In A Tank With A Filter
Yes and no!
Consider these points when deciding whether you need a betta fish filter.
I have a half-moon betta with very long fins. You may want to set up a betta fish tank without a filter. Or, maybe use a Sponge filter for the betta tank, which is great for small aquariums. A sponge filter will keep water movement to a minimum if tearing fins is a concern.
Is my Betta kept in a community tank with many fish? But, more fish = more waste = more toxins. So, a filter would be recommended in this situation. Also, a community tank will likely be a little larger, providing your betta hiding places to escape water currents.
How many water changes are you willing to complete, weekly or twice a week? If you didn’t dedicate the time to change your water more than once a week, a filter would be the way to go.
Does my aquarium have many live plants? In this situation, live plants act as a natural filter and can provide oxygen, filtration, food, and a place to hide.
Tank size larger than 2.5 Gallons: For this size, a filter would be the way to go. Ensure the filter has an adjustable flow rate to control the amount of current.
Another option is to select a filter down a level rated for a smaller aquarium.
Tank size smaller than 2.5 Gallons: First, never keep your Betta in anything smaller than 2.5 gallons. The water can foul much faster in small aquariums than in larger aquariums, requiring more regular maintenance and water changes. Foul water can lead to multiple issues, such as health, disease, and even death.
However, if you must keep your Betta in less than 2.5 gallons, we recommend a sponge filter. Ensure the currents don’t become too strong and cause harm to your Betta.
For tanks smaller than 2.5 gallons, we suggest you maintain a clean tank through regular water changes. However, some filters can accommodate tanks of this size.
Do betta fish need a filter in their tank?
All aquariums require clean water, and filters are a great way to maintain clean water free from contaminants and allow the build-up of healthy bacteria beneficial to your fish.
The water should be kept clean and clear if you want healthy Betta fish.
When deciding to have a Betta fish filter or no filter at all. Your situation should determine whether or not you need one.
5 Awesome Betta Filter Tips:
- The best filter would be very gentle and allow the ability to control the amount of current.
- Like the half-moon betta, long-tailed betta fish is very fragile, and their fins can be damaged due to water movements. Therefore, for these types of Betta, no water movement is best.
- Don’t put your Betta in a bowl or a vase. A Betta needs at least 2.5 gallons.
- If using a filter, keep an eye on your fish to ensure they adjust well to the filter without issue.
- Under gravel, filters can also be used. However, the debris tends to gather in the rock and can become toxic and foul the water. This can occur quickly in a small aquarium and require more regular cleaning.
Generally, a Betta will do best with gentle, low, or no-flow filtration. This is because high-flow currents can harm or cause stress to most betta fish.
Get Inspired! Check Out Amazing Betta Fish Tank Ideas That Will Blow You Away. Unleash your creativity and explore a gallery of stunning betta fish tank setups. From minimalist designs to elaborate aquascapes, find inspiration to transform your betta’s home into a captivating underwater paradise!
