Just like any other domesticated fish, Bettas need a tank in their aquarium. If you are planning to keep your fish alive, you need to mimic as much of their natural habitat as possible. Since water filtration is a process that occurs naturally in nature, this is an important one to set up. Clean and fresh water is, after all, a necessity for the survival of fish. Not only will your Betta fish remain hale and hearty because of this, but the tank will equally not look like a spectacle altogether. Now, that the importance of these filters has been highlighted, the next step is to find the right one for you and your aquatic friend. Below are some of the best filters for Betta fish aquariums out there.
The fact that it has the word ‘whisper’ included in its title is already an indicator of great things to come. Altogether, anyone on the lookout for convenience and a whole lot of peace and quiet is in the right place. At the end here, there won’t be an atom of doubt that the Tetra Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber is one of the very best filters for bettas. The all-around design of this betta filter dictates that it should be mounted on the inside rather than being hung on the outside of the aquarium. Not only does this allow you to conveniently place the tank against a wall, it equally ensures that it is quiet.
Have no doubts though, the fact that it is an in-tank filter does not tell badly on its quality or its ability to deliver. Making its operation even easier for you is the fact that you can use this filter in both high and low levels of water. Simply make use of the accompanying suction cups.
Combination of air pump and water filter
Fitted with a clip for mounting
Comes in an air-driven design
The filter itself is made using dual-sided mesh
A four-stage filtration system is no joke, that’s for sure. So, it is already evident that this betta tank is one to look out for. Among the many selling points of the Penn Plax Cascade Hang-on Aquarium Filter, the fact that it provides both chemical and mechanical filtration really sets it apart. This easy assemble Betta fish filter can filter up to 80 gallons of water per hour and even better is the fact that it does this quietly. Even better is the fact that there are minimal limitations here as you can use this in both salty and fresh water.
Included in the design is an activated carbon cartridge which is handy when it comes to extracting harmful toxins, chemicals, and odors among other detrimental substances. Furthermore, the internal sponge here practically mobilizes healthy bacteria and as an extension of that, your fish is sure to be healthy. This, combined with a floss cartridge that traps floating particles, makes for a clean and serene tank.
Can be used in both fresh and saltwater aquariums
Makes use of an activated carbon cartridge
Has a poly-fiber floss cartridge for floating particles
Has an adjustable flow knob
The Fluval 07 series aquarium filter is the 7th incarnation of Fluval filter generators. After nearly four decades of development, Fluval continues to listen to their customers and adjust each design to give you the best possible result. This latest design incorporates power, stability, and reliability, with several performance upgrades to help make it quieter, more flexible, more energy-efficient, and more robust.
The new center handle has provided additional access, allowing the main media stack to be removed, as well as the single-action dual locking clamps, providing a strong foothold for your filtration system. A quieter, smoother system, means less disruption for your fish. Happy customers have said that the difference in the running and maintenance of this filter has made looking after their aquarium much simpler. Experienced customers that have owned previous Fluval filter models remarking that in comparison the differences in build and sound are a huge improvement.
New and Improved design requires fewer pumps to engage.
New center handle design allows main media stack removal.
Raised lip and ergonomic design for smooth operation.
Single action dual locking clamps.
25% quieter, more robust, energy-efficient, and flexible.
If what you are after is convenience on a platter, then the Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter is a stellar choice. For one, the Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter is completely submersible whether placed in a vertical or horizontal position. So, there is really nothing that’s etched in stone when it comes to this option. What’s more, the return flow rate here is adjustable as well as the direction and height of the water return.
You’ll also appreciate the incorporation of a three-stage filtration system here. First, there’s some dense foam included for the capturing of particles and all sorts of debris. There’s also activated carbon added here to filter out toxins as well as any discolorations and odors. Last but certainly not least is the patented BioGrid which handles the filtering of ammonia and nitrates.
Comes in a fully submersible design
It has an adjustable flow rate
Makes use of a three-stage filtration system
Height and direction is adjustable
Just looking at this next option will reveal that this is a unique product. It’s not all about being unique though, this is equally a functional requirement that every betta fish tank should have. Altogether, the all-around design of the upettools Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter features single pieces of scientific 7-layer ribbing shaped sponge. It’s not just a bunch of fancy contraptions fitted together, this design ensures that the purifying water quality is enhanced. It further goes on to make sure that the attached oxygen port can rotate 360 degrees without encountering any dead ends.
Here’s even more useful information; the filter itself is compatible with at most one container further equipped with a ceramic biofilter media within it. What this does is to limit and completely extract andy harmful substances while also increasing oxygen levels. And just because it is a sponge filter, it does not mean it cannot get the job done.
Comes in a 7-layer ribbing shape sponge design
It offers both mechanical and biological filtration
It is compatible with two suction cups
Easy to install
Being bulky or heavy-duty is in no way a prerequisite for effectiveness and efficiency. The Marina Slim Power Filter is hard proof of the above notion. Not only does it function above average, but it is also quite pleasing to the eyes. It’s compact and slim design ensures that it takes up a fraction of the space that most options out there do. Not only does this give your aquatic friend a lot more space, but it also adds that touch of class to the mix.
More on the practical front, the filter comes with an adjustable flow control which ensures that the water flow level in your tank is just where you want it to be. Furthermore, the motor of this device is submerged underwater and as such, it is as quiet as they come. If that does not sound simply delightful, then this next one should tip the scales completely. Altogether, installation, as well as starting up, is a breeze here. And since there is no priming required for it to work, all you have to do is plug it in and you’re good to go.
Can be used in aquariums up to 10 gallons
Happens to be self-priming
It has adjustable flow control
Comes in a compact and slim design
Anyone who knows their betta fish tank filters will tell you that this option is undoubtedly one of the very best. Undergravel filter may have been pushed into the background, but Lee’s 40/55 Premium Undergravel Filter is here to give them a comeback. Most especially if you own saltwater fish then this is more than a viable choice altogether. The wide surface area of the plate here ensures that there is better water circulation within the tank. Even better is the fact that these same plates are semi-flexible and as such, they are practically break-resistant. All in all, this will give you great value or your money as durability is guaranteed.
Furthermore, the large size of the plates here also saves you some money. You’ll find that there is no need to buy as many since the large size here is proportionate to the capacity. And speaking of saving you money, this happens to be the most economical of all Lee’s under gravel filter options. Yet, it is still equipped with a fish-saver elbow, an authentic carbon cartridge as well as slim Discard-A-Stone.
Large plate sizes
Heavy-duty UGF plates
Quality construction
Can be used in tanks up to 15 gallons
Here’s a device that will change all your notions about what actually constitutes an aquarium filter. Say goodbye to the times that you had to change filters and filter media periodically, the SunGrow 6-Layer Betta Corner Sponge Filter is as easy to use as it gets. Now, this is classified as one of the best filters for betta fish thanks to the fact that it is actually suited to the needs of small fish. One common downside of traditional filters is the fact that they tend to suck fish in from time to time. That will not be a problem with this option on the table. All in all, the filter is designed in such a way that it offers up slow and steady currents for your pet’s comfort. Best believe that it will feel just like home.
Additionally, the little bubbles the sponge creates here further from little bubbles that go on to create a current of the same magnitude. This results in increased oxygen levels which your fish will absolutely enjoy and thrive with. What’s more, the sponge also serves as a home for fish food and this goes a long way when it comes to supplementing their daily intake and diet as a whole.
Offers slow and steady flow
Can be used in tanks up to 10.5 gallons
Fitted with a noiseless motor
The base is not weighted
Betta fish are popular household pets because of how easy they are to keep. Since maintaining an optimum living condition is both in the aquarist’s and their fish’s interest, so are filters. However, because of how sensitive Betta fish is to pressure, you need to be cautious about their choice of filter. The following is a guide to help you make the right choice.
While it does not need a filter to survive per se, it does prefer filtered tanks because filter stabilizes the water condition, and all fish like stable water.
Many filters come with three types of media, mechanical, chemical, and biological. Sometimes, having two of three is OK, other times having all three is better. Before choosing a filter, make sure it does not come with just one medium. Also, consider the ease of replacement of these media, as this gives you more control over your fish tank’s water quality.
How small or large your Betta tank with filter is should determine the precise filter you go for, both in terms of mediums of filtration and output strength. While a filter that generates strong currents may not be much of an issue in a big Aquarium, the same filter will cause nothing but stress to your fish in a smaller aquarium.
Betta fish prefer calm waters as they are creatures that do not like stress. Go for a filter with a minimal current output so your fish can still swim around the tank with ease and feel relaxed in it. Nonetheless, for the best experience for both the fish and the aquarist, go for a filter for Betta fish whose output can be modified according to tank size.
Look out for the ease of maintenance, especially if you do not have a lot of time to spare on cleaning your fish tank regularly. To this end, you may want to target the easy all-in-one filters. They neither take any extra time nor money for maintenance, all you have to do is replace the old with a new one.
These are external filters that usually contain various filtration media. With a combination of rotor and gravity, these filters push the tank water through themselves, filter the water in the medium(s) and return it to the tank through an outlet.
These are often powered by an air pump situated externally but the filter itself is a sponge – placed inside the aquarium – through which the water runs. They work by providing biological and mechanical filtration. Since most of them produce minimal current, they are suitable for small volume aquariums.
As the name implies, these are filter plates placed under the aquarium water gravel. They are the most popular type of biological filters and are highly effective. While their appearance may differ based on the brand, they are generally plastic plates with sieves and a lift tube through which the aquarium water is drawn.
Available in five different sizes with the biggest size capable of holding as much as 40 gallons of water, the Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber will offer little to no stress. It is an internal filter that can be conveniently mounted inside your aquarium with a clip inclusive in the package. Its tetra whisper design ensures ultimate silence while it keeps water clean using a dense mesh that catches both fish waste and debris.
Yes, if the filter is too strong for the tank size.
If the filter is adjustable, you could try adjusting its current output or try adding some rocks and plants into the tank, as those act as buffers.
This depends on the volume of water in the aquarium, large tanks can go a few weeks without full cleaning while smaller ones need to be cleaned out more frequently.
Most likely because it is stressed out by the strength of the filter. A Betta fish usually finds an area of the water where it can be least stressed.
Eloise is the owner of a Malamute/Akita cross, a first-time mum, and an animal enthusiast from England. She comes from a family which has never gone a day without a pet (or 3!), and over the years has learned all the best tips and tricks to raising a difficult pet. A knowledge that she has put to good use, to help others navigate the limitless world of pet care.