Want a healthier, more vibrant betta fish? Choosing the right bowl is just the beginning. Learn how to care for your fish properly and even grow plants using aquaponics. Download Aquaponics 4 You and discover how your bowl can become a living ecosystem that benefits both your fish and your home!
Can You Keep a Betta Fish in a Bowl?
Yes, but only if it’s large enough and properly maintained. The myth that bettas thrive in tiny bowls is outdated and harmful. Bettas need space to swim, warm water, and good filtration to stay healthy. So while the term “bowl” is still popular, we’re really talking about compact aquariums that meet all the care requirements.
A quality betta bowl should hold at least 2.5 gallons, have a lid to prevent jumping, and ideally include a heater and gentle filtration. Avoid anything under 1 gallon—it’s simply not humane or sustainable.
What to Look for in the Best Betta Bowl
Your betta’s well-being depends on more than just aesthetics. Here’s what to look for:
1. Size and Shape
- Minimum size: 2.5 gallons (5 gallons is ideal)
- Shape: Wide surface area for better oxygen exchange
2. Filtration
- Gentle sponge or internal filter to avoid strong currents
- Betta fish dislike strong flow—choose adjustable or low-output filters
3. Heating
- Betta fish are tropical and require 76–80°F water
- Look for space to add a compact heater if not built-in
4. Lid or Cover
- Prevents bettas from jumping out
- Helps maintain water temperature
5. Aesthetic and Accessibility
- Choose something that matches your space and is easy to clean
- Clear access for feeding and water changes
Top 7 Best Betta Fish Bowls in 2025
1. Aqueon LED MiniBow 5 Gallon Aquarium Kit
- Size: 5 gallons
- Includes: Filter, LED light, lid
- Best For: Beginners who want a full kit
This is a stylish, curved front “bowl-style” tank that offers plenty of space and includes filtration and lighting. It’s a step above a traditional bowl and ideal for betta health.
2. Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit
- Size: 2.6 gallons
- Includes: Pump, filtration, LED light
With sleek design and powerful built-in filtration, the Spec III offers everything your betta needs in a modern cube. Easy to clean and great for desktops or small apartments.
3. biOrb Classic 4 Gallon Aquarium
- Size: 4 gallons
- Includes: Filtration, air pump, LED light
A rounded acrylic tank with a built-in filtration system and lights. This bowl-shaped setup is elegant and eye-catching while providing more space and features than most traditional fish bowls.
4. Tetra Crescent Aquarium Kit
- Size: 5 gallons
- Includes: Filter, LED light, cover
This rimless tank offers a beautiful curved view and has a quiet filter and hidden lighting. It’s a great option for anyone upgrading from a traditional bowl.
5. Marina Betta EZ Care Plus Aquarium
- Size: 1.7 gallons
- Feature: No-spill water change system
While a bit small, this bowl-style tank has a smart water change system. It’s suitable for short-term housing or experienced betta keepers who can provide extra care and upgrades like a heater.
6. Koller 3 Gallon Fish Bowl with LED Light
- Size: 3 gallons
- Includes: LED lighting, lid
This bowl is large enough to support a betta and offers a panoramic view. While it doesn’t include a filter, you can add a small sponge filter and heater to complete the setup.
7. Penn-Plax Water World Radius Desktop Aquarium Kit
- Size: 3.4 gallons
- Includes: Filter, curved glass, cover
This compact but classy bowl-alternative has a rounded front for a clear view and a quiet filter that’s gentle enough for bettas. Easy to maintain and fits on any desk or shelf.
Mid-Article CTA: Want a Cleaner Bowl with Less Effort?
With aquaponics, your plants clean the water and your fish feed the plants. A perfect match for low-maintenance betta setups. Aquaponics 4 You shows you how to set up a self-cleaning bowl that grows herbs or greens right on top. Beautiful, functional, and sustainable.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Betta Bowl
1. Perform Weekly Water Changes
Even small tanks build up toxins quickly. Change 25–50% of the water weekly and use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
2. Use a Sponge Filter
Sponge filters are gentle, betta-safe, and provide biological filtration. They also produce very little current, which is ideal for long-finned bettas.
3. Add a Heater
Bettas get sluggish and prone to disease in cold water. Keep temperatures steady between 76–80°F using a 25-watt heater.
4. Don’t Overfeed
Feed 2–4 pellets once or twice daily. Remove uneaten food to avoid fouling the water.
5. Add Plants and Decor
Live or silk plants give bettas places to rest and explore. Avoid sharp decorations that can tear their fins.
Using Betta Bowls in Aquaponics
Betta fish are great for small aquaponic setups. They produce low but consistent waste, and their water can be used to nourish small plants like basil, mint, or pothos.
How It Works:
- Place plants in a grow tray above the bowl
- Use a sponge filter with tubing to circulate water
- Plants absorb fish waste as fertilizer
Not only does this reduce water changes, but it also creates a stunning, self-cleaning system that brings beauty and utility together in a compact space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a betta live in a bowl without a filter?
Yes, but it requires frequent (often daily) water changes to keep the environment safe. A small sponge filter is strongly recommended to make maintenance easier.
What size bowl is best for a betta?
A minimum of 2.5 gallons, though 3–5 gallons is ideal for long-term health and activity. Bigger is always better.
Do bettas need a heater in a bowl?
Yes—bettas are tropical fish and need consistent warmth. A compact heater is essential unless your home is kept above 76°F year-round.
Conclusion: Give Your Betta the Bowl It Deserves
Betta fish are beautiful, intelligent, and relatively easy to care for—but only when they’re housed properly. Choosing the best betta bowl means selecting a setup that provides enough space, stable temperatures, gentle filtration, and thoughtful design.
Skip the cramped novelty bowls and choose something that supports your fish’s health and happiness. And if you want to go one step further, turn your betta bowl into a living, plant-powered ecosystem.
Final CTA: Transform Your Betta Bowl into Something Magical
Why just keep a fish when you can grow food too? With Aquaponics 4 You, you’ll learn how to combine your betta bowl with simple hydroponic plants for a beautiful, low-maintenance setup that’s good for you and your betta. Start today and build your own mini ecosystem!