Betta Keeping on a Budget

Last edited - December 8, 2018

Many times, the cost of keeping a betta may turn away a few prospective betta owners. However, bettas are one of the least expensive pets to keep, second to only the pet rock. If you only have about $30, not only will you be able to have a betta as a pet, but you can also provide your betta with a decent home, complete with a good sized tank, (not those .5 gallon containers), a filter, a heater, food, water conditioner, and even decorations. If you have a larger budget, you can improve your betta set-up by adding driftwood, live plants, and other decorations or equiptment. This article will help you find the least expensive betta set-up.

Fish Tank

10 gallon tank: Because 10 gallon aquariums are so popular, you can find many deals. For example, 10 gallon aquariums are only $10 at many places such as Wal-Mart. Not only is that a great deal, but 10 gallons is paradise for a betta.
5.5 gallon tank: 5.5 gallons is also a good sized tank tank for a betta, and a suitable alternative to a 10 gallon if you are low on space. However, 5.5 gallons aquariums cost a little more than 10 gallon aquariums, about $2-3 more. The good news is that this 5.5 gallon aquarium is the least expensive tank. It is even less expensive than Lee's 5 gallon plastic kritter keeper.

Filters

Sponge filters: Spong filters are one of the best types of filters a betta can have for many reasons. Because bettas come from the slow moving waters of Southeast Asia, strong currents caused by filters such as powerheads and hang-over-back filters can stress out or even injure your betta. Sponge filters are great for bettas because they produce little to no current and it keeps the water clean. Additionally, sponge filters only cost a fraction of hang-over-back filters.
DIY filter: If you enjoy mkaing things or hands on projects, then this is a great alternative. DIY filters are very easy to make and even cost much less than a store bought sponge filter. Here are your links to instructions and videos on how to make these filters.

Heaters

Marineland Heaters: Aquarium heaters are one of those pieces of equipment where I wouldn't buy the cheapest one because of the risk of a malfunction and injury to your fish and yourself. Additionally, because heaters are fragile, it's better to invest in a quality aquarium heater now. So for a 5 gallon tank, you would need a 25 watt heater and a 10 gallon tank would need a 50 watt heater.

Food

Hikari Betta Bio-Gold: In an ideal betta set-up, your betta would be eating a varied diet of pellets, brineshrimp, bloodworms, and other food. However, this kind of diet is only necessary if you plan on keeping high quality bettas for fish shows or breeding purposes. If you just plan on having a betta as a hobby, then all you need is a good brand of betta pellets. Hikari Betta Bio-Gold is widely used and I highly recommended it.

Decorations

No substrate: betta don't mind the type of substrate you put into the tank, what color it is, or if there even is any substrate. Because of this, using no subrstrate is a viable option, especially if you're looking for ways to save money. Additionally, another benefit to having no substrate is that it makes cleaning the tank much easier. By having a bare bottom aquarium, you can see if food has fallen or if the bottom of the tank is covered with waste and thoroughly clean the tank.
Sand substrate: Another inexspensive option for substrate is sand. Not only does it not cost that much, but it makes the aquarium aesthetically pleasing. In addition to that, aquarium sand comes in a rainbow of colors. I recommend black or white sand because it helps bring out your betta's colors. For example, if you have a red betta and red sand, you won't be able to see your betta. Types of sand that you can use are pool filter sand, play sand, or any aquarium sand. However, I wouldn't use sand from the beach because of all the chemicals and other bad things in the sand.
DIY caves: Caves are easy, inexspensive , effective, and efficient decorations you can have for your betta. If it is aquarium safe, it can be used as a cave. For example, you can simply place a glass cup or terracotta pot on it's side for an instant cave. For a more natural look, you can create a cave out of rivier rock and aquarium sealant. The possibilities are endless with caves.

Aquarium Kits

5.5 gallon kit: This aquarium kit is one of the best out there both in terms of price and quality. For around $30 you get a 5.5 gallon fish tank, lid, lightbulb, water conditioner, filter, and food. For $10 more, you can get a heater. In comparison to this, other popular kits such as the MiniBow, Marineland, Tetra Desktop aquarium, and many other brands don't measure up or even come close. Some are way too small for a betta, don't come with a filter, or are extremely overpriced, especially smaller tanks. Mini aquariums such as those that are below 3 gallons cost around the same amount as a 5 or 10 gallon aquarium.

Overview

If you were looking forward to keeping a betta but was discouraged by the possible cost, hopefully this article has changed your mind and provided affordable options to have a betta as a pet. The joy of caring for a living creature and interacting with it is something that money can't buy.