Top 10 Best Filters for Betta Fish in 2023

Nobody wants a cloudy betta fish tank or a sick finned pet. As betta fish keepers, we all want a sparkling, brilliant, and healthy aquarium for our pets.

Of course, we also want healthy and lively bettas, so that we can fully enjoy watching their vibrant colors and enticing beauty.

And to me, exceptional filtration is, no doubt, one of the most crucial parts of an immaculate tank that keeps your betta healthy and full of life.

In this shopping guide, I am going to show you the basics of an excellent filter for bettas. Then, I will give a few exceptional choices for betta filters.

I have even included a helpful chart to give you an in-depth and side-by-side comparison of these filters.

Types Of Filter for Betta Fish

Aquarium filters for betta come in an array of sizes. To find the best filter for betta, you need to figure out which option is best suited for your lifestyle and fish keeping methods.

Keep in mind that different types of aquarium filters work differently and may be suitable for specific aquarium sizes.

Here are the most common filter types for betta aquariums.

Canister Filters

Canister is arguably the most popular type of filter used in this hobby. Canister filters apply a pump to draw aquarium water out of your fish tank and through its media filter.

Then, the purified water goes back into your fish tank, completing the whole cycle.

Sponge Filters

Sponge filters are remarkable in eliminating debris from the tank water. They are virtually internal filters sitting inside the aquariums.

These filters draw water through filtration sponges. After trapping the debris, the water will return the tanks.

Usually, they provide the first level of aquarium filtration: mechanical filtration. Some sponge filters, however, need to be paired with other types of filtration to create the healthiest and safest aquatic environment possible.

Under Gravel Filters

Under gravel is an internal aquarium filter that is placed under your aquarium’s sand substrate. This filter uses the tank’s substrate as its filter media by drawing aquarium water below the sand.

Then, the water passes through tubes and returns to the betta aquarium.

This filter uses air as well, for water circulation.

HOB Filters

These filters use a strong pump to push aquarium water though its media filters. The water, then, goes back to the aquarium.

HOB filters are terrific for smaller aquariums, as they do not take up any room inside your aquarium.

Some HOB filters, unfortunately, do not have an adjustable flow, which is by far crucial when keeping bettas.

Filter for Betta Fish Comparison Chart 2023

Feeling overwhelmed by the numerous choices available? Fear not! I have narrowed down the options to help you score the best filter for betta.

Plus, I have created a comparison chart to help you pick the one that fits your needs and style.

What Are The Best Filters for Betta Fish?

It can be quite tough to find the best filter for betta fish if you do not know where to start. So, I am giving these hints to help you score the best filter for betta.

• Best Betta Filter (Overall) – Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber for Aquariums
  “Not only does it have a superior multi-stage filtration system, but it is also extremely quiet and has a gentle flow rate.”
• Best Budget – Hikari Bacto-Surge High Density Foam Filter
  “With its quiet operation and zero flow rate, this inexpensive option is the best betta filter for aquarists who are on a tight budget.”
• Best for Betta Fry – Aquapapa Corner Filter Air Driven Bio Sponge Ceramic
  “Perfect for betta fry, this filter impresses with its gentle flow, quiet filtration as well as biochemical and physical filtration.”
• Best Aquarium HOB Filter – Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter
  “This HOB filter has 7 times more filtration power than its counterparts, making it the top choice for betta owners who are looking for a hang on back option.”
• Best for a 20 Gallon Betta Tank – Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter
  “With its extraordinary design and enormous filtration volume, this versatile and top-rated HOB filter is indeed one of the best performing filtration systems ever.”
• Best 10 Gallon Betta Filter – Marina Power Filter
  “Designed with an adjustable flow dial, this filter can help you create a thriving and healthy environment for your colorful betta fish.”
• Best Betta Sponge Filter – UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter
  “Create a colony of beneficial bacteria for your betta tank with ease by installing this premium quality sponge filter.”
• Best Small Betta Filter – AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter
  “Even with its small size, this filter can do wonders for your betta thanks, thanks to its innovative features.”
• Best Under Gravel Filter – Lee’s Premium Undergravel Filter
  “Engineered to perfection, this under gravel filter is supremely durable and boasts an intriguing design.”
• Best for Planted Tank – Marina I25 Internal Filter
  “Compact, gentle, and easy to use, this filter is perfect for betta tanks with flourishing live plants.”

Top 10 Best Filter for Betta Fish Reviews in 2023

Not sure which betta filter is best for your aquarium and lifestyle? Then, check out my personal reviews of the top-rated betta filter products.

1. Whisper In-Tank Filter with BioScrubber for Aquariums

(Best Overall)

When I first unboxed this filter, I was not impressed. Unlike other filters, it does not have an eye-catching contemporary design.

But guess what? There is more to it than meets the eye. After using it for days, my betta aquarium became spotless and immaculately clean. With its 3-stage filtration system, this filter can purify your aquarium water in no time.

Furthermore, it does not produce any annoying buzzing sound since it is fully submerged in the betta tank. And did I mention that this betta filter is easy to install?

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Tetra
Dimensions	4.2 x 4 x 8 inches
Weight	1.05 pounds
Aquarium capacity	Up to 20 gallons

2. Hikari Bacto-Surge High Density Foam Filter

(Best Budget)

This high-density filtration system from Hikari USA is, hands down, one of the most fantastic options for betta aquarium filtration.

Since it is incredibly quiet and does not pump water, this filter is perfect for bedrooms, offices, or any areas wherein you need the volume to be low.

Of course, the filter does the trick in cleansing betta tanks, murky ponds and planted aquariums pretty quickly.

Moreover, it is easy to use even if you have little to no experience in betta tank filtration.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Hikari US
Dimensions	5 x 5 x 6 inches
Weight	1 pound
Aquarium capacity	Up to 20 gallons

3. Aquapapa Corner Filter Air Driven Bio Sponge Ceramic

(Best for Betta Fry)

Maintain a healthy and balanced aquatic ecosystem for your betta with this astounding sponge filter!

While it is designed as a back-up for medium to large-sized tanks, this filter is perfect betta fry or fish breeding as it does not suck the tiny ones with its gentle flow.

The Aquapapa sponge filter is a remarkable mixture of biochemical and physical filtration. Not only does it feature a bio sponge, but it also has ceramic rings for optimum beneficial bacteria colonization.

Also, it is so easy to maintain. All you have to do to clean this betta filter is to remove the sponge and rinse it well.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aquapapa
Dimensions	4.3 x 3 x 4.3 inches
Weight	9.6 ounces
Aquarium capacity	Up to 10 gallons

4. Aqua Clear Fish Tank Filter

(Best Aquarium HOB Filter)

The Aqua Clear HOB filter offers a ton of perks for your betta fish. For one, it has a re-filtration system that lets you control the unit’s outflow rate.

This model also has biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration, helping you create a safe and thriving ecosystem for your betta fish.

And, it is a well-constructed and sturdy aquarium filter that seems to last forever.

Like most of the betta filters mentioned in this guide, this unit is incredibly easy to use, even for those who just ventured into the world betta keeping.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aqua Clear
Dimensions	4.5 x 7 x 6.5 inches
Weight	2 pounds
Aquarium capacity	5 to 70 gallons

5. Aqueon Quietflow Internal Power Filter

(Best for a 20 Gallon Betta Tank)

Compact and handy, this Aqueon filter works like a charm inside aquariums with a capacity of 10 gallons or more.

The filter may be placed in a variety of positions so that you will have more choices to work around the shape of your tank as well as its decorations.

Besides its adjustable direction, you may adjust the height of this filter as well.

Even better, the Aqueon Quietflow filter comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aqueon
Dimensions	2.8 x 1.5 x 5.4 inches
Weight	9.6 ounces
Aquarium capacity	Up to 40 gallons

6. Marina Power Filter

(Best 10 Gallon Betta Filter)

You will definitely love the Marina Power filter. Aside from above-average functions and features, the filter is a sight to behold as well.

It has a slim and compact design to make sure that it does not take a lot of space, as most filtration options do.

It gives our betta more space to roam and explore, and it adds a hint of class to your indoor space.

On the practical side, the filter has an adjustable flow dial so that you can easily control the water flow inside your aquarium.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Marina
Dimensions	3.7 x 7.3 x 6.5 inches
Weight	1.2 pounds
Aquarium capacity	Up to 20 gallons

7. UPETTOOLS Aquarium Biochemical Sponge Filter

(Best Betta Sponge Filter)

Looking for a no-frills and straightforward filter for your betta fish tank? Well, this Upettools filter might just do the trick.

Ideal for newbies, this sponge filter does not suck your little fish, making it an appropriate option for betta fry.

And, since it uses a sponge filter to clean your aquarium, it can help create a colony of healthy and beneficial bacteria in your betta fish tank.

Not to mention, it has layers in its unique design and has a kit of suction cups, meaning you may install the filter on the fly.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Upettools
Dimensions	Adjustable
Weight	10.4 ounces
Aquarium capacity	Up to 55 gallons

8. AQUANEAT Aquarium Bio Sponge Filter

(Best Small Betta Filter)

This Aquaneat filter is not just for betta fish. Heck, I have used it on my other small pet fish, like dwarf cichlid.

It is easy to install too. You just have to connect the filter to an air pump, establish its airline, and it is set to go.

Like most highly rated sponge filters, this one provides your betta aquariums with sufficient beneficial bacteria and biological filtration.

And that means it is a solid option for newbies.

The kit’s sponges may be cleaned every 2 weeks or a month and may be replaced every 3 to 5 months.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Aquaneat
Dimensions	2 x 4.75 inches
Weight	9.6 ounces
Aquarium capacity	Up to 10 gallons

9. Lee’s Premium Undergravel Filter

(Best Under Gravel Filter)

Who says under gravel filters are outdated? While this filter type has been pushed into the background, Lee’s Undergravel filter is making waves, giving it a comeback.

Truthfully, this filter is best used for saltwater aquariums. But, it is an appropriate solution for betta fish tanks as well, thanks to its superb filtration.

And, it is made of high-quality plastic, so it is durable and long-lasting.

As for its design, it does look better than some betta tank filters.

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Lee’s
Dimensions	22.2 x 3 x 11.4 inches
Weight	3.4 pounds
Aquarium capacity	Up to 55 gallons

10. Marina I25 Internal Filter

(Best for Planted Tank)

Marina I25 is, hands down, an exceptional choice for betta aquariums with a capacity of 6.6 gallons or less.

After all, it is one of the most trusted and beloved brands in the world of aquarists. And, the filter has unique odor-reducing functions, which can come in handy as you clean your betta fish tank.

The cartridge of this impressive internal filter is pretty easy to replace, and it comes with a power cartridge for free.

The filter has a clip-on design that makes installation a breeze. And, did I mention that the motor is also quiet?

Key Features:

Product Specifications:

Manufacturer	Marina
Dimensions	3 x 3.2 x 11.7 inches
Weight	12 ounces
Aquarium capacity	Up to 6.6 gallons

How To Choose The Best Filter for Betta Fish

Having problems selecting the best filter for your betta? Why not consider these important factors?

Water Flow Rate

Bettas prefer calm or still water. When looking for the best filter for betta, make sure to check if the flow rate of water is too high for your fish.

And, since you need to reduce the flow rate when feeding them, it is best to use a filter with a flow adjustment knob that lets you control the tank’s water flow.

By the way, long-tailed betta fish, such as half-moon betta, are pretty fragile. Heck, the fins of these fish may be damaged due to movements in the water.

For these betta types, water movement in the aquarium should be little to none.

Device Compatibility

An aquarium filter is not just the piece of equipment you need for your betta fish. Additionally, you might need a water heater and an air pump.

So, find an aquarium filter that lets you install other tank equipment without affecting functionality and any setbacks.

Noise Levels

Some aquarium filters operate with vibrant and wheezing sounds. Thankfully, there are plenty of new and innovative filters that generate lower decibel levels while operating perfectly.

You and your pet will significantly benefit from a filter with low noise output.

Brand

The last thing that you want to happen is for your aquarium filter to be temperamental or break down. Pick an aquarium filter from a trustworthy brand that is well-known for its reliability and durability.

Filter Media

Filter media is available in mechanical, chemical, and biological forms. The top filter for betta uses at least 2 or more of these media types.

Easy To Use

Some filters are so complex that you might think you need a master’s degree in engineering to set up. So, look for an aquarium filter that is easy to install and maintain.

Aquarium Size

Filters are built for tanks for specific sizes. So, look for the best filter for betta that is not too weak or too powerful for your aquarium’s size.

Size Of Your Filter

Some aquarium filters can be too big and obtrusive to your betta. Find a filter that fits perfectly on your aquarium.

FAQs

I know you are extremely pumped up to know my top pick. Let us hit the brakes, first, and take a quick look at the guide’s FAQ section.

My Top Pick

You cannot go wrong with the Whisper In-Tank Filter for betta. From its multi-stage filtration to its super-quiet operation, this betta fish tank filter offers a range of fantastic perks.

Moreover, it is durable and is made from a trustworthy and well-known manufacturer.

One of the best ways to keep a healthy and happy betta is to provide it with a superior quality filter. So, grab any of these top-rated filters, and create an idyllic paradise for your betta fish.