Keeping betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish, as pets has become an increasingly popular hobby worldwide. Their beautiful fins and vibrant colors make it easy to see why these fish appeal. However, there is a lot of misinformation about the proper care of betta fish, especially regarding filtration.
Many people wonder: Does my betta fish tank need a filter? While filters certainly have benefits, the answer is not as straightforward as you may think. With the right setup and maintenance routine, you can keep your betta healthy and happy in a tank without a filter.
This article will cover everything you need to know about caring for a betta fish in a tank without a filter. We’ll start with the basics of betta care and their natural habitat. Then we’ll review the pros and cons of using a filter versus going filterless. The main focus will be a step-by-step guide to setting up a filterless betta tank, maintenance, and solutions. By the end, you can decide whether a filterless tank is right for your betta.
The Basics of Betta Fish Care
Before getting into filtration, it’s important to understand some betta fish care basics—especially if you’re a beginner. This will help you provide the best environment for your new friend.
Natural Habitat
Betta fish are native to the shallow waters of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. They live in stagnant water conditions, like rice paddies, ponds, or slow moving streams.
The water parameters in their natural habitat are:
- Temperature: 75-86°F
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- Water Changes: Infrequent
This is an important point we’ll come back to later regarding filtration.
Basic Needs
In captivity, bettas need:
- Space: At least 5 gallons tank (more is better)
- Warm water: 78-80°F is ideal
- Places to hide: Live or silk plants, caves, etc.
- Calm water: Low flow filter or none at all
- Infrequent water changes: 25% each week
- High quality food: 2-3 pellet or frozen meals per day
The right environment will keep your betta healthy and prevent diseases like fin rot. Proper betta care does not have to be complicated if you stick to meeting their basic needs.
The Debate: To Filter or Not to Filter
Whether or not to use a filtration system is one of the most hotly debated topics among betta owners. Filters certainly make maintenance easier, but are they required? Let’s go over the pros and cons.
The Case for Using a Filter
Filters have some clear benefits:
- Clean water: Removes waste and debris
- Oxygenation: Increased surface agitation and water flow
- Established cycle: Promotes growth of beneficial bacteria
With a filter, you only need to change 10-20% of the water weekly. The filter does the rest of the work keeping the water clean and oxygenated. A filter is very useful for beginners who want an easier maintenance routine.
The Case Against Using a Filter
However, there are also some downsides to filters:
- Expense: Filter systems can get pricey
- Flow rate: Strong currents stress bettas out
- Fin damage: Intake tubes can rip fins if not baffled
- Natural habitat: Bettas thrive in still water
- Change schedule: More water swaps needed without a cycle
With the right setup and care, you can keep a healthy and active betta in an unfiltered tank. It simply requires an alternate maintenance routine which we’ll cover soon.
The Verdict
It comes down to your preferences as an aquarist. With more maintenance, a filterless tank can work just fine. A filtered tank is lower effort, but requires modifications. There is no universally “correct” option—either can provide great betta care.
Setting Up a Betta Fish Tank Without a Filter: Step-by-Step Guide
How should you set up the tank if you opt to go filterless? Follow this step-by-step guide for a thriving betta habitat.
1. Betta Fish Tank Setup
Start by choosing an appropriately sized tank and adding substrates and decor.
Choosing the Right Tank
- For bettas, bigger is always better.
- Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
- Go as big as possible – 10, 20 gallon tanks are great.
- Rectangular shapes give bettas more surface area.
- Get a tank with a lid to prevent jumping.
Substrate and Decorations
- Gravel or sand: 2-3 inches deep for plants.
- Silk or live plants: Provide resting spots near surface.
- Caves/rocks: Give places to explore and hide.
- Low flow: Avoid strong currents from high powered filters.
Planted tanks help absorb waste and are pleasing to the eye. Just be sure decor has smooth edges and affix it securely. Once your tank frame is ready, you can move onto the steps for a filterless setup.
2. How to Set Up a Betta Fish Bowl Without a Filter
Small bowls are extremely common for betta fish. But are bowls an appropriate habitat? Let’s look at the pros and cons.
Is a Bowl a Good Option?
Pros
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Take up little space
- Easier temperature control
Cons
- Limit swimming room
- Less stable water parameters
- Require more maintenance
- Easier to overfeed
Steps to Set Up a Bowl
If you do choose a bowl, follow these tips:
- Select at least a 2-3 gallon sized bowl
- Place it on a stable surface, away from direct sunlight
- Use an adjustable heater to maintain 78-80°F
- Change water 2-3 times per week, 100% each time
- Consider getting an air stone to increase oxygen
Starting with a larger 5+ gallon tank is recommended for a first betta. But with diligent care, bowls can work temporarily.
3. Water Preparation
Proper water conditioning is crucial in a filterless betta tank. You’ll need to treat new water before each change.
Can Bettas Live in Tap Water?
Tap water is fine if you treat it first. Here’s why:
- Removes chlorine and chloramines
- Neutralizes heavy metals
- It brings down pH to betta-safe levels
- It makes hard water soft and gentle
Betta fish labyrinth organs are sensitive. Untreated tap water damages their protective mucus coating and gill tissues. Always use a water conditioner like Seachem Prime before adding new water.
How to Treat Tap Water
Treating new water is simple:
- Fill a bucket with tap water.
- Add the correct dose of conditioner per the instructions.
- Let sit for 15-30 minutes before slowly adding to the tank.
This makes tap water safe for your betta by removing harmful substances. Now let’s look at using plants as natural filtration.
4. Planted Betta Tank With No Filter
Adding live plants to your tank has multiple benefits in a filterless setup.
Benefits of Live Plants
Plants improve water quality by:
- Absorbing ammonia, nitrites, waste
- Adding oxygen through photosynthesis
- Providing resting spots near the surface
- Creating a more natural habitat for bettas
Some easy, low-light options are java fern, anubias, moss balls, and Amazon swords.
Best Plants for Betta Tanks
Some great beginner live plants for bettas:
- Java Fern: Hardy, low light
- Anubias: Also does well in low light
- Marimo Moss Balls: Natural look, float or sink
- Amazon Sword: Roots absorb waste, but needs root tabs
Start with just a few plants and see how they do. Avoid sharp-leaved species that can tear fins. The right plants enhance water conditions in a filterless betta tank.
Maintenance of a Filterless Tank
Maintenance routines are a bit different without a filter continually cleansing the water. But it’s very doable with more frequent water changes.
How to Maintain a Fish Tank Without a Filter
To keep your filterless tank clean and healthy:
- Test water parameters frequently
- Change water 2-3 times per week
- Remove uneaten food after each feeding
- Use a siphon to extract waste from the substrate
- Wipe down glass to remove algae buildup
- Never wash decorations with soap—just old tank water
It’s more hands-on maintenance, but simple once you get the hang of it. Creating a consistent schedule makes it easy.
Water Changes
For a filterless betta tank, aim to change:
- 25% of the water 2-3 times per week
- 50% once a week
- 100% every 2-4 weeks
Use a gravel vacuum to extract debris without uprooting plants. Replace the removed water with fresh, treated new water.
Monitoring Water Parameters
Test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH weekly with a liquid test kit. Ideal levels are:
- Ammonia – 0 ppm
- Nitrite – 0 ppm
- Nitrate – Under 20 ppm
- pH – 6.8-7.5
Adjust as needed if levels fluctuate outside safe ranges. This helps catch issues before they escalate.
Alternative Equipment
While not mandatory, air stones and bottom feeders can be useful additions in a filterless betta tank.
Alternative Solutions
If you try going filterless but find the maintenance too demanding, there are some alternative solutions to explore.
Adding a Betta Filter
Here are some betta-safe filter options:
- Sponge filters: Gentle, prevent jumpers
- Undergravel: Hidden, maintain flow
- Corner box: Slow flow, conserve space
- Nano filters: Compact, made for small tanks
Place intake tubes near walls to prevent injuries. Baffle outflow to diminish currents.
Adjust the Filter Flow
If adding a filter, reduce flow:
- Position outflow against glass
- Baffle with filter sponge or bottle cap
- Limit hours with a timer
With modifications, filters and bettas can coexist in tanks from 5-20 gallons and beyond.
What the Betta Fish Community Recommends
On forums like r/bettafish, most experienced keepers agree:
- Filters are not required, though helpful
- Focus on regular maintenance either way
- Minimum 5 gallon tanks, bigger is better
- Proper water conditioning is a must
- Test water parameters 1-2 times per month
- Adjust based on your betta’s behavior
Ultimately, it comes down to your tank size, dedication to care, and individual betta’s personality.
Common Questions and Myths
Let’s tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about filterless betta tanks.
Can Bettas Live in a Bowl Without a Filter?
Yes, bettas can live in unfiltered bowls with proper maintenance. But bowls require much more frequent 100% water changes. Bigger is better—aim for 2.5 gallons or more.
How Long Can a Betta Survive Without a Filter?
With diligent care, bettas can live full, healthy lives of 3-5 years without a filter. The key is staying on top of weekly partial water and monthly 100% changes.
Do Bettas Need a Filter to Oxygenate the Water?
Filters do help oxygenate water. But bettas can breathe air via their labyrinth organ. Place plants and decor near the surface for resting spots. An air stone also increases oxygen.
Debunking Common Betta Myths
- Myth: Bettas like small tanks
Truth: They need 5+ gallons, the bigger the better
- Myth: Bettas only live a few months
Truth: With proper care they live 3-5 years
- Myth: Bowls are fine without maintenance
Truth: All tanks need regular testing and water changes
The key takeaways
- With the proper setup and care, betta fish can thrive in tanks without a filter. This mirrors their natural habitat.
- Small bowls under 3 gallons require very frequent maintenance. Larger tanks are easier for beginners.
- Check water parameters 1-2 times monthly and perform 25-50% water changes 2-3 times weekly.
- Live plants like java fern help absorb waste and enhance water quality.
- A filter makes maintenance easier, but is not essential. Baffle flow to prevent stress.
While it requires more effort, a healthy filterless betta tank is achievable. The most important thing is staying on top of regular testing and water changes.
With the right information and care, you can feel confident keeping your betta buddy happy in a filtered or filterless setup. Just meet their basic needs for space, warmth, and clean water. Happy fishkeeping!
