Accessories for a Betta: tests, upkeep and budget
Betta : An adjustable 25 to 50 W heater, a low-flow or sponge filter, a thermometer and a lid. Expect around 60 to 120 euros to fully equip a nano tank.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Stick-on digital thermometer for aquarium and terrarium glass (€18.90) · the whole shop
Our products don’t ship to you yet, but the PDF practical guide is instant: Beginner axolotl: aquarium and care (€19)
In short: 6 to 7 cm as an adult, 20 L minimum for a single male, heated water between 24 and 27 °C. Spectacularly territorial: two males together means a guaranteed fight — hence the name fighting fish. A labyrinth fish that breathes air at the surface: the tank needs a lid (it jumps) and gentle flow — those long fins tire quickly.
Water tests: your dashboard
A drop-test kit (€15-30) is THE first accessory for a Betta tank: NO2 and NO3 weekly, GH-KH-pH at any doubt. Then come the net sized for 6 cm, the substrate siphon and the dedicated bucket — never the cleaning one, whose detergent traces contaminate the water.
The Betta specifics
a tight-fitting lid with no gaps: the species jumps, and every slot is a one-way exit.
The full budget, no surprises
An equipped 20 L setup (tank, filter, heater, lighting, substrate, decor, tests): expect €100 to 250 upfront, then €10 to 25 a month (food, electricity, conditioner). Second-hand often halves the tank price — only the filter and heater deserve to be new. Details on the full Betta profile.
Frequently asked questions
Which accessories are essential for a Betta tank?
Drop tests, siphon, net, dedicated bucket, a tight lid (it jumps), an independent thermometer: the whole kit stays under €60.
What budget for keeping a Betta?
€100 to 250 to set up an equipped 20 L tank, then €10 to 25 a month in routine costs.
The guides that apply to you
- Sponge Filters for Shrimp and Fry Tanks: Why They're the Safer Choice
Gentle flow, no intake risk, easy upkeep... sponge filters remain the go-to choice for shrimp and fry tanks. How to pick a good one.
- Should you turn off the aquarium filter at night? The clear answer
Switching the filter off at night to save money or noise is a false good idea. Why the filter must run 24/7 and what really happens when you stop it.
- Internal or External Filter: How to Choose the Right Aquarium Filtration
Internal filter, external canister, flow rate, filter media: our complete guide to choosing the right filtration for your aquarium's volume, with real-world prices.
- Guppies or neon tetras: which freshwater fish should beginners choose?
Guppies or neon tetras for a first aquarium? A comparison of temperament, water requirements, price and compatibility to help you choose.