In this article we will address all the initial and ongoing costs of owning a Betta fish. Many of these costs you will be familiar with but some of these costs are missed by expectant Betta parents. It is important to research the cost before purchasing a pet to ensure you can afford them initially but also on a week to week basis. Betta fish have a lifespan of approximately two years meaning that owning one is a two year financial commitment.
Initial Costs to Own One Betta Fish
Cost of Betta Fish
Your Betta fish friend will cost you between $4.00 and $40.00.
The initial cost of purchasing your Betta friend generally ranges between$4.00 and $20.00 although this amount can be higher depending on the rarity of the fish. The majority of owners will purchase their Betta fish for around the $10.00 mark from a local aquarium.
Cost of Betta Tank
Your Betta fish tank will set you back anywhere from $10.00 to $150.00.
The size of the tank you choose will determine the cost you will pay. Some owners purchase a small fish bowl which will only set them back $10.00 to $30.00 while other owners decide to purchase an aquarium tank (which is what we recommend). A 5 gallon, 10 gallon or a larger sized tank is perfect for a Betta fish as they in fact love lots of room with a variety of places to hide. When choosing a tank, bigger is always better. There are many different tanks on the market to suit the space you have and your budget.
- 5 Gallon LED Glass Aquarium (This tank comes equipped with an LED light) – $60.00
Filter
A filter for your Betta aquarium will cost you between $5.00 and $120.00 depending on the size of your tank.
It is important to purchase a filter if you have purchased a medium to large aquarium for your Betta fish. In their natural habitat, Betta fish have adapted to slow moving streams so ensuring you purchase a filter that replicates this is important. Many Betta enthusiasts recommend purchasing a canister filter for a Betta tank. Canister filters are generally quieter and clean more efficiently than other filters on the market.
Cost of Gravel
Gravel will set you back anywhere between $5.00 and $40.00 depending on the size of your tank and which gravel you decide to use. Sand is a cheaper alternative, while glass marbles can be costly for large tanks.
Gravel plays a part in the biological cycle of a Betta aquarium and also works to hold down live plants, fake plants and fish toys. Some options include man-made gravel, stone, sand or glass marbles. In recent times, many Betta owners are filling the bottom of the aquarium with glass marbles due to their aesthetically pleasing qualities. The cost of a packet of gravel can range from $5.00 t0 $20.00. The amount of packets you need will depend on the size of your tank. Two to four packets are generally required for a medium size Betta tank. If you intend on having real plants in your Betta’s tank, it is recommended to have your gravel two inches thick to allow the plants to root.
- A 200 gram bag of Betta Glass Gravel – $12.00
Betta Toys
Betta fish toys will cost between $5.00 and $30.00 depending on the number you purchase.
Toys are not a necessary part of your Betta’s tank although they will provide entertainment for your Betta making them happier and healthier. When deciding on toys to include in your Betta’s tank, ensure there are no sharp corners where they could tear their delicate fins.
- Betta Fish Leaf Bed – $5.00. These provide your Betta with somewhere they can rest.
- Betta Fish Log – These toys are priced between $8.00 and $10.00. Betta fish love somewhere to hide from the outside world.
- Beware of Bettas Sign – $10.00. Some owners decide to add decoration purely to add to the look of their Betta’s tank.
View the Top 12 Betta Fish Toys Here
Betta Plants
Live Betta plants will set you back between $10.00 and $30.00.
Live plants provide somewhere for your Betta fish to hide and play in and also provide them with health benefits. There is a large variety of live plants that you can choose from to include in your Betta’s tank although moss balls have become increasingly popular. For those who don’t wish to include live plants in their aquarium, fake plastic plants are also an option. Ensure when purchasing fake plants that they do not have sharp pointy ends as Betta’s tails can easily tear. Live or silk plants are highly recommended for a Betta tank.
- 3 Aquarium Moss Balls – $8.00. Betta fish love moss balls and they can be easily removed and replaced if needed.
Read More About Live Betta Plants Here
Lighting
Lighting for your Betta tank will cost between $10.00 and $30.00.
The majority of aquariums these days come with inbuilt lighting. If the tank you purchase does not come with lighting you will need to purchase lighting separately. One white or blue LED light is generally enough to provide the light needed for a Betta tank. Having an aquarium light will provide your Betta with the routine needed for a healthy lifestyle. A light that has a timer is easier as the light will automatically dim during the night time.
Read More About Betta Lighting Here
Heater
A heater for your aquarium will cost between $10.00 and $30.00.
Depending on where in the world you are situated, will dictate if you do or do not need to purchase an aquarium heater. Betta fish thrive in water that is between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Purchasing a thermometer is also important to ensure the aquarium is always the right temperature. Letting the water get too hot or too cold can increase your Bettas chance of contracting an illness or disease. Heaters are generally recommended for aquariums that are larger than 5 gallons.
- Marina Compact Heater (maintains a water temperature of 78 degree Fahrenheit) – $12.00. This heater is suitable for 6 gallon tanks or smaller.
Read More About Heating Your Aquarium Here
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Betta Fish
Diet
Betta food each week will set you back between $5.00 and $10.00.
You should always offer your Betta fish a varied diet that includes live and dried foods. Betta fish are not big eaters so you can be assured they will not cost you as much as owning a dog or a cat. In saying this, it is important to offer live foods where possible. Live foods are often more pricey compared to containers of dried foods.
- Betta Mini Pellets Dry Food – $1.80. Ensure you limit the amount of dry food you offer your Betta fish. Excessive amounts of dried foods will result in your Betta fish becoming constipated.
View the Complete Guide to Feeding Your Betta Here
Medications
If your Betta fish falls ill you may need to purchase medication. It is important to consider these hidden costs when deciding if you can afford to own a Betta fish.
Information on a Range of Medication can be Found Here
Electricity
The Betta filter and light will generally be running 24 hour a day. This will increase your electricity bill. Ensure that you are prepared for a small increase in your electricity bill when becoming a Betta parent.
Summary
After reading this article you will get a general idea of the initial and ongoing costs associated with owning one Betta fish. Betta fish are a low cost pet that is also easy to maintain. In saying this, no pet is cost free and it is important to ensure you can afford them on a week to week basis before committing to a new friend.
Cost Overview of Owning a Betta Fish
Initial Costs of Owning a Betta
The following table outlines the initial upfront costs of owning one Betta fish.
| Item |
Cost |
| One Betta Fish |
$15.00 |
|
Tank |
$80.00 |
|
Tank Stand (If Needed) |
$80.00 |
|
Filter |
$40.00 |
|
Gravel |
$15.00 |
|
Betta Toys |
$20.00 |
|
Live Plants |
$20.00 |
|
Lighting |
$30.00 |
|
Heater & Thermometer |
$25.00 |
|
Net |
$6.00 |
|
Glass Tank Cleaner |
$10.00 |
|
Total Initial Cost of Owning a Betta Fish |
Approximately= $341.00 |
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Betta
The table below outlines how much one Betta fish will cost if they have a two year life span. This does not include the initial setup costs mentioned above.
| Item |
Cost |
|
Diet (per week) |
$10.00 |
|
Medication (per year) |
$15.00 |
|
Ongoing Cost of a Betta with a Two Year Lifespan |
Approximately= $1070.00 |
View Comments (6)
I fell that the prices here are a bit high. Here were mine:
Fish. 9$
Tank( came with lighting and filter). 30$
Heater. 17$
Net. 3$
Thermometer. 4$
Medicine. 19$
Leaf hammock. 3$
Easter island head decor. Present
Plant. 5$
Small purple rocks. 4$
Big black rocks. 3$
Food(lasts about three months). 6$
Water conditioner( lasts two months).5$
Aquarium salt. 6$
Add it all together and ya get 114. Power costs not included because I have solar
I personally have spent almost 1000 on initial set up!
I'm about to get my first fish and it adds up to about 600 per 2 years for diet and medication and tank and filter stuff like that adds up to 261.
I have a 15 gallon tank with 10 fish and it cost for the tank and stand with the heater and filtration it cost 340.00. How can a beta tank cost 1,000 dollars? The reason I'm doing this is to save at least one fish. I cant have more than one unless they are female and you need a bigger tank. I see them poor things suffering in the pet shops and I feel bad. What happens to those that dont get saved?
Do you have to have a filter? I have a limited area where I plan to have my Aquarium so I don’t know if her filter is going to work in that space. It’s my first fish so please don’t laugh at me lol
@ Warren, You really need to have a filter for your beta fish. Something like a small sponge filter will work for a smaller tank.