Betta jumpers?

[fishycat]

I'm setting up a 10g with cories, and I've been debating about adding a betta for the top level... but I recently discovered that my tank gets very warm with the hood down, and am debating about a different setup that may result in removal of the hood altogether. (Betta would like the 80-82 degree water, cories not so much)

I've read before that betta will jump... but I also see people who have them in open containers. A friend of mine keeps his (named Jalapeno) in a large bowl with some floating anacharis, which I think deters jumping.

Anyone else have any experience with open tanks & bettas?

Or any other suggestions for a top level swimmer? Dwarf gourami small enough? I'd love honey gourami, but haven't seen any in the stores here...

[NorthcoastGirl]

My betta has never jumped, that I'm aware of. But better safe then sorry.

[Stargazer53]

I think it depends on the conditions and the betta. I haven't kept a betta in years but I remember once when I did keep one in a bowl, he did jump and croaked. I think a dwarf gourami would be fine (I don't remember gouramis being jumpers for me). Have you checked out Pet Discount? They always had a big assortment of fish. :)

[naliel]

Yeap, you need I lid on that tank if you don't want to find your friend on the floor. It happened to me once. I found my betta dry on the floor, I don't know how but it was still alive and made it. As North coast girl says "better safe than sorry"

[SubRosa]

Screen top

[dtd87]

I've never had a jumper out of the four I have.

[Dr. Awkward]

A girl at my work keeps her betta in an open top tank and it has never jumped. I have kept plenty of bettas in open top tanks and they never jumped. I think it has more to do with the other tank occupants making the betta feel nervous, same with any fish. If it's a peaceful group I think you'd be okay without a lid.

[b.greene]

Yep they jump. I had my favorite one jump out of my 29g - and it had a LID!
She was pale pink with red fins and lips. Looked liked she was wearing lipstick. I found her dreid up on the floor under the tank one day :-(

[Somervell]

My betta, the death-defying Mr. Moto, took a 3 1/2 foot drop from the safety of-- get this-- a large iced tea tumbler while I was switching out his tank. I actually thought that I might have accidentally flushed him with some tank water, and ran downstairs in horror to tell my husband that the fish that I was designing a brand new tank for had been flushed.

I went back upstairs, in tears only to find a little, somewhat fuzz covered, red object under the desk. (Guess I should dust more often) Yep. It was Moto. I cradled his little body in my hand to go show my husband, when much to my surprise he started breathing. I estimate that he had been out of the water for close to half an hour. I ran to put him back in the water and he is just fine and enjoying his new tank. I was lucky. The moral of the story is.... PUT A LID ON IT!!! :)

[msjinkzd]

screen will work if you are worried about the heat

[thebetta]

They jump, so a lid would do. However youc ould also just lower the watrer level 3-4 inches from the top.
Good luck :)

[fishycat]

Thanks for all the replies and helpful input! I had thought my tank was going to be okay, as the temperature had been stable between 74-77... but yesterday and today the water hit 80+ again! Will be looking into making a custom screen cover for the tank!