The topic is not about perfect conditions. It is about lowest possible (Minimum) conditions they should/could be kept in. It seems reasonable to believe we should all strive for better than the minimum for the sake of our fish even if perfection is unattainable.
What do you agree would be the minimum tank size for bettas?
- Thread starter ILOVEBETTAS
- Start date
My male crowntail and his girlfriend are in a 5.5 gallon tank for almost a year..they've never been sick and they seem happy enough. I don't think I'd put them in anything smaller than that.
I have to say, the way that question is written doesn't allow for an accurate or correct answer to be given. The answer to that question is that it depends on the amount of work invested to provide the basic needs for the fish, and how happy you want it to be? Breeders keep bettas in mason jars, nowhere near 1/2 gallon, and they thrive... pet stores keep them in cups, and yes, some stores do the required work to clean them every day, and they do fine there also. The proper way to determine what is best for any individual fish is to take a look at its needs and what it will take for you to properly provide those. Bettas come in different sizes, too. The size of the fish also determines it's needs. A male fighter who is 3 inches long and an inch tall (yes I've seen them) isn't going to need the same as a crowntail that is 2/3 fins and 1/2 the size! What do bettas need? Clean water, warm temps, good and healthy variety of food, a place to hide or play, and attention. Can you provide that in less than 1/2 gallon? Sure... if you are selective about your fish and meticulous about your maintenance. Will your fish be happy? Play with it and find out!! Most bettas have issues more with boredom than tank size. Is it humane to put a betta in a 10 gallon tank full of decorations, heater, filter, etc. and igonre him? I've seen this done just as often as the small containers that are doted on, and I've seen prize fish come from every type of scenario you can imagine.
Wow, the results of that study should be posted in every fish shop on the planet, with copies to every legislator.
The smallest tank I have ever kept a betta in was 15 gallon. Then I moved him to a 27 gallon and put a few female bettas in there. He was a pretty active fish in there. No hanging out peering out of his cup.
As you may have guessed, I voted 10 gallon but IMO it is ideally bigger.
Carla
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1215098&postcount=13
Exactly my point. The amount of room wild bettas have to swim around in is much larger than than most people think.
I voted for the 10 gallon simply because I just moved my male betta into one, and I refuse to go any smaller. He was in a 28 gallon community tank, but I had to take him out because some of the platys were starting to nip his fins. I really hated to do it because he seemed really happy in the larger tank (I think he's still a bit angry with me). Given the space, they are very active swimmers and a lot of fun to watch.
