little betta in a big, empty tank

[Srenaeb]

Hello,

bettas do not belong in tiny cups, they need room too.
But is there such a thing as too much room?

In a larger tank (say, 72g) will betta be happy? or will he need it pretty densely planted to avoid betta agoraphobia?

also, anything about water being "too deep" for dear betta?

 

[Emg]

Lol....wow, a 72 is a bit overkill for one little betta !

 

[ianab]

Overkill... for sure, but the Betta would be fine.

What you would probably find though is that the fish would claim one clump of plants as it's "territory" and live there. 72 gal is more than the fish can defend, so it's not going to bother.

This leaves the possibility of emulating the bettas natural habitat, densely planting the tank and keeping several males and a group of females together. As they are not confined in a small tank the aggression just becomes posturing with the weaker fish able to retreat before it's seriously hurt.

Other issue is that 72gal tanks usually have serious filters that may make more current than betta like. But as long as the tank is only liightly stocked you can turn down the filtering, or just fit smaller filters. A couple of betta in a planted 72gal wouldn't actually need a filter at all.

Ian

 

[halfmoonplakat]

I agree. Too strong of a current can stress bettas out. But otherwise your betta should be fine + happy with all that room!

 

[Srenaeb]

well =)
I will have a few other fish in there of coruse. Perhaps a small school of compatible, top-dwelling fish.
currently I have a little school of bottom dwellers in a 10g, and noone living up top.
Since I'm upgrading to the 72g, I thought maybe I can keep a betta again~

Hmmm so basically I'd better wait till there's enough plants in there for the little guy huh =P don't want him to freak out and think "where'd everybody go? O_O "


---------
note: i'm not planning on having both tanks running -- everyone in the 10g will migrate to the 72g
there is a common pleco, 5 bronze corys and 2 amano shrimp

 

[ianab]

Heck, just keep your 10gal running. It's a palace for a betta and then you dont need to worry about fin nippers and strong currents in the 72 gal upsetting your betta.
:thumbsup:

Ian

 

[Srenaeb]

OOOps
----^ "I will have a few other fish in there "
by this i mean like, tetras or zebra danios or something that will be compatible with my bachlor betta

 

[Srenaeb]

Heck, just keep your 10gal running. It's a palace for a betta and then you dont need to worry about fin nippers and strong currents in the 72 gal upsetting your betta.
:thumbsup:

Ian

=) I WISH!
the reason for the upgrade is that my common pleco is growing,
and i had to beg my hubby to let me get a bigger tank.
Having both run will be out of the question.

In light of the fact that there may be fin nippage and current flow issue....maybe in the fishie's best interest for me not to get a betta afterall =( they're such sweet little guys....

my old one, Suke--Lord rest his little soul, would always come towards the glass to greet me when I enter the room =)
(or rather, the food...sigh)

 

[Windy]

LOL your betta lives in a MEGA mansion. If your adding extra fish, make sure they are not nippy type fish that can nip at the betta's fins. And Yes, current can stress your betta out and cause it to age faster just like heating in the tank. If the heater is up to high, it will cause your betta to age faster thus shortening its lifespan. Temps should be between 75-80 degrees. You can add Harlequin Rasboras to the tank. There peaceful and hardy easy care fish among other fishies you can add.

 

[Jspigs]

LOL your betta lives in a MEGA mansion. If your adding extra fish, make sure they are not nippy type fish that can nip at the betta's fins. And Yes, current can stress your betta out and cause it to age faster just like heating in the tank. If the heater is up to high, it will cause your betta to age faster thus shortening its lifespan. Temps should be between 75-80 degrees. You can add Harlequin Rasboras to the tank. There peaceful and hardy easy care fish among other fishies you can add.

In response to what I put in bold: I have NEVER heard this. I do not believe it for a second. Unless the tank was literally a whirlpool and all the fish (not just the Betta) had trouble swimming then the Betta will be fine.

In response to what is underlined: That would only be true if the heat was so hot that the Betta would die quickly due to the heat. warmer water (within reason) has no negative long term effect on a Betta.

Also the ideal temperature for Bettas is not 75-80 degrees, 75 degrees is too cold for a Betta. The ideal temperature range is about 77-80 degrees but Bettas will do fine in warmer temperatures.


Sorry for the rant but I just needed to clear those things up.