dorkfish, unfortunately the "betta in a vase" thing has been going on for quite a number of years now. The instructions also note that you don't have to feed the betta since they will eat the roots; and the biggest oh no of all, there usually is a shallow plastic dish (like a plant pot drainer) which holds the peace plant in place--thus allowing no oxygen into the vase (along with the plant roots). It's an awful thing, but as long as people keep up the supply (weren't you talking about a "betta barracks" for breeding?) then this abuse will not stop.