Question for the Betta experts....

[plah831]

I know. I just saw a store that was selling thin slivers of "tanks" (like an inch thick) with bettas in them. They LITERALLY couldn't turn around if they wanted to I say "tank" because the entire thing, was probably only capable of holding 2 cups of water!!! :mad2: Of course, there was no heater or filter or anything.
It makes me very mad, and puts bettas near the top of my list (after goldfish) for most abused fish species.

The larger tanks are much better, as everyone has said, to me mostly because the parameters stay more stable. In a tiny volume of water, it's very easy for temperature to fluctuate and wastes to build up dangerously.

 

[dobiekad]

im afraid i have to disagree with the above post 1g is about the minimum although with lost of care and cleaning 1/2g can work . at first i believed that they shouldnt be kept in bowls then i was told/discovered that in the wild they live in puddles! although im no betta "expert" i have researched about bettas for about 2-3months now and ill direct you towards this site. www.bettysplendens.com (more specifically http://www.bettysplendens.com/articles/page.imp?articleid=717) i hope this helps. i also have a friend on another forum who is really good with bettas so i can find her email address for you if you want.

thanks everyone for fighting my case on the "at least 1 gal" rule. And I think it's sick those betta are kept in a container they can't turn around in. And i thought cups were cruel! Thats why i signed that betta petition on aquaria central.

 

[plah831]

you just reminded me of that petition. I think I'll sign it, too.

FaFaFooey, I didn't mean to imply that you're abusing your bettas at all (I just realized it could have been construed that way). You obviously care for them as you are asking questions in the right place and are planning to upgrade their accomodations good for you!

 

[FaFaFooey]

I took no offense, plus I'm not a sensitive person anyways.

I appreicate everyones advice. I think I'm going to pick up two of the Eclipse 5 gallon aquariums, looks like a pretty good buy with whats included. Although has anyone seen those BiUbe 9g aquariums? A little pricey but look pretty sweet.

 

[amyandlars]

The eclipses are so nice. If you go with using a filter, you can try what I did. I used the new filter an established tank for 1 week then but it in the new tank. And robbed the old tank of some gravel. If it's only 1 betta going in you won't need that much. If money is not an issue, and you think you might want to try some tank mates if the Betta's temperament will allow it, go for the 9 gal.