jrskater1999
Aquarium Advice Freak
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2012
- Messages
- 212
So I am considering setting up a 5 gallon Betta tank. What is all needed for a good setup?
Mumma.of.two said:Well, the same as any other tropical fish. Heater, filter, cycled tank. They prefer planted tanks, a still water surface, somewhere to hide like a log or cave, water heated to 80F, a good quality floating pellet, broad leafed plants to rest on, somewhere to get out of the light and no sharp decor.
One more thing... A water level of around 6 inches. They live in stagnant water naturally so filter isnt needed as long as you are happy to keep on top of the cleaning.
One more thing... A water level of around 6 inches. They live in stagnant water naturally so filter isnt needed as long as you are happy to keep on top of the cleaning.
LyndaB said:I respectfully disagree.
We're not talking about a wild betta in a puddle here, we're talking about a fish in a tank. Filter (cycled tank), heater, enough space to extend their finnage without damage.
Have a lot of different decorations and plants in there. I have bettas and they love exploring. For algae problems, you can add a black mystery snail. I have one in all my Betta tanks and the bettas never bother the snails. In fact, one of my Betta and snail pairs have even become great friends and the Betta loves protecting and watching the snail while she works. ^__^
I have a betta in a 55 gallon semi aggressive community and that is my happiest betta. The more water, the better (in almost all cases). I have another male in a ten gallon who LOVES to nap on his lilypads. It was a $3 fake plant and it was worth it. I'd have to agree and say 6 inches is probably not enough. My betta in the 55 loves to swim and excercise his fins, while my other betta is very lazy... You must take in to consideration the fish's preference as well. I personally won't put a fish in a tank below 10g. the fish love to swim! Why deprive them? Why let them "survive" when they can thrive. I would recommend getting a cheap 10g and seeing how he does there. If he is very active, I would recommend upgrading, it could never hurt! If he is not so active, let him be lazy! It's who he is! Lol
Happy Fishkeeping
xx wryly