Does tank size really matter for Bettas ??

[thats_so_fab]

So does it ? I've seen pet shops with small tanks for bettas and they seem to get along just fine. I mean if you have a fairly big one, i don't have that much space and afterall it's only one fish. Mines new but i gurantee im dedicated to looking after it properly. But sersiously, what are your thoughts on the matter? ??

 

[mr funktastic]

ihave mine in a 2 gallon acrilic tank with a filter. yes they can live in the little tiny bowls and stuff because they also breath air but it really isnt good for them. i personally wouldnt go any smaller than 2 gallons. 10 would be a really good size for one then u can add an adf or some different snails and shrimps. mine is a very happy and healthy fish and he is nearly 2 years old now. he is also HUGE lol. he eats about 8 pellets a day. i named him pig for that very reason.

 

[rubysoho]

I don't think any fish should be kept in something smaller than 5 gallons. But that is just my opinion.

*edit* My boyfriend keeps his in a 1 gallon tank with a plant and his betta seems to do just fine.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I personally don't think they should be kept in anything smaller than a 5 gal, preferably a 10 gal. Those Betta cups and bowls just aren't healthy for them. It doesn't give them the space to swim.

 

[QTOFFER]

I keep my betta in a 2-1/2 gal at work. It works because the tank is lightly planted and I change 50% of the water TWICE a week.

Bettas also need filtration and a heater - it's almost impossible to put either in anything smaller than a 2-1/2, and still have room for the fish.

I have a small air-driven sponge filter, and a cute 7W heater that I don't use. The room temp never falls below 78oF - even at night, because of all the heat-producing equipment in the room.

 

[mr funktastic]

i dont heat my bettas tank but it is touching my 10 gallon tank so the heat gets transferred over a little. enough to keep him happy. mine is the smallest eclips tank and had a biowheel filter combined in the hood so it is super filtration for a betta becasue they hardly produce any waste i want to transfer mine to a 10 gallon tank i have but i need to find the room for him.

 

[An t-iasg]

My bettas are very happy and healthy in 5 gallon heated, filtered, planted tanks. You could have a 2 1/2 gallon tank (I have one of those for my QT tank) but like QTOFFER says, you have to do more water changes and add a small heater if necessary.

 

[QTOFFER]

I just want to clarify that my betta tank at work is located in a windowless, draftless room filled with computers and refrigerated equipment that generate alot of heat. The temp is a warm and stable 76 - 78oF without the heater.

If this tank was at home, where the temp falls to the mid 60's at night, I would definitely use the dinky 7W heater. It's another one of those YMMV situations.

 

[DepotFish]

I used to have a one gallon, no heater needed, no filter. Without a filter you need to frequently do water changes and syphon gravel with a turkey baster. Most bettas who come from small store cups don't have the muscle to handle the current from a filter. You need to make the filter weak or put it in a big enough tank that the fish can get some rest. If you are doing the maintence then they can live in a one gallon. But imagine getting a dog and keeping it in a kennel. It can stay alive, but that doesn't mean much. Spending life in a small box is not a good way to live. Same with bettas. I suggest 2.5 gallons or more with a cave to hide in or rock to sit on.

 

[malkore]

I personally prefer a 5gallon tank as a minimum for any fish, including bettas. I certainly wouldn't scold anyone who kept a betta in a 2.5gal, as long as they properly cared for it and maintained the tank with good clean water.

Anything smaller though, just doesn't have enough swimming space for a fish. Think of it like a prison cell..yo uhave just enough room to pace around, and sleep.

Even most prisoners are given a gymnasium or outdoor basketball court to hang out on a couple hours a day.

 

[ringfinger]

I had always kept my Bettas in cups or small bowls without too much trouble, just as long as I kept up with water changes. Then I started using female Bettas in my community tanks. The increase in activity, color, and overall health is amazing and well worth it. 5 gallon minimum with a few easy plants to help with water quality.

 

[Jackiee]

I have my betta in my 29 gallon and it's doing fine.