Topic: what size of tank/bowl is to small for a betta?

[ozzy]

ok, i had 2 male bettas , each in a 1 gal bowl, well i was at wal-mart today , looking at all the bowls and tanks they had,  there was lots of shapes and sizes for bettas. down to a 1 quart bowl,  then i seen this "betta bow-front double tank kit has a divider in it, , well i got it , as it would fit nice on my desk, but i bet it dont hold a 1/2 gal of water, maybe it do. but no more.  i have never seen a betta flare, so i thought it would be cool.  it do have a thing to slide into the divider so that the 2 cant see each other. one flares up nice, the other just hangs around.

so is this ok for the fish to be in such a small tank? and if so, how often should i change the water? the gal bowls i changed every 3 days.

any input is welcome

ozzy

[ZenMeBaby]

Two Bettas in a half a gallon is really small.  You would have to do daily changes and they would have hardly any room to move around.

If you would like to see a Betta flare, hold a mirror up to the side of the tank.  They usually go crazy over their own reflection.

[ozzy]

well is a 1 gal big enough, or should i get a bigger tank, for each fish?i do have a 10 gal tank i could find a way to divide.

[supersixone]

i only use 1 gals for temporary or quarantine housing.  as permanent homes, i prefer 2.5 gallons or larger. not only does the fish get more space, but you can add a heater for a stable temperature

[ruthcatrin]

a divided 10 would be more stable and just plain a better home for them if you're willing to do so.  But a 1g is ok as long as you can keep the temp and water quality stable and do enough water changes.

[CobraR]

You CAN keep a betta in such a small container, but like was previously mentioned, the water changes would have to be daily and the fish wouldn't live as long; if you were locked in a bathroom for the rest of your life, you'd probably have a heart attack and die before you hit thirty.  The more room you give your bettas to swim around in, the longer they'll live.  A friend of mine has a single male betta in a ten gallon tank.  Every morning, she chases him around with a stick (exercise).  He's about 6.5 years old.

ok, i had 2 male bettas , each in a 1 gal bowl, well i was at wal-mart today , looking at all the bowls and tanks they had,  there was lots of shapes and sizes for bettas. down to a 1 quart bowl,  then i seen this "betta bow-front double tank kit has a divider in it, , well i got it , as it would fit nice on my desk, but i bet it dont hold a 1/2 gal of water, maybe it do. but no more.  i have never seen a betta flare, so i thought it would be cool.  it do have a thing to slide into the divider so that the 2 cant see each other. one flares up nice, the other just hangs around.

so is this ok for the fish to be in such a small tank? and if so, how often should i change the water? the gal bowls i changed every 3 days.

any input is welcome

ozzy

[dorn27]

I've never heard of a betta living to be 6.5.... I think the oldest one on record is like 5.

As for tank size.  I agree, 1g is minimum for short term care.  For long term 2.5 gallons or higher is best.  Dividing a tank is very easy and would provide two fish very excellent homes.  Look in the DIY section of this site for dividers.  You only need a few items and it costs only a few dollars.

You can still allow you bettas to flare at each other, just put the 1g bowls next to each other.

[ozzy]

well, i tried putting the 2 bowls togather, they cant see eash other, heck, i cant even see them most the time, the round glass destorts what you see through the glass.

[BetaMomx4]

Check out Petsmart.com they have an assortment of tanks that you can house two betta's in..with a divider of course. If your space it limited they have some smaller tanks that allow the betta plenty of room to swim in.

I have two 1 gallon goldfish bowls from Wal*Mart that I house mine in. I think we paid $5.97 a piece for them. For tops I use those clear plastic things you put under plants to catch the over flow of water...found in the garden center. Mine seem to enjoy the bowls after being in such small cups in the stores. The down side is I have no lights for them other than a desk lamp I use to heat up their water when it feels cold.