Good size tank for a college student with a betta?

Question

I just got a betta a few days ago, and I noticed today that when he was eating he would just spit the food back out, so I looked it up online. I found a lot more stuff out than I thought, including other things about caring for bettas.

Right now, Edward is in a 1/2 gallon bowl with gravel at the bottom and a plastic plant for him to hang out in.

Is this bad? I feel really guilty because from what I've read, it sounds like they need more space. I want to try to get him a bigger tank, but I'm moving into a college dorm room in a week and a half, and I'm short on money and room for a large tank.

Also, if I got a filter, would I need to change his water? I'll be busy at school, so I won't have time to change the water every few days, like I'd have to with the bowl I have now. If I had a filter, would I be able to get away with changing it every 1-2 weeks?

I want Edward to be happy, so any help is appreciated. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

5 gallons would be good

with a small heater and filter

Answer 2

I think most people keep their bettas in vases.  Bettas are good college kid pets because they don't require much space (which is partly why they are often sold in cups).  A small tank shouldn't be a problem as long as you clean the water at least once every three days and make sure to use your water purifying drops each time.

Having a filter is great, but keep in mind that you are going to be sleeping in a room with that noise.  

Answer 3

Get yourself a 5 gallon tank, a hang-on filter, an air pump (for emergency use), and a heater.

Hang-on filters are great because they are small and external, making them perfect for small aquaria usage.

The air pump will be there to provide back-up, just in case the filter breaks down.

Have yourself a substrate for it to have a location for the growth of beneficial bacteria. Java moss would be a perfect plant because they are hardy and will grow prolifically well if points of extremes are avoided.

Follow these things and you will be able to get away from not changing his water that often.

Answer 4

Bettas need at least a 2.5 gallon aquarium. This is a perfect size tank for a dorm room. This is what I originally had as a freshmen in my dorm too. You will need a heater and filter. You can buy a starter kit that includes everything (light, filter, and air pump) for about $30 dollars. They don't usually come with heaters but you can buy one at walmart rated for a 2-5 gallon tank for about $16 (Walmart is currently getting rid of one of the heaters that they have for this size aquarium and is selling it for $4.00). Since you have everything else it should be around $50.

Now for the cleaning, with a filter you will not need to clean the water every other day but more on a weekly basis. And honestly in a tank that small you could probably push it two weeks. Also, you do not need to clean the whole tank and remove all the water. In fact you will probably only need to remove approximately about 1/2 a gallon. Just be sure to add dechlorinator first (this is relatively cheap and can be bought at walmart) you will only need to add about 1/4 a teaspoon the first time you set up the tank and only a couple drops max when you change the water(be sure you add it to the water being added that's it). Also it would be good to buy some fresh water aquarium salt and add it to his tank the first time you set up his tank you will need to add 1/2 a Tablespoon of salt and then everytime you change the water only throw in about 5 rocks (again only add salt to the water being added).

If you do all this Edward will be one happy fish : ) And will be really grateful! Also if you have a problem with algae you can always throw a snail in there!

Lastly if you want something to keep Edward occupied you can throw a marble into the bottom of his tank (make sure you rinse it in HOT water only first). Some betta like this and will push the marble around the bottom of their tank with their nose which is super cute.

Have fun with your fish!

Edit: Just in case you are wondering what the salt is for it helps them in their respiration. It makes it easier, and therefore making your fish healthier and happier. Also don't be surprised if you see a huge different in temperment once you put him in the bigger aquarium he is probably not feeling all too well right now in the little unfiltered, unheated bowl!

Edit: If you are asking about when you do your water changes leave the gravel in there. In the gravel and the pad in your filter is where all the good bacteria lives. Don't change your filter pads either unless it is a last resort, if it starts to get really nasty when you do a water change soak it in the water you removed from the tank.