Tank size for bettas?

Question

I am very confused. Some people saw it is cruel to keep bettas in half gallons. Other people saw they like small tanks. I am going to petco tommrow to buy a betta. What size tank should i get?

Answer 1

I have a betta in a tank about the size as that one from petco.com, and he seems to be doing fine. He doesn't act sick or deprived or anything. I don't have the plant that floats on top, but a good plant for betta tanks would be the "lucky bamboo", they are very easy to take care of. But to have one you need a lot of rocks, because if you don't bury the roots in rocks or something the fish will eat them. But yes, that's probably a good sized tank for him. But keep in mind that the water can't be below a certain temperature or the fish will freeze. Sometimes temperature is kind of hard to maintain with small tanks, if you like it cold in your house. But you know, most bettas actually live in tanks that are even smaller than a half gallon before you buy them, most of the time, anyway. And you see that they are still really energetic and happy looking. So a half-gallon tank shouldn't hurt him. But I wouldn't keep them in anything smaller than a half-gallon tank, because they really do need a bit more room than the cups that they come in.  

Answer 2

Well a betta should be in at least a 3 gallon

Answer 3

The absolute minimum tank size for a betta is 1 gallon and anything smaller really is cruel and/or should only be used as temporary housing.  Something larger than 2 gallons is much more ideal and its totally a myth perpetuated by petstores that they actually like small spaces.  Would you live in a closet by choice?  Its just easier for a pet store to sell a half gallon bowl and betta than a full tank setup.

This is my favorite caresheet, it won't steer you wrong

http://www.ultimatebettas.com/index.php?...

You don't NEED a filter but its nice if you have one.  Since bettas get most of their oxygen through the surface and not from their small gills through the water the filter isn't as nessacary as it is for other tropical fish but this does mean that you'll have to do more and bigger water changes without it.  A 2.5 gallon tank needs to be thourghly changed once a week for example but a filtered 5 gallon would only need a 25% water change every other week.  A tank smaller than 5 gallons really can't be filtered effectively and its harder to heat without cooking the inhabitant.

Answer 4

Minimum for a betta is 1gallon, whilst bigger is better. you need a heater (26-28 degrees Celsius) and if possible a not so strong filter (a sponge or box filter is the best). Also plants which reach the top but don't close off all the top.

And I'd suggest getting some "aged water" (water from an established tank) or else leave water to settle down for atleast 15 days.  

Answer 5

Good question.  You'll probably get as many different answers as people who answer.

Bettas in the wild live in the waters of rice patties and sometimes the water dries up, so they can survive in a small amount of water.  You'll hear a lot of people say small tanks and site this little tidbit.  You also see pet stores sell them with plants on the top.  DON'T GET SUCKED IN.

Yes they can survive in a small amount of water, but it would be like keeping a dog in a dog carrier all it's life.  I have heard anything from 1-2 gallons per fish is a good rule of thumb.

Don't do the plants on top.  Bettas do the normal fish breathing underwater, but they also breathe air and need to be able to get to the top.

They are not real crazy about circulating water, so they tend to hide when you have a filter going.  They also come from the tropics and like warmer temperatures.  Mine likes it at about 82 degrees.

My recommendation is get a minimum of 1 gallon.  If you can afford more and have the room for it, go bigger.  You can get ones with filters, but I would run it part of the time and turn it off for part of the time.  It is harder to find a heater for smaller tanks.  Some just have too much power.  You may need to search the internet.  They aren't too expensive.

You may want to invest in a water treatment of some sort and water testing kit.  Mardel puts out a great 5-1 test kit that is great.

Good luck.

Answer 6

my betta is in a 1 gal but i am getting a bigger one for him like a 5 gal

Answer 7

I would get one of the special tanks that are made for betta`s(their about 1-2gallons) they come with a built in light and everything. They are very inexpensive also.  

Answer 8

A betta needs at least a 5 gallon heated filtered tank to be healthy.  It is totally a myth that they like small stagnant tanks.  In the wild they live in the rice paddies and have adapted to be able to survive the dry season by being able to breathe air at the surface but this is by no means their ideal living condition.  

Also keep in mind that a tank needs to be cycled before a fish is added and that takes 4 to 6 weeks so buying a tank tmw would be fine but not the fish yet.

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Answer 9

Bettas do thrive in smaller tanks than most fish, but half a gallon is a bit too small. 2.5 gallons is a good minimum size. They do need a heater and filter, but aquarium kits that include these are pretty inexpensive. Also, it's best to set up the tank first and let it sit for awhile before adding a fish.