2.5 or 5 gallon tank and tips

[ral]

When I got my current betta I did not plan thing too well. He is now in a 1.5 Gallon or so with two plants, a rock and white pebbles. Was thinking of getting him a real tank.

What size is ideal for a single betta. He seems happy enough in his 1.5 right now, so I want to get the new home done as perfect as I can.

Do I use sand or gravel? Thick plants or plenty of swimming area? Rock formations or caves.

Hoping you can help me build a new for Max to eventually move too.

Thanks.

 

[modernhamlet]

Any tank that you can heat and filter without disturbing the betta too much is fine. I have a planted 2.5g with a whisper mini and small heater that has worked great. However, since the difference in price between a 2.5g, 5g, and 10g tank is negligable, the real limitation is the space you have to put the tank. I'll personally go with a 5g next time. 10g are great too, as lighting and filtration is easier. Plus you can have a small community if you choose.

 

[White Whale]

Any tank that you can heat and filter without disturbing the betta too much is fine. I have a planted 2.5g with a whisper mini and small heater that has worked great.

You have a Whisper filter in a 2.5g? I tried that but it looked like it took up too much space - unless I situated it in the wrong place. Do you have a pic of your 2.5g? I'd love to see the setup.

 

[White Whale]

When I got my current betta I did not plan thing too well. He is now in a 1.5 Gallon or so with two plants, a rock and white pebbles. Was thinking of getting him a real tank.

What size is ideal for a single betta. He seems happy enough in his 1.5 right now, so I want to get the new home done as perfect as I can.

Do I use sand or gravel? Thick plants or plenty of swimming area? Rock formations or caves.

Hoping you can help me build a new for Max to eventually move too.

Thanks.

I don't have much room in my room, so I used a 2.5g to replace the Azoo candy vase on my desk.

These are Azoo candy vases (1-gallon). It's an old picture. The female and male Wuv sent me reside on the ends, my cambodian female in the middle. The gravel has changed since then and I am thinking of putting in live plants.

This is the 2.5g that is on my desk in my room:

Hope this gives you some ideas! Good luck!

 

[modernhamlet]

Great tanks IBB! I don't have many pics of the tank. The best I've got is this one, which (of course!) doesn't show the filter. It did take up a bit of space, but was out of the way enough in the back corner. The only frustration with that particular model was that it was difficult to place at the right level due to the lip of the aquarium being in the way. The fish in there is Horatio, who passed away this summer. Tank is empty and awaiting a new inhabitant, since LFS bettas around here are sad little things and I can't find a breeder.

Anyway, thanks for showing your tank. I love the little rock cave!

 

[Seahorse]

Nice setup, Itty Bitty Betta. Have you ever had a problem with one jumping out?

I had Harold in a 1.5 gal for probably a month. He seemed content, made bubble nests and whatnot, but it still bothered me. So I setup his own 12 gal... a bit extreme, a 1.5 gal to a 12 gal, but I can tell he really enjoys it. He is much more active, loves to explore, socializes, has better coloring, and is a lot of fun.

It has a regular filter, which products a gentle current and still allows him to have bubble nests on the opposite end. I only turn it on while I am at work, so in the evenings and at night he has stagnant water.

My other guy, Scooter, is in a 5 gal by himself. It also has a regular filter (though I do wish it had a whisper filter, this one is just a touch too strong) and he is fine with it.

A 5 gal is the smallest size I would go with for a boy, but I would house a girl in a 2.5 gal easily alone (and I do).

Oh and they all have heaters in the winter, except the girl. The lights are close enough, and her tank is small enough that it stays regulated. I have to say though that the 12 gal and 5 gal stay warm even without a heater (and we are talking northern michigan winters).

Do I use sand or gravel? Thick plants or plenty of swimming area? Rock formations or caves.

Sand is so attractive, and is much more kind on their fins. They do lay on things, and I feel so bad when my guys rest on the gravel. Betta's love plants, so I would go with thick foliage with space to swim in the front. A flat rock formation of some kind for them to rest upon, and definitely a cave... they love to sit inside and peek out.

 

[ral]

Thanks. I am getting a clear picture of what it should lool like. I guess I should add the following information, I like in the tropics (Philippines) so a heater wont be necessary. I really appreciate the pictures.

Basically:

1. Cave
2. A planted area
3. A open area out in front.

Size is a bit of a consideration. Would 2.5G be okay or should I get a new table for a 5G tank (or even a 10G) tank.

 

[Skylar]

I've got a 10 gallon for my betta but he isn't by himself in it. He enjoys all the swimming space and his seven little buddies (6 neon tetras and a striped rapheal catfish).

I'd say, go with the 5 or 10 gallon and heavily plant the back of it with silk plants.
I think a cave would be better so they could hide if they wanted and they could sleep in there, assuming that bettas normally sleep on things ( My betta rests on the anchor in the tank or on the huge plant)