Anybody Gonna Put Their Neck On The Line

[Dorkhedeos]

well, i keep my betta in one of those costco nut jars. they seem to be pretty dang happy even though its not even a gallon. its pretty much just a inch diameter jug that is about 5 inches high.

 

[dmarie04]

Sure, it's possible. Fish have different personalities and preferences, too.

 

[starrynightxxi]

definately possible, especially because most bettas are so used to small quarters that they seem to not always adjust to larger spaces right away. Another issue I've found, is that when you first put them in a larger tanks, and even more so if it has a filter, their fins get really thin and may start to go ragged. As long as you keep things clean so they don't get fin rot, they'll grow back and be much stronger thouhg.

Don't know if anyone else has had that experience, but it's happened pretty reliably to every single betta i put in a larger tank w/ filter regardless of gender.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Mine really loves his 2.5 gallon tank...from the first day I bought he has been active and happy, although he usually only "runs" about 3/4 the length of the tank so I think for him it's the perfect size. I have heard of bettas that do prefer smaller tanks vs. larger ones as well, so do what your fish likes best!

@ starrynightxxi - I id see some thinning of the "spikes" on the fins of my crowntail after I bought him, and was worried about fin rot so have been keeping the water extra clean. It hasn't worsened, but it's kinda hard to tell if it's due to what you are talking about or otherwise.

 

[Britesprite]

My betta Mozart lived in small 2 gal tank for the first 6 months that I had him, then I found out you aren't supposed to keep them in such tiny tanks and moved him into a 5 gal that I bought just for him. He was miserable, he would sit at the bottom of the tank and sulk until finally I moved him back into the small tank after a few months. now he's happy as a clam.