Betta Bare Minimum

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Ok I haven't done any research but I was wondering what is the minimum tank size you can keep a male betta in? Also what is their temperature range? I know the bigger tank the better but I am semi-considering getting one and would like to know what would be comfortable for him.

I'm not supposed to use the net at work so haven't got time to do research now.

 

[Truck]

IMO 3 gallons, but opinions will vary.

26-28oC

 

[Inchworm]

Hi dipsydoodlenoodle

As long as you can keep the water warm and stable, it's a matter of how much time and effort in keeping the water clean you want to do. A larger tank will require less routine maintenance than a very small one. If the tank is large enough to be filtered it will save you many daily water changes.

 

[GuppyGoddess]

I would think that as long as the tank can be heated, you don't have to go super large. The 3-gallon equipse set-up comes with a filter and all it needs is a heater. For that size, you can add a 7.5 watt heater and keep the betta warm enough because the tank comes with the light. With a tank around 5-gallons, if you use a higher wattage heater, such as a 25-watt, you do not need a light. I have a variety of set-ups and all my fish seem happy (actually each of my five betta have entirely different set-ups, aside from two having the same filter).

Oh, and water changes are very stressful to bettas. I've learned a trick to keep them happy. After a water change, they get their blood worms. A couple of my bettas use to pale up after the water changes, but with anticipation of the treat, they no longer do so.

ETA - keep in mind (at least in my experience) that bettas with larger fins need more room to move around. One of my double tailed bettas had a difficult time in the 3-gallon and I had to move him up. In his place, I put a female who moves around like a little torpedo. She handles the size of the 3-gallon much better.

 

[silverrabbit]

Personally, I think bettas are more comfortable in min. 5gal (uk) set ups. much easier to put in both heater and mini filter, and you can fill the space with plants.

 

[Assaye]

For a new set up, 5 gallons is a good minimum. For an emergency set-up (rescue, adoption, fostering, seperation, etc) 3 gallons is good.

I started out with 3 gallons as my normal minimum but I've found my boys in 5-6 gallon tanks to be much more active and happier. It's also easier to keep on top of the water quality and gives you more space to plant without compromising his space.

 

[Honeythorn]

Bare minimum would be a 5 gal tank ( very easy and cheap to find second hand if you keep your eyes peeled and ears open ) a 25-50 watt heater, and a basic air driven sponge filter ( simple to use and the safest and most comfortable for a betta ) LOTS of plants wether silk or real ( they need plenty of plants to hide in and rest on )

The middle temperature for bettas is 27 degrees C, most keep them from anywhere between 26-28/9 degrees C.

The filter will need to be fully cycled as with any other new tank.

A good way to introduce the fish to his new tank, espescially if he seems nervous or has come from a small cup, is to get yourself a cheap floating breeding trap of the sort used for guppies. Float the bag as usual and release him into the trap, and keep him in there for the first week to get used to the new bigger tank . Adding a clump of Riccia or Java moss to hide under is often a good idea and has worked for me in the past.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Brilliant. Thank you all for your help I've had lots of good advice to get me going. Thank you .