Fighting Fish In Tropical Tank

[aussiefish]

Hi,

Just bought myself a fighting fish. At the moment its in a smallish size tank, and in cold water.
I have a tropical tank, about 10L, can I put my fighitng fish in there?? There are no other fish in the tank. Do fighting fish like the confined space of a small tank?
Help is appreciated

 

[Curiosity101]

They need to be in at least 23C or 74.5F temperature wise.
And no they do not like confined spaces.
To keep your fish happy and healthy you really want around a 20-30l tank.

You should also look into buying a filter, as although bettas don't like strong currents, they will appreciate having a filter. It will also cut down on how much tank maintenance you need to do.
So instead of doing daily water changes, you can do weekly ones.

Do you have a test kit?

 

[lilacamy931]

Hello conditions as Curiosity101 said, though 23C is lowest temp as stated. As to the community tank generally it is not recommended as it largely will be about what is in the community tank already and the fighters temprament. Some go perfectly fine in a community tank with the right fish in there and others will..well not do so good.

The 10 Litre is too small and without a filter the ammonia is going to build up as waste from the fish and this results in burns on the fishs gills and skin. If having a tank without a filter very regular water changes are needed to ensure ammonia and nitrites and nitrates are kept down, a filter helps the problem a little (still needing water changes but not as often).

 

[ellena]

When you say the current tank is smallish, do you mean smaller than the 10l alternative? I have a fighter in 12l, which is about 3US gall. This is the minimum recommended and should still be heated and filtered. The elite mini filter is good for small tanks and there are numerous small heaters out there, 25w should be ok.
Have a look on ebay, search for used tanks within 10 or 25 miles of your postcode. You shouldn't have to wait long before something suitable comes up

 

[aussiefish]

Thanks so much for your replies. I still am a little bit confused though. If you are suggesting that a 10L tank is too small, why are the fighting fish always in tiny little glass tanks at pet shops? Also why do pet stores keep their fighting fish in cold water when, in fact, they are tropical? I hope you can answer those questions for me, and clear the air a bit.

One more quick thing, my fighting fish does not eat. Ever. I have had him for about 3 weeks and I really dont think he has touched a bit of food since the 1st week I got him. He seems to be ok though, he swims around and stays idle like most fighting fish do. However, he just want touch the food. And obviously I'm changing the water more than frequently because the uneaten food spoils. I feed him once a day alternating between normal betta palettes and dried black worms. My friend bought two fighting fish the same day at the same shop and they eat heaps of worms a day. Please help??

 

[Curiosity101]

The shops normally have an internal filter system (if they're anything like my local shops).

And if they don't have fish in heated or filtered watered then it is just cruel and unnecessary.

What size is yours in? Anything less than 15l can cause issues with stress meaning the fish wont eat.

 

[ellena]

Some pet shops do still keep them in those little tanks with no filter and heater. You have to hope they are changing the water regularly. As there are usually loads of other heated tanks close by, the temp. presumably stays high enough. It's only temporary as well, until they are bought. Long term, they need something bigger, 3-5US gall.

 

[jasminekiddell]

Your betta probably isnt very happy as his water isnt heated, he'd like something bigger and there no filteration, some dont have filteration but i think its better to have it.
Hes not eating because his standards arent being met.

 

[LiveYourLife]

also what are you feeding him?
non of my bettas stay idle for very Long!!

 

[M.R Otter]

hmmm......... bettas like warm water not cold! what are feeding your betta?! bettas are carnivours they preffer live food more than other. if you are feeding it flakes he will soon lose his appetite and will wish that you vary his diet.

 

[Honeythorn]

If you are suggesting that a 10L tank is too small, why are the fighting fish always in tiny little glass tanks at pet shops?

Because the bettas are intended to be sold and not kept in those holding tanks permanently. Also, many pet stores simply don't give a toss about what they are selling as long as they make money from it.

Also why do pet stores keep their fighting fish in cold water when, in fact, they are tropical?

Because much like above, many basically either don't care or don't know. A lot of stores employ young people who have limited to no experience of the fish they are selling. That can also apply to many store owners. Just because they work in or own a fish store does not nessecarily mean they know or care. It is a business after all.




10l is horrifically small, please for the love of god don't keep him in that as a permanent home.

You can get a much bigger tank for very little money indeed. The largest size plastic critter Keeper is better than nothing and they don't cost too much either. Ebay is a great place for cheap second hand tanks.

A 5 gallon is the safest and easiest minimum size tank. That is NOT a large tank, it is not luxury or in any way extravagant , and will easily fit on top of a strong/sturdy desk, table, sideboard or unit or chest of drawers ect.

( around 25-30 l 12x12x10 inches, or a tall hex tank ect - there is an aquarium calculator on this site, check the measurements of any tanks you see against this to find out the gallons )




Many places/people will tell you that bettas do not need a filter because they can breathe air. NOT TRUE. Their ability to take air from the surface does not make them immune to being poisoned by their own waste, or by waste food ect ( good job for removing it this is the right thing to do )

They are basically no different to Gouramis with regards to basic care. They DO need a nice gentle filter. A sponge filter is a safe and simple type, or a small Hang on the back type.

They also require a heater. They come from a very warm part of the world . 26-28 degrees C. I keep mine bang in the middle at 27 degrees C

25-50% water changes once a week and you're good to go.



A basic 5 gallon setup using a second hand tank or BIG plastic critter keeper ( I do mean the largest size not the standard) a heater and small basic filter with LOTS of silk plants ( never plastic it can cut their fins ) and plain basic gravel or aquarium sand should not cost too much at all and will be a LOT better for your fishes health, Plus easier fr you to keep stable and clean for him. with heated and clean water he should begin to feel much happier and also start eating too.