I Think I've Been Sucked In

[Twinklecaz]

I've been thinking this for a while now and I think I need to get one. Still in the planning stages (though not as much as my Angel tank which will prob happen in about 10 years) but just a few thinks I'm wondering.

1. What's the smallest size tank you guys would recommend? I've read the general advice on the internet but I'd rather hear what experienced Betta keepers think.

2. I really LOVE this one http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/345435-1st-time-betta-keeper/

This is a typical Siamese Fighting Fish is it? I'm a little confused with the different types. Also, is there anywhere online people buy their Bettas from because the only ones I've ever seen in any of my LFS are the plain red ones and they never look all that well to be honest.

 

[mepiscool]

try this website i use it for all betta fish and info

www.bettabred.co.uk

 

[Twinklecaz]

Thanks!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I kept my make in a 4.5 gallon and it was perfect. You can keep them in smaller but I liked that. I've just upgraded him to a 10 gallon and to be honest he looks a little lost, however with more decorations and plants I think he'll be fine.

The smallest tank you can keep one in, in my opinion is something you will be happy with, some people say 1 fallon minimum, some say 10 gallon minimum. if you want a smaller tank go for it, so long as you clean it and check the water regularly, same for a large one though.

 

[JoshuaA]

You'll find mixed advice on them but their requirements in terms of habitat is pretty simple, size can really come down to personal opinion as long as you aren't planning to put it into a coffee cup.

My Betta is currently housed in a 10 US Gallon tank which is semi planted, Vallis/Java Fern/Dwarf Hair grass and other plants I can't remember their names haha! He has been living with 6 Pygmy Corys and well... you might be surprised to find... A Male Dwarf Gourami. The Dwarf gourami was moved from my main tank because he was too docile and would get pushed around easily, my Betta was living in a tank full of pearl Gouramis when I bought him... they get on just fine. However that might not be the case for other tank mates, I really do think it's hit and miss, I had a 2 US gallon tank ready incase he needed to be moved into that and personally I might think it's quite small but it is well designed for him.

Over the time I've had him I've come to the mindset that the more open space the more my Betta feels lost like Dipsy just said, give him a lot of objects to squeeze through, for example my Betta for some reason believes squeezing UNDERNEATH the runners of my Vallis is a good idea .

Cute fish and cute personality, really does respond to you when you go up to the tank, unlike things like Neons which just swim back and forth anyway.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Hiya!

Thanks again. Would something like this be ok? http/www.amazon.com/dp/B0002Z7VRS/ref=asc_df_B0002Z7VRS1389791?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextagus0045643-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0002Z7VRS


I really want it to fit on my desk as that's the only place I could put it that I can see

 

[Curiosity101]

Well although I personally would always recommend a 5gal min tank... at the end of the day you aren't a 'new' keeper. And a 3gal planned soley for a betta is always likely to be better than a 5gal with a betta just plonked in.
Plus that tank has a big bonus that the filter is in the hood, so I imagine it'd be nice and gentle for the fish and free up a bit of space whilst still maintaining water quality.

I think it would work quite nicely.

Oh and to answer your question about the types...they come in tail types, and then you 'describe' the colour/pattern.

The bog standard tail type is the veil tail.
The one you linked to is a crown tail.
You can also get (off the top of my head), half moon, delta, spade, rose, plakat and poss a few others I can't remember.

You don't really need to know 'colour' names. Just pick one you like!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

A 3 gallon will be fine, provided that you will be happy with it.

 

[JoshuaA]

I always thought you were UK Twinklecaz, though amazon.com makes me think differently!

 

[Pixietina]

steves got some nice ones available

 

[Twinklecaz]

I am UK! I just searched 3 gal tanks and that's what it came up with.

Bums bet that means I can't order it. What's 3 gal in liters? I'll see if I can find it in the UK one.

Thanks for the tail info Curiosity. I get it now lol. I've found some nice ones on Tropical Fish Online but I don't know if they're any good?

Mind you I need to buy the tank and work out where to put it first

steves got some nice ones available

Steve on Ebay? I've heard good things about him!

 

[Curiosity101]

3US Gal is about 12l

Oo how about that one that pets at home had in... it's really pretty and really compact. Would need a new filter or for the one it comes with to be modded (apparently it's very strong), and you'd need a heater. But it's only £27... Can't find it online anymore but it's a 17l cube. Overhead lighting, 'open' top design (I think it has a clear perspex lid).

Here is a pic.

There are also all the 'kids' tanks at pets at home that might be worth a glance (they're on the online site).

 

[Curiosity101]

There is also the Fluval Chi - 19l if you are feeling particularly rich atm.

Aracdia Arc 20l, quite a large footprint though.

 

[Twinklecaz]

Thanks. I saw that first open top one but I'm nopt sure I like open tops, I'd be paranoid about the fish jumping out and fumes getting in lol.

Tis a nice looking tank though. I also like the Chi!

 

[JoshuaA]

How much are you willing to spend?

I wouldn't really risk an open top in case your Betta managed to launch it's way out of the tank onto your desk and say hello.