Is A 1g Tank Really Ok For A Betta?

[DragonLass]

I've decided to get myself a betta to put in my kitchen to keep me company when i'm cooking dinner and stuff. I know the minimum size to keep one is a 1G tank. There is a shop down the road that has some 1G tanks really cheap, but I was looking at it and I don't think I could bring myself to put a fish in a tank that small.
I mean, wouldn't it be better for him to have some space to swim around in?
And would it be good for him to have some tankmates? Or are they naturally just better off being on their own?
Sorry if these are obvious questions, I just want to make sure i get this right from the start to make sure he's as happy as possible

 

[Ben]

1g is regarded as most Betta keepers here as the absoloute minimum for housing Bettas in the long term.
You could go as high as 10g but anything higher might stress it as Bettas are territorial and can't keep up protecting all the space of a 10g with its long fins.

You could use some 2.5 gallon tanks or 5 gallons which are used by most Betta keepers here use

But yes, you can keep him in 1 gallon bowls/tanks.

DD

 

[KeddyPie]

1 gallon is enough, but I personally think 2.5 is a minumum. That is MY minimum at least. They seem happier with a little room to move.

Tank mates are unneccesary... Not just unnecessary, but unreccomended. Bettas are naturally over-territorial, and get very aggressive to other fish near them. They do not get llonely (unless you have one of those freaky ones who's depressed without tank mates like my lte Lemon Soda, but that is VERY rare). If you really choose to have a tank mate, an african dwarf frog is acceptible, as most fo them won't notice eachother, since bettas are top dwellers and frogs are bottom. But personally, i like to keep them alone.

For a kitchen, I think a 2.5 or a 5 gallon is best. When I have bettas in rooms beesides my bnedroom (which i DON'T, but I think about it a lot) I try harder to keep the tank nice-looking, since a lot of other people see it. So you may want to consider a 2.5 or 5 gallon hex tank. These are not best for the bettas, but are still acceptible, and a lot of people think they look nicer. But if you just want simplicity, a 2.5 or 5 gallon rectanglular tank is best. A 10 is also great, but I doubt most people have couterspace for a 10 gallon aquarium!

Lastly, just a last little note to think about - If your betta is in the kitchen, and will therefor be frequently seen by others, you might want to consider getting a 'fancier' betta, as opposed to the common VIel Tail you find in petshops. Though there is no difference in temperment in most cases and both make excellent pets, I think for something that is being a decoration as well as a pet (never JUST a decoration...) that little extra kick makes a great conversation peice, and if it is your first betta, it is really great to have something unique. You are more likely to really love them when you're new, when you have something nobody else has. (though when you realize all bettas are equal, you reallly love them all the same, even when they are just vieltails!)

Oh god. I did it again. Wrote a 2 page reply to a 2 sentance post. Someone please put a limit on my posting size >_>

If you decide to invest in a betta, make sure you have the time to take good care of it, really enjoy it, and love having him

*wonders if anyone is still awake after all that...*

 

[Booboo puppy]

KeddyPie - When someone is starting out in any hobby, they are usually thankful for any and all information--I don't think your response was too long. You made some excellent points. I have no room left in my living room, so now I am considering space in my kitchen (which is more of a kitchen/family room). Sometimes we never make it as far as the living room when we have family and friends over for dinner. I will consider your advice before I actually set up something in here that EVERYONE will see.

 

[flips]

1 gallon is enough, but I personally think 2.5 is a minumum. That is MY minimum at least. They seem happier with a little room to move.

Tank mates are unneccesary... Not just unnecessary, but unreccomended. Bettas are naturally over-territorial, and get very aggressive to other fish near them. They do not get llonely (unless you have one of those freaky ones who's depressed without tank mates like my lte Lemon Soda, but that is VERY rare). If you really choose to have a tank mate, an african dwarf frog is acceptible, as most fo them won't notice eachother, since bettas are top dwellers and frogs are bottom. But personally, i like to keep them alone.

For a kitchen, I think a 2.5 or a 5 gallon is best. When I have bettas in rooms beesides my bnedroom (which i DON'T, but I think about it a lot) I try harder to keep the tank nice-looking, since a lot of other people see it. So you may want to consider a 2.5 or 5 gallon hex tank. These are not best for the bettas, but are still acceptible, and a lot of people think they look nicer. But if you just want simplicity, a 2.5 or 5 gallon rectanglular tank is best. A 10 is also great, but I doubt most people have couterspace for a 10 gallon aquarium!

Lastly, just a last little note to think about - If your betta is in the kitchen, and will therefor be frequently seen by others, you might want to consider getting a 'fancier' betta, as opposed to the common VIel Tail you find in petshops. Though there is no difference in temperment in most cases and both make excellent pets, I think for something that is being a decoration as well as a pet (never JUST a decoration...) that little extra kick makes a great conversation peice, and if it is your first betta, it is really great to have something unique. You are more likely to really love them when you're new, when you have something nobody else has. (though when you realize all bettas are equal, you reallly love them all the same, even when they are just vieltails!)

Oh god. I did it again. Wrote a 2 page reply to a 2 sentance post. Someone please put a limit on my posting size >_>


If you decide to invest in a betta, make sure you have the time to take good care of it, really enjoy it, and love having him

*wonders if anyone is still awake after all that...*

^ i'm still awake - read it all

 

[tttnjfttt]

I have my bettas (4 at the moment) in a range of tank sizes, from 1 gal up to one in a 10 gal (divided tank gone bad). The divided tank expirament was what really convinced me to give my bettas more space. When the first divider broke while I was cleaning the tank, I put one betta in a 5 gal section. He LOVED it! He seemed much happier and much more active. Since then, I have been working on getting everyone into atleast a 2.5 gallon.

However, I have one guy at school in my classroom. He is in a 1 gallon, and is probably the most active of everyone. He has built a bubble nest that covers half his small tank. I think his increase in activity was because of how much activity is around him, where he is just excited. I have plans to move him to a 2.5 gal when I get the time, just to give him more space to swim. I'll post back once I have done that and gotten to watch him for a few days.

 

[DragonLass]

Thanks everyone, particuarly keddy that is some good info there
In that case I will get myself about a 2.5G tank, and forget about the tankmates.
I spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen, so I think he will enjoy the activity around. Who knows, if he watches hard enough he might turn into a master chef! hehehe
Although I might have to invest in a tank cover, to spare him the sight if I am cooking fish for dinner

 

[splashluff]

My favorite 2.5g is a Minibow... ooo they are awesome. They include a whisper filter (not always great for Bettas, unless you set up a current-stopper), a lighted hood, gravel, a net, basically almost everything you need to set it up except for the fish, food, decorations and water conditioners. And, they're super cheap at Wal*Mart, as much as I hate to even glimpse into their fish section

I just discovered how awesome sand looks in Betta tanks, if you want to consider that. I TOTALLY agree with Keddy, that tanks that every one sees should look extra-special! Our living room tank is definitely the nicest, it's actually a 2.5g Minibow ... I also recommend live plants, as they are FAR prettier and, to me, easier than plastic or silk. Java Ferns are gorgeous, cheap, and require little light to grow. Water Sprites are the same. As far as tank-mates, ADF's are good if you just want the tank-mate for looks. A small snail can help consume uneaten food, like a mystery snail. good luck, and please post pics once you find that special Betta!

 

[redbetta]

just a question off topic, where would you get sand? I've never seen it in any fish stores or fish sections. If you're cleaning the tank with a turkey baster wouldn't you end up just taking half of it out by mistake? What about it stirring up and stuff? Just some thoughts, I've never used it. Thanks

 

[Ethos]

I have my bettas in a 1G or a 1.5G
They do fine.
I've noticed that my bettas in my 1.5's are a little more active than my one in the 1g.
A little more space can make alot of difference.

PS: Some people on here keep bettas in a 1/2G, which personally I find alittle TOO small.
My 1G is too small, I think.
But hey, I have what i can, and I dont think I'll be able to upgrade anyone soon.


Betta keeping has A LOT to do with persoanl preference, and as you might already be able to tell, we all have very different ideas.

 

[Luke_e]

Is it harder to do 100% water changes with sand in a betta tank because it may cloud it up?

 

[Karah's_Mommy]

You can find sand in most pet stores that sell salt water fish, look for it in that section. Also, you can get play sand from any home improvement store and even Walmart. I wouldn't use sand in a tank you're going to do 100% water changes on as it usually takes a day to all settle to the bottom, but it's excellent for cycled tanks. I'm redoing all my gravel bottoms into sand as soon as I can, I find it so much easier to maintain and I personally think it looks a lot better.

 

[Betta*b*Happy!]

Another thing to think about with a fish in the kitchen is the vapours.

You will need to cover the tank with a tea towel or something while you're cooking if the tank doesn't have a lid.