New Betta Fishkeeper Guy

[Lancelot]

Hello Everyone,

My name is Thomas and I’ve just acquired a betta fish about 4 days ago. I don’t know much but so far my betta fish seems healthy. Anyways I’ve read a little and it seems everyone’s tank is really large. The fish owner instructed me to purchase a betta hex tank, pellets (food), water conditioner, and a small net. The tank I’m using looks like this..

Based on what I’ve been reading, does that mean I need to get a bigger tank?

The owner just told me that most people put them in these hex tanks because they don't really move, just float, plus it saves space.

 

[Curiosity101]

In my opinion that is a ridiculous sized container for a betta.

Please don't take this as a personal attack on you. You were following advice you presumed to be correct so it's not your fault at all!
I'd like to give the person who sold you that 'tank' a piece of my mind!

Where abouts are you located? UK or US?
I'll stick a few examples up of more suitable tanks.
But basically anything 15l or above should be 'ok'
With 25l being a really nice size.

 

[Diz1979]

They like small tanks with slow moving water. If you take a look at peoples Betta tanks on here you'll notice they are mostly small hex tanks like the one you bought

 

[Curiosity101]

They like small tanks with slow moving water. If you take a look at peoples Betta tanks on here you'll notice they are mostly small hex tanks like the one you bought

^^ I have highlight the incorrect parts in red.

I have highlighted the correct part in green.

 

[anusingh88]

Honestly, I had my betta in a small vase, a little bigger than your tank, and he was sulky... his fins were clamped, it was almost as though he was giving me the finger everytime i looked at him.

But when I got him a bigger tank he was swimming! Fish are meant to swim, not float. They need the exercise. So I would suggest getting him a bigger tank. It really wasn't that bad. It cost me 16$ for a 5 gallon, next day i went back to the store, they were selling a 10 gallong for $14, So I was a bit upset that I could have gotten him a bigger home.

But you WILL see a change in his behaviour when he gets a bigger tank. Trust me ...I started off like you, and I'm still learning a lot.

All the tanks I have seen in this forum are bigger than 3.5 gallons.

 

[Forestpisces]

They like small tanks with slow moving water. If you take a look at peoples Betta tanks on here you'll notice they are mostly small hex tanks like the one you bought

This statement is completely untrue, no one here keeps there fish in anything like that.

Bettas need at least 3 gallons of heated and filtred water with 5gallons being far better. Bettas are very active fish and do not just float around, they are intelligent and like to explore and swim, they can even be taught to do tricks like swimming through hoops and jumping for food.

You have done the right thing by coming to this forum and asking, the advise here is great from reliable sources and the people are very welcoming.

Welcome to the forum, and dont be afraid to ask us anything

 

[lilacamy931]

Most peoples hexes on here are 3-5g probably much bigger than the one pictured in the first topic.

Welcome Lancelot, most of us on this site would recommend minimum of 3g for a healthy life for your betta. There are more than one reason some including it is a pet for life so should have adequate space to live in, your betta will appreciate you more for it and also the larger the water space the more room given if something goes wrong.

Also never really listen to your LFS they want to sell you at every opportunity. The reason bettas wont move alot is you havent given them the space to do so in. I have one betta in a 10g (this is excessive but I am spoiling my pretty pet) and he uses every inch of the tank, he loves exploring and is alot more interactive with his surroundings and me because of it.

There are one or two people on here with the view that yes that is fine to keep one in, at the end of the day it is entirely up to you. My absolute recommendation is to think of the fish and its quality of life. If you can please please consider getting a 3g.

Sorry just thought another reason 3g is these are tropical fish, they need a heater to be optimum and healthy (and not get ill all the time) and the smaller body of water the harder it is to maintain the temp. Also on a 3g you can get a filter which in the long run is easier on you and the fish as you wont have to do water changes as often.

Hope that has helped

 

[Lancelot]

The information seems pretty useful here. Anyways, the owner just told me the betta hex is better because it was made for bettas. I was thinking about buying a bigger one at the time (those rectangular ones ranging from 1 - 3 gallons maybe?) but he told me they were for goldfish. So yeah, money is no problem so I'll probably get a upgrade within a few days. I think I saw a rectangular 3 Gallon tank at Wal-Mart anyways for 10 bucks.

 

[lilacamy931]

That 3 gallon one would be perfect! Also ensure there is some sort of lid as they are known jumpers!

 

[Forestpisces]

Excellent decision!

As lila said make sure you have a lid heater and filter and your good to go!

Your little man will love you for it.

 

[CTlovesKS]

I was going to get one of these for my betta but got told that it isnt right. It would be alright for water changes if you wanted to take the fish out of their tank so you dont stress them. but not good for all time home... they need lenght and height