Some Betta Questions!

[Dannikins]

I have read from several sites (i will get a book soon too) and some say that they dont need a heater or a filter is this true? Also is it wise to get them from pet shops? Finally could you possibly post pics of your set-ups or links to the aqauriums you have got? Thanks in advacne for any replies!

Dannikins x

 

[Heather.]

In my bettas tank I have a heater.. I used to have a filter in aswell but it made Charlie unhappy so I removed it ..I bought Charlie from a local pet shop and he is fine I have had him for a year and 7 months now.. Here is a pic of him in his tank..

Edit: Couple more pics..

Close up..

This was when he had a filter..

 

[squirt_12]

Wow Heather....that is a huge bubblenest that your betta has built there. Very nice setup.

 

[Heather.]

Thanks squirt.. Yeah he is very good at blowing bubbles..

 

[Amerce]

Beautiful coloured betta you have there, love marbled ones

I have read from several sites (i will get a book soon too) and some say that they dont need a heater or a filter is this true? Also is it wise to get them from pet shops? Finally could you possibly post pics of your set-ups or links to the aqauriums you have got? Thanks in advacne for any replies!Dannikins x

Betta's don't need heaters if your ambient room temp is constant and around 78 all year round, so for warm countries like USA Florida etc they probably don't use heaters. But if you are in the UK and as we all know it gets chilli and unpredicatable weather wise it is safest to have a heater to give the betta's a constant temp. Filters aren't required as long as you do regular partial water changes.

 

[MermaidMel]

What a beautiful boy!! I love his bubble nest and not in the least bit jealous
Yes a heater is a must in the UK
The hydor junior is great at 7.5W up to 5 gallons or the Visi Therm 12W is also good

 

[Heather.]

Thakyooo Amerce and Mel.. xx

 

[littlest]

I had the Hydor 7.5W in a small tank temporarily when my betta was staying at my boyfriend's place. I found it didn't keep it warm enough (it was winter and quite cold). Part of the reason I prefer something around 4-5G for a betta is it allows a heater with a thermostat. The choice in low watt heaters is pretty limited and they often don't have thermostats built in.

There's nothing wrong with buying bettas from your local fish shop (lfs) but most bettas sold in lfs's will be veiltails. They tend to be a little less fancy than ones from breeders, but sometimes you can find something special. Also in the UK bettas tend to be kept with other fish in the lfs and quite often they seem to be kept with unsuitable fish. Seen many bettas with lots of finnage missing because they are kept with unsuitable tankmates.

 

[Dannikins]

Thanks alot from your replies they were very helpful!

 

[PoptartShop]

They don't need a filter or heater.
Bettas are clean fish; but if you feel like you need a filter, then it's fine.
But, if you cannot keep the room they are in or their water warm, then you will need a heater.
But it's not completely necessary I mean.

Anyway, if you can find a good petshop that sells nice Bettas; aka healthy ones...nice fins, good shape, in good water conditions; then go for it. I've gotten all mine at PetCo (I have 5 Bettas currently).
But yeah, Betta breeders are also good places to get them, if you have any in your area.

 

[Dannikins]

Ok thanks, do you know an easy way i can find out if there are any betta breeders in my area?

 

[PoptartShop]

No problem!
It's simple!
You can type into Google this:
"Betta breeders in [your city], [your state]".

You should get some results.
Hope I helped!

 

[Dannikins]

Tanks, yeah you all helped!!!

 

[lilfishie]

neither of my two boys have heaters or filters, where are you from?

 

[PoptartShop]

No problem
& yeah, mine don't have filters or heaters either. Like I said, they're not completely necessary; it's really up to personal preference, or if you feel you need them.
Good luck!