Suitable Tank For A Single Betta

[vear]

So, I'm planning on getting a betta and I'm trying to do my research in order to keep it nice and happy. I had one many years ago in a tiny 1/2 gallon container. I knew nothing about fish and somebody gave it to me as a gift.

Anyway, so now I want to do it the right way. I have actually been looking into those "kits" they sell at the petstore where you get a 2.5 to 5 gallon tank with a hood, light, filter etc included. I never paid attention to those b/c I thought they were overpriced and I have no idea about those filters or heaters. However, I was at the petstore yesterday and they had some pretty good deals.

So, question 1: anybody have any experience with said kits, the filters etc? Are they acceptable? Is it a waste of money?

Question 2: What size tank should I get? I would like a small tank since I live in a 1 bedroom apt. and I already have 2 tanks, but I still want to give him enough space to be happy and healthy. I was thinking 2.5 to 5 gallons for 1 betta? My other idea would be say a 10 gallon divided in 2 for 2 bettas. But i'm not sure, I may only want one. (would that be enough room?).

Question 3: Is sand an acceptable substrate for a betta? I have sand in my 75 gallon and I love it. I know nothing sharp etc... is sand ok?

That's pretty much it. I want to have him in a tank where he is not miserable. The ones they have at the petstores in the little bowls look sooo sad, it's depressing.

 

[Trollfest]

I have my male betta in a 28l (6US gallon) and he's really happy (I think!). I bought the full set up, tank, heater and filter and had to upgrade the heater as I didn't think it was adequate so in my case I think it wasn't a great deal but it depends what deal you can get. I habe just today added 2 african dwarf frogs and they all seem to be getting on in that size tank.
Oh and I have sand but I don't think the betta minds what it is, it was more for the frogs that I got sand. Just make sure he's got somewhere to hide.

 

[aly_starh]

So, question 1: anybody have any experience with said kits, the filters etc? Are they acceptable? Is it a waste of money?
Depends on where you are Uk or US. In the uk there are kits like the 17L Mermaid one, this includes a few items, including a small filter, which will suit the tank. betta dont produce much waste, saying that they do need a filter. One downside to these kis are that more often they dont include a heater. So you will have to buy a small one.

Question 2: What size tank should I get? I would like a small tank since I live in a 1 bedroom apt. and I already have 2 tanks, but I still want to give him enough space to be happy and healthy. I was thinking 2.5 to 5 gallons for 1 betta? My other idea would be say a 10 gallon divided in 2 for 2 bettas. But i'm not sure, I may only want one. (would that be enough room?).
For 1 betta, 2.5G is the minimum, and if you want to give him more space then you can. They can live quite happily in 2.5G. Depending on the tank size ou could fit 3 bettas in a 10G, giving them around 3G each. Once again, it depends on how much space you want to give them

Question 3: Is sand an acceptable substrate for a betta? I have sand in my 75 gallon and I love it. I know nothing sharp etc... is sand ok?
Bettas are not really fussy about substrate, sand or gravel are fine. But plants are a must, as they like to hide and use them for shelter.

Hope that helps

 

[vear]

Great, thanks a lot for your responses.

betta_246: I'm in the US, but I think we have that same "mermaid" kit you're talking about. About the heater, my apt. is usually at 74F, it never drops below 72F. So it's about 73-78F. So, something like 23-26 celcius. I'm actually afraid to use a heater and cook the fish since it's usually warm in the room.

I do have one more question though. Does it matter if the tank is long or tall, hex etc? If I get a taller tank is that ok, do they use that up/down space? I usually feel like tall tanks are kind of claustrophobic. haha.

Thanks again.

 

[aly_starh]

Bettas prefer 26C-27C. Any lower and there metabolism will go fuuny. There appetite will get disturbed im afraid

Well depending on how tall it is, a rectangle or cube type tank will be best for 1 betta. Too tall of a tank will make a betta trying to breathe difficult as they breathe from the air.

 

[Trollfest]

Great, thanks a lot for your responses.

betta_246: I'm in the US, but I think we have that same "mermaid" kit you're talking about. About the heater, my apt. is usually at 74F, it never drops below 72F. So it's about 73-78F. So, something like 23-26 celcius. I'm actually afraid to use a heater and cook the fish since it's usually warm in the room.

I do have one more question though. Does it matter if the tank is long or tall, hex etc? If I get a taller tank is that ok, do they use that up/down space? I usually feel like tall tanks are kind of claustrophobic. haha.

Thanks again.

I don't think you have to worry about cooking it! The heater will have a thermostat and if it's nice and toasty in your apartment it will probably won't be on that much.

 

[vear]

Great! I might get two 5 gallon tanks... I need to figure out what to sit them on. And I guess I just have to make sure I get heaters that shut off.

 

[kelly528]

Just one note, a lot of betta owners are very happy with their Aqueon Mini-Bow 5s. The filtration is perfect for bettas.