Thoughts On Tank Size?

[Winterlily]

Well, having given up my idea of 4- or 5-way dividing a 55 gallon tank for male bettas (nightmare trying to figure out decent filtration for a heavily divided big tank like that...), I have decided to do multiple small tanks instead for the bettas. My question is this: With the last remaining horizontal structure I have I can either do two 10 gallon tanks, each divided in half, obviously housing a total of 4 bettas, or I can do three 5.5 gallon tanks, each housing 1 betta, for a total of 3.

The 10 gallon tanks are 20 inches long and 10 1/2 inches wide, so each guy would have 5 gallons, but the dimensions of his space would be 10 inches long by 10 1/2 inches wide/deep. I believe they are 12 1/2 inches high, if it matters.

The 5.5 gallon tanks are 16 inches long and 8 inches wide/deep (and 10 1/2 high), so that would be the dimensions of each betta's space.

The advantage to the 10 gallon set up is that I could then have 4 instead of 3 (they're SO addicitive), and the hood, light, etc is a lot cheaper than on the 5.5 gallon, because the 10 is a "standard" size. (To go slightly off subject, I wanted two 15 gallons, as they would've given each betta 12" by 12" by 12", but they too are "non-standard" and ridiculously priced.) Disadvantage to two 10-gallons is that each betta doesn't seem to get a lot of room (even though getting 5 gallons - the actual inches seems a bit tight?)

The advantage to having three 5.5 gallons are that there is more room for each betta I think, but the disadvantage is that I'm then limited to 3.

What do you guy think? Is the two 10 gallons, divided, too small an area? I want them to be happy and healthy. Or is it totally fine do you think? Not sure which way to go here. Your opinions will help a lot!

 

[ellena]

I think the 2 divided 10 galls sound fine. I take it you haven't bought these yet?

 

[meguro]

I'd go with the 2x10g too.

 

[lljdma06]

I'd go with the 2x10g too.

I'd go with the smaller number of tanks and less bettas. Besides I like the surface area of the 5.5g better for a single betta. Though the surface area of the 10g is technically bigger, the betta would only be able to occupy 1/2 the space. The 5.5g are also less deep, which I like, especially if the betta has to haul heavy fins around. It is easier to swim across than to swim up and down.

Believe me, having owned 7 bettas, you don't want that many. Stick with just three, try it for a year and see if you like it. Less fish to think about, IMO. Also, if one happens to be sick, you can treat the individual betta rather than worry about bettas in a divided tank. The divided bettas also have more contact, even if the divider is opaque, they can still make out something, and that can lead to stress. There is the risk of jumping the divider too.

This is just my opinion.

llj

 

[Winterlily]

I take it you haven't bought these yet?

Not yet! Was hoping to get that done today - but wanted some feedback from you guys first! I have a 5.5 gallon now, set up and with a fish in it - but that is/will be my quarantine tank and/or hospital tank.

even if the divider is opaque, they can still make out something, and that can lead to stress. There is the risk of jumping the divider too

Yup - those things concern me too. I'd hoped to avoid the latter by building the divider literally right up to touching the glass canopy, but you never know.

 

[loraxchick]

i agree that they should all be in their own tank. much less worry in so many respects.

 

[Honeythorn]

I'd just have two in a 10 gal each if you have space for two ten gals. Scape them really beautifully and get two really special boys for them.

If not then I'd go with the 3 5.5 gals and scape each one differently .

 

[Cdarmychi]

Well, not sure if this will effect your choices or not, but I might not be able to clone three filters for you. You might have to cycle the third one the hard way, in that case.

Email me later, and let me know what you decide, I cant really fix my tanks up, add the stock thats been QTed since you'll be getting a good portion of my media, I'd rather not mini cycle my tanks lol....

Sakura

 

[Winterlily]

Sakura - no no, media from you will be going to the new 55, not to any of the new little tanks. They will have to cycle on their own normally! So no, I only need what would be good for starting up the 55 ... very likely with a canister on it. Pay no attention to the rest of this about the little tanks. I would never ask nor expect you to do anything that would be a detriment to your own tanks - of course! Silly lady.

Thanks to everyone else for their input. I decided to go with the separate 5.5 gallons for each boy. So I'll have a total of 4 males (3 tanks side by side, and one back here near my computer). Seemed the most space for them all around.

Thank you all so much! When it's set up, I will post a pic!

Samantha