Is it ok to keep a betta fish in a regular fish bowl without a filter?

D

Daydreamer1

Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2008
Messages
44
Reaction score
0
Points
6
I want to get a betta but someone told me it has to go in a 5 gallon tank with a heater and filter and water pump etc...

I thought a betta lived in just a regular fish bowl and you change the water like once a week?
 
Though it is said that they need 5 gallon tanks....I think its absolutely ridiculous! A 3 gallon is perfect for a betta. The average life span of a betta is 2-3 years not 10. You can keep them in fish bowls as long as you keep their water clean and if you are cleaning them every week...what would be the need for filter??? Heck alot betta bowls I have seen are kept cleaner than some tanks I have seen. All 3 of my kids have a betta that have lived in 1 gallon container and the fish are 2 years old at the present. They have no filter system or heater and they are always eager to eat and will greet them when they go up to feed them I dont see it as cruelty just because the bettas are not in large tanks. Poor water quality is cruel and you be surprised how many folks right here tanks look worse than betta bowls.
 
To thrive *not just survive* a betta needs at least 2 gallons, they also need a heater and a filter.
Don't forget to cycle the tank- http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/fishless_cycling.php
In a small bowl they will live...2, maybe 3 years tops if they live passed the cycled with minimal damage. If the tank is small liver disease will claim their life, that is the number one cause of death in bettas that live in small tanks simply because they do not have the space to exercise. In a tank fo at least 2 gallons, that is cycled, heated, and filtered a betta will easily live 5, maybe even 7 years.
 
No bettas need at least 2.5 gallons and a heater. A filter is not nessesary but it makes it much easier.
 
No, you can't house a Betta in a bowl.

A Betta should be housed in at least a 2.5 gallon tank with a filter and heater. You change 10-25% of the water per week.
 
Nope. That someone was correct.
For a Betta to live a long and healthy life:
1. A 5-gallon cycled (http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php )
tank is minimal for Betta health. Smaller tanks and bowls do not maintain a consistent temperature, and it's nearly impossible to keep healthy water conditions.
2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers.
3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.
4. In a 5-gallon tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc.
5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (live or silk, plastic plants can tear their delicate fins,) with a cave or two in which to rest and explore.
When given the proper care, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them to live for 6.
 
Nope. That someone was correct.
For a Betta to live a long and healthy life:
1. A 5-gallon cycled (http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php )
tank is minimal for Betta health. Smaller tanks and bowls do not maintain a consistent temperature, and it's nearly impossible to keep healthy water conditions.
2. A filter is necessary in any tank in order to keep the water aerated and free of toxins. For Bettas it is best to set the filter flow to low, as they are not very strong swimmers.
3. A heater is essential. Bettas need warm steady temperatures of about 80F, to thrive. Constant fluctuation leads to stress, which inevitably leads to disease and often death. You can find an inexpensive heater for a small tank at any fish store.
4. In a 5-gallon tank, weekly 25% water changes, using a gravel siphon are necessary. Water conditioner must be added to the water before it is put in the tank to remove toxic chlorine, chloramine, metals, etc.
5. Bettas enjoy a well planted aquarium, (live or silk, plastic plants can tear their delicate fins,) with a cave or two in which to rest and explore.
When given the proper care, Bettas have been known to live for 10 years. I have personally known them to live for 6.
 
A bowl is not suitable for any fish.

It comes down to what kind of life you want for an animal in your care. Do you want to spend the money and buy an appropriate home for your Betta so that he may thrive? or Do you want to keep him in a unheated, unfiltered, convenient bowl where he may survive, but will be lethargic, and prone to disease?

A single male Betta requires no less and preferably more than 2.5 gallons, a gentle filter (sponge filter), and an aquarium heater. As tropical fish their temperature should be maintained between 77F-82F.
 
Back
Top