Set Up For a Beta?

Question

I would love to have a male Beta, and set up a tank specific for it. I know it would need a decent sized tank for it's own comfort, etc.

What would be the best size tank, and anything else I need before seeking one out?

I do have plenty of fish experience, I just haven't kept many Betas.

My last statement - I have not kept many Betas. I know they are solitary, and need a minimum of 1G per inch ;)

I have only kept 4 Betas in the last 27 years of my exsistance :)

I am thinking of a 10G tank for the guy. I currently keep 2 33G tanks (one is Shubunkins, another is guppies), and a 29G mixed tropical. We've downsized considerably - we used to have roughly 10 20G+ tanks, and a dozen or so 10Gs.

One questions I have is - does color matter? I know that if you keep a goldfish in the dark, it loses it's pigmentation and becomes white. Is that the same with the white Betas? I don't like to support cruelty to animals (hence why there are many place I won't buy products and pets from), but I would like to know if there are any weaker varieties of Betas to avoid.

Thanks to those who have accurate answers, it is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

NEVER let your betta permanently live in anything that holds less than 2 gallons. Although they can SURVIVE in a tiny bowl (if you change the water 3-4 times weekly to keep the ammonia levels down), it is far from ideal, and it borders on cruelty.

Don't let anybody use the excuse "they live in puddles in the wild" to justify keeping bettas in half gallon (or less) bowls. Bettas are capable of jumping (which is another reason why an open bowl is a bad idea), and they jump from 'puddle to puddle' as they please. Also, those 'puddles' can also be up to 3 or 4 feet deep. Bettas have an enormous lateral expanse in which to roam... that is, they are are not limited to a little cup of water.

Have you ever heard of the "1 gallon per inch of fish" rule? Well, bettas aren't excluded from this rule of thumb. At adult size, most bettas are 2-3 inches long. Pleeeeease give your betta a proper, humane home that is at least a 2 gallon, covered tank.

Some basics:
• keep water between 75 - 80 degrees farenheit. Bettas are tropical fish. You will find that your betta is much more active (more fun to look at) at a warm temperature.
• change the water in a 2 gallon tank weekly.
• Feed twice daily. 2 or three pellets every twelve hours. (2 at 9am and 2 at 9pm). However, bettas are not demanding and they will be fine even if you miss some feedings. Instead of pellets, every once in awhile (every few days) give them a bloodworm or two instead.
• A filtration system is not necessary if you're diligent about keeping the water clean. In fact, filters/aerators disturb the surface of the water, which will break up bubble nests your betta may try to make.

Overall, once you get the basics down, you will find that bettas are very low-maintence, rewarding fish with great personalities that will bring you joy for several years if cared for properly.

EDIT: It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a lighted tank. It helps mimic natural light cycles if turned off at night. I don't think a betta's brilliance is dependent on the amount of light he gets. Usually bettas brighten up after you get them settled in their new (big) home, and they're being well-cared for. So basically... a betta's coloration is usually a good indicator of his health. Of course, this doesn't really apply to naturally pastel bettas, or young bettas that are still developing their color. Just pick a color you like! :)

Answer 2

The best set-up for a single male betta would be a 10 gallon tank with a heater set at 76 F and a filter that is on the lowest flow setting. Bettas cannot thrive in small bowls and will do wonderfully in a larger tank.

Answer 3

Whoa.. Bettalover, you are my new hero.

Listen to Bettalover, please.

EDIT: What's with the mass spamming from ferritfreak? I mean, to troll the boards is one thing, but to actually start emailing people? He's either dedicated or psychotic.

Don't listen to him. Though what he has to say kinda makes sense, would you rather let the fish die for naught? Wouldn't you rather allow him to live a long healthy life, rather than die off at 6 months of age (which is the age of most bettas you see in the stores)?

Answer 4

Betas are very teritorial fish. They like to live alone. Although they do not require any type of filtering system to stay alive it is a much healthier enviroment if you have one. They like warmth but not to much a light will do fine a heater may be to much. They can live in a small bowl but I would recommend at least a 5 gallon tank, but remember he will be the only occupant.

Answer 5

believe it or not, a beta is completely comfortable in a bowl or small 21/2 gallon tank. unlike other fish betas breathe from the surface of the water, that why you often see them in pet stores sold from bowls with no aeration. any size you want to put him in would be just fine with him. you need to worry more about nippy fish , such as tiger barbs, eating on him more than his living space. hope this helps.

Answer 6

www.bettysplendens.com/articles/home.asp
This is a great website. Lots of information and a fantastic stock shop. Check it out you will be amazed.
I recommend a two gallon tank. They are the easiest to heat and it is plenty of room for the little guy.
Undergravel filters are great, but steer clear of the "outboard motor" kind. Bettas are not great swimmers and get swept away by them.
You are all set, enjoy the little guy.

Answer 7

I have kept betas in many different containers. I had one that was in a glass pitcher on my dining room table, one in a 20gal with other fish (no other betas), a gallon tank and other misc tanks over the years. They all lived longer than a year and seemed to do just fine.

Answer 8

please dont buy s betta PLEASE!!!! they are confined to dirty bowls and vases. These tiny glass enclosures are hardly acceptable homes for bettas, who, in nature, swim in large ponds and streams. Sadly, many people buy betta fish because they think that they can “save them.” What they don’t realize is that this just creates a demand for them, so stores will just keep buying more and more fish, condemning them to miserable lives as a trinket or accessory in someone’s home. heres a site about it http://www.peta2.com/TAKECHARGE/t-bettafish.asp

Answer 9

dont worry about that
in india they raise betas in polythene covers
but they are unhealthy.
They can live in small bowls or medium sized tanks.
It depends on your ideas whether to go for bowls or tanks........

correct your last statement
You can never keep many betas(together)

Answer 10

they r very easy to keep dont even need heat any size tank is good