betta or goldfish?

Question

for valentines day i wanted to buy my boyfriend either a red betta or black looking goldfish. which lives longer? cleanest?

Answer 1

It depends on how much you want to spend. Bettas need a tank no smaller then 2.5 gallons with a filter and heater to thrive, which if you get any pet don't you want it to thrive not just survive? A fancy goldfish needs a minimum of 10 gallons when babies and 20+ when adults and of course need a filter but because they are coldwater fish they don't need a heater. A single tailed goldfish, like common and comets need a minimum of 20 gallons when babies but should be in a pond when adults. The smaller fancy goldfish still grow large, around 8-12 inches but the single tailed goldfish can grow 12-18 inches so think about that before you buy. Goldfish don't have stomachs so the food just passes right through them, which makes them a very messy fish but if taken care of properly can live more then 20 years, the oldest on record died at the age of 42 or 43. Bettas are cleaner but it doesn't mean the water never needs to be changed, they still do produce waste which needs to be filtered out and their water needs to be changed at least every 2 weeks. Never change all the water in any fish tank though just remove around 20% with a gravel vac (you can get them at any petstore) and replace it with de chlorinated tap water. If bettas are properly taken care of they can live 5+ years.

Here are a couple sites you can have a look at to make sure you can provide which ever fish you decide to get with the care it needs to live to its fullest. This one is about the basic care of bettas, http://www.firsttankguide.net/betta.php
And this one has loads of info including a forum all about goldfish, http://kokosgoldfish.com/

Answer 2

By the time they're grown, a 20 gallon tank will only be large enough for 1 goldfish, and that's pushing it. Bettas should never be kept with goldfish for a variety of reasons. 1. Bettas prefer temps of 78-82 F. Goldfish prefer temps below 68F. Keeping them together, even at a compromise of temps would stress one or the other, and cause sickness and or death. 2. Bettas are attracted to colorful fish with long fins or tails and will attack the fins relentlessly, leaving your goldfish in tatters, if not dead. 3. Goldfish put out a lot of waste which most tropical fish can't tolerate for long. A 25% water change would be needed about twice a week. If kept by itself, a Betta should have at least a 2.5 gallon heated tank. Never keep a pair together except when breeding.

Answer 3

guess it depends whether your boyfriend is experienced in rearing fish. If he is not , i suggest that you get him a betta as it is easier to take care of than a goldfish ( less messy and more hardy) , but a goldfish could live longer. Giving a Betta for valentines day also seems more beautiful and romantic :-)

Answer 4

Without a doubt...beta! They are easier to look after (I have one). And live longer. Goldfish are hard to keep ( I HAD many). The are a very dirty fish, which means the tank will have to be cleaned a lot. Also, they get all kinds of illness which, of course, require you to buy medicine to put in the tank. If the water is too cold or too hot they get sick. Anyway, as you can tell I'd rather a Beta...they are prettier too. Just don't put any other fish in with them. Oh yeah, and I highly recommend putting an apple snail in with the fish. They really help keep the tank clean! Good luck.

Answer 5

go with the betta if you are sure he wants it.

a betta can live in a smaller tank (2 1/2 gallons) and are a lot cleaner. on average they can live 3-4 years if conditions are good.

a black goldfish will need at least 5-10 gallons and a lot more food and cleaning. they can live 20 yrs.

Answer 6

Bettas live the longest and require less effort. Goldfish get stressed easier and tend to live shorter life spans. Just ask him what kind of fish he likes if he likes them at all. I think a nice red betta sounds kinda like something anyonewould like and he can get more fish if he likes later. If you want to add fish with the beta make sure you get a group of the 3-4 because the bettas intimidate single fish that aren't as aggressive. Good luck:)

Answer 7

Well....goldfish live longer...but are very messy....most call them pop machines!!! Betta's can live long to...if taken care properly....Betta would prolly be a better gift...if i were u give it to him in one of those little vasses....then after a while make him buy a reall tank...like a 2.5 gal to ensure a longer. happier. cleaner. life!!!!!
Hope I help! Have a great V.day!

Answer 8

you should get him a betta fish because they are easiest to care for and can live up to 6 in good conditions.

Answer 9

i suggest the Goldfish.
#1= because i want one myself.
#2=Cuz Betta are dirtier ... [waayy more dirtier]
#3=if you get him a Betta... and he realizes he wants another fish.. he won't be able to put it in the same tank as the Betta.

so. yea... go with the Goldfish..
[i like the black ones w/ the huge eyes!]

Answer 10

beta's are alot prettier and cleaner and extremely tolerant of neglect....(I have seen people who have beta's in water that you cant see the fish!) Very active and colorful. Great choice.