6 betta fish in a 2.5 gallon?

Question

I bought 6 beta fish with a 2,5 gallon tank. I didn;t know until today that I was reading about their needs that the tank is too small for the 6 which are divided in 3 section of the tank. a male and a fmale in each section.
Would it be right for me to return with the tank and ask for my money back so that I can purchase the right tank? After all doesnt the pet store have a responsibility to know what they are selling you, especially if they knew the setup of the tank and how many fish were going into it. The tank has no heater or filtration.

Answer 1

I personally would try it, especially if you plan on getting a larger purchase from them. It's certainly worth a try. Now they will probably tell you "let the buyer beware" in not so many words and say that you should know what you are buying. I agree though that pet shop / pet department / fish department employees should have some minimum level on knowledge and raise questions to purchasers but.... wishful thinking I guess.

I would house those fish in this way: One 5 gallon tank with heater and filter for the females and 3 large bowls for the males. As said before, you would need to change 100% of the water in each bowl every 2-3 days to keep them healthy, but it's the least expensive option. The other option is a 2.5 with hearter and filter for each male and a 5 gallon for the females.

MM

Answer 2

You shouldn't really keep the females in with the males even if you do get a bigger tank. The males will harrass and possibly kill the females if they are left together indefinitely. If you intend to have them spawn, you'll need to separate the females from the males as soon as she's laid the eggs (and if you keep them together, they will either spawn or one will kill the other in a confined space). And keeping the males that close together will only cause your males to be stressed.

You could try taking the 2.5 back, but let me suggest something else if you want to keep all the bettas. Why not get two more tanks the same size as your present one for the other two males and one 10 gallon for the three females? The females can be kept together, just use some plants so they have a place where they can get away from the others if one gets nippy. This will give all the fish adequate room. If you want to try to spawn them, get an additional 5 or 10 gallon tank.

It would be nice if all pet store employees were educated about the care of the animals they sell, but often this isn't the case. It's always best if you do your own research first.

Answer 3

that size is fine but you do not need a filter , you do need a heater though Keep the water between 70 and 80 degrees, and don't let the temperature change too quickly. Keep the bowl away from appliances that produce a lot of heat. IMPORTANT BETTA FISH CARE: Only ONE betta per bowl! They're called "fighting fish" for a reason. They are highly territorial animals and will react violently if two are placed in the same container. You can see the preliminary phase of their fighting, the threat display, if you put a mirror up against the bowl. Notice the raised gill covers, which makes the betta look bigger. Change the water in the bowl when it starts to look cloudy, about once a week. Let the water age at least 24 hours, to release some of the chemicals. After transfering the betta to a container (with either the old water or the water you're going to use) clean the bowl with mild soap, and rinse thoroughly. Also rinse any decorations (rocks, shells, plastic plants, etc.) before filling the bowl with the aged water, and releasing your Siamese fighting fish.

Answer 4

I would get three 10gal tanks. It would be a lot nicer, and way cheap. Its only going to cost you $30 for the three tanks, but you'll need lighting and you can either buy that seperately or together, which is more expensive. I suggest you get a 10gal and split it into two sections. Then put a pair in each section. You can open up the tank you have and keep the male and female pair in there. It all works out, and you would only have to buy one tank that way.

You could try to return it to the store but most pet stores will try to sell anything they can because they are losing money. They sell reptiles to people all the time without even educating people! Thats why thousands of reptiles die each year... Its terrible.

Answer 5

I completely agree with the first answerer. I do think that the petstore employees should at least make sure you know what the fish (or whatever animal you are buying) needs but it is your responsibility as the pet owner to research before you even go to the store to buy it.

The tank is now used so I doubt they will take it back unless there was a problem with it, like if it leaked. You will also need more then one tank for all 6 fish unless you plan on getting a very large one and can separate each male then have enough space for all the females. I would also invest in a heater unless you have a very warm house and can keep their water around 80 degrees. There are lots of sites out there with info on how to properly take care of bettas that I suggest you read if you want your fish to live. And until you get to the petstore please separate your fish from each other or they may not even make it until you get to the pet store.

http://www.firsttankguide.net/betta.php
http://www.bettatalk.com/basic_care.htm
http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_care.htm
http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/5516.asp
http://www.bettacentral.com/care.htm
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=16&cat=1918&articleid=2340

Answer 6

I would try to return it but if they won't do it then tell them you will never go back and find another place to go. They should tell you if they don't know what to do instead of letting you spend your money wastfully. An aquarium can run into a lot of money as it grows and if they can't even help you with bettas in a small tank just think of what could happen when you get a 55 gal tank with over 1000 dollars invested.

Answer 7

First thing, you can't keep the males in that close a proximity..they will try to fight, even if seperated by a glass partition. Nex the tank is way too small for that amount of fish...keeping them in a small area will hamper their growth.....and last, the pet shop you bought the tank from should have mentioned all that to you, unless you made no mention of your intent. I would take the tank back and try to get my $$ back and go to a more reputable dealer.

Answer 8

Even my girl bettas often would fight -- though some lived peacefully together. I would get six tanks, at least 2.5 gallons each, for your bettas. I know they say bettas live in tiny puddle ponds in the wild, but even there they can sometimes still jump to another puddle - mine always do better with space to zip around. I had one girl especially who was in my 10 gallon who would race back and forth -- she loved it:) Good luck!

Answer 9

I agree that pet shops should be responsible, and tell you what size tank fish need… But most pet shops aren’t exactly knowledgeable about the animals they sell.

I’d ring and talk to the pet shop about your options. While they don’t have to give you your money back, you might find the store manager will be feeling helpful.

Answer 10

You would have better luck returning a couple fish. Or buying an additional tank.