What fish can I keep in a bowl?

Question

I got a vase of flowers for Valentine's day, and now the flowers are dead and I have this gallon-sized clear glass vase just sitting there. I wanted to get some fish to put in it to brighten up my dorm. But I'm on a college budget, and I don't want to get a whole aquarium with a filter, bubble-thing, and heater. That would defeat the purpose of having something to do with the vase.

I've heard that goldfish don't actually do well in bowls, despite the stereotype. I know that fighting fish are generally considered the best bet, but those guys always look so sad to me... or is that just because in the pet store they're in tiny little cups?

So, do fighting fish do anything but lie on the bottom of small tanks, and if they don't, what are my other options? And how much can I reasonably expect to pay for a couple of fish and some rocks or whatever?

Answer 1

You seem like a nice and thoughtful person so don't take offence when I advise that really the best thing to put in that vase are some more flowers.

If you put a betta in there I think he (or she) will just make you sad as you look at it; it will shorten his or her life, which as an adult is only about 24 - 36 months anyway. Also, just because one can fit there doesn't mean that one would be comfortable. They really don't just lie on the bottom of the tank (to answer the other part of your question)...given a bit of room they are one of the most charming little fish you will ever come accross.

They're kept in the pet store like that to save space and because the pet store will move them on so quickly that the store doesn't need to look after them in the long term. The mere fact that they look 'so sad' like that shows you that they're not comfortable in there.

But you don't have to not have some fish...just go slightler larger, even up to 5 gallons, and you don't need to go crazy on heaters/filters etc; a really basic set up is easy to do - then you will have the coolest little betta to share your room.

Think about this; putting a filter in there means less work - because you can do less frequent water changes.

So I would say to you that if it's all about doing something with the vase, then do something with the vase...but that doesn't mean you have to put a fish in there.

But, if you like the idea of keeping a fish (and bettas are great!) then just a little bit more effort at first (to put the equipment together) will mean you and your betta are much happier.

Oh, and one goldfish needs about 20 gallons !

Answer 2

Fish In A Bowl

Answer 3

Actually no fish is good for a "bowl" Goldfish or Bettas really shouldn't be in bowls. Do some research if you're seriously thinking about keeping fish and find out exactly why tanks with filters are recommend over bowls.

Answer 4

here is a list of aquatic pets that can be put in the Vase. A few Ghost Shrimp, and a Black Mystery Snail are appropriate for a large fish bowl. Another good combination for a fish is three White Clouds, a few Ghost Shrimp, and a Mystery Snail.Live Aponogeton Plants, Java Ferns, and an Umbrella Fern add natural beauty. A Dwarf African Frog can live in a fish bowl but will need to eat live Black Worms twice a week. Bettas don't live long and like you said kinda just float around they aren't very active in small areas. Mine has a 5 gallon tank to him self and loves it. You may also be able to put a guppy in it. A male fantail guppy is very beautiful.
Whatever you choice No Goldfish... They are dirty and need at least 2 gallons for one it is recommended that you have 10 gallons for 1 goldfish.

Also beware of buying fish at Walmart petco petland or petsmart or anyother corparetly owned company that sells fish. Go to a pet store or fish store that is family owned.

Answer 5

nothing :(
even bettas need a heater which means nothing less than 2.5gallons (7.5watt heater is the smallest) to be healthy. they should have temps of about 78°F to 80°F. their lifespan when cared for properly is about 5yrs, but when kept in a little bowl with no heat it's often not even a yr.
goldfish need 20gallons per fish.
why not try some glass fish (not like actual fish, but fake ones that are made of glass)?

Answer 6

Go with a male betta. Just one tho. Two males will fight, and a male can get agressive with a female and could hurt her, also it's too small for two fish. All you would need is a little gravel for the bottom, and a plastic plant. The betta is only a few dollars, and so are the decorations. All you need to feed them are cheap betta pellet food. You will also need a net to catch it in, and some water conditioner ( i bought EVERYTHING *including the fish* for less than $17). Simply get the fish out of the vase once a week and change the water completely. (make sure it's close to room temperature) and put in water conditioner each time.

but don't put a mirror in there. It will think it's another male and will try to fight an hurt himself or stress him out

also, you could get a female, but they aren't as pretty, and remember one fish per gallon!

Good luck!

Answer 7

I had one beta fish that lasted three years in a regular fish bowl. After that I got another one and that lasted a very very long time.I have a cousin who has one in a smaller vase and that one has been doing fine for at least a year. So I think it just depends on how well you take care of them... They are troopers! Plus they are pretty :) How big is the vase? If it is a medium size I think it will work for you .

Answer 8

Really, a Betta would be about the only thing that you could keep in a tank that size. Here is a web site dedicated to betta care. It has a lot of information that you should read through before making the decision to buy a fish.

Goldfish really won't work because they produce a lot of ammonia and that will eventually kill the fish. Also, a goldfish usually gets fairly large and would outgrow a 1 gallon tank quickly.

Good Luck

Answer 9

Petsmart tou can get: Small 2 gallon 10 $
"Bubble thing" 6 $
2 guppies 4$
So 20 $ you can get that. Thats what what I did for mine just keep the light bulb that comes with the tank on (7.5 watt) and thats your heater. It worked for me. The only bad thing about it is you have to do 1/3 water changes every weekend! Try it if you dont like the guppies or it doesent work just get a betta

Answer 10

Don't keep them in there. It's torture. No fish can live in there. It's better to get them a real ten gallon tank and a heater, filtration system and gravel and plants. They won't live very long so don't do it.lease for the sake of the poor fish. Buy more flowers.