Is this cruel to the Beta fish?

Question

I have found a tank that holds 2 Beta fish. It has a plastic divider down the middle to separate the two fish. It also has a solid blue screen that goes down the middle. It keeps the fish from seeing each other but you can remove it. This is apparently so the fish will see each other and puff up but can't hurt each other. I would like to get one of these tanks and 2 fish. I was wondering though its kind of like teasing the fish. Is this type of tank cruel to the Beta fish?

Answer 1

Seeing other betta isn't cruel. Bettas seem to like flaring at each other. I've found if they don't get enough smack talk with another betta they will start flaring, and posturing at nothing. People will argue back and forth if it's bad for betta to be able to see each all the time. I find that they tend to get use to each after a while, and stop flaring much at all. Personally I try to limit my males to a couple hours a week.

PS- I've yet to see a divided tank that gave the bettas enough space. At minimum they should have a gentle filter, heater, and 2.5 gallons a piece. I keep my males in 5 gallon filtered tanks, and they tend to live to be 4-5 years old.

Answer 2

i thik i saw what you are talking about at Walmart. The set up is not cruel, but if it's the tank i saw, it's waaayyy too small. I found these two Betta that i fell in love with, and i wanted them both, so i was going to get the one with the dividers but decided against it. It's wayy too tiny for them. I found these beautiful bowls there for about 3 dollars each with a lot more room. Although some people will still argue about keeping them in a bowl, the only problem is you must do VERY regular changes, and keep the water warm enough, which can be done without a filter or heater, as long as you want to put the effort into it. good luck!

Answer 3

I'm not sure what size the tank is, but if it's large enough for a filter and heater you will be doing better than in a bowl (without lots of work keeping the bowl that is). I would keep the screen in place most of the time. Allowing them to see each other a few minutes every few days is not cruel, not all ot the time will cause enough stress for the fish to develop health problems.

MM

Answer 4

If you get this type of tank, I would leave the divider down so that they cannot see eachother. If you feel the need to let them flare at each other, don't do it often and only for a few minutes at a time. Bettas do perfectly fine by themselves. If you want a tank mate for your betta, they tend to do well with otto cats or cory cats. Note, that in order to thrive, a betta should have at least 5 gallons to him/herself. The water should be kept heated at 80 degrees F. You also need a filter, and and a air pump is a plus too (though you want to keep the bubbles low so they just ripple the surface, because bettas don't do well in a quick current) Google the NITROGEN CYCLE before getting any fish!

Answer 5

Bettas need a minimum of 1 gallon each and preferable 2 gallons to swim in. I have never had one in less that a 2.5 gallon tank and wouldn't think of doing anything less. Just because they are sold in those tiny cups doesn't mean they are happy in them or they should be kept in small spaces. After all, we were all in our mother's wombs for 9 months but I don't think we would have enjoyed being kept in something that small forever.

And for Jennifer D, you may have dodged the bullet so far by having 2 bettas (if they are males) in the same tank, but it's only a matter of time before you come home to one dead and another that is severely injured. They WILL fight and one (at least) will die. A male and female shouldn't even be kept together except for the short time it takes them to mate and then they should be separated.

Answer 6

If it is the size I have seen at some stores no fish should be kept in a container that small.I would at least get a one gallon tank for one Betta.Bettas really should also have a heater for the best heath.It really depends on the size of the tank weather it is cruel or not.

Answer 7

i would get the tank and both betas but keep the blue screen. if u remove it so they can see eachother it will stress them out and they will have a shorter life because of it. don't be fooled by the idea of "getting ur fish a friend", betas aren't meant to have friends. they are very territorial fish and will probably attack the clear divider thinking it can get to its opponent.

Answer 8

This tank is cruel because bettas need heaters and at least a gallon of water. Those tanks only hold a few ounces. That is not enough for any animal to survive in for long.

You are better off getting a ten gallon tank and a divider. It is cheaper to buy a ten gallon than one of those little expensive "torture tanks". 10 gallon tanks are only $9 and you can use a piece of plastic canvas to divide it. The bettas will be fine being able to see each other if they are in a nice sized tank.

Answer 9

I have two beta fish and I have one of those tanks with the plastic dividers and they are not bothered by each other at all. Ecspecially if you have a solid blue screen like you do which will completely block them from seeing each other. So no it is not cruel at all <')))><

Answer 10

I agree with bzzflygirl, for how much they cost you could get a much more suitable home. those tanks don't come with filters and for optimum health bettas should be in heated tanks. do yuor bettas a favor and get a 10gallon tank instead... cost list:

10gallon - $9.99
divider - $6 at pet store, cheaper options at craft stores
gravel - $3
two filters for 1-3gallon tanks - $10max
50watt heater - $10
some silk plants so they can hide - $5
total - $45 max, if you bargain shop you can find a lot cheaper, and it's a much better home than special betta tanks pet stores try to rip you off with.