Does betta fish need air stone?

Question

Hi!

I'm curious, does betta need air stone to circulate the water? I've heard some mixed answers. Please help, thank you.

Answer 1

You have probably heard mixed answers because ti answer is, that depends.

Best case: Keep your betta in a filtered, heated aquarium. Under these conditions it does not need an air stone.

If it's in an unfiltered bowl or other container, then often an air stone woud be good provided the bowl is large enough.

If the bowl is very small an airstone would probably create to many currents for the betta to be comfortable so I wouldn't suggest one there.

Assuming you keep the bowl very clean by changing all of the water every 2-3 days, he will not need an air stone. If you don't do this, he will need one to simply try to survive the ammonia build up.

So it really depends how the betta is housed.

MM

Answer 2

All an airstone does is agitate the water surface, which encourages the dissolution of oxygen into the water at the surface.

It doesn't help keep the tank clean, add oxygen, filter the water or anything else; you will need a biological and mechanical filter to provide decent water quality for your fish.

Bettas are actually labyrinth fish, which means that in areas of oxgen deprived water they can take in air from the atmosphere.

As with any other fish, keep them in ideal conditions and they will reward you with clean health and active behaviour. Although these fish are often seen at a dealers in tiny tanks, these are far from ideal and a betta should always be kept in a decent sized, filtered, (preferably) planted tank with SLOW water current.

Do some research in general fishkeeping books to help you understand the conditions these beautiful fish require in order to survive.

Answer 3

as far as fish go,bettas need next to nothing,
that being said, there are still some requirements:
clean water!!! -check around the web for some water treatments that you can use
No plants as a food source- I would recommend some commercial food, Bettas are carnivorous

to answer your question:
an air stone will keep the tank cleaner, without an airstone you will have to be much more vigil in replaceing/treating the water, but no it isn't neccasary

my recommendation:
A small one gallon "all-in-one" type of aquarium, the kind that has the light built in and an air stone specifically made for the tank, its very "stylish" and effective.

-best of luck!

Answer 4

No, the breathe off the surface of the water. But something to circulate the water is a good idea.

Answer 5

No, they actually breathe air at the surface, not under water like other fish. This is how they are able to live in their small bowls without air pumps and tanks.

Answer 6

No. Betta fish are labyrinthine fish, like Gouramis, and gulp air where it is dissipated in a labyrinth right in their head.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

No they dont I have cared for bettas for 4years now and they do not need those, just need they're water changed once a week, thats all

Answer 8

bettas actually don't breath air throught the water that is why they can live in such small bowels....they breath air by swimming to the surface and taking sips of air (i guess you would call it)....but no he doesn't just make sure that he has a cover so he doesn't jump out of his bowel (cause they have been known to that) and make sure it has wholes so they get air....i liked to change mines water once a week to keep it clean.........

Answer 9

No They don't need one but it does help oxygenate the water and looks nice in the tank.

Answer 10

no