My bettas tank...?

Question

My betta has been living in this for the past couple of days:

http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441815407&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302037042&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1179676196922&itemNo=1&In=Fish&N=2037042&Ne=2

i know it is small.it was a gift from my mom,but im trying to explain to her that this tank is WAY to small.I cannot drive anywhereto get a new tank,because i cant drive yet.she says since they"live in those little cups in the pet store" than they can live in that too.i keep telling her that it is not the right thing for my betta,but what is a way that i can explain so she understands?im not saying shes stupid,but shes thinks that bettas aren't differnt than any other fish...she just doesnt seem to get it....?any help is greatly appreciated and thank you for your time!

Answer 1

What a nice thing for your mom to do getting you a betta for a gift! No doubt you have been wanting one or at least thinking about it for a while huh? You're mom is no doubt far from stupid. She probably just hasn't really stopped to think about it. Plus remember, she would have to admit she was wrong to her child and most parents don't like to do that... I know, I'm a parent and I hate admitting I'm wrong LOL. Remind your mom that the little cups at the store are really just for shipping the fish and they only have to live in them a week or so before being purchased. The cups just replace the bags many other fish are shipped in, so asking a betta to live in the cup is like asking another fish to live in the bag in which you bring it home from the store. Ask her to allow you to earn the money around the house to buy a 2.5 gallon heated tank for your new betta. Tell her you really like the fish and are thankful for the gift and would like to be sure it's getting the best care you can provide. If you approach this with your mom in a mature, responsible way and let her know you only want to do the right thing for your pet I'm sure she will be willing to hear you out.

Also, ask your mom to come to the computer and read through one of these sites with you or print them out for her:

http://www.bettatalk.com/housing.htm
http://www.cbsbettas.org/petbetta.html

In the mean time, change the water in your bettas container every 2-3 days to help keep it healthy and happy.

Best of luck with your new fish! and if I can help further feel free to email me

MM

Answer 2

Honey, you are 100% correct, that is way too small for your betta. It's great that your mom got you one, but remind her that she got it for you to help teach you respobsibility, now, you want to be responsible too and care for your new baby correctly. Look at the link that you posted, it has a list of customer reviews. let her read those too.... Remind her that this is a living thing. You wouldn't get a puppy and think all you have to do is feed it and give it water, you actually have to walk it, play with it, take it to the vet, etc... just like with your fish, you have to care for it in ways that some people wouldn't even imagine. Good for you!

It could be explained to her in scientific ways,,, give her hard data, explain that fish put off ammonia, too much ammonia in the water will make it sick and it will die. not enough water means that the ammonia levels will get too high, and it's extrememly difficult and hard on the fish for the ups and downs that that small tank will cause. It's like putting a human in a closet, telling her to eat food off the floor that it just used as a bathroom, and not letting the human out for months at a time, and only for 'cleaning' purposes.
You said that your mom doesn't think bettas are any different than any other fish... Does your mom know that Goldfish require 10-15 gallons of water each? most adults don't know that. Most people think those little goldfish bowls are humane. Just like some people think those little 'betta bowls' are humane too. It's sad.

Do you have a checking account? do you have your own money? Try ordering one online... you could order from walmart.com and get a 2.5 or a 5 gallon tank for around 30 bucks. It's kinda expensive, i know, but if you can save up the money, and do it yourself, you won't have to ask her for help.

Good luck, honey. if you need anything, let me know!!!

Answer 3

Betta's do like to have bigger takes. I do not think it such a big deal but lot's of betta's like at least one gallon tanks with a filter. The betta's are in small cups at the store because since they do not get along with other betta's. The pet store with not set up a nice big and complete habitat for them. Also if they put them in bigger tanks they would have to use a net to take them out and then put them in something else then you would put them somewere else.... what i am trying to say is that to much stress on a betta will kill it. That includes a bunch of different homes. I hope your betta becomes nice and happy with my advice!

Answer 4

Ask her if she would like to live in a bathroom sized room for the rest of her life, Tell her to put herself in the bettas shoes :)