Your Opinion Please?

Question

I just today bought a pet Betta. I wanted to get a fish since my room is tropical themed and they're calming to watch, and not only are Betta's pretty, but easy to care for. I am a teenager on a budget, and as it is I spent nearly thirty dollars for everything I bought. I bought a 1 gallon betta tank with lid and light. It has the marble rocks and a plant. I know that people say they don't need huge tanks, and alot of the betta tanks I saw were under a gallon. Do you think a Betta can be happy in a gallon tank. It seems happy enough. Also suggestions on best food. I got this Betta BioGold stuff by Hikari that is supposed to float and enhance your betta's color. It does float just fine, but my Betta tends to take it in it's mouth and than spit it back out several times, which causes it to sink to the bottem. Then it gets in between the rocks, so he can't really get to it anymore. I dont want to add any more food and cause problems, but I don't want my fish to be hungry.

Also, for a 1 gallon tank without filtration, how often should I change the water. Change water halfway, or completly new water?

I promise, as soon as I save up I'll get a 2.5 gallon tank. I did reading before I got the Betta, and I read that a 1 gallon was fine. So in that case, some links to the cheapest places to get a 2.5 gallon tank with heater and filter would be appreciated. My B-day is coming up, and my Grandma loves animals, so she'd probably at least help me get the tank. For now, any ideas on if it is possible to get a filter for a 1 gallon tank?

Answer 1

I feed my bettas freeze dried blood worms. They float easily and they go crazy when I put them on the top of the water (fun to watch). I used to use a pelleted food but my fish did the same thing. Believe it or not though, they can actually get to the food at the bottom of the tank. A one gallon tank is fine. People just use smaller ones because bettas can easily survive with less space than most fish.

I put my fish in a glass filled with water from his tank then I clean the tank. I give the fresh water time to warm back to room temp and once the water that the fish is in and the water that is in the tank are the same, i put my fish back in. All of the fish droppings settle on the bottom so it's good to clean the entire tank at one time.

Answer 2

actually I don't like your choice of tank
I myself got a 5 gallon tank for $30 at walmart with filter and heater for him
You should get at least a 2.5 gallon tank for your Betta, he's going to be much happier and especially healthier in there, and it's a shame that the stores still sell these small tanks, in my eyes it is extremely cruel

Any way, you're going to have to do partial water changes about every 3-4 days to keep it clean and keep the ammonia level down
Also don't put it in a place where the sun can get to eat, that will cause algae to grow
You should feed your Betta 3-6 pellets a day, and as a treat frozen food (if you have the budget)
It's completely normal for a Betta to spit the pellets out at first contact, but they will eat it


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 3

In a 1 gallon tank without a filter you should change all the water twice a week if you want him to be healthy.As already mentioned he would do best in a tank of 2.5 or more gallons with a heater and filter but he will do o.k in a one gallon provided your house isn't to cold and you change the water regularly.Make sure when you change the water that it is the same temperature as what he was in.

Edit: I have a filter on my 2 gallon tank that is meant for 1-3 gallons so if you got one like that it would still be good when you get a bigger tank.This is the one I have:

http://www.tetra-fish.com/sites/tetrafish/catalog/productdetail.aspx?id=1276&cid=866

Answer 4

Judging by your post, sounds like you really want to have a healthy Betta, nice!

I read that your budget is tight, but do try to get your Betta at least a 5 gallon tank as soon as you can. As for the next important thing:
Cleaning your water and tank. Most folks 'in the know' will remove water with a gravel siphon. This removes the water (obviously) and cleans the gravel. Remove about 60% every week on the same day and replenish with tap water treated to remove chlorine and chlorimines (And other asst. toxic heavy metals) These are poisonous to a fish cause they breathe it. don't worry about the occasional ball of food sinking down, the siphoning will get it out.
Read this page at your leisure: http://www.bettatalk.com/betta_care.htm

And enjoy your new fish!

Answer 5

The Betta food pellets you need to soak them in water for 10minutes and then serve him. You can also feed him TetraMin Betta Flakes, Brine Shrimp, Bloodworms, and his favorite treat would be a thaw pea. Once a week you let your betta fast(not eat) to help him clear out his system and to prevent health problems.

For a 1 Gallon Tank with no filtration i would say clean it half way 2 to 3 times a week this including cleaning the marbles with a thin line gravel cleaner since its a 1gallon tank.

Either that Your good to go
WT

Answer 6

I wouldn't say "easily" survive, but they do OK in tanks smaller than 1 gallon.
That's actually the smallest tank you want to get for them.

Anyway, the food is fine, they do great on it. Feed him 3-5 pellets a day. They do spit it out for some reason, that's normal.

The only thing I'd mention is that they like it warm. Consider a heater

Answer 7

Here's a link that might help:

http://www.aqualandpetsplus.com/Betta,%20Basics.htm