is this too small of a tank for my fish?

Question

I have recently bought a male betta. I am starting to feel awful because he is in a tank by himself and i only bought him a 1/2 gallon tank. is that way to small for him? and if its too small why would the company sell it. that would be just dumb since they are made especially for bettas.

Answer 1

They aren't made especially for Bettas, they are made especially to make the company money. Companies also sell bowls for Goldfish that would easily reach over a foot in length. Most companies really have only their own interest in mind, just like most chain stores... At the very MINIMUM, try to get a 1.5 gallon tank with a filter and heater, but a 2.5 would be MUCH better, and a 5 gallon tank would be perfect. You could continue to keep the Betta in there, but you will have to clean the tank every other day and you won't get to enjoy the true activity of a Betta in a warm, large tank... Contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

Answer 2

That's nice of you to worry about your betta's well-being. With bettas it's not so much the size of the tank as the water temperature and quality. They're not social fish and don't mind being alone.

If you plan to keep the tank you might want to get a very small heater for him. There's one called a Hydor mini aquarium heater that might work. The tank is a little small for a heater but if you monitor the temp (high 70s to low 80s) you should be okay.

If you really want to make your betta happy I would upgrade to a 2.5 gallon with a filter. Bettas also love plants. Real are best but a silk one would also work.

As for the company that made the tiny tank - they do it for the money. Most people think of bettas as decorations, not fish. They want a little knick-knack for their office so they buy the cutest "tank" and plop in a colorful "accessory." It's a terrible practice that fish stores only exacerbate by carrying the products.

Don't feel duped. I think we've all had a betta death trap at least once in our lives. At least you got a 1/2 gallon tank. I've seen a lot worse.

Answer 3

It is way too small. I hate the way people treat bettas


They do best in big tanks with other fish (i keep mine in 70litre community tanks) but i understand not everyone has the room

If you are one of these people that dont have the room then PLEASE get a 5 gallon instead. This is still bad but is better than the really small tanks they have.


They also need a heater, filter and airpump. Along with a live plant or two and a hiding place

Please be a good betta owner and do what is best for your fish!

Answer 4

A lot of pet companies care less about the health of the animal and more about their sales. This is why you see five gallon goldfish tanks, cup size betta tanks, dog food with corn as the main ingredient, etc.

Generally speaking, bigger is better. For a lone betta a 2.5 gallon tank would be a minimum. If you want a few betta-compatible tankmates, try upgrading to a ten gallon aquarium.

Answer 5

I consider anything under 2 gallons to be too small for keeping a betta.

Companies sell them because people buy them. They're cheap to manufacture and the demand seems infinite because so much misinformation is readily given when it concerns the care of bettas. So long as there is money to be made, the product will be sold.

It's important to understand that in many cases, manufacturers of these "mini tanks" are not concerned with the lifelong well-being of your pet. They sell for profit and that's all. It's up to you as the consumer to see past the sales pitch, catchy logos, and other marketing techniques to conclude whether the product in question is adequate for your fish's needs.

Answer 6

I'm sick and tired of pet stores treating bettas like they are little ants keeping them in little pint size cups.Get a 3gallon tank at least onless with mating needs get a 10gallon.

Answer 7

yes its to small a minimum of 2 and half gallons is what you need bigger if possible your tank is like keeping him in a bowl