Betta In Fluval Edge Tank

[GuppyGoddess]

as long as the fish has access to the surface. Also, a gentle filter (and heater - which you have).

But it doesn't have much access at all that's the point. The tank has a sealed glass top that you fill up with water so there is no air surface at all in the main surface area of the tank. It's literally water then glass. The only airspace that I can "see" on this tank ( and I have examined one in my lfs before ) is under that box at the back4 inches square of exposed water will give seriously poor oxygen. One of the numerous reasons fish shouldn't be kept in bowls, including anabantids like bettas, is that the surface area is really tiny because the bowl narrows at the top, this tank has effectively the same type of thing going on with only the small amount of exposed water under the hatch available for oxygen absorbtion and for the fish to come to the surface.

Yeah, that was what I was saying, "generally speaking," as in any circumstance. . .Sorry that my point was misunderstood, but I meant that in any tank a betta should have breathing space. Like Soph-Betta, there is NO WAY I would put my betta or any fish, for that matter, in that tank. I like the option of having access to all parts of the interior of my tank. . .the Fluval prevents that.

 

[AdamaNicole]

My betta has too much personality for an ordinary tank. We've had our Edge for 3 weeks now. I am a new fish owner & first time aquarium owner. A month1/2 ago I bought my Betta (Beau), who moved from his plastic container, to a small round bowl, to a larger sized vase-bowl, to a flemsy plastic 1gallon corner filtered tank, into the Edge. Before I express our joy, I have to explain by overall Betta owning experience so you can further understand my Betta/Edge experience.
When I first got Beau he looked like a peacock feather (he's a turquoise crowntail, or was), and he's got great energy and personality. He begged me to take him home (Wal*@rt at 3am buying dogfood), calling me "save me from this tupperware hell"). Anyway, the bowl thing got old quickly cause his water stayed foul, even with water changes, so I opted up to a filtered tank. Before doing so I noticed what looked like an odd grayish white fade thing. Day by day it continued to spread as he faded from blue to white. I put him on some recommended treatment (everyone has a recommendation) and drugged him for a week. Thank God he didn't get ill, but the color thing never changed, more so kept changing. Finally I took him to the petstore to get a fish person's opinion and they told he was fine. As I continued to do my own research I learned that some Bettas can completely change color, fungus is ok on new driftwood, Melafix could potentially be bad for Bettas and other labyrinth organed fish, and the Edge COULD also be bad for Bettas. Mind you, I had just purchased it, set it up, and the fish was in it.
I recently read an article about the Edge written before it was for sell and I was sorely disappointed in the reviews. People (so-called "fish experts") who mostly had negative things to say. Most were annoyed about goldfish and aesthetics (haters). How new aquarists who purchased such a tank couldn't possibly care about the fish, but only the looks (so not true). I bought this tank for my fish, not the reverse. And this is not your everyday tank. I personally see it as piece of art, and the fish is my muse. But as I read every comment, all I could think was "Oh no, my fish is gonna die from dropsy" or something else dramatic. Now I dont know if my Betta is just really brilliant and/or really hardy, but honestly I think he acted no different than any other time we changed living spaces. I have learned that stress can spark all these different diseases, and almost anything can trigger it. But in nature there is stress; there are fish and other Bettas in their natural habitat (community tanks), there are streams (filter current), there is fungus and bacterias (medication and water changes). There is not glass, tanks, fake heat, filters, nets and peoples dirty hands. One person called the Edge a glass coffin, as if a glass box(tank) is fish's normal living situation. We keep these animals for our own pleasure, be it for an emotional attachment or just because we think they're pretty, maybe both, or just for a human's veiwing pleasure. Sometimes we purposely feed fish them to other fish and pets. You can have the perfect, most functionable tank, feed it the best, most expensive or live food, you can be the expert who taught the experts, and your fish could die too. It's called nature. Sometimes things aren't always compatible, be it the fish and you, the tank, the food, the meds, the ph., etc... Especially when its been manipulated by Man. You just have to try your hand.
Now maybe I have a magic fish or maybe I'm the fish whisperer (I am a Pisces), only time will tell. But so far we have only had good experiences. Beau absolutely loves it and appears to loves me for it (upgrade from the Walmart Hostle). He moved from the hood to the Penthouse. It is perfect for he and I's "lifestyle". I must admit though that when I first put him in the tank he kind of freaked out (as did I) looking for the surface, but then he found it and he was cool. This happened a few times as he got acclimated, then it was time to explore the entire tank, nook and cranny, tunnels in and under the wood, plants and all (and still does). And in no time at all, actually a matter of minutes. He has learned to come to the open space for not only air but also his food. My floor and/or desk isn't 100% level so I have a large air bubbles in the corner at the surface, but it's not too bothersome as I cannot fix the floor. I bought the Edge thermometer and the water appears to stay between 72 and 79 (mostly 75-82) without the heater, and it is cold right now here in Chicago. The filters current doesn't bother him, he even plays in it. I'll get the gravel vacuum thingy when the time comes (I've been cheating with a turkey baster), but I have done water changes with ease. Tannins from my driftwood turned the water's color, now it has a white fungus on the wood. Experts said boil it, some said let it be, some said bleach it. What! Bleach and fish? Cmon. (I boiled of course)
My beef with the experts is the eagerness to deem something right or wrong or quick-fixed, when nature will take it's course. I gave my fish an all-in-one treatment for a week, and was about to follow it up with Melafix based on experts' orders (online and instore), only to realize the fish is healthy and happy, when I could have potentially killed him with all these chemical preventative measures. After misdiagnosing the poor thing with everything from fin rot to ulcers to an extended abdomin (non of which he had), tanks and tank maintenance is the least of my worries. My point is you will probably kill your fish before the tank does.
My tank is beautiful and functions just as well as it looks. And Beau the Betta, is the happiest I have seen him, and the size is perfect for him and possibly some SMALL friends in the future. He has a whole little world with a large Mopani driftwood that has become his crib within a crib. With it's mold issue, I have had to take it in and out. And as large as this wood is, with an abundance of pretty tank accessories, there is still ample, free space. For a nano tank, I think it is just the right size. Exactly what I was looking for. I first looked on line for a larger but not too large, modern tank, and all I found was the biorbs which didn't impress me at all. Determined to get me and my fish a real aquarium, I went to the Pet@^ and there it was. My swank tank. And at the right price. Have you seen this tank? $99 is a steal for all that you get. A filtered tank with all the important components, and the architectural ambience of a Frank Lloyd Wright home with an infinity pool. The best part is that my fish is truly, and actively happy. As am I. He also enjoys the view from the top, its kind of fun and panoramic for him, I believe. This tank has not only fulfilled my desire to have my fish housed in a better, healthier living environment, it also filled my interior design needs, considering I have to house the tank in my home. If this tank is for the "LifeStyle" market, I agree. People don't buy stainless steel appliances because it makes the food taste better. And yes my dog bowls match my decor too.
The Edge has made my aquarium experience all the more enchanted for Beau and I. I didn't think he could be prettier, but in this tank he glows, and it's not just the lighting. We love it. I will take pictures, and will keep you posted on Beau's overall existence. I hope my input is helpful to any other Betta or fish owner who has an interest in the Edge. Best advice would be to do your research, don't be so quick to medicate, and if you must medicate, consider alternative, more natural remedies that may be available and just as effective. The phamaceuticals game is the same in the fish world. I'd also recommend getting the Edge now before they realize they underpriced it. Some it will work great for, some it wont. Once again, a common law of nature. It may not be suitable for obese goldfish, or stuffy fish experts with no taste or vision, or maybe even bettas with anxiety disorders. But Beau is a very cool fish, he doesn't seem to stress about anything. He eats well, breathes well, and is always busy, or up close and personal. He's a social butterfly. During cleanings he never scurries. Waterchanges are simple enough. It is my OPINION that this tank is perfect for a betta, or maybe just my betta, and is too impressive of a tank to just stock with shrimp.

 

[AdamaNicole]

Im back. Im a little long-winded. Just one more thing. Some might say I'm obsessed with this new addition to my life. I love my fish dearly. But I also love sushi. I dont believe fish belong in a tank, no more than tigers belong in cages, hence aqauriums and zoos. Like I said, I bought my Edge for my fish, not the reverse. Any tank or bowl can be a safe space for a truly dedicated fish person, with the right assists. I'm grateful to the person who was thoughtful enough to come up with a fashionable tank for people like me. My betta has all the luxuries I can possibly provide, be it that he can't be in a true body of water that nature provides. He is a very content little fish, and his water is well maintained. We're still cycling but all is well. As a newbie, this is a great learning experience, and trial and error has made me a more confident fish owner. Worst case scenario (and with fish there appear to be many), I feel I am well prepared, knowledge and substance wise. If you are passionate about the well being of your fish, regardless of the size or style of the living environment, you will make the appropriate and necessary accommodations for the fish, not the tank. My Betta, Edge, and I are living in harmony. And looking good doing it.
!It's 100 dollars! It's Hagen. Now I know NOTHING about fish tanks in general, but... It's well equipted, one major thing. Especially for a beginner. And it looks like $500 tank, which I would have paid, solely for its looks. Designer has always costed. And if I were to buy a cheap, ugly one of a similar size for $69, I would still end up buying mediocre hardware to complete the set-up, spending more in the end. Cheap filter, cheap this, cheap that, with attempts at saving a buck. Left with the same tank potentail to do any fish harm. I personally don't think the design of the tank has had much, if any negative impact on MY betta. He breathes, eats, makes bubbles, etc... just fine. We both enjoy the view from the top (looking at each other and playing peek-a-boo). Plus I have a German Shepherd which sheds like crazy, so personally I think the Edge's design will keep my water cleaner and better safeguarded from outside elements.
Also, I wouldn't recommend the Edge for children. This tank is for the grown and sexy. (Plus it's not a toy tank, like most nanos)
Obviously I'm a proud owner. Only a month and Im on a forum. Keep in mind, this is MY experience.
At first, I was overly enthused about the fish because he's just a joy to have. The tank, made it doubly enjoyable. Our successful use... Priceless
The overall enjoyment I get from my fish, and especially this tank will keep me in the "fish as a pet" market, even if me and Beau don't last. My only fear is that it would be impossible to find a fish as spunky and cool as Beau. I might sound crazy but he is a magic fish.
Pictures coming soon. I think he's almost done changing colors, I told you I bought him from Walmart.

 

[Curiosity101]

You say you bought the tank for him...well no you didn't. You upgraded him to a larger body of water for him, but you certainly didn't buy that specific tank for him.

Also, as you are new to the fish scene, you may think it will cost you $69 dollars to get an equally sized set-up.
But actually for one with equipment that is just as good it's likely to cost from $20-30. So a 5th of the price...and overall it will be easier to maintain as you have a larger opening to work with.

If you want to keep your betta in a Fluval Edge then fine, he will hopefully be happy and healthy. But you are significantly increasing the chance of complications (as discussed above) and that is why people dislike them.

I don't want you to take this the wrong way, as I do completely understand the reason you posted. But I think you need to think about why people are saying what they're saying, and specifically why this contradicts what you have posted.
We've seen hundreds of fish in hundreds of situations...you've seen one fish in one situation.
So yes I get that you're just talking from your experiences, but I don't feel you've emphasised this enough in your posts... although your opinion is yours to give (and I'm not trying to say you shouldn't give it!), you need to be aware that we're not 'haters' of any description. We're just talking from alot of combined experiences, the general trend says these tanks can easily be more harm than good, and when you weigh pros against cons it's soooo much better to get a normal set-up.

 

[Honeythorn]

My floor and/or desk isn't 100% level so I have a large air bubbles in the corner at the surface

Adamanicole - The above quote from you show the only reason your betta is doing ok in that tank. The large air bubbles in the tank surface caused by your uneven floor are providing the fish with a pocket of air to breathe alongside the already too small air pocket provided by the area under the very small hood at the back. That air pocket in the corner is mixing with the water and providing the fish with a level of oxygen he would not normally have if your fooring was level and the bubble was not there.

That is why your tank is working for that fish.

ALSO-

People (so-called "fish experts") who mostly had negative things to say. Most were annoyed about goldfish and aesthetics (haters)

Your inexperience is showing you may want to tuck it in. These people are not "haters" , if you knew even the most basic facts about goldfish you would know why these so called "haters" ( of whom I could be counted one ) dislike people keeping goldfish in small Fluval edge tanks. Goldfish are a colour morph of a type of carp, carp grow LARGE . Goldfish grow well in excess of 12 inches in length and are strong active fish. They require a tank of 200 gallons per pair ( or a pond as they are pond fish after all ) and strong external filtration and proper oxygen/water mix ( all fish need that in fact ) . A small fluval edge does not provide this, which is why goldfish should not be kept in one AT ALL.

The reason the Edge is a fairly badly designed tank has already been mentioned. When the tank is set level and there are no air bubbles at the surface like yours, the only air available to mix with the water is restricted to the very small ( in comparison to the rest of the tank surface ) area under the black box at the back. You need a flow of air over the WHOLE water surface to provide sufficient oxygen for the fish to utilise it.

Bettas ( and gouramis for that matter ) may be anabantids and be able to survive for a period of time in a low oxygen environment and shallow water ( as they do in the dry season in the wild which is let's not forget, only a certain period of time before it rains again ) They are not meant to be kept in such conditions permanently.

And you can't tell me people don't buy that tank for aesthetic reasons, you just can't. It's blatantly an executive ornament aimed at people who like contemporary design in their homes.

 

[AdamaNicole]

Dear Curiosity 101 & Honeythorn (both names I favor for their aesthetics),
First. The air bubble. Is that true? Like really true, or just a good assumption? Is this based on experience or science? Cool theory though, I'm open minded. If in fact that is so, I've once again got lucky.
Second. I paid close attention to all comments made, which further encouraged me to post my thoughts and experience. I'm one of a few commenters who have a Betta in an Edge. The question is about Bettas in an Edge. My Betta is surviving in his Edge, which I think is note worthy, especially for the nay-sayers and haters. No offense to the haters. Also, I was not agreeing or disagreeing with the goldfish issue, I was stating some common Edge reviews. The haters I was speaking of were the ones who had an issue with the style and design of the tank.
A few key points I already mentioned: I specifically stated MY betta, MY experience. I wouldn't dare tell anyone to do anything based on what I've done or was told to do. As I also stated everyone's experience will be different, as well as putting emphasis on making the "appropriate accommodations" for the fish, not the tank. I suggested you do your own research and consider alternative methods, be it that there are so many. Kind of a follow your heart methodology (or common sense). I DID buy my tank for my fish, as well as for myself. Heck, I bought the fish for myself, and his circumstances further convinced me to do so. I told my Betta owning story for the main purpose of relating to the NEW fish owner, not the know-it-alls. I tried to make a solid point of "trial by error" because there is a lot of misinformation out there. Meds, water changes, tank buddies, etc... I did my fair share of listening to notable websites, know-it-alls, fellow fish owners, and I've come to realize that there is no RIGHT way. There is a good way, a better way, and the wrong way. I'm doing what is working for me and my fish, by myself AND along with the help of people like you. Whom I appreciate. And who are not always right. My experience will not be yours, or the next.
Secondly, BOWLS are sold to the average betta/goldfish buyer. Most who buy these fish buy them under the misconception that they can be kept in simple(poor) conditions. Some or most fail, but some succeed. Unfortunately bettas are less well kept because the store a person, like me, buys them from, keeps them in a plastic, food container. With a coined size slot to breathe from! I had a bowl. Then a bigger BOWL. Unhealthy conditions, but an environment that can be maintained, and also sold & encouraged in the betta, goldfish industry. Especially targeted to children who probably won't keep up with the temp, ph, and ammonia levels(something the new aquarist also has to learn). I wanted a better tank to improve his living conditions and environment. I wanted to give my fish a small, but REAL tank. And as a newbie, I took a chance on something that looked like the total package, and so far has proven itself to be so. Like I said before, Maybe I have a magic fish. Maybe not. Either way he has been in this tank for almost a month, in my home for two, and honestly I'm just glad he's still alive. Bettas get a bad rep. Mine has debunked most. Except for some, which I blame on the conditions in which Bettas are kept before they find their true homes. I wanted a nice, non-average, tank and there is nothing wrong with that. Luckily for me, my Edge is working out for me and my fish. MAYBE it could work for you and yours, maybe not. Which I also made the point. I really didn't mean to offend the Edge haters (which is a broad term), but are the negative comments coming from actual users? I did see a comment of a user who put his betta in an Edge and the betta freaked out looking for the surface air, he immediately removed him for fear of the worst. I too had the same reaction, but I didn't have to remove mine because he quickly figured it out. I would never have kept him in this tank, or any, if I thought it would do harm to his health and well-being. Which is exactly why I moved him from the BOWL to the TANK, to improve his quality of living. Sucks to say, but a mason jar is an upgrade in comparison to those bogus cups they are kept in.
To also clarify, I wasn't comparing the edge to anything in nature. I was making a point of reminding people that animals in nature, aren't kept in captivity. Therefore when things fall into the hands of man, anything can happen, and anything goes. You should not be surprised when a domesticated animal, reacts like an animal. Taking care of living things is a challenge, but when your heart is in it, your chances of success are greater. I believe my Edge success is due to my genuine efforts, and Beau's willingness to survive. He was living in a cup with a slit for God knows how long, for the sake of survival of the fittest, Beau is making the edge work to his advantage. Plus, the opening is not that small. It's actually the size of the 1gallon hole he used to wade in. Now he swims.
One more. I went from a $3 bowl, to a $5 bowl, to a ten dollar plastic tank. I wasn't gonna graduate to the $20 tank. The $100 was well worth the investment for fashion&function. My $5 dollar fish, is worth every penny spent on meds, rocks, foods, decorations, fancy tanks, and time. Some spend thousands on huge tanks and things to fill them. A $20,$30 tank can easily turn into a $100 tank if the fish expert at the store tells you you need this and that to make it work. A newbie is more apt to buy or try everything. Kits are great, but most tanks aren't pretty. And it's not the Betta vase or ipod speaker. To me it was a true effort at a real aquarium for my real(tiny)fish, who happens to be a Betta who has so far conquered the Edge. Im gonna post pics.
Is this an unfair statement? Are the fish experts really fish experts/vets/docs, or just people who have had fish for so long they just know it all? Either way I still value your answers/opinions.

 

[Honeythorn]

First. The air bubble. Is that true? Like really true, or just a good assumption? Is this based on experience or science?

Yes it is true. Science and fishkeeping experience both have proven that you need the area above the water surface to be as open as possible in order for oxygen to be absorbed/mix with the water to it's best effect.

Surface agitation increases the amount of oxygen to the water, ( which is why mountain streams and similar bodies of water are highly oxygenated ,and things like ponds and still lakes with little current are poorly oxygenated) but an open area of still/slow water as found in a normal tank will still have FAR more oxygen than a Fluval edge set on a level surface ( no bubbles) , because the surface area exposed to open air is much much bigger.

Because your tank is not on a level surface and you have that big air bubble, your fish is getting slightly more oxygen than he would if the tank were level, which is making it easier for him to live in there. Aside from ( I hope) regular weekly water changes , That is the only reason it's working so well. Just because you can get your hand in the hole at the back does not make it an adequate area for air to penetrate no matter how well your particular fish is doing. All the surface area that should be open to airflow is covered in a sealed glass lid.

It's basically a major design oversight IMO considering what's supposed to be kept in it. Like I say, it's all form and little function for a hellishly high price.

You have definitely been ripped off depsite how much you like the tank. Like I said, you could have picked up all the nessescary equipment for a fraction of the price and still had a great tank. The best way to do that is NOT to go into a pet shop, espescially a chain store.

I wanted to give my fish a small, but REAL tank.

What do you mean REAL tank? I don't get this. How is a Fluval Edge more REAL than say, an Aquastart, Juwel or even a basic clearseal 5- 10 gallon tank?

A $20,$30 tank can easily turn into a $100 tank if the fish expert at the store tells you you need this and that to make it work

Not if you come to a forum in the first place and ask for easier and cheaper options. People are always ready to help and it would have saved you a LOT of money.

The haters I was speaking of were the ones who had an issue with the style and design of the tank.

The "haters" have a reason to "hate" the Edge and you don't need to spend a spectacularly unnessecary amount of cash to see why, just inspecting the tank and seeing one running with fish in it ( I personally have done and seen both ) is enough to tell an experienced keeper why it's a poorly designed tank - the reasons already stated with oxygen absorbtion , plus cleaning it seems to be a hellish hassle with the glass lid sealed on like that. I have seen them with algae in the upper corners. Alage is always very annoying and difficult to remove from normal corners at the best of times in ordinary shaped tanks so I dread to think how you'd get right up into the corners of an edge without some unusual arm twisting.


I'm not saying a betta would drop dead on the spot when placed into a level set Fluval edge, but it is a very poor environment for any species of fish, and much easier and certainly cheaper good looking ( if that seriously matters so much ) tanks can be used to better effect for the health and wellbeing of the fish.

I wouldn't buy one for all the gold in China, too expensive for what it is, which is basically an executive shrimp tank.

But i'm glad your betta is doing well in yours. I look forward to the pictures.

 

[AdamaNicole]

When I said REAL TANK, I was referring to a real tank in comparison to bowl/vase living quarters. I wasn't saying that the Edge was the real tank and others weren't.
I looked online for suggestions and options, and bypassed most fancy tanks because not only were they too costly, but they didn't have much appeal. Yes appeal is important to some. The fact is there aren't many options beyond the standard tanks. Once I realzed that my fish was more than just some poor thing I had to rescue&bought out of mercy&guilt(he was in a cup at Walmart, floating with the others). I knew he certainly could not stay in the cup, but I was sure under the impression that they could live long, happy lives in a bowl/vase. Which is what I bought. A fancy bowl. Its not a superficial thing. Im a girl, we like the shoes to match the bag. It's in my nature.
As far as I can see, Beau has adjusted well. And if a big air bubble is saving his life, then I say tilt your tanks. Im teasing, but seriously, I first thought the air bubble was bad a thing like maybe their could be bad air, or no air in there at all. I'm glad to know there is a scientific background to this theory. You have to admit that most complain and disagree based on their dislikes and opinions, as opposed to solid responses based on valid and useful info. When I researched the Edge, after I had already put it into use, most of the negative comments were coming from most who had only seen pictures, had only heard of it, and/or never used it. At that time and to this day, my fish was living just fine, in comparison to comments made by the nay-sayers.
I clean it twice a week, typically small water changes (tannins and white slime fungus stuff from the driftwood). This week I did a thorough 50% water change, removed and boiled the driftwood, rinsed and re-aquascaped every rock and decoration. I spray the walls and corners with water from the turkey baster to reduce the build-up of muck. I also use it to suck up old food and random stuff that shouldn't be. I have skinny arms, and Im pretty good at doing tedious work (may be OCD), so the thorough cleaning wasn't painful to me. I pay close attention to cleanliness of the tank (not overcleaning), and I also pay close attention to the fish and his temperment. Since his health scare from when I bought him, I monitor him daily to make sure he's not stressed, lathargic, sitting on the bottom too often, growing strange things on his body (ich,fin rot), etc... He is very active, and I can see a change since our upgrade from the 1gallon. Then he just existed, but now he has a life and places to go. Had I never gone on line looking for Betta info and Edge users, I would have never known any of the downsides to the Edge, nor would I have been the wiser, because my tank has been working out so well. God forbid he doesn't live for long, but as a healthy fish, only time will tell what will be the cause of his demise. I'd remove him before I let him suffer or slowly die from a bad tank and/or its conditions.
Yes I do like the tank, it has done no wrong by me or my fish. Actually it has done exactly what I expected of it, which was to be an attractive, filtered, larger home for Beau. I'm a witness to it's function, the form is the bonus.

Example. You adopt a great kid from a poor living environment, who's used to sleeping on the floor (not by choice). You're so excited & you give him everything. Even a fun&fancy bunk bed. If the kid falls out, and keeps falling out, then clearly that bed's not for him. It's back to the basics.

I just dont think it's fair to say something doesn't, can't, or won't work, especially when I'm looking at it with my own eyes. That's all I am saying. Im not trying to convince anyone that the Edge is a good or bad for any fish, especially when I have no science to back it up with. But what I do have is MY EXPERIENCE, that proves to me the tank is cool, for MY betta. Maybe other fish will fall out, but mine likes the top bunk.
$100 is not too costly for this fully equipted and stylish tank. Most designer anything costs $. Especially in Chicago, where everything has an upcharge, not including the 10% tax hike. Before I saw this tank I was in the aisle looking at the $60 basic tank. I wanted an aesthetically pleasing tank, that would also function as a tank. I would have never thought I would find a tank of this caliber for less than or near $100. (Remember, the tank has completely worked for me)
A Wii controller costs $40, and video games cost $60 (that's a boy thing). Those are hellish figures. On average, people don't buy flatscreens for the better picture (another boy thing), they pay for sleek design and their space saving qualities.
I originally bought a (this) tank because I recognized the importance of giving my fish a good, bonafide, spacious home. Not just a space with water. To treat him more like a pet, not just an object to look at like a sea-monkey. The aesthetics were secondary, but neccessary once I realized I had to designate an area in my home for a large body of water. The Edge was perfect, and so far has continued to be.

 

[razer121]

i an understand where you are coming from....but i have seen a edge in action and i personaly do not and would not ever put anything other then shrimp in it...im not going to say who but someone i know has a betta in one of these and if you was to look at his an then mine you can see a big difference! my cloud is much happier why? i odnt know maybe its the low CO2 level who knows there, as for the "its a boy thing" thats a false sexist remark, i dont just buy a big tv because it looks good....i wont buy a tv larger then 32inch i dont like the massive ones i find theres to much to look at and the smaller 32ich is easier on the eyes, ALSO i tend to buy on specs not style, i have a really crappy old rectangle tank in my hallway for the guppys...not lid other then a sheet of class, do i care about looks? i dont think so i like style dont get me wrong but i put the helth of my fish first, and im not even an experienced fish keeper! i think you will find it is all down to the persons choice not sex nor "how it use to be" if your wondering im refering to the kid in a bed which would fall out.....take a child when they first get there bed what happens? they almost always fall out of it once! i think some of the "points" your using are not valid. and 1 more thing i dont know alot about fish but i do know bettas can live in soem harsh conditions, it does not mean they are happy

 

[AdamaNicole]

I totally struck some nerves with my Betta in an Edge. That's deep. Matching shoes and bag is a girl thing, electronics are a boys thing. It might sound sexist, but it's true. (Girls also like electronics, boys also like to match) These are general statements. All will not apply to everyone. I know I was reaching with the bunkbed analogy... But as long as my fish is healthy and active and doing well, and as long as I can relay what I am seeing and share my experience, my points will always be valid.
Maybe your friends Betta is just an unhappy Betta. Maybe yours was the naturally spunkier of the two. Mine is just as friendly, vibrant, and socialable as the day we started, if not livelier. I see and interact with him everyday, so I should know.
I have yet to hear comments from someone who has or had a Betta in an Edge. Someone who has actually USED the tank, and succeeded or failed.

 

[razer121]

well, tbh chances are you wont fail, its like i said bettas can and will live in some real bad conditions i mean if you honestly belive your betta is happy, and really does look happy, then i can see where you are coming from, i didnt mean to be pushing in my last post! i just read it back was abit ott meh anyway if he is happy then i can see no reason why you shouldnt be but honestly have you watched him for more then half hour?

 

[Curiosity101]

You seem to have missed my point AdamaNicole...just because WE personally haven't kept a betta in a fluval edge. Doesn't mean we haven't seen many many people who do.

And more precisely, we've seen many many people who have encountered problems. Yours, although valid in your situation, is only one experience.
We're talking from many many peoples experiences...

Plus...once again I need to make the point. 'Haters' as you called them, DO have reason to dislike them. I've not met one person who says they don't like the look of the tank. It looks fab, really aesthetically pleasing.
But the reason the majority of experienced fish keepers will avoid them is because they have too many flaws (easily proved by simple science), and make the chances of failure hundreds of times higher (again we have seen this before many many times).

Plus for what you can get for your money...the edge tanks are a bit of a rip off. You're paying for the novelty...as tanks go Fluval isn't a 'designer' brand.
A 'Designer' brand would be Eheim! Put it this way, the filter on my 125l tank would cost roughly $188 US Dollars at the current exchange rate. And it's almost the smallest external they do!

 

[AdamaNicole]

Im a little ashamed to say, but yes. I've caught myself watching and playing with him for hours. Literally. Is that normal? At best, just observing for more than an hour. He's very entertaining and interesting. He's my guilty pleasure, and I'm a little obsessed with him. I hover. My dog is very jealous. I tried to post pics, but Im not very good with computers so I'm still working on it.

 

[loraxchick]

ive been following this and have read both sides. heres my 2 cents
ive recently seen one of these tanks in a local store. i was having a chat with the fish manager (who is incredibly knowledgeable...not a chain store). i said wow-that is one stylish tank. so we talked a bit and i was asking questions about its construction, specs, etc.
volume wise, it is just FINE for a betta. plenty of space and more than adequate filtration, lighting etc. i see no problem with the O2 content in the water due to the filtration. Honeythorn, while you are correct that greater surface area=greater gas exchange, this goes both ways. just becasue you put lots of O2 into a volume of water, those with higher surface areas have the potential to drive OFF O2 also (along with other dissolved gasses). having the water level right to the "rim" of this tank actually prevents O2 loss. add some plants and it is even greater during photosynthetic periods(ie, lights on). i also think that even without the "airbubble" the OP has, the betta would be conditioned to KNOW where to get surface air. that hold in the top is not that tiny. i know that when i feed my fish, they always go to the same spot. they have been conditioned to do so..they know WHERE the food will come. just like the betta will condition himself as to where to breath from. granted that isnt optimal for him, he should be able to breathe wherever he wants, but i doubt it is a "health hazard" for the fish. not saying id PREFER a tank like that for a betta(or other labyrinth fish), but its not gonna kill him outrightly.
my MAIN concern with these tanks is the maintenance. the openeing being toward the back of the tank, i think it would be difficult and frustrating to clean the opposite corners very effectively...especially with a syphon! so i can see many problems with that respect down the road as the tank matures (old tank syndrome from not being able to do adequate maintenance in certain areas of the tank). id even be hesitant to put substrate in there for the simple fact its going to accumulate detritus that you might not be able to remove
then there is the issue of filter flow..i didnt ask if it was adjustable. if not, and no way to slow the current down, THAT may pose a risk for the fish, particularly with him GETTING to the hole to breath..but im uncertain about this, as i didnt ask the guy about it. that is my only other issue with this tank.
fishkeeping is about guidelines. experimentation over the years in the hobby has allowed advances in the field that have given us new understandings and are now considered the "norm"...the most important thing is use common sense! and ALWAYS have a backup plan in mind in case things dont work out as planned/anticipated.
glad your betta is happy in there. they are funky looking tanks! but then again, not for everyone, myself included.
cheers

 

[Honeythorn]

volume wise, it is just FINE for a betta. plenty of space

Never said it wasn't.

Honeythorn, while you are correct that greater surface area=greater gas exchange, this goes both ways. just becasue you put lots of O2 into a volume of water, those with higher surface areas have the potential to drive OFF O2 also (along with other dissolved gasses). having the water level right to the "rim" of this tank actually prevents O2 loss. add some plants and it is even greater during photosynthetic periods(ie, lights on).

Yes I am fully aware of that also thankyou. Even a full tank of ordinary design still has the entire area of open air beneath the hood to allow circulation. The Edge does not.

but i doubt it is a "health hazard" for the fish.

I don't doubt it at all

but its not gonna kill him outrightly.

Didn't say it would. I said it was a badly thought out tank , all show and poor function for fish, which it is. It would work fine for a well planted shrimp tank though so it isn't a complete waste of space.

then there is the issue of filter flow..i didnt ask if it was adjustable. if not, and no way to slow the current down, THAT may pose a risk for the fish, particularly with him GETTING to the hole to breath

Since the intake and outflow appear to originate in and around that opening ( I have seen one of these tanks running, unfortunately with goldfish which made me even more annoyed ) I think the longer finned bettas would have a problem with it.