Betta tanks...

[VickiPS]

I have to agree that 'happiness' is a purely human construct, because it is totally subjective. Fish aren't self-aware, so it's meaningless to try and discuss a fish's subjective state.

Maybe it's meaningful to talk about 'contentment', since contentment can be observed through physical and behavioural signs. Others have quite rightly already said that a benchmark for whether a betta is thriving (ie. content) is the normal behaviour and physical condition of a betta in the wild. As far as I know, bettas in the wild prefer shallow water, not too much water movement, higher temps, lots of plant cover, enough room to swim and seek food, (all within a small territory that it occupies and defends), and other bettas around from which to seek potential breeding partners.

The 'rightness' of a domestic betta's tank environment depends on whether the fish displays the range of normal behaviours. Size is only one of a whole range of factors that will affect whether or not the fish thrives.

A few other things I think are worth commenting on:

• The prices of tanks in other parts of the world aren't necessarily comparable to US prices. Here in Australia, all-in-one tanks (whether glass or acrylic) are quite expensive (upwards of AU$80 - 100). Just a plain rectangular 2 ft glass tank (15 gallon), with no filter, heater or light, costs AU$30 - $40, and may often be cheaper than a 10 gallon. A 10 gallon tank for every betta would simply be beyond most people's reach, even if they did have the space.
• It is possible to have a filter and heater in a 2.5 US gallon tank, and still leave plenty of room for the fish to move around. You can cycle a tank of this size, and keep the water conditions stable and healthy with weekly 30 - 40% water changes.
• Anubias nana, anchored to a rock or small piece of driftwood, is terrific plant for smaller tanks and low light situations. It's expensive, but extremely hardy. Java fern, java moss, and floating hornwort, cabomba, wisteria and elodea all do okay in low light.

 

[Allie]

very interesting subject!

I myself would not keep a betta if I had to use a tank, I hate tanks to clean and bird cages for birds!

My first betta was in a bowl less than 1/2 gallon and thrived for 4 years. Only sick ONCE a year before he died. Then I don't know if he was sick, he just didn't eat for several days.....I medicated him with a fish medicine and he was fine!

My current betta lived one month in the small bowl as my other betta. No problems, but I purchased a 1 gallon bowl and he now lives happily in this, bubble nesting all the time.

Who knows what these fish want? I personally don't think they are all that bright. I would never mistreat bettas as I love them. But they are not as intellegent as dogs or cats. I think we give these fish too much credit for intelligence they don't possess....

I think fish keepers keep their bettas in tanks to their liking, what they think the fish will like. Who knows what the fish like? I could live happily in a millionare's home, but I am happy in less. I think our bettas who are well fed, taken care of and loved, can live happily in a reasonable amount of water.

so to each their own

 

[eudielynn]

Of course I don't think my bettas are as intellegent as my cat. (Dog is pretty dumb, but he's sweet. ) But they do have learning capabilities, as they will recognize their regular caregiver, and their food containers, among other things, they are capable of aggression so I also feel that they are capable of contentment and even happiness to a lesser degree. This has little to do with living space as long as basic needs are met. A person who lives in a one room effeciency apartment can be every bit as happy as I am in my 3 bedroom house on 2 1/2 acres of land. Yes, the space does need to big enough to allow normal movement, but beyond that .

Personally, as long as I feel that my bettas are healthy and happy I will leave them in their 1 and 2 1/2 gal tanks. And after checking on my newbie, Booker, this morning, I may be moving him into a smaller tank. He is so little that the current in the 20 gal is causing him a little trouble and I think he would be happier in a smaller less active tank. But I came to this conclusion by observing him over several days, it is not something I am doing to be cruel or mistreating him. It is to make him happier.

 

[witchbox]

not really sure what to say to this other than it might depend on the indiviual fish, i have a male betta that 'seems' to love his large tank (90l) and make use of all the tank , while i have another one in a slightly smaller tank and he just sits up along side the filter, and never comes out so i have put him in a small tank, about 10 ls ang he comes out much more often.

i think if the fish is healthy then dont worry to much about it.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

Thanks for all the opinions guys, although i still think a 1gal or smaller tank is still a very small tank i wouldn't personally put a betta in it but i do see now how that 2 and 3gal tanks are ok .
Thanks for your time everyone