For Rent--Small Efficiency Vase
By: Crystal, Healthy Betta
It is true that bettas, especially the male, have a tendency to be a tad bit territorial. They will fight with other fish and do better alone. This does not mean they need no space.
The lily vase setup only holds approximately one half gallon of water. To maintain a happy betta, you will want to make sure they have at least one gallon of swim space. Just because he is territorial does not mean he cannot be territorial of more space than the vase. In fact, I have seen people move their betta from a lily vase setup into a larger vase and the betta is notably more happy - swimming laps. They seem to flare more and start making bigger bubble nests.
From my personal experience, 2 gallons or more is ideal for the betta. In college I maintained a 10 gallon tank with just a betta and plecostomus! Charlie was a very happy fishy!
The lily vase is just too small. The betta does not have enough room to exercise or prance around all flared out. They generally just lay within the roots of the plant with their fins closed.
Yes, the betta could even survive in the little cups at the store for the rest of their life - but would you enjoy living in a one room apartment for the rest of yours?