Level Of Water Should Not Be Over 7 Inches?

[betta_luv]

Hey. I recently read that the level (height) of water in a 5 or 10 gallons Betta tank should not exceed over 7 inches (18 cm). Is this true?

 

[catxx]

thats because they breathe from the surface i guess and aren't the strongest swimmers in regards of veiltails and half moons.
i wouldn't say thats an outright rule though, all my tank heights are between 12" and 14" and they all cope fine!
and it wouldn't apply to plakats and girls either as they're stronger swimmers

 

[Miss Wiggle]

hmmm, I can see the logic but I think it's overkill, also gonna depend on the individual fish. Binky's tank is at least 12" tall and he never seems to have any problems. I have lots of tall plants though so there's leaves to rest on en route to the surface if he needs it!

 

[BWBettas]

Maybe what you read was regarding breeding? I know it's desirable to have it at that height

Bret

 

[betta_luv]

Hey thanks. BWBettas, no the 7 inches height suggestion was not about breeding aquariums. The 7 inches height was about keeping a normal Betta aquarium. He said that puddles in rice fields are shallow, hence the need to restrict the height of water in a normal Betta aquarium to 7 inches.

 

[catxx]

except that a betta splenden would never be found in a rice paddy, entirely man-made fancy betta species.