joshrm115
Fish Crazy
Is it true that you have to keep Bettas in a small tank??
Myth Or Fact
- Thread starter joshrm115
- Start date
LauraFrog
Fish Gatherer
Rubbish. Bettas are more comfortable in a small tank than most fish, as they often inhabit relatively small pools in the wild, are tolerant of poor water quality and able to breathe atmospheric oxygen. However, they don't NEED a small tank.
The modern betta strains have been inbred and are essentially a domesticated fish - just as you couldn't expect a pack of Pomeranians to survive as wild wolves, nor can you expect a domesticated betta to tolerate the sort of tough conditions its ancestors may have survived. The crap you get fed by pet stores about bettas being more comfortable in a tiny jar than a nice big aquarium is utter BS. It's designed to justify their appauling treatment of their livestock to Average Joe who doesn't know any better, and who generally falls for it hook, line and sinker, continuing the cycle of abuse.
Also, the fact that bettas CAN survive these conditions is no excuse to treat them like ornaments or neglect them. A one gallon tank is the absolute minimum for one betta, with 2-2.5 gals being preferred as the minimum. 5 gallons is considered the 'best' size as it is a comfortable size to set off most rooms and make a nice display, without being so big the betta gets lost in it. It is big enough to filter properly without the current disturbing the betta, greatly reducing your workload as regards water changes. It also gives you the option of adding small tankmates like shrimp or snails, or with exceptionally good filtration and maintenance, even some otos or pygmy corydoras.
However, there is no reason a betta cannot be kept in a larger tank. Bettas are not big fish, or particularly active or flashy, so if you have a 10 or 20 gallon tank with the betta as the main feature of the display, it will probably be a boring tank. They tend to get lost in it. It will not be of detriment to the betta's health or happiness provided there is adequate filtration and cover for him, but the appearance of the tank and its interest factor is also a consideration. A 10 or 20 gal, well planted, with a betta and some corys or otos, shrimp, snails, etc - can be a stunning display.
When you start talking about tanks larger than 20 gallons, the betta will not need all of the space available to feel that he has a comfortably sized territory. He will still not tolerate the presence of another betta in it, under any circumstances, but he may not use all of the tank space, preferring to hang around the top at one end. Personally, I think it's a bit silly to take a nice big tank like that and immediately restrict your options regarding stocking by putting a betta in it. They don't like to share their tanks with midwater schooling species. In a 20+ gallon tank, most bottom dwellers would be acceptable tankmates provided they are not disruptive or predatory. However, again you have the problem of the betta getting lost in the tank, so you've got this lovely big tank that looks like it has no fish in it. It's a matter of personal choice, and if you like it that way, by all means go ahead.
The basis of this myth may be the community tank. When 'large' tank means 'well-stocked medium sized community tank', a betta will be absolutely miserable in there. An experienced fishkeeper, who is capable of seeing a large tank without having to cram it full of every fish that it may possibly support, bypasses this little problem.
The other issue with bettas in large tanks is open water. If there is too much open water and not enough cover, the betta may feel frightened and exposed, and may try to treat the whole tank as 'territory' and patrol the whole thing. Larger betta tanks, where there will be plenty of swimming space, are usually better when they are heavily decorated. This also increases the number of tankmates you can add without pissing the betta off.
The modern betta strains have been inbred and are essentially a domesticated fish - just as you couldn't expect a pack of Pomeranians to survive as wild wolves, nor can you expect a domesticated betta to tolerate the sort of tough conditions its ancestors may have survived. The crap you get fed by pet stores about bettas being more comfortable in a tiny jar than a nice big aquarium is utter BS. It's designed to justify their appauling treatment of their livestock to Average Joe who doesn't know any better, and who generally falls for it hook, line and sinker, continuing the cycle of abuse.
Also, the fact that bettas CAN survive these conditions is no excuse to treat them like ornaments or neglect them. A one gallon tank is the absolute minimum for one betta, with 2-2.5 gals being preferred as the minimum. 5 gallons is considered the 'best' size as it is a comfortable size to set off most rooms and make a nice display, without being so big the betta gets lost in it. It is big enough to filter properly without the current disturbing the betta, greatly reducing your workload as regards water changes. It also gives you the option of adding small tankmates like shrimp or snails, or with exceptionally good filtration and maintenance, even some otos or pygmy corydoras.
However, there is no reason a betta cannot be kept in a larger tank. Bettas are not big fish, or particularly active or flashy, so if you have a 10 or 20 gallon tank with the betta as the main feature of the display, it will probably be a boring tank. They tend to get lost in it. It will not be of detriment to the betta's health or happiness provided there is adequate filtration and cover for him, but the appearance of the tank and its interest factor is also a consideration. A 10 or 20 gal, well planted, with a betta and some corys or otos, shrimp, snails, etc - can be a stunning display.
When you start talking about tanks larger than 20 gallons, the betta will not need all of the space available to feel that he has a comfortably sized territory. He will still not tolerate the presence of another betta in it, under any circumstances, but he may not use all of the tank space, preferring to hang around the top at one end. Personally, I think it's a bit silly to take a nice big tank like that and immediately restrict your options regarding stocking by putting a betta in it. They don't like to share their tanks with midwater schooling species. In a 20+ gallon tank, most bottom dwellers would be acceptable tankmates provided they are not disruptive or predatory. However, again you have the problem of the betta getting lost in the tank, so you've got this lovely big tank that looks like it has no fish in it. It's a matter of personal choice, and if you like it that way, by all means go ahead.
The basis of this myth may be the community tank. When 'large' tank means 'well-stocked medium sized community tank', a betta will be absolutely miserable in there. An experienced fishkeeper, who is capable of seeing a large tank without having to cram it full of every fish that it may possibly support, bypasses this little problem.
The other issue with bettas in large tanks is open water. If there is too much open water and not enough cover, the betta may feel frightened and exposed, and may try to treat the whole tank as 'territory' and patrol the whole thing. Larger betta tanks, where there will be plenty of swimming space, are usually better when they are heavily decorated. This also increases the number of tankmates you can add without pissing the betta off.
OP
OP
joshrm115
Fish Crazy
Wow thank you for your answer that was amazing I am so amazed some one would take that much time to explain something to me...
Carl the Crimson Wonder
Fish Fanatic
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I just wanted to add (Though I think Laurafrog did a excellent job of explaining it.) That One reason most people think that betta's like small tanks is because that is what they see them in. Most LFS can't afford to put a betta in a tank the size it needs, therefore they put them in a smaller container that will do untill the right person comes along to put them in a decent sized tank. However this get confused because people think "Oh look that betta is in a small tank and they sell these cup sized tanks that say perfect for betta on them, it must be the right choice." however that is not the case. I personally work at one of these store's and you wouldn't believe the people that think that. It makes me sick to see the tiny tanks they try to pawn off as "Betta tanks" I don't really know where i was going with that but when I think about what people do to betta's I get a little mad, sorry if this seems off subject. 
But I'm glad you asked about it rather than making a post saying "My betta seems a little cramped" or something like that. But Betta fish can be amazing fish if you put the time and effort into it. Just they are durable fish but shouldn't be treated as so. A little TLC and A GOOD SIZED TANK and you have a awesome pet.
But I'm glad you asked about it rather than making a post saying "My betta seems a little cramped" or something like that. But Betta fish can be amazing fish if you put the time and effort into it. Just they are durable fish but shouldn't be treated as so. A little TLC and A GOOD SIZED TANK and you have a awesome pet.
tibby25731
Fish Herder
what they said
If you get a betta, go for 5 gallon tank or a little larger, that seems to be just right for them
If you get a betta, go for 5 gallon tank or a little larger, that seems to be just right for them
small tank? blah! I;ve got each oh my boys in 25 litres each.. just the right amount of room, and they all seem quite content.. I used to have Fred in a smaller 14 litre tank, and he liked it in there too.. they say its good to keep them in a suitable amount of water with a heater and filter for best quality
helterskelter
Livebearer Specilest
Hi gill good to see u again
keithp
Fishaholic
They also dont do well with strong filter currents due to their long finnage and origin from calm water.
Johnlenham
Fish Crazy
Just want to chime in and say that if you do plan to have a betta in a 15-20gal with corys etc be ready and setup with a backup tank as mine didnt show his aggressive side till after about a week when he started snapping and chasing the corys so at about 9pm im running around outside gathering all my old tank gear and stealing mature media out of the the 15 
id say keep the females to either a females only tank or community and leave the males to solitary or in larger tanks divide it up.
id say keep the females to either a females only tank or community and leave the males to solitary or in larger tanks divide it up.
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