Tank

[orientmatt]

I have never kept a betta, and didnt know that they could be kept in such small tanks untill recently. Anyway, this got me thinking, I have an old 16"x8"x8" tank (4 gallons) that I am currently using for keeping snails. It has a small filter running, but no lights, just a plastic lid. It has been established for quite a while now.

Just wondering if it will be suitable to kep a betta in, if so I will probably get one.

 

[Joby]

That sounds fantastic for a betta!

I have tanks around these size divided with my bettas in and they are fine, I just use those small desk lamps to give light but its not really necessary unless its really dark in the room.

Look forward to seeing pictures when you get one

 

[orientmatt]

cool, full steam ahead then. by the way, does the fact that their is no heater make a differance.

ps. I also have one of those small plastic tanks with the red lids that people sometimes use for hamsters. dont know the exact size but would that be suitable as well

 

[OrkyBetta]

A heater is preferred, but as long as the temp. in your house is a constant 70-80 degrees, your fish will be ok. Good luck!

 

[Joby]

I use a heater on all my tanks, but some are in quite cool rooms. Why not put water in the tank and monitor the temperature for a few days to see how it fluctuates? but I personally would go with one to be safe but others in the UK don't use them

 

[orientmatt]

well its got water in it now, but it seemed quite chilly when i dipped my finger in compared to my other tanks. A 25watt heater wont cost that much will it?

 

[Joby]

<whispers> I use 50 watts in mine

They are £13.99 round here, same price whatever watt you have! Have a look around, but stick a thermometer in it or a sticky on on the front of the tank, it feels chilly to the touch but might be fine for the fish. The weater always feels way too cold to me but when I check the thermometer its always at 79 like it should be

 

[orientmatt]

okey dokey, stuck a thermometer in their, hope it'll be okay(dont really wanna spend another tenner or so on a heater lol). thanks for the help, i better get reading about these fish properly i suppose.