what is worng with my betta ?

[steffi0122]

I have just transfered my betta of about 6 months to a smaller tank because he was getting nipped at in his previuos tank. He now shares a 1.5 gallon tank with another betta (there is a divider to keep them apart) The tank has an undergravel filter and a light to keep them warm as well as plants and gravel. My new betta seems to love it there but my other one does not. Everyday at least once he will try to jump out of the small hole in the front of the tank. I have never seen him do anything like this before and i am wondering what can be wrong. Could he be cold? The new tank is too small for a heater but his old tank (5.5 gallon) had one and the water was constantly around 78-80 degrees. Now the temperature in his new tank is around 72-74 degrees. the other betta seems much happier in the tank....what could be wrong??

 

[HeatherSweetness]

IMO a 1.5 gallon divided for bettas is WAY too small.

He's probably stressed from being so cramped after being in the bigger tank. I'd leave ONE betta in that small tank and put him in his own. I'd also move the tank to a warmer spot. That seems a bit chilly for bettas.

 

[steffi0122]

When i bought this tank it was especially designed for two bettas to live in it divided. Why is this such a bad idea?

 

[Dwarfs]

When people make tanks like this it is to look nice, not make the betta comfortable. The minimum tank size for a betta should be 2 gallons although 1g works too

 

[HeatherSweetness]

Those teeny tiny tanks aren't good at all.

I know they sell them specially designed for bettas. They make those tiny betta hex tanks and the double ones and the teeny betta planter bowls to put in your potted plants,but bettas do need at least 2 gallons of water apiece,they will suffice in a one gallon like dwarfs mentioned but anything less they don't really like and it does make them very uncomfortable.

 

[Pointy_kitty]

i think what everyone is trying to say is that a betta can "survive" in as small as a 1/4 gallon bowl but will thrive and be "happy/healthy" in a 2gallon (or at least a 1gallon)
keeping the little guy happy will improve his quality of life greatly.
its kinda like keeping a big dog in an apartment
i have heard of apartments in which tendants keep german shepherds and other medium to large breeds and although the owners may love them dearly it is not exactly "ideal"
they should have a yard to run in, or at VERY LEAST a full sized house to roam and regular walks....
get the idea?

i'm a bit of a rambler )