What Size tank for 1 beta

[newland]

Hi all

I'm looking to get a betta as they look so pretty.
What i'm thinking of doing to building him how own little tank.

What i need to know is what size can he go into.
I want to cram him in something so small he depressed but i don't want something too big.

I know there should be at least 1 gal but what about dimentions?
I'm also thinking of adding a section for a standart heater.

Also Do they require an air pump? if so can anytone recommend a small one?

I've read that people don't often put filters in these small tanks but do water changes every 2 days. I'm thinking of adding a small over head filter and assuming that water changes won't need to be done as often. Say every week/ 2 weeks.

What do ya think?

 

[Raechal]

A lot of people don't have filters in their betta tanks due to the strong current or the outflow of the filter. Bettas do not appreciate heavy currents in their tanks and they can develop healthy problems from the current or getting their long fins stuck in the filter intake tube.

The smallest container I keep my betta in is a 1.5 gallon bowl and he seems happy there, but I am moving him to a divided 10 gallon today. I would say 3-5 gallons is perfect for a betta. Maybe try a tank 6 or 7 inches long by 6 or 7 inches tall? I am not that good with measurements but that should be okay.

A 2.5 gallon I keep my Dwarf puffer in (it used to house one of my males) is probably around 8 or 9 inches long and 4 or 5 inches high.

 

[eudielynn]

You do realize that you won't be able to stop with just one betta don't you?

Aquaview makes 1 and 2 gal aquariums that are workable for bettas. I prefer the 2 gal but the 1 gal will work. It comes with an undergravel filter, air pump and hood with light. The 1 gal is about $10 and the 2 gal about $25. I know they have them at Walmart, but I have seen them at my LFS store as well so I am sure other places sell them. Even if this is not what you want, it could give you some idea of what you need.

Be careful if you do go with a heater for a tank that small. I bought one that was for 2-5 gal tanks, but has no adjustment and I have fits trying to keep the tank warm enough without boiling my betta. I have to unplug it when the temp goes over 80 and then plug it back in again after it drops back a couple of degrees. It's a pain.

You could probably get by with a water change every couple of weeks, but I'm a fanatic about them. I do a 50% change on Wednesdays and 100% change on Saturdays even with the UGF.

HTH

 

[BettaMomma]

I believe that I've found one option for a perfect setup for a betta - it's a 2.5G glass rectangle tank. I put in a Neptune 25 watt heater. At first I was scared the heater would overdo and cook him, but it keeps the water and a perfect 79 degrees. I highly recommend it.

I also got a glass lid and tank hood for it with a light in it - you will obviously need some sort of lid, but you don't specifically "need" a hood with a light on it.
The tank was 8$, the heater was 12$, the glass top was 3$ and the hood was 12$.

It's the perfect size, also, for water changes because it's not that hard to lug around, even when it's full.

 

[newland]

You are probably right. i'll probably want loads.

Why would anyone buy a heater that does not have a thermostat? It kinda defetes the point of a heater to me.

I can't fine the tanks on Aquaview.com am i at the wrong place?

Also i'm in the UK so if you know of any sites in the UK that would be great.

So points to remember.
Slow water flow rate or use the side of tank to prevent a current.
The heater and filter intake would be in a seperate compartment.
What about air? does this make them unhappy? if a current upsets them what about air bubbles?

Once i've designed it i'll post pictures.

cheers

 

[BettaMomma]

If you have airbubbles, keep them at a slight bubble drip.
Several of my smaller tanks have them in just to keep the water from getting stagnant. If you have a filter, you don't need air bubbles at all.

All the boys that I have bubble bars in love to play in them, but like I said - they're little teeny bubble drips.

Good luck - can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[eudielynn]

Why would anyone buy a heater that does not have a thermostat? It kinda defetes the point of a heater to me.

'Cause I was dumb and didn't check here first to see what I needed. )

 

[newland]

LOL

To be fair i thought ALL heaters had an adjuster on them.

I'm going to design the tank up and post some pics for you guys to see. IF you notice anyhting wrong please let me know.

I'll scrap the air filter as this makes things harder for me.

 

[50000_tears]

You do realize that you won't be able to stop with just one betta don't you?

Aquaview makes 1 and 2 gal aquariums that are workable for bettas. I prefer the 2 gal but the 1 gal will work. It comes with an undergravel filter, air pump and hood with light. The 1 gal is about $10 and the 2 gal about $25. I know they have them at Walmart, but I have seen them at my LFS store as well so I am sure other places sell them. Even if this is not what you want, it could give you some idea of what you need.

Be careful if you do go with a heater for a tank that small. I bought one that was for 2-5 gal tanks, but has no adjustment and I have fits trying to keep the tank warm enough without boiling my betta. I have to unplug it when the temp goes over 80 and then plug it back in again after it drops back a couple of degrees. It's a pain.

You could probably get by with a water change every couple of weeks, but I'm a fanatic about them. I do a 50% change on Wednesdays and 100% change on Saturdays even with the UGF.

HTH

i have aquaviews they are pretty good for low space (like my house) they make 1 and 1/2 gallons ..i have lightning in one..i want a 2 gallon for everyone though