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Jennifer asked in PetsFish · 8 years ago

Why is a 2.5 fish tank bad for Betta?

I have read so many different people attacking new Betta owners for putting a betta in a 1 gallon tank. Yes it is bad which is why I thought maybe a 2.5 gallon tank would be good with a plant, heater, and filter would be perfect! EVERYWHERE I read people say no you need 5+! I'm sick of feeling like **** because my betta is living in a 2 gallon tank! HE IS FINE AND HAPPY!! I have the water his favorite temp, I keep it clean, he gets the best betta pellets around, has a plant that he sleeps on all the time, AND he loves his once in awhile pea I feed him! Yes he would probably prefer a a bigger tank but I'm at least taking care of him and took him out of the clear cup full of **** I bought him with! My male betta is very happy and if you guys don't think so then I will email you a video of him! My older sister had a betta who was MISERABLE in a 1\2 gallon tank she had him in which I could tell because he barely moved but my betta loves to swim around! Sometimes he will swim to the bottom of the tank to check it out and swim really fast to the top because something scared him ahhaah! The bubbles I have from my filter will float ontoon topthe water and he'll stick his nose by them to check them out it's adorable! So yes I don't agree with a tiny 1 gallon tank but if u have a nice 2.5+ tank to have a betta in it is possible for him to be happy! Please don't take offeoffensethis I'm just showing everyone that not all fish are the same! I know my betta sure has a personality!

Update:

Thank you everyone for writing back I'm not mad or anything I'm just stating opinion like you guys are now on here! I respect your answers 100% but until I move out I cannot give my betta a bigger tank! I have read everything all of you had just said! My parents bought me this tank for Christmas and if I get a new one I feel horrible! Please understand where I am coming from since I understand where you are coming from!

Update 2:

Also I would never abuse an animal I own my horse farm which people buy horses off of all the time! If I'm causing this fish pain I'm sorry but like I said I'm not always gonna have him in this tank! All my animals are spoiled. I even rescued a neglected baby donkey I'm not a horrible person because I don't have enough room for a 10 gallon tank.

8 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    There is nothing wrong keeping a Betta in a 2 1/2 gallon. There is plenty of room, small efficient filters and heaters. That is all you really need for proper care. You can do water changes and maintain proper water perimeters. Those that disagree never cared for one in a small tank. I have for many years and even bred them in a 5 gallon.... Bettas are not demanding fish like some others. If you dedicate yourself, he should have a long and happy life.

    Here is a site that I found very informative with Betta care and more!!!!!!!!!!

    Good luck with your guy and enjoy the site. There is a LOT of articles and such in there.

    http://bettysplendens.com/articles/home.imp

    Source(s): experienced 50+yrs
  • 8 years ago

    The reason people say its bad is because tanks those size can't fit a heater or filter in them. Its pretty much like you living in your closet with little air ventilation. Now I know this is weird, but having a bigger tank with a heater and filter is actually EASIER to take care of. You only have to clean it about once a week and you fish will have ALOT of room. If your betta is easy going, he might be able to have some friends if he was in a bigger tank. I have 3 peppered Cory catfish and a crown tail betta in a 10 gallon tank and they seem very happy! The betta plays with the cories and hangs out at the bottom with them sometime. Its really cute and the betta is really happy.

  • 8 years ago

    Damn, no need to get like that. I'm sorry people are only telling you the truth.

    Listen, I don't get out much and live in a small, small house with things crowding it up and taking up space. But I'm happy with my house besides the mess. does that mean it's good for me? what if I never got to go out of my house? I couldn't get enough exercise or anything.

    Your Betta May be happy, but that doesnt always mean healthy. He needs room for some exercise.

    A betta needs plenty of exercise, but can't get much in a 2.5 gallon.

    I'm sorry that hearing the truth and proper care of a betta fish is upsetting you. Did you even cycle the bowl?

    EDIT: And don't get mad at me because you clearly asked "Why is a 2.5 fish tank bad for betta?" And I told you why.

  • ?
    Lv 4
    8 years ago

    What is your question? This seems more like a statement....I will answer the question in your title however.

    The reason it is bad for them is because it does not allow sufficient space for a betta to live a healthy life. Water parameters can not be kept at their best in such a small tank. Poisons such as ammonia and nitrite build up quickly, poisoning your fish.

    Do you even know what the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings are in your tank? Was your tank properly cycled?

    Source(s): years and years of fish
  • 8 years ago

    Because you can't establish a stable nitrogen cycle in a 5 gallon tank or safely heat it. Heaters usually don't come in any less than 25w which would be sufficient to heat a 5 gallon tank. A 2.5 gallon tank would need 12.5w to safely heat, which you won't find.

  • 8 years ago

    Because you won't hold a nitrogen cycle in less than 5 gallons, they can't be safely heated, and less swimming space leads to less swimming which can lead to swim bladder disorders.

    Yes, your Betta is better off in 2 gallons than in a cup, and than your sister's Betta is in 1/2 gallon, but that doesn't mean he's going to be healthy or long lived.

    Source(s): Experience. Keep Bettas in 5, 10, 20, 29, and 75 gallon setups.
  • jason
    Lv 5
    8 years ago

    keep your betta in a 5gallon tank with a heater. it is a tropical fish and requires space to move around and requires warm water.

  • 8 years ago

    my betta is in a 1 gallon and he seems like such a happy boy, but the more room the better

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