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About Brit Brit
Expertise
I can answer your questions about Bettas, most Freshwater Tropical Fish, compatibility between tropical freshwater fish, tips on how to set up a new aquarium, what fish to add, what temperature your tank should be at, etc. I can answer questions about goldfish, and I know a bit about aquarium plants. I can't answer questions concerning anything marine, and I know next to nothing about ponds, and even less about Cichlid breeding. So please don't ask. If I am not sure about something, I will try to research it for you and get back to you very quickly. I cannot magically cure your fish over the web, unfortunately, so please remember your fish's health depends solely on you. Also, don't expect a detailed answer if I have not been given a detailed question. I can only do so much! Details, details, details!! (It does state what I need on the Ask A Question Page)

Experience
I take care of over 3000 fish daily. I worked at Petsmart for a few years, and have had training in many areas, including aquaria and all the basics to keep fish happy and healthy. I met quite a few experts in the hobby and have learned a lot from them, and they have learned a lot from me :) Also, I have done a lot of research and studying on my own time about not just fish but a lot of different house pets because I like to help people and help their pets.

Education/Credentials
Petsmart training Adult Diploma

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Fish > Fish > BETTA FISH

Topic: Fish

Expert: Brit Brit
Date: 5/7/2008
Subject: BETTA FISH

Question
Hi. I have a few questions about betta fish. I've been hearing a lot of things from a lot of people. Some say a small bowl will work. Others say that a one gal. tank should be enough and one dude said 10 gal. How big should the tank be for one male betta? Does it need a filter? A heater? And I have a freshwater aquarium and with tropical fish and do ten percent water change and twenty at the end of the month and vacuum the rocks. Can I just take out the betta fish and put in a container while I clean the small tank? Thanks in advance.:)

Answer
Hello Christian,
That is a great question, and I've heard it a lot, actually. There are thousands of misconceptions you will hear about more than just the betta fish.
The problem is, they are so hearty, they can survive for long periods of time in much less than ideal situations. But they may be suffering in the process, not to mention their life span will be shortened.
When it comes to tank size, bigger is always better. More water and more surface area always makes for healthier fish.
I always recommend at least two gallons or larger, but a one gallon is the absolute smallest you should ever go.
I have seen quite a few "mini" tanks out in stores lately and, quite frankly, they are just cruel.
You might be able to live in a closet for a while, but your health and your happiness (not to mention cleanliness) will degrade very quickly.
Fish need some space as much as we do, and the bigger (and more territorial) the fish, the more space they need. (Also, you'll want to factor in whether the fish is thin or large-bodied).
So yes, a one gallon or larger is of course going to be much better than a bowl or something even smaller.
With one betta, it is not necessary to have a filter, as long as you are doing weekly water changes and don't overfeed him. (Even with a filter this would still need to be done, as water degrades and the minerals in the water that fish need would disappear over time).
I do recommend having a heater though, since bettas are tropical fish, and do better with a temperature in the mid 80's. If your house is kept between 75-85 degrees F at all times, he might do just fine without a heater. But in any case, a cooler temperature does shorten the lifespan, simply because it is not ideal and therefore stresses the fish.
As far as your other tank goes, the best way to make sure you are doing enough water changes is to buy a test kit and check the quality of the water. You'll need to at the very least test for Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. Ammonia should not go above 0, same as nitrites, and nitrates are the last step and should never go above 20-30. If you have a high amount of nitrates every time you test, you are not doing enough water changes.
If your ammonia stays too high, you either have too many fish and/or too small of a tank, or your tank has not had time to cycle yet and needs more beneficial bacteria.
I hope this helped to answer all your questions.

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