We have all seen the betta vase or betta bowl with a male betta fish and a plant in it. Most of the time the poor little betta fish has very little room. The roots of the plant do provide oxygen, and the betta vase looks nice with the plant and the beautiful fish swimming among the roots. But is this the best way to raise a betta fish? Let’s look at the minimum needs for a betta fish, and also the best possible betta tank.
In pet stores, a single male betta is kept in a tiny betta cup or a betta vase. Sometimes a plant is also present, but that is usually it. The customer thinks that if it is okay for the pet store, it must be okay for me, and they purchase the betta, vase and some food and head home. Then six months later the fish is dead, and it never seemed to do anything more than just sit there, with its fins drooping.
That is because a betta vase or cup is the bare minimum that is needed to keep a betta alive. I am sure you could live in a 5 foot by 5 foot room with only a bed, a refrigerator and a toilet, but you certainly would not live a full, rich, healthy life. Your little betta is no different. To thrive, grow strong and healthy, and live a long, full life, he must be given room to grow.
The betta vase also has no heater or water filtration system, so the poor fish is subject to whatever water quality and temperature you provide. I am sure you use the climate control heating and air system in your house, and I would be willing to bet you air the house out when it gets stuffy. Your little finned friend is the same in that he requires proper temperature and water quality in his betta vase to be happy.
Bettas can survive in very tiny bowls or cups, due to the labyrinth organ on their head. It means they do not require much water circulation to get oxygen. However, water filtration systems also filter the water, not just circulate it! These fish are very susceptible to disease, and you need to give them the cleanest water possible, with just the right mix of good bacteria. These bacteria live in the filter system, and are paramount to his survival and long life.
Yes, a betta can live in a betta vase or bowl, just as you could live in a cramped jail cell. But your fish deserves at least three gallons to grow strong, and a programmable heater and water filter to grow healthy and enjoy a long life.
Would you like more information on betta fish? Do you know the 3 secrets to increasing your betta lifespan to 5 or even 6 years? For this info and more, check out the betta blog at www.BettaFacts.info.
