The fish will be happier in the ten gallon. Give him some live plants, and a light – perhaps a place to hide if he wants (a hollow fake log) and he will be even happier still!
PK Dennis
8 years ago
Yes, the fish will be ‘fine’ in a 5 gallon container, but are we going for ‘fine’ in the life of our pets? “Happier” is what I try to provide for the animals I keep. Just say’n.
debra yuhasz
8 years ago
A beta will be fine in the smaller tank. They are air breathers so it’s ok if you see him up at the top. If he starts blowing tiny bubbles he’s building a nest. You can put a few other fish in the tank, but only one male beta. They will fight to the death.
debra yuhasz
8 years ago
Forgot…avoid goldfish. They are “dirty” fish secreting way too much ammonia into the water that can harm other, “cleaner”, fish. Gourami’s, guppies, swordtails and mollies are a few that do well with a beta.
debra yuhasz
8 years ago
Good point Laura.
debra yuhasz
8 years ago
A larger tank is always better. You need roughly a gallon of water per inch of fish, but bigger is always better as they do grow.
Anonymous
8 years ago
A 5 would be sufficient for a single fish.
Anonymous
8 years ago
If she has more than one, the tank MUST be larger…and none of the other fish should have flowing fins or tails.
Anonymous
8 years ago
bettas stress when a tank is TOO big. 5 is actually very good for a single betta…
The fish will be happier in the ten gallon. Give him some live plants, and a light – perhaps a place to hide if he wants (a hollow fake log) and he will be even happier still!
Yes, the fish will be ‘fine’ in a 5 gallon container, but are we going for ‘fine’ in the life of our pets? “Happier” is what I try to provide for the animals I keep. Just say’n.
A beta will be fine in the smaller tank. They are air breathers so it’s ok if you see him up at the top. If he starts blowing tiny bubbles he’s building a nest. You can put a few other fish in the tank, but only one male beta. They will fight to the death.
Forgot…avoid goldfish. They are “dirty” fish secreting way too much ammonia into the water that can harm other, “cleaner”, fish. Gourami’s, guppies, swordtails and mollies are a few that do well with a beta.
Good point Laura.
A larger tank is always better. You need roughly a gallon of water per inch of fish, but bigger is always better as they do grow.
A 5 would be sufficient for a single fish.
If she has more than one, the tank MUST be larger…and none of the other fish should have flowing fins or tails.
bettas stress when a tank is TOO big. 5 is actually very good for a single betta…