Betta tank, which is better?

Holly9937

Holly9937

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Jan 20, 2005
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Just out of curiousity, which do you think would be better:

1) A 2.5 gallon tank with filter/heater

2) A 5+ gallon tank with no filter/heater, but kept in a stable temp room (varying from 70-78 depending on the time of year), with water changes 4-6 times a week?

I know what would be IDEAL, but given these two scenarios only, which would be best? The extra room, or the filtration (I don't think the heater should play into the situation too much, temp would be stable without as well).
 
Do you have both? If I had both I'd have two bettas

None of my bettas have ever had heaters and they do fine. Even when MY heater went out in the middle of winter and the temp in my house was down in the 40's ... the fish did fine. They were moving really slow, but so was I!

As far as filter/no filter or the size of those tanks ... I don't think it really matters so long as you keep the water clean. There are those who think bettas need a lot of room to swim in but mine seem to keep themselves amused as long as they are out of those little cups. I add a live plant to where ever I have them, those seem to make them really happy.

I'm sure you'll get other opinions though ... :)
 
IMO the 2.5 with filter and stuff , cycled, would be better. Less work and enough room, more stable I think.

if it is a kit for hte 2.5, the fliter and heater in the would most likely work in the 5, if you changed your mind.
 
:laugh: I think its So funny how people wont stick to the "either / or that was posed.
I kinda like it. a group of problem solvers, thinking outside the tank,and all that. :thm:
As to the question.
Only a monster would keep a betta in anything less than a 20G with UGF and two heaters, live plants and a really good stereo system.

(I pick the 5G)
 
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zazz said:
:laugh: I think its So funny how people wont stick to the "either / or that was posed.
Click to expand...

I was reeeeally trying!! :D there are so many personal varibles though, like cost restrains, space, time. It is hard to say which is best for another person not knowing what is meant by "best". and we certainly aren't getting the opinion of the fish!

My time and stress (wondering if the fish is ok when I am not around to observe) are more important than if I had to put out a little more money. Above that, what I feel to be stress on the fish, though that gets trickier. Oh and there is always the thought of getting something a little bigger to be able to stock more;) dirty little hobby!!

an after thought...if the filter is a strong flow, it might "blow" the betta around in the tank. 2.5 leaves no space for that calm dead zone, even with the whisper low flow- that is if it an over the edge, saddle type filter. If it is another kind, you could be fine, I don't have any experience cut with whisper filters. Also might want to watch the intake, could suck in the tail.
 
You make very good points Lisa.
It is clear that you have put a lot of thought into this.
I hope you arent losing sleep. ;)
The stickiest part of the dilema holly poses Is indeed the definition of "best"
The additional effort required of the 5 G, if seen as a negative, could be counterbalanced by the fact that it uses no electricity, as a positive. Global environmental impact IMO can not be excluded from Any Valuation these days.
On the other hand... what if the heater/filter were powered by a wind turbine, or photovoltaic?
hmm, the manufacture of this equipment, plus the manufacture and transport of the filter/heater themselves would then need to be factored in....
Is the changed water being reused?as in watering plants? or is it being poured down the drain?
Is it ethical to even consider human convenience,preference, financial concernsin such an instance? Or is "Best' Always to be understood by the responsible hobbyist in terms fish preferences( insofar as we can understand them)?
If, as some would argue, the keeping of live creatures in confinement for our amusement is in itself an evil persuit, can the concept of 'best' or 'better' even be discussed?
This is very worrisome, Holly. I hope assume you have calculated all these factors and are prepared to supply us at the appropriate time, with the correct answer!
Also, what do we get if we get it right?
also, does spelling count?
thank you
~ Zazz
 
zazz said:
:laugh: I think its So funny how people wont stick to the "either / or that was posed.
I kinda like it. a group of problem solvers, thinking outside the tank,and all that. :thm:
As to the question.
Only a monster would keep a betta in anything less than a 20G with UGF and two heaters, live plants and a in really good stereo system.

(I pick the 5G)
Click to expand...

Sometimes there is no best! It comes down to which one do you like better?

(and with those specs, I'd like to volunteer to be one of your fish.)
 
with those specs, I'd like to volunteer to be one of your fish.
Click to expand...
Me too, jaylin.
I always wanted a ugf :dive:
 
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