Whizkid103

I have two bettas. A red one named Merlin, and a blue named Titan, both male.
I've had them over a month.
They live in a .5 gallon betta tank with aquarium gravel and a plastic tree(Which they love to sleep beside)
Merlin looks to be about 5-6 months, and Titan about 6-7 months. I purchased them at Petsmart.

I spoil them. What can I say, they're my babies!
They get Bloodworms two-three times a week, they eat twice a day, and they get plenty of attention. I make sure to talk to them at least one hour a day.
They are grouchy on Thursdays though, because that's when I don't feed them to help with their GI tracks!
According to a top Betta site, they have the perfect belly.

I've becomed worried about their tank size though.
They're only about 1.5" and they have plenty of room, though they are divided.

They've been building bubble nests for the past three weeks.
I hate to destroy them when I clean their tank, but they just start over.
This week, Titan has an incredibly tiny one, but Merlin's covers over half his side! I plan on taking a picture tomorrow before I clean their tank.

Is it true that if when they build bubble nests, with or without a female, it means they're happy and healthy? I really can't get a bigger tank, and they always seem to be happy.

Lucy

Hi Whizkid, welcome to Fish Lore.

You have 2 bettas together without any problems? Make sure you watch them closely for signs of aggresion and be prepared to seperate them.

.5 is definatly too small, I wouldn't go less than 5g preferably 10g, although several members do well with a 2.5g. They really need a heater and should be kept in a cycled tank.

This explains the nitrogen cycle:

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Bettas in unheated small tanks or bowls are more susceptible to illnesses like ICH.

mrsmuffin

Your boys definitely need some more room. Here is a link to the "Betta Care Guide" hopefully it will help you out: Welcome and Betta Care Guide - Please Read First!!!

Whizkid103

No, they're devided!:P

Really?
They seem like they have enough room...
It very well may be a one gallon...

Lucy

It sounds like you really try to take good care of your fish.

Betta's like any other fish need room to swim, but more importantly fish create ammonia through their waste, ammonia is toxic to fish. It can build up quickly in a small bowl.

It's also impossible to keep a small bowl at a stable temperature. Betta need their water to be between 78-80F.

Whizkid103

It's actually a horizontal tank. I thought a horizontal tank would be better for them.

I've heard some people keep them in quart jars!

Lucy

Because some people do it, doesn't mean it's what's best for the fish.

Read the care sheet that mrsmuffin provided the link for.

Whizkid103

I know! ^_^
I'm just shocked people would think that would be enough room!
Poor bettas...

So, what exactly does it mean when they make bubble nests?

Lucy

I have a female, she doesn't build bubble nests, but she does zip around in her 10g.
They have such wonderful personalities that really shine through when given more room.

Some say bubble nests show they're happy, maybe it's a sign of sexual maturity, I don't know.

Whizkid103

I feel so bad now
Hahah, they're both the exact opposite!
Merlin's always curious and friendly and sleep during the day.
Titan was grouchy and sleeps at night, but lately he's become more and more friendly.
I woke up this morning, turned on the TV, and saw him wake right up and swim up to me!
It's the first time he's done that.
I think he's become more comfortable with his surroundings.

I'd love to get females for them, but I just don't have enough room, nor could I keep the fries.
And I'd really hate to seperate the parents and have them get depressed

Red1313

I like to assume that the bubble nests are a sign that they're happy. I had a friend of mine who's betta was stressed during a move (a 3hour car ride can do that to a boy) and it was a month before he made another nest.
As to the size of the tank everyone is right you're boys need some more room. I've got mine in a 2.5 gal rectangular tank (12" long I think?) from Petsmart. He seems very content with that and it is (barely) large enough for a heater as well. If space is really a problem try to give them at least a gallon each. However with a one gal tank you won't be able to put a heater in.

COBettaCouple

http://www.fishlore.com/aquariummaga...tank-setup.htm

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