dinatwin

I have seen many posts about waiting to get bettas until there tank is cycled. But isn't an uncycled filtered tank with a heater better for a betta then the little cup in the store? I'm aware you would have to do frequent water changes until the cycle is complete but wouldn't the fish benefit more of going to a good home in a bigger tank than the small toxic cup?

Barbrella

No, because being in a large container filled with ammonia and nitrites is just as deadly as the small cup - it just has more space.

What I did when I saw a betta I wanted but didn't have a cycled tank was to set him up in a plastic Critter Keeper in a small heated powder room until the tank was ready.

Allie

I pmed you dinatwin.

dinatwin

[quote=Barbrella;440927]No, because being in a large container filled with ammonia and nitrites is just as deadly as the small cup - it just has more space.

That doesn't make sense. the Betta being in an 8 oz cup will accumulate ammonia and nitrate way faster than being in a 3 gallon tank. With water changes you could keep the the ammonia and nitrates at ZERO.

Allie I got you PM Thanks!

Lucy

Of course, ideally, you'd want the tank cycled first before letting a betta grab your heart, but, I agree with your reasoning dinatwin, especially knowing you'd be diligent with the water changes.

COBettaCouple

A heated, filtered tank would be better than a little cup although the benefits would diminish some without more frequent water changes. Prime is a must and makes it a lot easier on the Betta while the tank is cycling (and makes a great water conditioner anytime).

MousePotato

I agree with Lucy and COBettaCouple. It can be done and it can be better for the betta than being in a toxic cup. However, some of us (me, anyway) are cycling a tank first because we just can't keep up with the water changes at this time. I'd love to have one right now, but my life is very tumultuous at the moment and I know I can't reliably be home to do the required maintenance. Work has me on the road lately and I think a betta baby would be no better off with me than it would be in a cup at the store.

COBettaCouple

Want us to Betta-sit for you?

MousePotato

Sure! I think I have to go to Louisiana in a few weeks so come on down.

COBettaCouple

Our bettas are holding us captive with their cuteness and want a million bloodworm ransom.

MousePotato

Aw, man, that means another trip to Petsmart for ransom worms! And that means I'll be looking at the bettas again and THAT means another Mini Bow (or ten) and, at some point, this all means I will be arguing with Husband in front of a judge about which half of the fish he gets to take to his new apartment.

Back to cycling!

dinatwin

Thank you Lucy and cobettacouple

Mousepotato I understand what your trying to say
Thanks for explaining it to me