TFA101

If I decide to make the 2.5 gallon into a shrimp tank, and I end up with a 5 gallon, will it be okay on a desktop?

Shawnie

It would be awesome...provided the desk was sturdy...and your betta boy would love it if you are there as often as I am on ours...my 20 gal long is right beside my pc

TFA101

my bedroom right next to my bed

COBettaCouple

I think so. Angel's 6.6g is here on the desk.

Blub

I've had Betta on my desktop before and they love it! Currently, my Betta tank is on my bedside table.

TFA101

Okay, but I still have the cycling 2.5 gallon, but thats the problem with my decision whether or not to make this move. I read online that tanks under 5 gallons do not and will not cycle completelty which is why frequent water changes are in order. I know the water should be changed more often because of the small size, but the tank will have a filter and everything. Shouldn't this work?

Blub

I've cycled a 3gal before - it's perfectly possible to cycle a smaller than 5gal tank!

Shawnie

where did you read that? cyceling a 2.5 gallon should be no time at all..and depending on what you put in it, I do agree sometimes more water changes are needed...especially if its overstocked..but you most deffinately can cycle it for sure

COBettaCouple

That's definitely bad information. I've cycled a lot of 2 and 2.5g tanks.

TFA101

I got it on wikipedia! Here's exactly what it says:

Many beginner's mistakes are perpetuated by the betta's hardiness. Along with believing that cramped spaces are good for bettas, new owners often believe bettas can live for extended periods in foul water, or that a betta doesn't require water changes. Bettas in 1 gallon tanks require 2-3 water changes a week. Betta's in 2 or, preferably, 3 gallon tanks can make it with weekly water changes and maintain good health for many years. Although small tanks are often sold with filters, a tanks with less than 5 gallons will not cycle and your betta will still require regular water changes to prevent amonia buildup.

Shawnie

well...wik is way wrong!

Lonely Angel

But wikipedia is never wrong!

As for putting the tank on a desk it should be fine. I have a 5 gallon on my computer desk and a 10 gallon on my (very sturdy wood) writing desk. Your betta will enjoy all the extra attention he gets while you work/spend time on fishlore (we know which is preferable )

Shawnie

well theres always a "first" time for everything

COBettaCouple

lol.. Yea, wikipedia got some bad info put in there. Some of that's good, but any tank can cycle with home for bacterial colonies and proper bioload.

TFA101

well, my parents hated the idea of a shrimp tank, and the desk wasn't sturdy enough for the 5 gallon (we took it back), so the cycling 2.5 gallon will be put on my desk, where the future betta has access to me, my attention, and a perfect view of the TV. (HORROR MOVIE LINEUP!!)

Lucy

My betta can see our TV too, she watches it all the time!

TFA101

do fish really exhibit human traits that much??

Lucy

It's probably just the movement and sound that interests her, I'm pretty sure she doesn't have an opinion on world events. Although, she might. lol

COBettaCouple

Some have more interest that others, but Bettas can show a real interest in TVs and computer monitors, sometimes even reacting to Betta pictures.

Blub

I remember Malachai didn't seem that interested in the moniter when he was on the desk. The RCS certinatly aren't!