Betta for My Mom

Hi! I recently established a 29 gallon turtle tank with my new juvenile musk turtle. When I was getting this musk turtle we took several trips to Petsmart and Petco to get supplies such as live plants and water conditioners. And with my new musk turtle, my elderly mother wanted a betta fish. (Or at least she was eyeing it and announced she wanted one.) Since this quarantine, she has picked up several hobbies and now wants to keep fish. When we went to the Petco, she saw some bettas in their tiny cups (I hate those small cups). She proceeded to ask the Petco employee on information such as keeping them and things the betta needs. Now, let me make this clear. I disagree with the idea of keeping bettas in small cups/vases without proper care. The Petco employee gave my mom false information saying that the betta didn't need key objects like a heater, filter and could be kept in dechlorinated water with a water change about every 2 weeks. I was so furious and told my mom that this was false information and the Petco employee didn't know what she was saying.

Fast forward to now, my mom has a decently sized glass bowl which she claims can house a betta. If I could take a guess, I would say it is about 2.5 gallons. She says she wants it to be simple. (No heater, no filter) I've been trying to hunt down the cheapest filters and heaters and I've found both at Petco which are in stock.
Filter:
Tetra® Whisper In Tank Power Aquarium Filters | fish Filters | PetSmart

Heater:

(I'm not sure about this one, it seems pretty tacky but I think sufficient enough for bettas? Idk I keep turtles with 300 watt heaters lol)

Is it true you really need these items to keep a betta? I've seen people have bettas with pothos growing on top and that was sufficient.
I have an already cycled tank, so do I fill the betta tank water with the turtle tank water? And how do I immediately cycle the filteR?

I'm new to betta keeping so please help.

 

I would switch out the filter for a sponge one. They are still pretty inexpensive. I some really cheap, mini ones on Amazon. I had a similar filter with the same power in a 5.5 gallon and my betta would get pushed against the glass every time he swam past it.
To get the filter ready, you could put it on the turtle tank for about 4 weeks before you get the betta to seed it and you would have an almost instantly cycled bowl.

The heater should be good enough, but by looking at the ratings, maybe eventually try to get a thermometer to make sure he/she isn't getting cooked.

I can't see here being an issue taking the water from the turtle tank, just make all the parameters are okay.
Also, make sure to keep up with WCs in a bowl like that. Maybe 20% biweekly, or a 60% weekly.

 

Hello! I've kept a few betta fish and I can quite honestly tell you that most of the time, the pet store people don't know what they're talking about. Some of them really know what they're doing, but I've found that most of them are there for money above all us. I've found that heaters and filters are needed, and I'll explain why later on. In a 2.5 gallon tank, you could probably get away with water changes once a week if you have a heater and a filter.

A lot of people would debate these things but I will always believe that bettas really need a heater and a filter. While plants will remove nitrates from the water, stagnant water can become kind of nasty and requires more constant water changes IMO. My betta is kept in a heated and filtered tank and he just reached one year old! My tank is planted, but I don't think he would be quite as healthy if he had no filter at all. I just don't believe that water that isn't moving is healthy for fish, and I think there should always be movement in the water, even if just a little. They tend to live 3-5 years when kept under the proper conditions, and I believe this is proof that heaters and filters will really help your betta thrive.

While, in theory, 2.5G can work for a betta, I think that 5G is best. Bowls tend not to have lids and can lead to the fish jumping out of the water as well. There are countless reasons as to why a physical tank is better, but if the bowl really is 2.5 gallons, it's better than most! I consider 2.5G to be the bare minimum for a little betta.

There is no way to "immediately" cycle a tank, but there are definitely ways to speed up the process. Bettas tend to be extremely hardy so I wouldn't be too concerned about doing a fish-in cycle if you already have established tanks. Established water really has only trace amounts of beneficial bacteria in it, so I would recommend squeezing your cycled mechanical media into the fish bowl. This adds all of the good bacteria into the bowl, and will make the process extremely short. It may cloud the water (especially with my understanding of how dirty some turtles can be) but it should clear up with the help of the filter in a little bit.

I would recommend this heater instead, because I've used it with great success in my five gallon. I just know that those heaters can sometimes get too hot and don't really work accurately. Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater | fish Heaters | PetSmart

Hopefully this helps! I would definitely be willing to answer so more questions if you have any. I'm definitely not an expert, but I have a good understanding of these fish based on my research and experience from owning them. Would be really willing to help out. I really hope that you can convince your mother to give your betta the best life possible! Good luck.

 

Hello! I've kept a few betta fish and I can quite honestly tell you that most of the time, the pet store people don't know what they're talking about. Some of them really know what they're doing, but I've found that most of them are there for money above all us. I've found that heaters and filters are needed, and I'll explain why later on. In a 2.5 gallon tank, you could probably get away with water changes once a week if you have a heater and a filter.

A lot of people would debate these things but I will always believe that bettas really need a heater and a filter. While plants will remove nitrates from the water, stagnant water can become kind of nasty and requires more constant water changes IMO. My betta is kept in a heated and filtered tank and he just reached one year old! My tank is planted, but I don't think he would be quite as healthy if he had no filter at all. I just don't believe that water that isn't moving is healthy for fish, and I think there should always be movement in the water, even if just a little. They tend to live 3-5 years when kept under the proper conditions, and I believe this is proof that heaters and filters will really help your betta thrive.

While, in theory, 2.5G can work for a betta, I think that 5G is best. Bowls tend not to have lids and can lead to the fish jumping out of the water as well. There are countless reasons as to why a physical tank is better, but if the bowl really is 2.5 gallons, it's better than most! I consider 2.5G to be the bare minimum for a little betta.

There is no way to "immediately" cycle a tank, but there are definitely ways to speed up the process. Bettas tend to be extremely hardy so I wouldn't be too concerned about doing a fish-in cycle if you already have established tanks. Established water really has only trace amounts of beneficial bacteria in it, so I would recommend squeezing your cycled mechanical media into the fish bowl. This adds all of the good bacteria into the bowl, and will make the process extremely short. It may cloud the water (especially with my understanding of how dirty some turtles can be) but it should clear up with the help of the filter in a little bit.

I would recommend this heater instead, because I've used it with great success in my five gallon. I just know that those heaters can sometimes get too hot and don't really work accurately. Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater | fish Heaters | PetSmart

Hopefully this helps! I would definitely be willing to answer so more questions if you have any. I'm definitely not an expert, but I have a good understanding of these fish based on my research and experience from owning them. Would be really willing to help out. I really hope that you can convince your mother to give your betta the best life possible! Good luck.

Wow, yeah such a good answer. I'm guessing the heater I linked was the one you recommend? I'll try and convince her to try and get a bigger tank/not a bowl lol but we will see.

I would switch out the filter for a sponge one. They are still pretty inexpensive. I some really cheap, mini ones on Amazon. I had a similar filter with the same power in a 5.5 gallon and my betta would get pushed against the glass every time he swam past it.
To get the filter ready, you could put it on the turtle tank for about 4 weeks before you get the betta to seed it and you would have an almost instantly cycled bowl.

The heater should be good enough, but by looking at the ratings, maybe eventually try to get a thermometer to make sure he/she isn't getting cooked.

I can't see here being an issue taking the water from the turtle tank, just make all the parameters are okay.
Also, make sure to keep up with WCs in a bowl like that. Maybe 20% biweekly, or a 60% weekly.

Definetly, I didn't think about the sponge filter. I have a turtle and turtles usually chomp the filter so it never crossed my mind. But yes, I will look into that/

 

Do you have the means to post a pic of the current setup? Do you think if you showed you mum a video of a betta in something like a spec v kit, she'd go for something like that? A betta in a tiny bowl is nothing to look at compared to one in a properly heated 5 gallon (at least).

If she's really keen on her fish she needs to be made to understand that inadequate housing is just dooming her fish to a disease riddled, short life.

 

I just measured my mom's fish bowl. Barely 1 gallon. Welp now I guess we try and get a bigger tank?

Do you have the means to post a pic of the current setup? Do you think if you showed you mum a video of a betta in something like a spec v kit, she'd go for something like that? A betta in a tiny bowl is nothing to look at compared to one in a properly heated 5 gallon (at least).

If she's really keen on her fish she needs to be made to understand that inadequate housing is just dooming her fish to a disease riddled, short life.

She honestly isn't interested in upping the tank size. No matter how many times I tell her, she is stubborn. I could barely get my 29 gallon because it was all my money. So, I guess we keep trying.

 

Sorry if I bummed you out. This is a tough one. So, she does not have a betta-like there's still time to convince her to not get a betta or get a bigger tank for a betta?

Edit: I don't suggest using turtle tank water due to risk of salmonella. Keep that possibility to one tank.

 

Most definitely need a heater. Unless your house is consistent at 78-80f. It is possible to do a tank without a filter, but more water changes, which means more work. You'll need to cycle the tank

 

Sorry if I bummed you out. This is a tough one. So, she does not have a betta-like there's still time to convince her to not get a betta or get a bigger tank for a betta?

No, no you didn't bum me out. Just a quality of my mom that I dislike. My whole family has a reputation for disliking pets/killing them by accident. (So I broke this rule by getting my turtle) She is just less open-minded to caring for pets. Yes, there is still time but its her decision, she wanted to get the betta and in the end it is her money and I can't really do anything about it. If we do end up putting the betta in the stupid small bowl, I will take the best care of it. Maybe daily water changes? and a truckload of live plants.

 

Wow. Are you ever a good person. This is the kind of situation I hate-sort of like a bizarre standoff where reason should triumph.

I totally feel for you and REALLY hope someone way more clever can offer up a solution that works for your mum and you and a betta.

 

I would recommend this heater, the cheap Topfin ones have poor quality. I have used this one with great success!

 

I would say that 2.5g isn't the worst thing to keep a betta in especially if it is a more relaxed bettas, but you also have to keep in mind that adding a filter and heater and live plants, will quickly fill up all the swimming space for the little guy. I know you said she won't go bigger, but it can be done in the 2.5g. If you did no filter, I would do water changes every other day maybe even every three days because if I remember right, and someone please correct me if I am wrong, bettas are typically "clean" fish. Meaning they don't put out a lot of waste very quickly

 

Here's a mom (and super famous youtube/fishkeeper/seller/author/speaker) and her betta. Maybe you mom could get some inspiration, and information from another mom?

 

Here's a mom (and super famous youtube/fishkeeper/seller/author/speaker) and her betta. Maybe you mom could get some inspiration, and information from another mom?

Shoot, it's Rachel O'Leary lol. I already love her lol

 

If you’re looking for an affordable, quality, and honestly pleasing to look at tank you should consider the rimless 5g from PetSmart (if you have one around) It comes as a kit with a filter built in, a light, and a lid. All you’ll need to buy is the decorations and the heater. I’ve had this tank housing my betta for close to a year with no complaints at all yet.



This is for sure a lot more pleasing to look at than a bowl!!
Rimless 5g Tank

Your 2.5 gallon would be adequate but if you really want something to show your mom you can show her these.

 

Hi! I recently established a 29 gallon turtle tank with my new juvenile musk turtle. When I was getting this musk turtle we took several trips to Petsmart and Petco to get supplies such as live plants and water conditioners. And with my new musk turtle, my elderly mother wanted a betta fish. (Or at least she was eyeing it and announced she wanted one.) Since this quarantine, she has picked up several hobbies and now wants to keep fish. When we went to the Petco, she saw some bettas in their tiny cups (I hate those small cups). She proceeded to ask the Petco employee on information such as keeping them and things the betta needs. Now, let me make this clear. I disagree with the idea of keeping bettas in small cups/vases without proper care. The Petco employee gave my mom false information saying that the betta didn't need key objects like a heater, filter and could be kept in dechlorinated water with a water change about every 2 weeks. I was so furious and told my mom that this was false information and the Petco employee didn't know what she was saying.

Fast forward to now, my mom has a decently sized glass bowl which she claims can house a betta. If I could take a guess, I would say it is about 2.5 gallons. She says she wants it to be simple. (No heater, no filter) I've been trying to hunt down the cheapest filters and heaters and I've found both at Petco which are in stock.
Filter:
Tetra® Whisper In Tank Power Aquarium Filters | fish Filters | PetSmart

Heater:
Top Fin® Betta Tank Heater | fish Heaters | PetSmart
(I'm not sure about this one, it seems pretty tacky but I think sufficient enough for bettas? Idk I keep turtles with 300 watt heaters lol)

Is it true you really need these items to keep a betta? I've seen people have bettas with pothos growing on top and that was sufficient.
I have an already cycled tank, so do I fill the betta tank water with the turtle tank water? And how do I immediately cycle the filteR?

I'm new to betta keeping so please help.

If you want your fish to have the best chance of survival(and a healthy life), you need a filter of some sort. Whether thats live plants or a literal filter. Second option is usually best for most people. Again, you do not need a heater but your fish will probably get sick or die. Either way, a heater is needed so that the water stays at a good temperature, bettas really do best in the 78-82 degree range(ish).
I wouldn't take water from the turtle tank, and it wouldn't really help if you did since bacteria lives on the surfaces. The only way I know to immediately cycle the tank is too get filter media from another tank. That tank has to be able to handle the bio-load of the new tank though. So filter media from a 20 gallon tank with a single guppy isn't enough to immediately cycle, you want a 20 gallon tank with 8 corydoras, bunch of platys and some neons, something like that. And even then it may not immediately cycle(which it isn't really cycling since thats more of the process but technical terms don't really matter lol). A good minimum for bettas is 5 gallons, some say 2.5 gallons is enough but I personally go for 5 since it has more space. Maybe try showing your mom proper setups? If nothing works, IMO you might wanna just be blunt and explain to her. Or just say no. Now that i think of it though thats probably not gonna work.
I'm curious, why is your mom reluctant to get a bigger tank? Does she just not want to? Or is it space?