Confused about Betta Bowls

Questions:
1. Why are they called Betta Bowls if Bettas can't live in them?
2. How come my friend's Betta is living in a small bowl, but still seems happy and even made a few bubble nests?

 

1. Because the un educated population thinks they come from mud puddles. And the companies want money. But bettas come from rice patties, and have a 3x3 foot territory to themselves. So in reality, bettas need larger spaces.

2. That fish would be way more active and probably blow more nests in a larger tank. I have seen the difference in activity levels in several bettas, and the ones in larger tanks always do better.

 

2. That fish would be way more active and probably blow more nests in a larger tank. I have seen the difference in activity levels in several bettas, and the ones in larger tanks always do better.

I know that bettas will live better in larger tanks, but everyone says that bettas can't be happy in small bowls, yet this one is happier than my betta who is in a five gal heated and filtered tank.

 

That's because you have her in a breeder net if I am correct. She can see the other areas of the tank and wants to get out, but she is blocked. It is probably stressing her out.

 

And to add onto the original answer they have a continuous flow/trickle of water in their rice patties and are not swimming in their own waste the way they are in a 1 gallon bowl. Having a larger tank (5g) with a filter and a heater would be much healthier for them.

Many of them do like to swim and can barely do so in such a small setup.

 

Also, how do you know their betta is happier? I highly doubt it's comfortable in such a small, unheated, unfiltered tank.

 

And to add to what CindiL said, most people stuff them full of fake plants, which gives them even less room. And it is impossible to cycle a bowl, the water params fluctuate too much.

 

Also, how do you know their betta is happier? I highly doubt it's comfortable in such a small, unheated, unfiltered tank.

I don't really know for sure, but I was told bettas make bubble nests when they see a female, or when they are happy. Mine just darts everywhere and glares at me if I try to take a picture of it.

 

That's because you have her in a breeder net if I am correct. She can see the other areas of the tank and wants to get out, but she is blocked. It is probably stressing her out.

Yes I currently have her in a breeder's net, but I had her for a month just swimming freely in the tank.

 

Since she's in a breeder net, that's why she's not as happy. If you moved her out or not a tank alone she would be happier.

 

Since she's in a breeder net, that's why she's not as happy. If you moved her out or not a tank alone she would be happier.

I know, what I am trying to say is that she didn't seem happy when she was freely swimming in the tank.

 

She was probably still adjusting. Some can take longer than others.

 

She was probably still adjusting. Some can take longer than others.

oh and don't worry about the breeder's net thing. I am trying to get up the nerve (and heart) to sell my guppies so I can afford to get a divider and divide my twenty gallon.

 

It's hard giving away something alive Good luck though

 

Actually males can blow bubble nests even when they don't see a female. Sometimes they just like to do them. Females can even do bubble nests, those you know independent ones.

A lot of stuff sold for pets is based off of one thing, making money. If one puts "betta" or "dog" or "guinea pig" or so forth on something they can charge even more for it. Makes it seem fancy and usually comes with "features" that are more pleasing to us the human not the animal. I mean many of the guinea pig food and other rodent food contains things like seeds, and corn, which is basically junk food. All they need is a plain pellet, along with veggis but that isn't colorful or as pleasing to the human eye.

Just like getting those expensive ten gallon fish tank starter kits, that once you figure things out you usually have to replace the lights, filter and have to get a new lid to make the good stuff work with the tank lol. I basically went through that with a five gallon starter kit, and now I know it's less expensive to get just a plain tank, then buy things seperately.

 

I was also under the impression that making bubble nests isn't something that indicates happiness. Sometimes they'll do it even if they're in awful conditions. Correct me if I'm wrong, Flowingfins

 

You are correct. Sometimes they will make nests because they are bored.

 

oh and don't worry about the breeder's net thing. I am trying to get up the nerve (and heart) to sell my guppies so I can afford to get a divider and divide my twenty gallon.

Do you really need to sell the guppies for that? If your family is on a "you need to be independent" kick, then I assume (or at least hope) that they are giving you some type of allowance? Maybe save a little of that and get the divider? Give Newbie 3-5 gallons and the rest to the guppies? Would that work or is there some issue that I'm missing.

Not going to lie, I personally think Newbie just has some attitude and will take a while to warm up to you, or anyone. I almost think of her as an abused dog or cat, and they can take ages to trust people again and be happy. If you were anywhere near Dallas, I'd offer to take her off your hands so you wouldn't have to worry about her so much.

 

Personally I am not a fan of aquarium kits. I prefer to buy everything separately. Have you considered doing that? Getting a plain glass tank(2.5 gallons minimum) and a heater to begin with and then adding the rest as you go? It's not ideal but in your situation it's the best I can think of. Am I making sense? Like this month get the tank and the heater(can be fairly cheap just get one with a thermostat), next month get the filter(HOB ones are cheap and for the small tank you have even a not so great one will handle the bioload well), for gravel you can just get whatever pebbles you want(just make sure they are safe for the fish), you can make a coconut cave(how much can a coconut cost really?) maybe down the road add some small lamp and a few low tech plants. Ideally every fish should come to a completely set up tank but when that's not possible, slowly getting the stuff you need can probably be an option.I bought my stuff all at once but it did cost me some money and I intend to switch some equipments for more expensive ones(not because the ones I have don't run great just because I want to step it up a bit). Great that you saved the poor fish. Hopefully Newbie's story has a happy ending.