1 Gallon Tank My beta tank broke in two!!!

[1stimebettamom]

I have a one gallon tank (I know it is not recommended but my mom won't let me get a bigger one yet) that holds my male betta. My little brother got into my room and knocked over my tank. It completely broke. (and made a huge mess in my room) It took me about 2-3 minutes to find Gilbert. (my fish) he was under my bed. I was scared to pick him up bc I thought i would hurt him but I did in the end pink him up and put him into a macen jar that I filled with bottled waters in my room so they were the same temp and the tank was. He has 2 tiny holes in is back fin. I'm not sure what he ripped them on but he is my first fish so I just need some advise on what I should do. Also I have 9nly had him for about a week 1/2. I moved him into a vase like thing.. Any advise?

 

[Fishstery]

I have a one gallon tank (I know it is not recommended but my mom won't let me get a bigger one yet) that holds my male betta. My little brother got into my room and knocked over my tank. It completely broke. (and made a huge mess in my room) It took me about 2-3 minutes to find Gilbert. (my fish) he was under my bed. I was scared to pick him up bc I thought i would hurt him but I did in the end pink him up and put him into a macen jar that I filled with bottled waters in my room so they were the same temp and the tank was. He has 2 tiny holes in is back fin. I'm not sure what he ripped them on but he is my first fish so I just need some advise on what I should do. Also I have 9nly had him for about a week 1/2. I moved him into a vase like thing.. Any advise?

Put him in a container that holds at least 3 gallons with a heater if the room temp is below 78, a filter, some type of decoration to rest on, and change half of the water daily. He will be alright until you get a new tank, but this is a good opportunity to pitch a request for a bigger tank for him. In the meantime keep a close eye on his fins to see if the holes get bigger or if any cloudy white stuff starts growing on them (fungus)

 

[AcornTheBetta]

I have a one gallon tank (I know it is not recommended but my mom won't let me get a bigger one yet) that holds my male betta. My little brother got into my room and knocked over my tank. It completely broke. (and made a huge mess in my room) It took me about 2-3 minutes to find Gilbert. (my fish) he was under my bed. I was scared to pick him up bc I thought i would hurt him but I did in the end pink him up and put him into a macen jar that I filled with bottled waters in my room so they were the same temp and the tank was. He has 2 tiny holes in is back fin. I'm not sure what he ripped them on but he is my first fish so I just need some advise on what I should do. Also I have 9nly had him for about a week 1/2. I moved him into a vase like thing.. Any advise?

Welcome to Fishlore! My advice would be to research betta care and get a cycled 5g with a filter and a heater. I know how parents can be so try to convince your mom by saying "Look at poor homeless Gilbert! He's so sad".

 

[1stimebettamom]

Put him in a container that holds at least 3 gallons with a heater if the room temp is below 78, a filter, some type of decoration to rest on, and change half of the water daily. He will be alright until you get a new tank, but this is a good opportunity to pitch a request for a bigger tank for him. In the meantime keep a close eye on his fins to see if the holes get bigger or if any cloudy white stuff starts growing on them (fungus)

Thank you at the moment I have nothing bigger then a 1 gallon pitcher to out him in (which i don't think my mother would let me use) i have a small heater that I used to use to j warm me up while I was at my desk but since I got him it has been his heater that I turn on for an hour before bed and then wrap a blanket around the tank to keep the heat in while I go to sleep.(I didn't know what type of heat I should use for a one gallon.)
Would this be a good temporary home??

Also he has had a "bald spot" on the top of his head where it looks like he has no scales and one clear fin but he has had that since we got him( but again that was only about a week ago

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

Thank you at the moment I have nothing bigger then a 1 gallon pitcher to out him in (which i don't think my mother would let me use) i have a small heater that I used to use to j warm me up while I was at my desk but since I got him it has been his heater that I turn on for an hour before bed and then wrap a blanket around the tank to keep the heat in while I go to sleep.(I didn't know what type of heat I should use for a one gallon.)
Would this be a good temporary home??

Also he has had a "bald spot" on the top of his head where it looks like he has no scales and one clear fin but he has had that since we got him( but again that was only about a week ago

It really depends... how long is temporary? And with no filter the ammonia will build up in there and poison him. I’d highly suggest getting a tank by tomorrow with some tetra safe start and prime water conditioner

 

[Fishstery]

Thank you at the moment I have nothing bigger then a 1 gallon pitcher to out him in (which i don't think my mother would let me use) i have a small heater that I used to use to j warm me up while I was at my desk but since I got him it has been his heater that I turn on for an hour before bed and then wrap a blanket around the tank to keep the heat in while I go to sleep.(I didn't know what type of heat I should use for a one gallon.)
Would this be a good temporary home??

Also he has had a "bald spot" on the top of his head where it looks like he has no scales and one clear fin but he has had that since we got him( but again that was only about a week ago

Do you have a tank thermometer to know temperature? I wouldn't heat the tank for only part of the day. Having the temp go up and down constantly would probably be worse than just having the tank too chilly all the time. I agree its hard to heat a 1 gal which is another good reason to try and shoot for a bigger tank for him. If you can, I would suggest maybe setting the pitcher near a air vent in your house (assuming that where you live you guys have your home furnace turned on right now in winter) I would also suggest maybe putting some cling wrap on the top with holes poked in it so he doesnt jump out . Just make sure there's enough holes for oxygen

Edit i forgot to address the missing scales. It could be that he scraped himself on tank decor

 

[AcornTheBetta]

Thank you at the moment I have nothing bigger then a 1 gallon pitcher to out him in (which i don't think my mother would let me use) i have a small heater that I used to use to j warm me up while I was at my desk but since I got him it has been his heater that I turn on for an hour before bed and then wrap a blanket around the tank to keep the heat in while I go to sleep.(I didn't know what type of heat I should use for a one gallon.)
Would this be a good temporary home??

Also he has had a "bald spot" on the top of his head where it looks like he has no scales and one clear fin but he has had that since we got him( but again that was only about a week ago

IMO that would work for maybe overnight, but you really have to get a 5g with a filter and a 50w heater for it to last as a home longer than a few days without having to do daily nearly 100% water changes.

 

[Fishstery]

It really depends... how long is temporary? And with no filter the ammonia will build up in there and poison him. I’d highly suggest getting a tank by tomorrow with some tetra safe start and prime water conditioner

I think this is a young person who isn't able to just go out and purchase what they want. They need to get approval from mom and I know it wasn't always easy for me to pitch ideas to my parents...especially ones that cost money. As long as OP makes sure to change 50% of the container water daily and keeps feedings small the betta should be alright short term until they can get a new tank.

 

[1stimebettamom]

It really depends... how long is temporary? And with no filter the ammonia will build up in there and poison him. I’d highly suggest getting a tank by tomorrow with some tetra safe start and prime water conditioner

I have put him in and put some water conditioner in i will probably go to pet store tommarrow after church. I put in some betta orbeez things, that I bought at the pet store they are supposed to carry beneficial bacteria he seems fine but it has only been about 2 min. I can put in my filter it is a small litter sponge filter

 

[NotSoAggressiveAquatics]

I think this is a young person who isn't able to just go out and purchase what they want. They need to get approval from mom and I know it wasn't always easy for me to pitch ideas to my parents...especially ones that cost money. As long as OP makes sure to change 50% of the container water daily and keeps feedings small the betta should be alright short term until they can get a new tank.

Yeah your right. I understand I’m also a young person who can’t buy whatever I want to lol

 

[Fishstery]

I have put him in and put some water conditioner in i will probably go to pet store tommarrow after church. I put in some betta orbeez things, that I bought at the pet store they are supposed to carry beneficial bacteria he seems fine but it has only been about 2 min. I can put in my filter it is a small litter sponge filter

It would help to add your filter in the pitcher as long as the water flow isn't too strong that it pushes him around too much. I'd put one of his tank decorations in there to make him a little more comfortable

 

[ahouseofscales]

OP, if you're looking for a cheap option for a larger home, go to the dollar store and get a small storage tub, 2.5 gal minimum, 5 gal is better. They are cheap (usually under $10) and they can work in a pinch/longterm depending on what size you get. I'm sorry about you parents, I know how difficult it can be to convince them. Just do your best for your fish and come back here if you need more help or tips

 

[Fishstery]

Yeah your right. I understand I’m also a young person who can’t buy whatever I want to lol

I always have to reign myself in when giving advice on here sometimes I know from the typing that the person is a minor....being 24 I forget that teenagers still at home don't have the luxury I do to need something for my fish and just go on Amazon and buy it or drive over to the store for an emergency when I feel like it. Adulthood is a drag but it has its perks

 

[Cherryx]

Thank you at the moment I have nothing bigger then a 1 gallon pitcher to out him in (which i don't think my mother would let me use) i have a small heater that I used to use to j warm me up while I was at my desk but since I got him it has been his heater that I turn on for an hour before bed and then wrap a blanket around the tank to keep the heat in while I go to sleep.(I didn't know what type of heat I should use for a one gallon.)
Would this be a good temporary home??

Also he has had a "bald spot" on the top of his head where it looks like he has no scales and one clear fin but he has had that since we got him( but again that was only about a week ago

You probably have already tried it but please hunt on Ebay or some local listings to find a used 5 gallon. The used tanks come really very cheap where I stay. If you can show a good deal to your parents and explain how cruel we are being to this beautiful creature I am sure they will understand.
Betta fish often mistreated in pet industry, campaign claims

 

[1stimebettamom]

You probably have already tried it but please hunt on Ebay or some local listings to find a used 5 gallon. The used tanks come really very cheap where I stay. If you can show a good deal to your parents and explain how cruel we are being to this beautiful creature I am sure they will understand.
Betta fish often mistreated in pet industry, campaign claims

I shopped on honey the other day and I found a brand new 10 gallon for $10 and I was shocked but my mom doesn't want me to get too big bc she thinks it will die in a week or something but as lots of ppl have said too I do have a good reason to get a bigger tank now (not that I didn't before), also a bigger tank means my brother might not be able to knock it over so easily.

 

[JollyOtter]

They are not pretty but you can get 5 gallon buckets from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart or tractor supply for under $5, until you can get a new tank. I know the ones tractor supply sells are food grade and should be safe to keep Gilbert in with your filter and a heater.

 

[Fishstery]

I shopped on honey the other day and I found a brand new 10 gallon for $10 and I was shocked but my mom doesn't want me to get too big bc she thinks it will die in a week or something but as lots of ppl have said too I do have a good reason to get a bigger tank now (not that I didn't before), also a bigger tank means my brother might not be able to knock it over so easily.

I know a few younger members here had luck with their parents when they showed them the comments section of their threads, where multiple people noted that its healthier for fish to have the right size tanks and adequate filters/heat. Something about hearing it from multiple adult strangers might help your mom understand that it might be a better idea in the long run to let you try something bigger, it would also be less risk to having the fish pass. Another thing is that I know fish care has changed a lot since our parents were young and its gotten a bit more intense than the traditional "set the tank up and drop some fish in" that a lot of people used to do until forums like this came along.

 

[1stimebettamom]

Do you have a tank thermometer to know temperature? I wouldn't heat the tank for only part of the day. Having the temp go up and down constantly would probably be worse than just having the tank too chilly all the time. I agree its hard to heat a 1 gal which is another good reason to try and shoot for a bigger tank for him. If you can, I would suggest maybe setting the pitcher near a air vent in your house (assuming that where you live you guys have your home furnace turned on right now in winter) I would also suggest maybe putting some cling wrap on the top with holes poked in it so he doesnt jump out . Just make sure there's enough holes for oxygen

Edit i forgot to address the missing scales. It could be that he scraped himself on tank decor

I do not have a thermometer yet but when I do go to the pet store I will get a heater and thermometer as well as the new tank.
Sorry I worded the whole missing scales thing weird
But he has had both the missing scales and the clear fin since I got him

Will do on the wrap
I have no where to put by a vent sadly

It would help to add your filter in the pitcher as long as the water flow isn't too strong that it pushes him around too much. I'd put one of his tank decorations in there to make him a little more comfortable

Yes I have adjustable flow on my filter and I already added a decoration

 

[AcornTheBetta]

I do not have a thermometer yet but when I do go to the pet store I will get a heater and thermometer as well as the new tank.
Sorry I worded the whole missing scales thing weird
But he has had both the missing scales and the clear fin since I got him

Will do on the wrap
I have no where to put by a vent sadly

Yes I have adjustable flow on my filter and I already added a decoration

If you do research and know a decent amount about proper betta care, you can use reasoning with your parents and I'm sure they will understand that this is an animal in need. If you can show your parents you're knowledgable on the topic they will believe you and let you have it. Also offering to pay for it with your own money or take out a loan from them to buy the stuff and paying it back shows you care. I do all of those things to convince my parents at least... (I'm 13 btw)

 

[1stimebettamom]

If you do research and know a decent amount about proper betta care, you can use reasoning with your parents and I'm sure they will understand that this is an animal in need. If you can show your parents you're knowledgable on the topic they will believe you and let you have it. Also offering to pay for it with your own money or take out a loan from them to buy the stuff and paying it back shows you care. I do all of those things to convince my parents at least... (I'm 13 btw)

I had j found a few gift cards that u could use to pay. But my step dad had a beta in a small bowl and with no filter or heater and it lived for a year and I try to tell him they are.supposed to live longer but idk how else to convince him.

I had j found a few gift cards that u could use to pay. But my step dad had a beta in a small bowl and with no filter or heater and it lived for a year and I try to tell him they are.supposed to live longer but idk how else to convince him.

I'm 13 too

 

[AcornTheBetta]

I had j found a few gift cards that u could use to pay. But my step dad had a beta in a small bowl and with no filter or heater and it lived for a year and I try to tell him they are.supposed to live longer but idk how else to convince him.

I'm 13 too

Just print out a bunch of care guides that say otherwise and highlight where they do and hand it to him.

 

[1stimebettamom]

Also my parents have decided that we will be moving so does anyone have advise on how to move ur fish?

 

[Fishstery]

Also my parents have decided that we will be moving so does anyone have advise on how to move ur fish?

I moved twice with my fish tanks and I had 4 so it was a huge pain! A single betta tank will be easy. If you aren't moving too far (like less than an hour) just siphon out as much tank water as you can, toss your filter pads in a ziploc bag with a small bit of tank water, just enough to keep them moist, and put your betta in a cup with a lid like the one that they come in at the pet store. Then set everything up at your new house. Just be careful carrying the tank without water as bumping it around will stir up a bunch of junk sitting in the gravel.

 

[1stimebettamom]

I moved twice with my fish tanks and I had 4 so it was a huge pain! A single betta tank will be easy. If you aren't moving too far (like less than an hour) just siphon out as much tank water as you can, toss your filter pads in a ziploc bag with a small bit of tank water, just enough to keep them moist, and put your betta in a cup with a lid like the one that they come in at the pet store. Then set everything up at your new house. Just be careful carrying the tank without water as bumping it around will stir up a bunch of junk sitting in the gravel.

I will be moving acrossed states

 

[BigManAquatics]

Can't say i have seen a tank break before. Good luck with the parents! If they are like me....you probably need it.

 

[Fishstery]

I will be moving acrossed states

I would ask your fish store if they are willing to provide a fish bag to you (the ones they sell you fish in) and watch a YouTube video on how to seal oxygen in the bag like they do when they bag em at the store. Still the same concept with the tank, just get as much water out as you can, put the filter cartridges or sponges in a bag with tank water to keep them wet, and your betta in the bag. I get bettas shipped online in bags all the time. They will be just fine for up to 5 days in a plastic bag given they are properly bagged up believe it or not. The key here is, dont let your filter sponges freeze, and keep your betta in your lap to stay warm
Edit important note...ask for 2 bags. Double bag him in case one bag gets a hole in it or something.

 

[1stimebettamom]

I would ask your fish store if they are willing to provide a fish bag to you (the ones they sell you fish in) and watch a YouTube video on how to seal oxygen in the bag like they do when they bag em at the store. Still the same concept with the tank, just get as much water out as you can, put the filter cartridges or sponges in a bag with tank water to keep them wet, and your betta in the bag. I get bettas shipped online in bags all the time. They will be just fine for up to 5 days in a plastic bag given they are properly bagged up believe it or not. The key here is, dont let your filter sponges freeze, and keep your betta in your lap to stay warm
Edit important note...ask for 2 bags. Double bag him in case one bag gets a hole in it or something.

Thank you!

Thank you!
Gilbert thanks you too+

Can't say i have seen a tank break before. Good luck with the parents! If they are like me....you probably need it.

Yeah I don't know what happened I was in the living room and then i hear a crash and run to my room and my brother walks out soaking wet and my room is flooded i was freaking out
UPDATE

My mother has said yes to a 5 gallon tank... maybe a 10!!