Opinions on 1g tank for disabled betta

So recently, I acquired a disabled betta from a PetSmart. He has a curved spine, swims on his side (mostly), and drags his tail. At the moment I have him in a special setup where his original betta cup allows water circulation from a heated, cycled aquarium.

So, seeing as how he struggles to swim and rests frequently, I decided on getting him a very shallow, small tank with very little flow.

The tank in question is a little over 1 gallon. It is 8 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. It will have a very small HOB filter, a nano tank heater, and with substrate (sand) shouldn't be deeper than 3.5 inches at most. It will have only a single small piece of driftwood and some leaf litter, with floating plants, to create a miniature blackwater habitat.

I know there are generally accepted guidelines to betta care when it comes to the tank's volume and dimensions, but do you think in this instance, given the dimensions of the tank and the challenges presented by the betta's condition, that this tank is acceptable?

 

Of course it’s acceptable. It’s your fish and you can do whatever you want/ like.

 

You being an experienced fish keeper all ready know the answer to this.

 

Definitely seems very reasonable given his condition. "Normal" probably wouldn't do him much good. Should he improve, maybe then. Maybe

 

Honestly, you would probably be just fine. You are definitely a responsible and experienced fishkeeper already with plenty of pre-existing knowledge. I personally think you would be just fine with this setup, only due to the fact that you have experience, care about your fish (unlike many other people sadly), and are a very responsible individual that will surely keep up on water changes. For a complete beginner, however, I would not recommend this. However, you will know what is best for your fish than anyone else, I wish you and the little guy well.
-JLAquatics

 

You probobly have better plan then I would for this situation, Thanks for helping the poor fish.

 

Good luck with your new baby, and thanks for rescuing him!!! I know that you will do a great job, and he is very lucky that you took him home!

 

Here is the tank in question, prior to filling it with water to test for leaks. Hopefully he does well in it, the filter and other supplies will be here later this week.

 

I love a tiny tank. If he has constant issues swimming, you could try buying one of those "betta-hammock" type things that mimic a giant leaf. They usually suction to the side of the tank.