Rescuing a betta + 20g tank

Hello everyone,

I'm pretty new to keeping fish (correctly). I had a betta in a cycled 10g, filtered, heated, etc. He passed recently away from genetic issues and I wasn't sure if I wanted to go back into fish keeping again, but I'm considering it. I have a 20g tall tank sitting around, and I thought about using that for my next betta. I'm strongly leaning towards rescuing a betta, but I'm worried that a sick fish or one with long fins (my last was a plakat, so I'm not experienced with how difficult it may be) may have trouble getting to the surface. I tried to remind myself that fish aren't going to drown themselves, but maybe I should just stick to the 10g. Either way, I'd need to set everything up from scratch and cycle it, so I'm mainly trying to pick something that would work well for the fish!
Also, if anyone has suggestions/advice or any recommended material on rescuing bettas, that would be much appreciated! (I do know that there is some controversy over what counts as rescuing, but please trust that I'll use my best judgement.)
Thanks!

-SeaGlassAnimals

 

It depends on what kind of betta you get, and some other stuff, like how old it is, if it has any problems, etc. If you are planning on rescuing a fish, then it might be too tall for some things, but you can add places to rest nearer the surface. (I had an idea about making like an acrylic table thing and putting substrate on it, and just like incorporating it into the tank)

Id say rescuing a betta imo, is taking in a sick or injured betta for free, or reduced price. if you buy it for full price, I feel like it's just a sympathy buy (Which is what a lot of other people think as well) You could also look on like craigslist for anyone that is trying to rehome a betta in your area.

 

...If you are planning on rescuing a fish, then it might be too tall for some things, but you can add places to rest nearer the surface. (I had an idea about making like an acrylic table thing and putting substrate on it, and just like incorporating it into the tank)

I know about floating logs and the suction cup leaves, and I have and can get more silk plants with wide leaves. Would that be good, or are there other things I could add to make it easier? (I have no DIY skills, but the acrylic table sounds cool!)

Id say rescuing a betta imo, is taking in a sick or injured betta for free, or reduced price. if you buy it for full price, I feel like it's just a sympathy buy (Which is what a lot of other people think as well) You could also look on like craigslist for anyone that is trying to rehome a betta in your area.

Yep, getting a betta for free or buying one for a very low and non-profitable price is my plan. I forgot about Craigslist, thank you!

 

Yeah, as many leaves as possible, and at different levels, will definitely help. I did this for one of my female bettas that had swim bladder problems.
I have very little diy skills either lol. I figured I'd suggest it, and maybe someone would like mass produce them so I could buy one

 

If you want to try your hand at adding live plants, there are some that bettas will lay on, like they do on the betta hammocks/leaves. I added a big leaf anubias to my tank, and my betta lays on the leaves. He also balances his body on the roots of some pothos ivy that I added.

Live plants will help by adding oxygen to the water, too. And there are low light, low tech plants that don't require a lot of effort.

A 20 gallon would give a betta lots of room and give you lots of room to experiment with, too. But the 10 gallon works, too!

 

I have very little diy skills either lol. I figured I'd suggest it, and maybe someone would like mass produce them so I could buy one

Here's to hoping The fish keeping community always wants more responsible fish care products, so we're a great market! (hint hint, if anyone wants to produce it)

If you want to try your hand at adding live plants, there are some that bettas will lay on, like they do on the betta hammocks/leaves. I added a big leaf anubias to my tank, and my betta lays on the leaves. He also balances his body on the roots of some pothos ivy that I added.

Live plants will help by adding oxygen to the water, too. And there are low light, low tech plants that don't require a lot of effort.

I'm definitely going to look into anubias! I love how it looks, and I love how easy it is. Unfortunately I have a black thumb and tend to kill most plants, but I'm sure there are some that can handle even my poor care, haha!

A 20 gallon would give a betta lots of room and give you lots of room to experiment with, too. But the 10 gallon works, too!

Thanks! I want to be very cautious with this, especially if I'm rescuing a betta, and give my fish the best life I can.


Sorry for the addition, I'm trying not to spam! I'm working on planning out the tank, but I haven't done it in a while and am still pretty new to the hobby. I have a Tetra Whisper IQ 10 filter that I used before in my 10g tank, and I liked how quiet it was and that I could adjust the flow down to be gentle enough for my betta. For the 20g tall, would it work, or should I get the next size up? The 10 is 105 gph, and the 20 is 130gph. Either one would probably need to be adjusted depending on how strong of a swimmer the betta I get is, and would have new filter media added to it. Any recommendations?