Split tank?

[fishowner7]

I have two bettas, one male and one female.

I would like to get them a 5 gallon tank with a divider. Giving them both 2.5 gallons each. Is this a good idea?

 

[grac3]

no, they'll need 5 gallons each. it would work in a 10 gallon though

 

[peachsonas]

I have two bettas, one male and one female.

I would like to get them a 5 gallon tank with a divider. Giving them both 2.5 gallons each. Is this a good idea?

I understand not everyone has room for multiple tanks. I feel like it might be able to work out if you really can’t do 5 gallons each or one split 10g. Explore your other options first before deciding that you really can’t do a 10 or two 5s.

 

[fishowner7]

no, they'll need 5 gallons each. it would work in a 10 gallon though

There is no way i will be able to have a 10 gallon tank. The highest im able to go would be 5 gallons. What is probably the best solution?

 

[jkkgron2]

There is no way i will be able to have a 10 gallon tank. The highest im able to go would be 5 gallons. What is probably the best solution?

I would give the female 3 gallons of space and the male two gallons. IME females are more active in general and need a bit more space than males. Although if you have a plakat male I’d just divide the 5g in half and give them each 2.5 gallons.

 

[fishowner7]

I understand not everyone has room for multiple tanks. I feel like it might be able to work out if you really can’t do 5 gallons each or one split 10g. Explore your other options first before deciding that you really can’t do a 10 or two 5s.

Ive done a lot of research, do you have any input on what my other options could be?

 

[grac3]

what size tank are they in now? can you return one of them? if not, i would just split it in half and keep on top of weekly water changes

 

[fishowner7]

I would give the female 3 gallons of space and the male two gallons. IME females are more active in general and need a bit more space than males. Although if you have a plakat male I’d just divide the 5g in half and give them each 2.5 gallons.

Thank you, in my case the male is a rose petal male, so 5g could work with 3 going to the female and 2 to the male?

 

[peachsonas]

Have you already purchased the fish? Maybe just consider keeping one instead of two if you don’t have the space for it right now. If you want tank mates, maybe look into shrimp or snails to liven up the tank.
Edit: I just scrolled up and saw that you already have them, my bad. grac3’s advice sounds good to me.

 

[fishowner7]

what size tank are they in now? can you return one of them? if not, i would just split it in half and keep on top of weekly water changes

I cannot return them as they were given to me as a gift. They were given to me in a very small tank without filtration. I was forced to move them to a 1.3 gallon tank with filtration and seperation. I was forced to do this because the water conditions were very unlivable.
Thank you for your help on all my threads!

Have you already purchased the fish? Maybe just consider keeping one instead of two if you don’t have the space for it right now. If you want tank mates, maybe look into shrimp or snails to liven up the tank

Both of the fish were actually given to me as gifts. It is good to know that shrimp and snails are able to be put in there for some more life.

As well as i just seen your edit. Thank you for your help it is very much appreciated.

 

[grac3]

Thank you, in my case the male is a rose petal male, so 5g could work with 3 going to the female and 2 to the male?

yes that would work, make sure they can't see each other through the divider. some live plants would also help keeping the water quality good

 

[Ghostly]

is it your parents not wanting you to get a 10 gallon?

almost all my tanks are divided with craft mesh (only a few dollars) it has been working quite well for me. also I don't think you could divide with a male and female even in a 10 gallon as in my experience they seem to sense one another and your female will get eggy and that is not good long term.

I think you should either get two 5 gallons or return one of them.

 

[fishowner7]

is it your parents not wanting you to get a 10 gallon?

almost all my tanks are divided with craft mesh (only a few dollars) it has been working quite well for me. also I don't think you could divide with a male and female even in a 10 gallon as in my experience they seem to sense one another and your female will get eggy and that is not good long term.

I think you should either get two 5 gallons or return one of them.

yes, the most they are willing to get me is another 5 gallon tank which is my issue. They are set on the fact that "it doesnt actually need that much space" "stop listening to the internet". So the best i could do for my fish would be to get them a 5g and then divide it. As well as i cannot return any of my fish because they were given to me as gifts.

 

[CoconutTheBetta]

yes, the most they are willing to get me is another 5 gallon tank which is my issue. They are set on the fact that "it doesnt actually need that much space" "stop listening to the internet". So the best i could do for my fish would be to get them a 5g and then divide it. As well as i cannot return any of my fish because they were given to me as gifts.

Hi! I am also a young fish owner and feel this pain! When I was buying my first betta fish last year, both my parents and store associates were trying to convince me that my betta can thrive in a bowl. I recommend explaining to them the nitrogen cycle.

Also, try speaking their language! You should say that if you get a bigger tank that you'll perform fewer water changes. Fewer water changes equal lower water bills.

If they bring up that space is a problem, you could look on Offerup/Facebook marketplace for affordable aquarium stands or just a desk.

 

[fishowner7]

Hi! I am also a young fish owner and feel this pain! When I was buying my first betta fish last year, both my parents and store associates were trying to convince me that my betta can thrive in a bowl. I recommend explaining to them the nitrogen cycle.

Also, try speaking their language! You should say that if you get a bigger tank that you'll perform fewer water changes. Fewer water changes equal lower water bills.

If they bring up that space is a problem, you could look on Offerup/Facebook marketplace for affordable aquarium stands or just a desk.

Thank you! I did end up using some persuasive skills that i have, I brought up the nitrogen cycle and the water bill, even the fact that i could keep it in my room and they would not have to worry about it. However one of my parents used to own many fish including bettas, they have had bettas for many years through many moves and "know" they can survive. As well as i did do some browsing for the aquarium stand and desks... I just do not have the room available to put it anywhere.

 

[CoconutTheBetta]

Thank you! I did end up using some persuasive skills that i have, I brought up the nitrogen cycle and the water bill, even the fact that i could keep it in my room and they would not have to worry about it. However one of my parents used to own many fish including bettas, they have had bettas for many years through many moves and "know" they can survive. As well as i did do some browsing for the aquarium stand and desks... I just do not have the room available to put it anywhere.

No problem!

You should rebuttal with the surviving is not thriving "motto." And kind of put them in the betta's shoes by talking in second hand. Like, for example, you could say "Yes, bettas can live in tiny containers. But as you know mom/dad, surviving isn't thriving. Imagine having to live in your own poop trapped in a closet for 3-5 years. Mom/Dad, you've kept fish before. You know and understand that it's not just a fish. It's an animal just like you and me. It has feelings just like you and I. Plus, fishkeeping is something I want to pick. I think it's cool. I can't be a successful fishkeeper if I don't practice proper care."

As for space, are you 100% absolutely sure you have zero space in your bedroom? Have you considered rearranging it? I don't know how your bedroom looks/how it's laid out, but is it possible for you to put a multipurpose rack in it? On one shelf, it could be a fish tank, on another, it could be shoes, etc.

 

[pagoda]

Found this...might suit your Betta needs and be small enough to fit in the bedroom....

You are being redirected...

5.3 gallon Betta split by Aqua One...purpose made for the job....and available in the US too

 

[Noroomforshoe]

You could DIY a divider to cut the tank in half diagonally. Put the filter on the females side of the tank so the male can chill and make bubble nests if he wants to. make sure the divider has holes and is opaque.

 

[pagoda]

The Aqua One 5.3 split is especially made for two Betta fish.

You don't need to get a larger aquarium than that really as long as the divider is perforated for water flow and the filtration is good enough to cater for two fish...which that Aqua One kit certainly is specifically designed for doing that. It is expensive at $109 but then it has everything needed (filtration/lighting/heater) to keep two Betta fit and healthy in a small aquarium environment

 

[fishowner7]

Found this...might suit your Betta needs and be small enough to fit in the bedroom....

You are being redirected...

5.3 gallon Betta split by Aqua One...purpose made for the job....and available in the US too

Thank you so much!!