Why Bettas For 5 Gallons?

So when I was a kid, the norm for small tanks was insane. It was a comet goldfish. The Betta was just starting to make inroads... but I never even seen one until maybe 1980. Like the goldfish the betta was surrounded by myths.

Now everyone seems to default to Betta for a 5 gallon or smaller tank.

Here is the thing I don't get. In reality there are much better options for a 5 gallon tank that are fish. But neatly any time someone posts for stocking a 5 gallon you get posts like: "5 gallons is only good for a Betta and shrimp" or "5 gallons is only good for a Betta and snails."

What makes people think Bettas are the perfect fish for small tanks? Can they do it yes. But in reality there are way better options. Actually the number of options is huge... but some fish are more like what people THINK Bettas are.

Is this based on the old myth that Bettas live in puddles? Are we still fighting that? Even here?

Examples include killifish. There are many varieties if killifish that do well significantly below 5 gallons. Additionally, it's rare to find killis that actually need general aeration. Heck most are quite comfortable at room temperature.

Another example is the pygmy sunfish. Once again aeration and heat are not normally needed. These guys seem to build nice colonies in tiny tanks... well below 5 gallons.

The list goes on.

The fact is Betta Splendens are a bit on the more complicated side of fish keeping... but they are constantly the go to. I mean go to them if you want... but why cut out better fish for a 5 gallon at the beginning of a conversation?

I am honestly wondering and confused on this. Yes I have a Betta. Heck I want to breed wild Bettas. But in 40 years this had gone from a soft maybe to 'only betta' in many people's minds. Finally comets are out of the list but...

Please keep any conversations here open. I am not looking for arguments here so please keep civility.

 

Couldn't agree more.

Apart from the vast range of fish that are suitable for 5 gallons or less, I honestly don't think 5 gallons is big enough for any bettas unless they have extremely heavy fins preventing them from swimming properly. I know a lot of people will disagree with me here. I have a betta in a 5 gallon and I feel terrible. He's getting upgraded to a 10 gallon soon and possibly larger eventually.

I don't understand why people think bettas are the only fish suitable for a 5. It's just not logical that there is only one fish that can be kept humanely in a 5 gallon when there are thousands of fish out there.

 

The short answer is availability.

Bettas are mass produced and available at every LFS in cities large and small. Outside of the occasional golden wonder, I have never seen any other type of killifish, and outside of the public aquarium or a lake, I have never seen a sunfish.

Bettas are reasonably long lived and fairly straight forward to care for. Unlike goldfish, they don't stunt in a small volume of water.

They are willing to interact with their keeper, making them a good pet for dorm, office and apartment dwellers.

In short, they are a great gateway fish for novice keepers.

 

So when I was a kid, the norm for small tanks was insane. It was a comet goldfish. The Betta was just starting to make inroads... but I never even seen one until maybe 1980. Like the goldfish the betta was surrounded by myths.

Now everyone seems to default to Betta for a 5 gallon or smaller tank.

Here is the thing I don't get. In reality there are much better options for a 5 gallon tank that are fish. But neatly any time someone posts for stocking a 5 gallon you get posts like: "5 gallons is only good for a Betta and shrimp" or "5 gallons is only good for a Betta and snails."

What makes people think Bettas are the perfect fish for small tanks? Can they do it yes. But in reality there are way better options. Actually the number of options is huge... but some fish are more like what people THINK Bettas are.

Is this based on the old myth that Bettas live in puddles? Are we still fighting that? Even here?

Examples include killifish. There are many varieties if killifish that do well significantly below 5 gallons. Additionally, it's rare to find killis that actually need general aeration. Heck most are quite comfortable at room temperature.

Another example is the pygmy sunfish. Once again aeration and heat are not normally needed. These guys seem to build nice colonies in tiny tanks... well below 5 gallons.

The list goes on.

The fact is Betta Splendens are a bit on the more complicated side of fish keeping... but they are constantly the go to. I mean go to them if you want... but why cut out better fish for a 5 gallon at the beginning of a conversation?

I am honestly wondering and confused on this. Yes I have a Betta. Heck I want to breed wild Bettas. But in 40 years this had gone from a soft maybe to 'only betta' in many people's minds. Finally comets are out of the list but...

Please keep any conversations here open. I am not looking for arguments here so please keep civility.

Really great question and insight! I'm interested in what people have to say in this. I have never had a tank smaller than a 29 gallon, so inexperienced with smaller tanks and the fish one can keep in them. So I have a lot to learn from others in this respect.

 

I primarily use 5.5Gs for fry tanks or a QT for a couple fish. The comment on availability does have validity where I live. I am trying to think of local options. A couple guppies can work but certainly not ideal. Endlers better choice but not available. There are a few small tetras and danios available but I am not putting a school of them in a 5G. A few pygmy cory but not a full school. I believe my choices without an online order would be shrimp, snails, or a betta.

 

Really great question and insight! I'm interested in what people have to say in this. I have never had a tank smaller than a 29 gallon, so inexperienced with smaller tanks and the fish one can keep in them. So I have a lot to learn from others in this respect.

The smaller the tank the more of a pain it is. People like to start small.....not ideal in the aquaria hobby.

So, why are bettas the first thing suggested?

Well, in my extremely humble opinion, I feel like it is a rescue. I believe that Bettas are quite possibly the most abused fish in this hobby. Every time that I walk down the aisles of the pet store, you see 100 tiny 8oz bowls with dead Bettas, Bettas living in their poo, and Bettas that will soon join the aforementioned fish. I feel like, as an experienced aquaria enthusiast, it is my job to save a Betta. I wanted to buy 100 10 gallon tanks and give them homes. I have mine in a modded Fluval ChI II 5g, and I love seeing him happy. I am not a PETA person by any means, but IMHO a Betta in a 5 gallon with a knowledgeable owner is 1 life saved. That sounds dramatic....but my wife has to chaperone me in big box stores..ha....oh...they are hardy and beautiful too! Personality as well....I just got my angel eating out of my hand....Dante my Betta comes to the glass for me, not my wife. Very smart fish...google betta soccer.

 

It is probably because of availability. You can get bettas everywhere, Walmart, etc.
But where would one get killis? Most killis are very short lived as well.

I agree, I don't think bettas are ideal in 5 gallons. I have seen betta sororities in privately owned LFS, single male bettas in community tanks, they are fairly active, cruising the tank.

The next question is why a 5 gal tank at all? I understand a dorm room but usually if you have room for 5 gallons, there should be room for 10 gallons as well.

I have a 5 gal cube on my kitchen counter. It is a beautiful lighted vase with colorful ramshorns inside.
My minI sparkling gouramis enjoy a 20 gal long and use the space.
I like a piece of nature in my home and enjoy seeing my fishes do fishy things. If it takes a minute or two before I see somebody, that's fine with me.

 

The next question is why a 5 gal tank at all? I understand a dorm room but usually if you have room for 5 gallons, there should be room for 10 gallons as well.

So I can give one answer for this, at least in the USA. Many apartments today as well as other home leases have started to use the language "no aquarium or water containing object or furniture over 5 gallons in capacity." So the choice becomes 5 gallons or no aquarium. Funny thing is this was probably argued to allow a drinking water cooler... like arrowhead.

I will say a 5 gallon tank is significantly more complicated than even a 10.

 

So I can give one answer for this, at least in the USA. Many apartments today as well as other home leases have started to use the language "no aquarium or water containing object or furniture over 5 gallons in capacity." So the choice becomes 5 gallons or no aquarium. Funny thing is this was probably argued to allow a drinking water cooler... like arrowhead.

I will say a 5 gallon tank is significantly more complicated than even a 10.

Agreed! I do love my 5 though! 10x10x12



The mirror keeps him in shape, so he doesn't hurt his own fins as many rosetails do, and it is an epic laxative....and it makes him pose. Ha. Water change day!

 

I think its simply because of popularity and popular belief.
Bettas are more popular than Killifish and Pygmy Sunfish. Bettas are sold well to the market because of their traits (hardy, colourful, interactive, don't excrete a lot). So its the first fish the comes to mind when dealing with stocking a 5 gallon tank.

Furthermore, the idea that Bettas are the only fish that can thrive in a 5 gallon tank is a widely held belief. Honestly, I never knew that there were other fishes that can thrive in a 5 gallon tank until I read your comment. In every aquarium forum, I see lots of people who would always recommend nothing but Bettas for 5gal. Newbies read those recommendations while doing research, and then they spread the words to more Newbies once they become experienced aquarists...

The Betta's popularity compared to other 5gal fishes may have created this popular belief.

 

So how do we get people to consider the other fish, or even other more suitable fish than Bettas? And bring a stop to the immediate response of "All you could really put in an 5 gallon is a betta...and maybe some shrimp"? Every time that is told to new fish keepers it is propagating misinformation.

If we can get people talking about other options their LFS will start stocking them. I have seen this happen.

As an aside there are killI clubs early everywhere. Often killI clubs will give a pair to new people or sell them for next to nothing. My first time I was offered a GardenerI Rayfield.... and yep, a pair does good in a 5. I would say this compares to a Betta in beauty...

:

 

I am a killifish keeper, and I don't use 5 gallons. Many do, but I find them too small.
I will get myself into hot water here, but why Bettas in a 5?
a) they are air breathers, via their labyrinth organ. So they can handle worse water than most fish;
b) they are ambush predators, and like to hover in small areas;
c) they are, IMHO, badly bred for oversized, unworkable finnage. It limits their movement, making small tanks work for them.


Why not:
pygmy sunfish? Because while I have kept and bred them I had to catch them myself. They are incredibly rare, and only want live food.
killies? A 5 is very small, and it takes skill to keep killies. They can be good to learn with, but hard to find. Stores don't carry them often. They are also inclined to hide.

 

I am a killifish keeper, and I don't use 5 gallons. Many do, but I find them too small.
I will get myself into hot water here, but why Bettas in a 5?
a) they are air breathers, via their labyrinth organ. So they can handle worse water than most fish;
b) they are ambush predators, and like to hover in small areas;
c) they are, IMHO, badly bred for oversized, unworkable finnage. It limits their movement, making small tanks work for them.


Why not:
pygmy sunfish? Because while I have kept and bred them I had to catch them myself. They are incredibly rare, and only want live food.
killies? A 5 is very small, and it takes skill to keep killies. They can be good to learn with, but hard to find. Stores don't carry them often. They are also inclined to hide.

No hot water. Looking for information and a sharing of opinions, thoughts and knowledge.

 

People believe that bettas can live in small aqauriums because wild type bettas live in mud patties in the wild and therefore don't need swimming space. However this isn't true and a betta does indeed like to swim.

 

I am a killifish keeper, and I don't use 5 gallons. Many do, but I find them too small.
I will get myself into hot water here, but why Bettas in a 5?
a) they are air breathers, via their labyrinth organ. So they can handle worse water than most fish;
b) they are ambush predators, and like to hover in small areas;
c) they are, IMHO, badly bred for oversized, unworkable finnage. It limits their movement, making small tanks work for them.


Why not:
pygmy sunfish? Because while I have kept and bred them I had to catch them myself. They are incredibly rare, and only want live food.
killies? A 5 is very small, and it takes skill to keep killies. They can be good to learn with, but hard to find. Stores don't carry them often. They are also inclined to hide.

I think it all depends on the keeper. Heater, nano sponge filter (flow control valve in tubing), some shrimp (I go rimless so no snails in my 5g), an air pump, some low light plants, a clip LED light, I use a Mingdak (I think is the brand) that was 16 bucks. A betta CAN thrive in a 5 gallon and they are amazing fish. I think the debate should be more about promoting proper betta care as opposed to alternatives. They are what they are, they will be purchased, and in the right environment they are worth every penny imo. I have had two, as Spartacus passed recently, and I am all about Dante now. They are a great pet, and very rewarding. If they are not blowing nests something is wrong. I feel they are looked down on by a lot of aquarists, and I hate hearing that. It is not the only option. I love watching shrimp as well, but man I love my Betta.

 

I originally intended to set up one of my old 5 gallon tanks from my horrible fish torturing days as a nightstand tank for my sparkling gourami. I am sure he would have loved to have 5 gallon to himself. Unfortunately he passed away before I set it up, so I decided to get a breeding pair (all I ever wanted was baby sparklers) and felt 5 gallon wouldn't be enough space for both of them, so 12g it is. There are many people who keep and breed sparklers in 2.5-5g tanks with great success, but I don't see it as ideal housing - for one maybe, but with more than one they need hiding places, and there are only so many of those in 5 gallon of water.

Another good option for small tanks are scarlet badis - very cute and tiny. If I could find them without paying an arm and a leg for shipping I'd have them by now.

 

This is a very interesting thread, thanks to everyone for their thoughts and opinions.

I would say this compares to a Betta in beauty...

Fundulopanchax GardnerI Rayfield - Sök på Google:

That is a most excellent looking fish. Thanks for the introduction to these beauties. I can't wait to learn more about them.

 

This is a very interesting thread, thanks to everyone for their thoughts and opinions.



That is a most excellent looking fish. Thanks for the introduction to these beauties. I can't wait to learn more about them.

I think it's a type of Killie fish

 

I originally intended to set up one of my old 5 gallon tanks from my horrible fish torturing days as a nightstand tank for my sparkling gourami. I am sure he would have loved to have 5 gallon to himself. Unfortunately he passed away before I set it up, so I decided to get a breeding pair (all I ever wanted was baby sparklers) and felt 5 gallon wouldn't be enough space for both of them, so 12g it is. There are many people who keep and breed sparklers in 2.5-5g tanks with great success, but I don't see it as ideal housing - for one maybe, but with more than one they need hiding places, and there are only so many of those in 5 gallon of water.

Another good option for small tanks are scarlet badis - very cute and tiny. If I could find them without paying an arm and a leg for shipping I'd have them by now.

If you are looking for stocking beyond a Betta for a 5 gallon, outside of this discussion, check out the stickied thread on 5 gallon stocking...

Stocking List For 5 Gallon Nano Aquariums

I think it all depends on the keeper. Heater, nano sponge filter (flow control valve in tubing), some shrimp (I go rimless so no snails in my 5g), an air pump, some low light plants, a clip LED light, I use a Mingdak (I think is the brand) that was 16 bucks. A betta CAN thrive in a 5 gallon and they are amazing fish. I think the debate should be more about promoting proper betta care as opposed to alternatives. They are what they are, they will be purchased, and in the right environment they are worth every penny imo. I have had two, as Spartacus passed recently, and I am all about Dante now. They are a great pet, and very rewarding. If they are not blowing nests something is wrong. I feel they are looked down on by a lot of aquarists, and I hate hearing that. It is not the only option. I love watching shrimp as well, but man I love my Betta.

So for clarity, I actually like Bettas and have a Halfmoon Dumbo named Hern. I do not look down on them.

Honestly I think of them as very similar to cichlids in personality and rewarding the fish keeper.

 

So for clarity, I actually like Bettas and have a Halfmoon Dumbo named Hern. I do not look down on them.

Honestly I think of them as very similar to cichlids in personality and rewarding the fish keeper.

Was not trying to ruffle feathers at all. I am just saying....the Big Boxes will never stop selling them. Betta "awareness" needs to be spread. I am all about different fish, but a Betta is Hardy, pretty, personality for days, and they PREFER to be alone. They can breathe air, can be solitary just fine, & they are really cool fish. They WILL be sold. That's all I am getting at, and they can LIVE in poor environments...most fish would be belly up. It is greed....there is a reason they are at the end of every aisle...profit. They can THRIVE in a 5 gallon though ime.

 

I had the same issue when I first joined and asked a similar question about the betta and tank size. I think some of you may remember that. For the most part I think it's just people regurgitating what others have said and it just becomes a reflex. I think this community is too focused on stocking, and while not necessarilly bad, a lot of times I wish people would just answer a simple question without it having to come up.

 

Bettas in nature came from swamps and marshes - generally shallow water with a low oxygen content due to decaying leaves and vegetation - classic swamp.
Their species seems gone from nature, except for escaped domestic forms, but their close relatives still live in still water, smacking unwary mosquitoes. Still water and low oxygen are a survival problem for fish, and Bettas have a solution - their inner ear is an air breathing organ called the labyrinth. They don't need to draw oxygen from their murky waters.
They also have poor distance vision, focusing on insects landing on the surface close by, and not other males close by in the murkiness.
Murky, swampy, buggy. Probably smelly. It does sound like a lot of 5 gallon set ups...

 

Bettas in nature came from swamps and marshes - generally shallow water with a low oxygen content due to decaying leaves and vegetation - classic swamp.
Their species seems gone from nature, except for escaped domestic forms, but their close relatives still live in still water, smacking unwary mosquitoes. Still water and low oxygen are a survival problem for fish, and Bettas have a solution - their inner ear is an air breathing organ called the labyrinth. They don't need to draw oxygen from their murky waters.
They also have poor distance vision, focusing on insects landing on the surface close by, and not other males close by in the murkiness.
Murky, swampy, buggy. Probably smelly. It does sound like a lot of 5 gallon set ups...

You hit the nail on the head.

 

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with a betta in a 5g.

 

Bettas in nature came from swamps and marshes - generally shallow water with a low oxygen content due to decaying leaves and vegetation - classic swamp.
Their species seems gone from nature, except for escaped domestic forms, but their close relatives still live in still water, smacking unwary mosquitoes. Still water and low oxygen are a survival problem for fish, and Bettas have a solution - their inner ear is an air breathing organ called the labyrinth. They don't need to draw oxygen from their murky waters.
They also have poor distance vision, focusing on insects landing on the surface close by, and not other males close by in the murkiness.
Murky, swampy, buggy. Probably smelly. It does sound like a lot of 5 gallon set ups...

They do jump to fresh puddles....ha. so...if your betta jumps (mine is rimless and filled to the brim) you might not be doing a great job. Ha. They are prolific jumpers.

 

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with a betta in a 5g.

But only Bettas? That is more the focus here. Why are they so rigidly the only fosh rexommended? Thoughts?

 

But only Bettas? That is more the focus here. Why are they so rigidly the only fosh rexommended? Thoughts?

Oh no, I'm actually a very conservative stocker by most standards. I think people would have a fit if I told them how I stock my 5 gallon and other nano tanks. I answered in another post above. I don't know if you read that.

 

But only Bettas? That is more the focus here. Why are they so rigidly the only fosh rexommended? Thoughts?

They are easier, honestly. They are the gateway drug to fishkeeping...ha. mts comes within 2 months. I was considering moving mine to my 10 & making my 5 a heavy planted shrimp/invert tank. I have seen reefs in a 5.

 

My thoughts are because to me, a 5 gallon is a container, not a tank. It's not the fish. It's the tank.
Bettas thrive in them. Not much else does.

Or let me edit that. To me, not much else that does thrive looks decent in such a small tank. Betta splendens do.

 

Oh no, I'm actually a very conservative stocker by most standards. I think people would have a fit if I told them how I stock my 5 gallon and other nano tanks. I answered in another post above. I don't know if you read that.

Missed! Lol. I was like, I swear he was in the 5 gallon stocking thread...

I think this is a lively and healthy discussion.

 

My thoughts are because to me, a 5 gallon is a container, not a tank. It's not the fish. It's the tank.
Bettas thrive in them. Not much else does.

Yup....they could LIVE in a dechlorinated sink for a month. Getting them to thrive in a five is the challenge. That is what keeps my interest.

 

If you are looking for stocking beyond a Betta for a 5 gallon, outside of this discussion, check out the stickied thread on 5 gallon stocking...

Stocking List For 5 Gallon Nano Aquariums

That's where I found out about my sparklers, and scarlet badis... I don't entirely agree with everything on that list though, and a lot of those fish are hard to come by for a lot of people. I'm not stocking my 5 gallon tanks again, just going to hang on to them for the day when my sparkler pair finally gives me some babies that mama doesn't eat. I mean, unless I go to the pet store and walk by the betta cups, then I might end up with another rescue and have to set one up for it. But I'm really trying to avoid doing that again.

Oh no, I'm actually a very conservative stocker by most standards. I think people would have a fit if I told them how I stock my 5 gallon and other nano tanks. I answered in another post above. I don't know if you read that.

I'm curious how you stock your nano tanks now?

 

I'm curious how you stock your nano tanks now?

Well, on the 5 gallon stocking thread I disagree on some of the fish that were removed from the list. I kept quiet, because regardless, I think it was a big step forward. But if it was up to me, I'd include sparkling gouramis on the list. I'd also add a couple of honeys. Ember tetras would be perfect, as well. You get the idea. And this is me being liberal.

That said, here's a quick overview: on my fluval spec iiI (supposedly 2.6g, but I believe it's at least 3), I have 1 nerite, 1 amano, 1 endler, some ramshorns, a couple of ember tetras, and even one otocinclus (that is fat and happy). That one was an impulse buy. It had a near hollow belly and I happen to have plenty of algae, so I gave it a go. Still, the oto is the only one I feel bad about and believe it would do better with a much larger tank (10g at least). However, I'm hesitant to move him, since he's doing very well, regardless. It's the only filtered planted tank and also feel the aquasoil is really benefiting him since he grazes on it regularly (and not just the algae and veggies). I'm planning on moving the two embers into another aquarium with the other five I own, but only because I have plans to add a few (maybe 3-5) chilI rasboras in the fluval, which is more appropriate. My other nanos are a 3g, 5.5g, 2 gallon (betta only) , and 1.5g (shrimp only).

Last I checked the nitrates on the Fluval spec, it was between 0 and 5ppm. I think people tend to overestimate a fishes bioload when they talk about the smaller fish species. I don't follow the 6+ minimum schooling size at all. I'm not a conformist and prefer to think for myself and see if it works for me.

 

I would personally never keep a Betta in anything less then 30gal, they are big swimmers and love to roam everywhere

 

I would personally never keep a Betta in anything less then 30gal, they are big swimmers and love to roam everywhere

They are, in my opinion, explorers...not fast big swimmers. 30g? That is a little excessive. I assure you that my Betta is living a charmed life. Omega One Betta Buffet Pellets, Leaf Hammock..inside a floating log, so it is a no current zone, and he can blow nests @ the top. Agree to disagree I guess.

RIP Spartacus. First fish I ever owned. He had almost 2.5 years with me....my lack of exp. took a year or 2 or 3 off his life. Will not happen again.

 

Not fast swimmers but they love to explore. I had 40 in a 150 gal planted tank and they were bloody cool to watch. Yes that was including males too. About 6 in total

 

Not fast swimmers but they love to explore. I had 40 in a 150 gal planted tank and they were bloody cool to watch. Yes that was including males too. About 6 in total

Very cool. I change driftwood out all the time. Throw a ping pong ball in there. He gets his 10 minutes of mirror/flare time (in 2 sessions). He is also friends with my ghost shrimp. They will both be right at the glass giving me eyes....feed me...

 

But only Bettas? That is more the focus here. Why are they so rigidly the only fosh rexommended? Thoughts?

Experienced keepers know how to internet. They know where the specialist websites are, they belong to clubs, they have aquabid bookmarked. And most importantly, they know how to do their homework and aren't adverse to raising specialist food for their unusual fish.

Many of the people who come here wanting advice are new to the hobby. They are sketchy on details of basic concepts, and the nitrogen cycle is just this side of incomprehensible. (No offense, all of us were clueless at some point.)

They need a fish to go in their nano tank that will succeed for them. They don't want or need to grow it live food, and they don't have to (although it is awesome when they do) buy it frozen food either.

In that kind of scenario it is practically bulletproof to suggest either a betta tank or an invert tank.

Later, once they have got their feet, and all their body parts, wet can they explore other options.

 

My thoughts are because to me, a 5 gallon is a container, not a tank. It's not the fish. It's the tank.
Bettas thrive in them. Not much else does.

Or let me edit that. To me, not much else that does thrive looks decent in such a small tank. Betta splendens do.

Reef in my same tank........mic drop

 

Wheres your corals that just some rock in a tank lol this is a reef tommy lad

Lol good use of the small tank though it will be good with some sort corals.