Why Do You Need A 5 Gallon Tank?

It's fish, its lived in a cup its entire life, anything bigger than the cup should be plenty for it? why do people make such a big deal about tank sizes?

 

not sure if troll or serious

 

I'm dead serious I don't get it

 

I know it's just a fish but how would you like to live, breathe, poop and eat in a cupboard all your life (even harry potter got to leave his cupboard almost every day). the cups are meant to be temporary "homes." just like you wouldn't keep most fish in the small display/holding tanks in fish stores for their entire lives.

 

Yes, but why the 5 gallon tank though? Fish don't have the emotional depth of a human, they don't think for themselves, they react based on instinct

 

Water parameters are the most stable in a larger tank. It's easier to cycle the tank. It's easier to maintain the tank. Temperature doesn't swing as much. 5 gallons can accommodate all the needs of a betta (heater, filter, accessories) to help a betta live the best and longest it can. Bettas seem to perk up and show/do their best in larger tanks.

 

The cups they sell bettas in are cruel. Most get sick and die. A 5 gallon tank allows freedom of movement stable water parameters, and more room. YOU wouldn't want to spend your live in a tiny cubicle, well it works the same way for fish. In my opinion 5 gallons is the minimum for any fish unless you have live plants

 

because they can barely move in anything that is "made" for bettas plus is much easier to maintain parameters and decorate. my betta uses every inch of his 5.5g and is thriving. just because a dog can live in a small crate doesn't mean it should. bigger is always better when it comes to your pets happiness and health. I can have a filter, heater and lots of decor while having enough space for the fish to swim. if it was in a smaller tank I would barely have enough room for its basic needs plus decor. while they may not feel things the way we do, it doesn't mean it shouldnt be well cared for and doesn't feel anything at all

 

Yes, but why the 5 gallon tank though? Fish don't have the emotional depth of a human, they don't think for themselves, they react based on instinct

because that's, like, still animal cruelty, dude........... they're living things no matter what lol. if you can't understand this or feel even an ounce of empathy then don't get an animal. simple as that.

very little can live happily in a 5 gallon tank anyway. that might be good for a betta, but other fish need a lot more room to live.

 

They may act on instinct, but they still have environments that make them feel more comfortable. Same with almost any animal. Typically the goal of keeping living things in captivity is to nurture them and reduce stress. This is why zoos, for example, try to replicate each animal's natural environment. Fish in the wild don't live in tiny cups; they live where there is room to swim.

Just talking about space--think about a dog at an animal shelter. Yes, the dog is okay in the kennel temporarily, however, long term, there are usually obvious signs of depression or distress. This is also more work for the people caring for the dog. Since it's in such a small space, you really need to be on top of keeping it clean. Failing to do so is bad for the animal emotionally and physically. Keeping a dog cooped up in a kennel covered in poop is unhealthy and widely seen as cruelty. A larger environment is much easier to keep clean. A dog can poop multiple times in a large yard, but it is cleaner because the poop-to-square foot ratio is better. Plus the dog has plenty of room to play and exercise.

Even humans share this quality. If an area is overpopulated, it's easy for it to become polluted. Pollution and poor air quality not only lower morale but are damaging to one's health.

I realize a betta doesn't have the emotional depth of a human, but they still have basic needs and providing ample space will help them thrive and generally increase lifespan.

 

you don't need a 5 gallon for a betta, 2.5g is the minimum tank size. but a lot of people prefer them because its generally easier to get things for, easier to maintain, and bettas tend to live longer and happier in 5g+

 

I am at a loss of words for my answer, so I won't be saying anything about this.

 

I know it's just a fish but how would you like to live, breathe, poop and eat in a cupboard all your life (even harry potter got to leave his cupboard almost every day). the cups are meant to be temporary "homes." just like you wouldn't keep most fish in the small display/holding tanks in fish stores for their entire lives.

Loving the Harry Potter reference! <3

 

I don't know, ethics, better for the fish? Gosh, who would've thought the fish desires happiness!?!? Wow, what a surprise! Who would've guessed that fish owners want the best for their pets?

 

In order to have a decent heater and filter, which let's be real, ALL fish need, you need an enclosure big enough to hold them. Not to mention all your hardscape and decorations for your own viewing pleasure and/or benefit. Also, parroting the others, but parameters are easier maintained in a bigger tank. Pair that with actually being able to even install a filter, and how easily a betta's fins can be destroyed by rot? It should just make sense.

 

Its a fish like any other fish. It deserves room to swim around. They deserve much more then 5 gallons.

 

Ya know, I was born in a closet and lived there until age 10. Now I'm live in an entire 8 by 8 foot room and there's not much to do or space for anything, but it's bigger than the closet, so it is plenty for me. I love my 8 by 8 foot room

Jokes aside, here is an actual paper comparing tank sizes and temperature in bettas.

And a New York Times article.


Despite not having the same emotional depth, they do need brain stimulation.

they react based on instinct

And their instincts are to explore, breed, defend their territory, and hunt, none of which are possible in tiny tanks.

 

That's like asking why can't a dog live in a 5x5 cage it's whole life.

 

That's like asking why can't a dog live in a 5x5 cage it's whole life.

I used to get so **** when an old roommate would leave her dogs in a little kennel for hours and hours.....those little dogs loved me forever because I would let them out and sleep with me

 

It comes down to this. Why do we keep fish as pets? Because they are pretty, we like to see their behaviors, they are fun to raise. It is a lot like growing a flower garden, you don’t necessarily change the organism itself just the surroundings and see how it reacts. If you want a happy plant you water, fertilize, and provide proper sunlight, temperature and even pH of the soil. Do what the plant needs to thrive and you are rewarded with blossoms and seeds for future growing seasons. If the gardener does not put in the effort the plants grow slowly, have small bloom if any, and the plants may very well end up dying.

What we as the keepers do is change things to influence the fish. We give them a larger tank, proper temperature and good water quality. If you give the fish what it needs to be healthy you will be rewarded with how the fish reacts, be it improved coloration, activity or breeding behavior. This applies to all species, not just bettas.

From a biological view, the fish we keep do indeed have natural insticts and they expect certain conditions as it is programmed into their DNA. A betta needs warm water, low flow, preferably slightly acidic pH, high protien foods, live plants and good water quality. If the fish doesn’t get what it needs will it be able to adapt to its current conditions? Probably not and as a result the fish will never really thrive and die a premature death. I’d say a plastic cup is a far cry away from what a betta truely needs to thrive.

 

"Why does a dog need a yard? Can't they just stay in a crate all the time?"

A fish needs to swim and needs room to do so. Just like a dog needs room to run. Minimum tank sizes are calculated based on the needs of the individual fish. One such need is how much waste they put off. Imagine keeping a dog in a crate all the time, and never letting it out, not even when it pees or poops. Imagine you only clean the cage once a week, sometimes less if you're feeling lazy. Imagine all the health problems that dog would have from sitting in and laying in it's own feces and urine for extended periods of time. That's what keeping a fish in too small of a tank is like. Now imagine you take care of another dog the exact same way; you feed it every day but only pick up it's poop once a week, less if you're feeling lazy. But instead, you keep it outside in a fenced in yard, and you give it a dog house with a nice comfy bed. That dog is going to be much happier, healthier, and live longer than the dog that gets the same amount of care and maintenance in a crate. That is the difference between keeping a fish in a cup vs keeping a fish in a tank that meets or exceeds the minimum size.

 

People keep Bettas in 5 gallons and up because they have the actual skill and humanity to help them thrive, you know, decency?

"Instinct" was a silly word to choose as they have endless water in the wild, but go off. Don't have pets if you are the one who is flawed and cannot provide. Simple as that.

 

I think everybody is missing the part of the second question is why do people make such a big deal about it, someone buys a bowl because that's all they can afford but everyone loses their mind, and tells the person to go and buy a new tank immediately

 

If you can't afford to give the animal the care it requires, don't buy the animal.

 

But why are people getting riled up?

 

If you look at the threads where people ask for help with their sick bettas, and you see people telling them to upgrade their tank, it is because the betta's needs are currently not being met, and when a fish's needs aren't met, they get sick. The fact that you can't afford a heater doesn't change the fact that a betta needs one. The fact that all you can afford is a bowl doesn't change the fact that a betta needs room to swim. If the fish is sick, and they are in a tiny bowl with no filter and no heater, chances are the living conditions are the *reason* the fish is sick.

 

But who decides these things? where did it originate from?

 

I think everybody is missing the part of the second question is why do people make such a big deal about it, someone buys a bowl because that's all they can afford but everyone loses their mind, and tells the person to go and buy a new tank immediately

There are two answers to this.

1. Its cruel to the organism. Its not my opinion, I keep fish as ornaments. I'm honestly usually more fussy about my plants in the tank than the fish. (Other than answer #2)

2. A betta in a cup or bowl won't look as nice, nor will it live as long. They are super cheap in the US but why bother buying one if you're going to let it die within a few months? Most of us have egos and want to keep things healthy for our own enjoyment. I hate losing fish prematurely because they cost me money, and my ego says they should live for years and years instead of 6 to 12 months. Losing a 20 dollar fish annoys me just as much as losing 20 dollars worth of fish. Not to mention its nearly impossible to keep a healthy betta in a clean environment in a bowl. It takes a lot more effort to keep the fish healthy.

Why not just throw away your Christmas lights and bulbs every year? They don't do anything for 11 months out of the year anyway.

 

I feel like you’re just wanting people to get “riled up” now. Every single comment explains the answer to your question.

But why are people getting riled up?

 

A betta can survive in a bowl, but it will thrive in a larger tank (see all previous comments in thread for why). Most people on here have a passion for fish keeping and want the best for the fish. I've found people to be understanding of financial limitations. But usually when someone is posting a question, it has to do with what they can do to make the fish's life better. The answer is giving it the best living conditions possible.

Some of our responses may seem harsh and we may "get riled up", but it can be frustrating for people who genuinely love fish to hear someone discount their physical and emotional well-being. Especially when we try to help you and it seems like you don't like the answers to your question so you ignore them.

Asking these questions is okay. It's how we learn. In my experience, everyone on here wants to help each other grow to be the best fish keepers possible. We just ask that you keep an open mind and try to understand the answers people provide.

 

I'd just like to say that I think this is a reasonable question to ask, and I don't think OP deserves some of the responses that he got.

 

But who decides these things? where did it originate from?

There's no mathematical formula or objective rule that you can apply to determine with certainty what the minimum size tank for any fish should be. It's a judgment call based on the size and behavior of the fish, and comparison to its natural environment. But the fact that no one can authoritatively state why the line should be drawn at 3 or 5 or 10 gallons (all minimum sizes stated for bettas according to one authority or another) doesn't mean that anything larger than a cup is really fine. Try reading this:

Argument of the Beard

 

I didn't mean to get peoples emotions running hot

I'm sorry that some of you feel that way, but coming from my scientific background I haven't seen any document that shows why betta fish need these things, you can change the water every day in a bowl, you can make sure the temperature stays the same, I need proof backing up your statements, not a bunch of people repeating the same thing over and over
So my understanding then should be that everyone decides what type of life you want your fish to have

 

So you're looking for a scientific study that actually compares the lifespan, health, and temperament long-term of bettas kept in various tank sizes?

 

I just feel like OP is looking for someone to be mad at, animal keeping isn't like... A social issue that someone made up the rules for, it's best care comes from basic biology. Science doesn't care about opinions ya know? Your fish will just keep dying if you want to keep them in a cold tiny vase, so why not just take everyone's advice and try a bigger tank? Just do better, then people don't have to bug you out of the concern of the animal, and you'll feel better knowing you're doing a good job. (And saving money in the long run)

 

Yes, if you have one or know if anything that would solve my conundrum

So you're looking for a scientific study that actually compares the lifespan, health, and temperament long-term of bettas kept in various tank sizes?

 

I can understand where he's coming from. It bothers me when there's no definite answer for questions like that, and I can sometimes aggravate people while trying to get to the bottom of it.

 

I can understand where he's coming from. It bothers me when there's no definite answer for questions like that, and I can sometimes aggravate people while trying to get to the bottom of it.

Yes, that's exactly it! I'm looking for proof but I am unable to find it

 

Here's one scientific study that compared 5 gallon tanks to 1.25 gallon tanks, with and without heaters, for betta splendins (the kind of bettas you can buy at pet stores).



This was a college study. There are more, this is just literally the first one I found.

 

I don't think you're going to find ONE true blue way to keep a betta, but you have to admit that there is a pretty small ball park of what is correct. I've seen people argue to keep them at 80 while others swear by 85 or being fine at 76. There's no one "right" way, but I just think you came at this wrong with "anything bigger than a cup is fine" because almost everyone I know who keeps fish will disagree with you based on experience. You don't need a study to tell you that I don't think.

 

Okay, so think of it like this, it's pretty simple.

Bettas, a tropical fish, they need a warm water environment to live in, otherwise will cause problems and make them susceptible to illnesses leading to death.
They were supposedly living in tiny mud puddles of less than a gallon and were believed to adapt to those conditions perfectly, this is false.
One of the largest betta rumors is that it once lived in a small mud puddle, and was fine there, hence the practice of keeping betta fish in bowls.

If you look at the potential maximum size of an adult betta, you can observe that its body is about two inches long, while it's long fins are making it roughly four inches.
Picture that three to four-inch fish living in a half gallon bowl of about six inches in diameter.
Now, that's pretty cramped, and bettas can develop problems by being kept in a container too small to meet its maximum body length.

Would you keep your adult labrador locked up in a bathroom stall all its life?

If you are saying that this doesn't compare, yes it does.
Sure, these fish don't know any better, but they certainly know what is good for them, and what isn't.
I certainly can believe that a fish would know the difference between a gallon bowl, and a ten gallon tank.

Now, if you don't know how to properly care for a betta fish, and cannot meet its requirements, then please do not buy it!
I don't think anyone would buy a dog if they knew they wouldn't be home often, couldn't walk it, or didn't have a fenced yard.
Yes, this is comparable to everything living, everything deserves its space, whether it be a small betta or as massive as an elephant.

What does a smaller tank equal?
Smaller tank = More waste build up = ammonia and nitrite.
The smaller your tank is, the harder it is to maintain, not the other way around.

Do you agree with me?
I shall say no more, no less.
Period.

 

I'm looking for proof but I am unable to find it

A couple scientific studies have already been provided.

here is an actual paper comparing tank sizes and temperature in bettas.

And a New York Times article.

Could you please describe the research you've already done on the subject? I'm not sure why you haven't been able to find any information on it. Or, if you've found scientific studies that conclude that tank size doesn't matter, I'd be interested to see those as well. Since you're from a scientific background and require scientific evidence, I'm truly interested in the scientific basis for your assertions. I've found the following research with a quick google search, but am glad to keep an open mind to your rebuttal.

In response to your statement,

Fish don't have the emotional depth of a human, they don't think for themselves

Here is a study concluding that "fish perception and cognitive abilities often match or exceed other vertebrates... the extensive evidence of fish behavioural and cognitive sophistication and pain perception suggests that best practice would be to lend fish the same level of protection as any other vertebrae":
https://animalstudiesrepository.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1074&context=acwp_asie

An article discussing ethical and ecological implications of keeping fish in captivity:
https://awionline.org/awi-quarterly...cological-implications-keeping-fish-captivity

A study discussing the impact of tank size on fish performance (particularly for experimental design, but conclusions can be applied to overall wellbeing):


A paper discussing welfare of Bettas:
https://vdt.ugent.be/sites/default/files/Engart02.pdf

From that last link, I particularly like this excerpt:
"Wild bettas have a mean population density of 1.7 animal per square meter (range = 0.5 – 4.8) with a nearly 1:1 M:F sex ratio (Jaroensutasinee and Jaroensutasinee, 2001). The presence of the labyrinth organ in bettas has led to the belief that these fish do not need a large volume of water, since they can extract oxygen from air. However, as oxygen decreases faster in smaller volumes of water, so do waste products accumulate much quicker. Despite other potential factors, like a limited possibility of swimming in small volumes of water, scientific and popular sources use waste product accumulation as the only determinant when recommending aquarium sizes. According to the Ornament Aquatic Trade Association, an aquarium should contain at least four litres of water to prevent the accumulation of toxic products, but this advice is regardless of fish species."

To replicate the wild population density of 1.7 animals per square meter, you would need about 119 gallons of water for 1 betta (if my math is correct). It's not reasonable have that much space in an aquarium, but we do the best we can.

Finally...

So my understanding then should be that everyone decides what type of life you want your fish to have

I'm honestly confused why you would come on a forum of people that love fish, or even keep fish in the first place, if you don't want them to have a good life. It's not a stretch to say that all non-abusive fish keepers think fish should have a good life.

 

You said you wanted studies, I linked a couple articles on the first page as mentioned above. I dislike arbitrary statements and opinion-tinted guidelines, but in this case there is clear evidence that betta fish have a better quality of life in larger tanks.
They can live in bowls, but knowingly placing an animal in an environment that you know is not good for it is strangely lacking in empathy.

 

I didn't mean to get peoples emotions running hot

I'm sorry that some of you feel that way, but coming from my scientific background I haven't seen any document that shows why betta fish need these things, you can change the water every day in a bowl, you can make sure the temperature stays the same, I need proof backing up your statements, not a bunch of people repeating the same thing over and over
So my understanding then should be that everyone decides what type of life you want your fish to have

I’ve kept bettas for as long as I can remember. When I first started I had them in a .5 gallon tank they died in a year and I did have the tanks cycled heated clean live plant and so on but when I kept my next betta’s I decided to get a 3 gallon tank, they lived 4 years, then I became more experienced and knowledgeable and got 5 gallon tanks those betta’s are still living to this day and they are 6 years old. That’s got to tell you something......right?

 

Yes, but why the 5 gallon tank though? Fish don't have the emotional depth of a human, they don't think for themselves, they react based on instinct

This can be debated for hours but in MY opinion everything has a soul. feelings and think for them selves. People say its just a tree then cut it down. It hurts the tree and the things around it. Fish are the same. Take tiger oscars for example. They are just a fish but they see you and become excited, they get board and they make a home for themselves. I think that is thinking. I may only know a little about bettas but they think too, they are noramlly in a habitat that is bigger than a small cup.

 

I understand you want scientific proof. But it's just a logical thing. Not trying to sound rude but do you need a scientific document as to why you shouldn't keep a dog in a kennel it's whole life? Or an elephant kept in a cage the same size as it it's whole life in order to come to the conclusion that you shouldn't and that it can have adverse negative effects? The same logical reasonings that apply to other animals also apply to fish. I know you want PROOF. But having some basic reasoning skills and ability to think logically should be enough for anyone as to why a fish shouldn't be in a cup it's whole life.

 

Yes, but why the 5 gallon tank though? Fish don't have the emotional depth of a human, they don't think for themselves, they react based on instinct

Okay so you say they react on instict well think about a wild Betta, they have a whole stream/pond to themselves to live, and there instinct would be to have a LARGE environment to live in, not a bowl or a cup. Fish don't have emotions like humans (not what I believe but I’ll go with it) so they can’t get bored? Wrong, betta’s do get bored and when they do they glass surf, bite their fins off, become stressed and so on. So do they get sad? Well I think so, I’m currently in Colorado with my mom taking care of my fish back in Florida and she says that they sit at the bottom of the tank all day until feeding time, now when I’m there they are swimming around, playing, saying hi, and having “fun” so I think so. Well do they get sad when their tank-mates die? IME only betta’s do. Can they be happy? Of course! Any animal can be happy! Now do Betta’s care weather they are in a small or large habitat? Yes, IME they absolutely do, if you read my comment from earlier today I guess you could call that an experiment but when a Betta is kept in a small tank or cup they become stressed, bored, and a lot of the time sick, were if you had a Betta in a 5 gallon tank it would be happy healthy and thrive. I hope this answers your question or helps!

 

Okay so you say they react on instict well think about a wild Betta, they have a whole stream/pond to themselves to live, and there instinct would be to have a LARGE environment to live in, not a bowl or a cup. Fish don't have emotions like humans (not what I believe but I’ll go with it) so they can’t get bored? Wrong, betta’s do get bored and when they do they glass surf, bite their fins off, become stressed and so on. So do they get sad? Well I think so, I’m currently in Colorado with my mom taking care of my fish back in Florida and she says that they sit at the bottom of the tank all day until feeding time, now when I’m there they are swimming around, playing, saying hi, and having “fun” so I think so. Well do they get sad when their tank-mates die? IME only betta’s do. Can they be happy? Of course! Any animal can be happy! Now do Betta’s care weather they are in a small or large habitat? Yes, IME they absolutely do, if you read my comment from earlier today I guess you could call that an experiment but when a Betta is kept in a small tank or cup they become stressed, bored, and a lot of the time sick, were if you had a Betta in a 5 gallon tank it would be happy healthy and thrive. I hope this answers your question or helps!

And like many people have said, you wouldn’t keep a dog in its crate it’s whole life so you shouldn’t keep a betta in a tank smaller then 5 gallons

 

I believe that when you buy a pet you should always try to give them the absolute best you can afford to in every aspect of their life and if you know you can't afford to give them the minimum quality they deserve you shouldn't have a pet. Their entire life is in your hands. They trust you to care for them, feed them, keep them safe, keep them warm/cold. It doesn't matter how their minds work or how they perceive their home, you know what they need and it should still matter that they get what they need even if they wouldn't know they weren't, because it's still your responsibility as their owner. That's why it's important to provide them with what science and experimentation has proved they live their best lives with.