Why do stores keep Betta fish in small containers?

(07-20-2014, 03:12 AM)evelynmcgregor Wrote: Bettas are kept in those small containers because that is how they are shipped. They do not require a lot of room for the amount of time they will be in the store. I have kept them in small containers at home with a lot of success. I do prefer to keep them in a container around one gallon in size because they do not require as much cleaning. The small containers tend to accumulate waste very fast and have to be cleaned about once a week with the bowl being washed, well rinsed and the water replaced with declorinated water. You cannot put two male bettas in the same container, no matter what the size, because they will fight until on is dead.

When I use a container of at least one gallon, I only have to clean it about once a month. You are able to put an artifical aquarium plant in it as well as a decorative piece. They can be very attractive and the betta does enjoy having more room to swim around.

OH.. as for food. If you use the pelleted betta food rather than the flaked food, you will not have to clean the container as often.

---

Bettas do not require filtration because the are air breathers. There is an organ on the top of their heads that take in oxygen with they go to the top of the tank. Heat is good in the winter time because they are tropical fish. I kept bettas ( I had over 100 at one time) and never had a problem with them not having filtration. Most of mine live 3+ yrs. And they did fine as long as I did not let the house temperature get below 65 degrees.

You should also read what I just said.

I really mean no offense. From the look of it, you and Treeca are both newbies in fish keeping.

Filtration (filter system) is for nitrogen cycle, which is to detoxify the (toxic) ammonia produced by the fish, and to convert it to less harmful nitrate. Since ALL fish species produce ammonia (from their gills directly, from their poop, and from leftover food), ALL fish species in a closed system (such as a fish tank) must require a filter system just to live.

An Air pump is what you do not need for betta. An air pump is the equipment making bubbles in the fish tank to increase surface movement thus promote gas exchange between the water and the atmosphere. You are confused on what these equipments are for.


Quotes from you: "1 gallon tank", "Clean once a month"...
I very much doubt your betta lived for long. A healthy aquarium requires weekly partial water change of 30~50% in order to get rid of the nitrate buildup (end product of nitrogen cycle from ammonia), and it needs filtration 24/7 to keep the toxic ammonia at 0ppm. A tropical fish aquarium must have a heater as well. Air pump is required for those fish without labyrinth organ. A healthy betta in a healthy aquarium can live for 5~7 years or even longer.

You guys really need to read up on the articles in the fish section in our library. Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle, etc. to help you get the basics.