Betta Bowl

[EmileeG]

I'm thinking about getting a small betta bowl to keep on my computer desk - about 1 gallon.

(noob question) How often would I need to do water changes? I haven't ever kept a betta before.

I'm worried about temperature fluctuations here. The computer room heats up a lot when both my husband and I are in it using both computers. It wouldn't be a major, quick temperature change, but the temperature does go up and down in this room every day.

 

[EmileeG]

Er, let me clarify: Not necessarily a betta -BOWL-. I'm totally open to having one of the little complete tank setups, just not sure if that's necessary. I'm a little worried about ammonia accumulation in a literally-just-a-bowl setup... is it even possible to cycle a bowl? The water changes would be so small...

If I did a complete mini-aquarium setup, I was kind of looking at these...

Aqueon Double Sided Black Mini Bow Desktop Aquarium Kit at PETCO

Tetra Water Wonders 1.5 Gallon Aquarium Kit at PETCO

Tetra 1.8 Gallon Waterfall Globe Aquarium Kit at PETCO

The key thing here is I would like this to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible. I'm fully aware I can do a glass bowl and stick in a sponge filter attached to a noisy air pump, but I don't think that would be all that pretty...

 

[Thyra]

I kept a betta in a vase type bowl on the kitchen counter for about two years before getting on this forum and learning this wasn't good. I cleaned and changed water completely once a week. He seemed happy and secure and was constantly building bubble nests. I then ungraded to one of those minibows with the heater & filter. It grew algae like crazy, my betta no longer seemed as happy and it certainly is a job and mess to clean. Bettas all seem to have different personalities. Some like the space and others seem more secure in a smaller area. Keeping it warmer than normal room temp is probably one of the important things.

 

[frankenfish]

I kept a betta in a vase type bowl on the kitchen counter for about two years before getting on this forum and learning this wasn't good. I cleaned and changed water completely once a week. He seemed happy and secure and was constantly building bubble nests. I then ungraded to one of those minibows with the heater & filter. It grew algae like crazy, my betta no longer seemed as happy and it certainly is a job and mess to clean. Bettas all seem to have different personalities. Some like the space and others seem more secure in a smaller area. Keeping it warmer than normal room temp is probably one of the important things.

i agree completely. I had a very happy betta who lived for over 7 years in a very small bowl (not even half gallon i think) above my toilet.

 

[pateceramics]

Just be sure that you have a good heater that is appropriately sized to the tank. You don't want to accidentally fry the little guy, but they are very intolerant of cold. When they get chilled, they get ich!

Personally, I'd say more space is better. You may get a more active betta in a small bowl because he will be constantly surrounded by his own reflection in the glass and will spend a lot of time flaring at himself. While this is fun to watch, it can actually be rather stressful to the fish, being constantly on-guard against an intruder that he can't chase away from his territory.

Also, be sure whatever you do has an escape-proof hood or lid! I kept bettas in five gallon planted tanks for years, and they always seemed happy and healthy. They are big jumpers, however, and would eventually manage to make it out some tiny little hole by the filter and end up crispy on the floor. Quite a few times, however I'd go to pick one up who looked absolutely dead, and he'd twitch. Thank god for the labyrinth organ! Put them back in the tank and they'd be just fine.

 

[IThinkTherefore]

The five gallon tank, as Pate mentioned, is the best option for a betta

While betta can survive in bowls, they are more prone to illness and disease. One major problem is the inability to control temperature. They need to be at around 78 degrees. While there are small heaters available, there aren't any that I know of with temperature controls. Additionally, in such a small space, hot spots can be created which can overheat and kill your fish.

The second problem, as you mentioned, is cycling. It takes a 5 gallon tank to hold a reliable cycle, although it can possibly be attempted in a 2.5 gallon. With a small bowl, the ammonia will build up quickly, and must be reduced with constant 100% water changes. Big changes cause stress and big pH swings.

Can a Betta Live in A Bowl? | Tropical Fish Central

The second point people tend to bring up is that bettas don't like big spaces. That's simply untrue - what they dislike is open spaces. A tank with fake or live plants would give the betta plenty of cover, as well as warmth and fresh clean water


The tanks you posted links to range in price from 22 to 42 dollars: here are a few more cute 5s in that price range :0)
Amazon.com: Marineland Eclipse Seamless Integrated Aquarium System, 5 Gallons, Corner: Kitchen & Dining
Amazon.com: Mini Bow Desktop Kit Aquarium - 5 gallon - Blue: Kitchen & Dining

 

[Kiara1125]

Yes, 5 gallons would be best. I'm so in love with my female Betta, that I'm going to get a 5 gallon aquarium kit and put a male in there.

 

[Denther]

I have 2.5 gallon MiniBow that my betta is in. He loves that tank. If you were to go that route get a Hydor Mini Heater to go with it. I have one of those it keeps my water right at about 80. The heater does fluctuate with the room temperature so if you keep your room temp above 75 you should keep an eye on the temp.

As for the 1 gallon MiniBow I'd be worried about that because the filter is the same as the one in the 2.5g. It would pretty much block half of the light at least and the current may be too strong in that small of a space. Bigger is better obviously but you won't regret getting a MiniBow.

(if you do get the MiniBow, I recommend a fluorescent bulb for it. Found at Walmart for around 5-7 dollars.)

Good luck with the betta!

 

[IThinkTherefore]

A cool, simple and cheap filter flow reducer:
DIY Filter Blast Annihilator!

 

[MyFishyTank]

i have a betta fish myself, my cousin gave it to me in a little bowl. it looked sad so i bought a 10 gallon tank got 2 fake plants and one real, it has a filter in it, and it has some other friends which are two snails. To get to my point, they dont like being in them little bowls it is bad for them and it is just full of desieses, You dont have to have a filter. but i would rather have one just my oppinion.