Comments on: Which is best in the long run?

By: Aquella

Aquella — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

That’s about 6 of one, 1/2 dozen of the other.
If you could get heat and filtration in the bowl somehow, I’d go with that option, though bowls are horrible all around for any fish, due to the round shape and insufficient surface area.
Though the 1.5 gallon would have a filter, it’s not really safe to heat such small spaces, so that wouldn’t be a good option either. And, of course, the fish wouldn’t have any room to swim.
Hm.
I’d point your friend in the direction of craigslist or the like, and see if she’ll consider a used 5+ gallon if she can get it at a good price.
Good luck, and thanks for caring!

By: Abbie;

Abbie; — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

filtration is more imporant they are hardy fish so will be happy from 19 c anyway but the filter will prevent ammonia which will definatly kill the betta fast and if it withstands it give it diseases. have filter run a week then add fish., feed bloodworms do a 20 percent waterchange weekly. make sure its dechloriantor water or it will burn the fish and prevent filter working as it should.

By: Gary C

Gary C — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

With fish tanks, bigger is always better.
You are right that she neets a heater.
You can get by without a filter, if you change the water often (let’s say at least twice a week). Since bettas can breathe air, they really don’t need any artifical aeration, either.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

that is a hard question.
you really need both but if I had to choose I would say the bigger tank simply because it would be hard to heat the smaller tank to the correct temp.(you would have overheating problems) and you can always do more water changes to make up for the filter

By: Little Mermaid

Little Mermaid — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

In my opinion, more space with with no filter is better in the long run.

Bettas can live without filters, but they probably won’t live as long. My mom’s brother had a betta fish that lived without a filter and only survived for about a year. In my opinion, space is a very important factor when it comes to fish keeping. Besides bettas can live around a good year or so without a filter (as long as there is frequent water changes).

If your friend just saved her money for a little while she could probably spare 30 bucks to buy a 5 gallon tank that comes with a filter at walmart. Then buy a heater that costs about 10 bucks at walmart. Then she could have a healthy and happy betta!

By: Ianab

Ianab — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:12:31 +0000

Bigger is better. I would rig up some sort of air powered filter in the bowl. A little sponge filter and a heater will make the 4 gallon bowl into a nice betta home.

The problem with bowls isn’t the shape, it’s the small size and lack of filtering / heating. Fix those problems, and you have a cheap version of the BiOrb.

Ian