Thinking about getting a betta

[Cyrmu]

Hi. I have been thinking about getting a betta, I think they are fabulous fish and would really like to own one. The only problem is, is that I dont really have the money to buy expensive equipment. I have been doing research today and read quite a few times that bettas can be kept in bowls without heaters as long as the water is chlorine free and changed weekly. Could I do this?

Thanks

[Kittles]

It all depends.

How big is the bowl? This would determine how often a water change would have to be performed. 2.5 Gallons is usually recommended, and even then you'd still be doing ~2 water changes a week. You'll also need water conditioner.

How warm is your environment? This would determine whether a heater is needed or not. Betta's are tropical fish and thrive in warmer temperatures from 76º-82ºF that are stable. So unless your house is a furnace, a heater is recommended.

As far as expenses, you can find an appropriately sized tank and heater on craigslist, aquabid, walmart or any other local pet store for a reasonable price. Fishkeeping isn't cheap and you'll have to invest a bit to provide adequately.

[Mitsufishi]

Originally Posted by Cyrmu

Hi. I have been thinking about getting a betta, I think they are fabulous fish and would really like to own one. The only problem is, is that I dont really have the money to buy expensive equipment. I have been doing research today and read quite a few times that bettas can be kept in bowls without heaters as long as the water is chlorine free and changed weekly. Could I do this?

Thanks

a "BOWL" would probably need to have daily water changes. When you say expensive what does that mean to you? I got a 2.5 with the filter, and cartriages, and a light all for 19.00 at walmart. A thermometer was only 1.50. You can slowly get a heater and decorative stuff

[Cyrmu]

Anything over £40 I guess would be expensive. From what Kittles said I assumed a heater is vital.

[Mitsufishi]

A heater is essential, I only paid 6dollars for my heater though. so total

19-tank w filter and light(came with food and conditioner)
1.50- thermomter
6-heater

26.50 to get me started and good for a few months

After that I upgraded to betta pellets, stress coat as my conditioner.

[Kittles]

Well, colder temperatures do stress them out. Hence, why you never see a lively betta at your pet store when contained in those 2 pint cups.

EDIT - There's a Walmart Tetra heater that several members use for their smaller tanks. I can only imagine it being ~10 dollars. Does Walmart exist in Europe? Should you be unable to purchase that, there is also the Hydor Mini Heater which I've used and kept the tank 78º.

[Cyrmu]

No we dont have a Walmart in the UK but I'm sure I could find all the equipment for a reasonable price some place.

Are betta fish difficult to take care of? also from researching I read that Betta fish can't live together or with other fish that are colourful and have long fins. Is this true?

[Kittles]

Mm, yes. Male bettas cannot live together as they are incredibly aggressive towards each other. The only way to house bettas together would be single a male and female specifically for breeding, or an all female sorority - but even then the risk of conflict is still present.

As for the brightly colored fish, some do tend to agitate or provoke bettas. Depends entirely on your fish's personality.

[Cyrmu]

So buying a male and a female at the same time for the same tank would be a real bad decision? lol

[Kittles]

I'd say so. Apparently females can become pretty aggressive themselves and will shred the male.