Wow, I didn't expect so many replies! Thank you all for your input, I find it all very useful. I agree that there isn't really too big of a tank for a betta, although I know it really depends on the individual fish. It's also nice to hear personal stories as examples, so I can consider what the outcome could be. I'm debating putting Link into a twenty gallon long, with lots of plants and caves (fake plants, I'm not confident enough to try live) since he seems to always make use of all the space in his ten gallon.
My bettas that have a 6.6 to themselves seem really happy - except now I had to put 1 platy in each tank (I know that is weird but it's a long story and I can't have more platy babies .. I too took bad advice online and now wish I never got any tankmates for my bettas.) I have one in a 5.5 and he seems happy, and I have 2 in a divided 10 gallon. All seem happy though I really like giving them each a 6.6 gallon long tank if I could do that.
I have one guy in a 2.5 and I am going to switch him to an extra 5 gallon because that 2.5 just doesn't seem right. At least he has a filter though.
I've seen my betta flare at my mts briefly before moving on. I dont think he's too aggressive. But he does track down mosquito larvae like a real hunter, so I guess I'll find out his communal compatibility after I introduce him to the 10g
Interesting that this has come up..I am in the process of getting a 55 gal donated to me, but I cannot see having it divided with 5-6 times for each betta, like 10gals each..for all that room, I would like to do a nice full tank, but I want more bettas so in all actuality, I would not go bigger than a divided 20..because even tho, yes, they love the room, and it's good for them, I think having a big tank over 20 gal for one or 2 betta's doesn't make sense..
I have a new betta in a 5.5 and he has seems agitated. I'm wondering if it is too large an area, or is he just "patrolling" the new area. I'm considering covering the back and sides with dark paper to see if he relaxes a bit. Hmmmm, good question!
Bettas have huge territories in the wild...
but I would imagine that bettas prefer some hidey-holes to snooze or poke around in for safety.
One day I plan on having a single male betta and a bunch of shrimp in a tank that covers an entire wall....
Yea, I can definitely see where it would seem like it doesn't make sense to have one betta in a huge tank, but like it has been said, wild bettas have tons of room! Links' tank would definitely be getting lots of cover (his ten gallon is full of plants and hideys) but I'll have to see. PaintingPintos that sounds AMAZING! That would certainly be one very lucky betta.
imo, a tank can be too TALL. as Mr. V said, bettas come from shallow water. they have to go to the surface to breath, so a tall tank will make that hard on them. :U especially with all that extra finnage.
Bettas have huge territories in the wild...
but I would imagine that bettas prefer some hidey-holes to snooze or poke around in for safety.
One day I plan on having a single male betta and a bunch of shrimp in a tank that covers an entire wall....
Wow..that is impressive, I was trying to picture what 2-3 betta's would like in a 3foot long tank..they'd get lost, they would look soo small..
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