Pet stores encouraging small bowls?

[JadeAngel]

I was surfing the web for betta photos, and opened a pet store's website because of an interesting photo they had showing how they got their bettas from the wholesale providers.

So I thought, that's interesting to actually SEE how a petstore can receive them from abroad. Then the killer... they actually wrote (and the photo is from their website... it's not mine)

<<<<<"LA Since they came in these tiny bags, you know you can keep them in bowls.Several companies make "betta bowls."
Small Containers. Bettas need little room because they breathe air. Unfortunately, most small containers pose heating problems. You can find “betta barracks“ that attach to the inside of your community tank with suction cups. These house up to four bettas. Small 21/2 gallon tanks divide into three separate compartments and will accept small heaters and filters. Metal-framed seven-compartment “betta tanks“ used to be quite common. You rarely see these anymore -- except in garage sales.">>>>>

Then in a logo on the top of the page they say "one per tank please"

Someone commented that their article was cruel, and they answered that "tiny bowls are only meant as temporary homes" in the bottom. But they are encouraging people to house them permanently like this and say no where that permanent housing should be spacious.

What's with this kind of business practice? Often times it seems like pet store employees are just ignorant, but what about people like this that clearly are aware that bettas need more space... but still encourage small bowls?

I really wish they would make a size limit on fish bowls :( at least nothing smaller than half a gallon should be sold as a fish bowl... and I certainly hope they stop advertising tanks of less than a gallon as "betta bowls"

I think that's the only way people are going to learn that tiny bowls are not acceptable

[Sivan]

I know this website and it has been criticized for years. The owner of the site does not take kindly to criticism and like-minded people support him. It is a fact that stores do push betta bowls and tiny containers. This is because it is easier and more profitable.

Now you may think to yourself, "Wait? Isn't it better for the stores to sell larger tanks that cost more money with expensive equipment like heaters? Won't they profit more?" While it is true that the short-term profit would be greater, the long-term profit will be less. This is because most people who buy fish do it out of impulse rather than because they researched how to care for the animal. Most people associate feeding and cleaning water as the only ways to care for a betta or any fish, so the extra work of learning how to cycle or merely keep chemical conditions correct in a tank is disregarded. Most people also do not want to have large tanks because smaller ones are more manageable for space and look better because they can be used as decor.

Because of these reasons, more people are willing to buy a $10 1/2-gallon tank than a $15 2.5 gallon. You can sell more cheap products than expensive products. They sell quicker, allow for impulse buys, and fuel the myth that these fish need so little in order to continue future quick sales.

[JadeAngel]

In my opinion, larger tanks are more easy to maintain. I mean you put much more money into them... but small bowls would have to be changed very frequently or the water gets dirty (if they are using them as decoration, dirty water is just unpleasant to look at aside from how bad it is for the fish). Daily changes instead of weekly? I'll stick with my 5 gallon tanks... in reality, it's much better for a lazy person like me, lol.

I just find it hilarious how he says you can put them in super tiny containers... but in the top says only 1 per tank... then he says he means they are only temporary... then says he agrees that they should have more space... and later goes on to agree that they don't need any space at all. The guy doesn't even know what HE thinks, lol.

As I explained it... if prison mates couldn't talk or cry, what you'd see is someone who lives in a tiny room, sleeps, eats, gets exercise, and is still able to breed given the chance (ok, tried to word that well, haha) Does that mean they are happy about their tiny cell?

I'd like to see HIM live in a room that he can only take 2 steps in... and not leave it for a few months. I'd like to see how he enjoys that }

[Luimeril]

there are laws in the UK about size limits on tanks. i think it's nothing smaller than a gallon? 8I i wish those laws would be passed here in the states, but.... :I

[LadyVictorian]

Because the UK has their shiz down. They also have stronger laws on rodent care in petshops and how they are treated. T.T I do want to move to the UK eventually, compaired to America they care more about animals.

[Sivan]

I lived in the UK for half a year and was very imprssed with how England kept betta fish in a betta barracks system rather than cups, despite that meant less fish for sale. That being said, I am still struggling to find the law that specifically states that fish tanks under 1 gallon are illegal. Rather, I have found the Animal Welfare Act 2006 that states a proper size home must be given to all species and that cages too small for an animal to live to its life comfortably are illegal. I believe this set the precedent for no tanks less than 1 gallon, unless somebody can correct me and send me the law that specifically states no tanks under 1 gallon. Rome has banned goldfish bowls, though, so that is also progress.

The UK's RSPCA also is against the use of fish tanks that hold less than 1 gallon of water as is Australia's RSPCA. On the same note, the UK banned the practice of giving away goldfish as prizes WITH THE EXCEPTION of at carnivals/fairs due to extensive lobbying.

[ChoclateBetta]

Wow, what website are you all talking about? If anyone ever tries to tell me there half gallon fish is happier and healthier than my Male in his ten gallon. I will annoy them a lot.

[JadeAngel]

I don't recall exactly which, and I'm not in my best mind to go searching... but I'm sure you could find it easily by copying and pasting any key phrase from what I quoted in google... normally that works

[KevinPham123]

I just went on that website and my oh my, the guys got it all wrong... so so wrong...

[ChoclateBetta]

Originally Posted by KevinPham123

I just went on that website and my oh my, the guys got it all wrong... so so wrong...

What is the name of the website I am dying to know.