My betta pefers to live in a bowl

[Bombalurina]

+1 to LBF (as usual!). A fish isn't worried about the extra water volume, after all, they're worried about the open space. After all, to their little fishy brains, open space = places a predator can spot them. Shelter is safety. :)

Nothing strictly wrong with a 1.5 gal, of course, as long as water quality is good. :)

I want a betta room. :(

[Luimeril]

i think it requires the right amount of cover and trying again.

my PK gal freaked out and stressed so bad when i first put her in her 2 gallon, that she got ick.

did it again when i tried out the 1.5

i, like you, thought she liked her one gallon, over a bigger tank.

but, i tried it again, putting more plants, and now she lives happily in her 2 gallon. the problem may be, you didn't add enough plants. tall, short, floating.... enough plants, and he'll be happy. baffling the filter might help, too. HMs tail bite if they can't handle the current.

[nursethalia]

You should change his name to Thoreau, as he's clearly a minimalist! :) I'm glad he's happy again. I think bettas are a lot like people - we all have our preferences. Some of us like large open spaces, others prefer the comfort and safety of a cozy room.