Am I an Idiot????

[cajunmomof4]

Both my bettas are in two gallon jobbies. I use DIY sponge filters made from a fish food container. Here is the link. http://aquarticles.com/articles/mana...ge_Filter.html

They work really well. I used the clear plastic tubes from some old tanks like yours (the triangle ones) If you have the same airpump as came with mine (round and grey) those are adjustable, just twist to lower the output.

If you like I can post a picture of mine.

[It'sJames]

I've seen those little triangular betta "tanks" for sale. I personally think that bettas need a little more swimming room. I have one of my females in a 5 gallon (my other bettas are in a 28 gallon), and she is always swimming all over the tank. I'm not saying you have to go out and buy some elaborate tank setup, but 2.5 gallons is usually considered the minimum for bettas. Plus, a slighty bigger tank means less maintanance, and allows the tank to cycle. Keeping bettas is little bowls for their entire lives is like keeping a cat locked in a cage for it's life... a cat could live in a cage, but it wouldn't be happy, or as healthy as it could be.

Two and a half gallon tanks are less than ten dollars at any pet store. Walmart sells a 5 gallon Eclipse with built in light and filter for $28. It's a nice system, and it'll last forever. I know you don't want to buy a new tank right now, but it might be a good investment later on. :D

I agree about the snail, they produce tons of waste. You'd have to do more water changes with a snail.

[kender42]

Thanks for all the advise guys. I don't see a new tank in my future anytime soon. I'm trying to ask for as little as possible lately so that my parents will let me go to Ireland in October to see my sister have her baby. So I don't think I can ask for a new tank or really any accutramints but my dad's a model airplane guy and is good at making and fixing stuff so I might see about that filter. I figured with a subject like that I might actually get people to read and reply to my forum. Apparently I was right. :D

[Flashygrrl]

At the very least get the heater and a better filter for him. It's not fair to Mr. Betta otherwise, is it?

[JMeenen]

I don't intend to sound mean here but this is one of my "pet" peaves..If you don't have time for pets and I strongly believe that fish ARE pets...don't get them if you can't take care of them.

[1077]

Tell your dad you will wash his truck or car for a month if he,ll spring for the larger tank. Tell mom you,ll help with the laundry. If you are already doing these ,Tell em you,ll report them for child abuse if they don,t. :D

[kender42]

He's still alive isn't he? Obviously I'm taking enough care of him. I understand the pet peeve but I do take care of him just not as carefully as everyone else on this site. I'm doin' my dangest and that's all I can do. Obviously I spend time with my pets. I have many as I previously stated and I never said fish weren't pets. You drew that one out of thin air. I also believe my corgis and my gerbils are pets. (although the corgis would disagree) I love him and I do my best but I'm not exactly experienced (he's my first fish) so what more is there?

[kender42]

Did I not mention IRELAND???? As much as I love the fish I think I love my sister more. But you did make me laugh. :D :P

[JMeenen]

Like I said...If you knew you were going to IRELAND you should NOT have got a Betta ..I am sticking to my origional thought ..Sorry if I offened you but...Oh well

[JMeenen]

It just may be that you have answered your own question.....