Regular Bowl

[Zeus]

So I needed a small bowl for my betta Zeus. He is in a little tetra bowl now, and has no filter. He has a light and it is open on top so he can get air. Is it bad not to have a filter? Its just him.

[ChristinaRoss]

they can live without a filter although its better to have one. so make sure you change his water 2-3 times a week so the ammonia doesnt build up and he ends up burned or poisoned

[dramaqueen]

A filter isn't necessary but helps to keep the water clean. I would recommend a larger container to keep him in. If you could get a 2 or 2.5 gallon container, that would be great. But I understand if you can't, being in a dorm room.

[Zeus]

Okay, sounds good. Thats what I've been doing since his water gets cloudy after a few days. Do you recommend plants or hiding spots? I only have little stones at the bottom now, and a sign for him.

[kelly528]

What I recommend is all that, plus a heater pronto! It's a real shame, but as you have probably already found out, pet stores will tell you anything to make a buck. Could you imagine how their sales would drop if they told people that bettas need all the conditions of a regular aquarium fish?!

This care sheet is a good place to start: http://www.fishforum.com/betta-fish-...are-faq-20058/

PS. I had my Lou in a bowl in college last year... He was so much more fun to watch when he got a whole tank to himself! Plus, as a college student you really can't afford to be cleaning his water every three days and buying all the medication he needs when he contracts illnesses from being in bad conditions.

[ChristinaRoss]

live plants would be awesome. itll help the water quality as well.

[Jynx]

i'd say your biggest immediate prob is that your bowl has no lid- betta jump out of their bowls ALL THE TIME - so consider finding a way to cover it when you're away without totally blocking the air- but he's a very nice fish- it's good that you're taking the time to research how to look after him

[veganchick]

Originally Posted by Jynx

i'd say your biggest immediate prob is that your bowl has no lid- betta jump out of their bowls ALL THE TIME - so consider finding a way to cover it when you're away without totally blocking the air- but he's a very nice fish- it's good that you're taking the time to research how to look after him

I agree!
buy your profile pic, it looks like one of those half gallon bowls that is sold just about everwhere now! I would reccomend doing a 100% water change every other day in a tank that size. Put him in a warm area of the house, unless you are willing to look around for a half gallon heater, which is a lot of work!

[Zeus]

Thank you all for the tips. I'm going to look into plants and possibly (with my next paycheck) a bigger tank.

[dramaqueen]

Sounds good!