betta in vase

[amp7594]

if i want to keep a betta in a vase how often should the water be changed and how much? and is there anything else i have to do? I know its not recommended but what can i do to make it work i have a nice vase and plant i want to use

[Malvolti]

You would need to:
1) Measure how much water is IN the vase, if it is less than 1 gallon you should get a bigger one. And I don't mean the vase can hold 1 gallon, I mean 1 gallon of actual water after decorations and things.
2) Get a heater, bettas need warm water.
3) Make sure the vase doesn't get too narrow at the top or that you keep the water below the narrow neck, Bettas need a lot of surface area to breathe. If they can't they will drown.
4) change all of the water at least every two days.

Hope this helps!

[amp7594]

ok thanks any other opinions i dont disagree with malvolti but i like to know what every1 thinks

[Tomsk]

I think Malvolti covered it all really.
2.5G seems to be the minimum size agreed by a lot of owners (I personally prefer a 5G).
The smaller the tank/vase then the more frequent the water changes need to be (some may require 100% water changes every 2 days).
Heaters help keep a constant temp in the water (not fluctuating during the evenings/nights).
As Bettas breathe from the surface of the water they need somewhere to breathe with clean air.

Tomsk

[Malvolti]

More opinions are always good. I think you'll find that the prevailing opinion around here is that Bettas need 2+gallons of water, heated.

People tend to get sensitive with the word "vase", it brings to mind a small cramped thing crowded with plants. It may be better to call it a "Decorative container" or "Designer Aquarium" with a semi-aquatic plant addition.

Really the form of the aquarium doesn't matter as long as it has at least 1 gallon of swimming space (many say 2 but most breeders use 1 and their fish are happy and healthy) and a heater.

[bettafish15]

I think a vase is fine as long as he has at least a gallon of swimming space. 2+ is prefered by most, including me however. Make sure the plant doesnt cover much of the surface area, and that he has a place to hide. Water changes every couple days are best. He should be kept at 78-83F. :D

[FuulieQ]

I basically agree with Malvoti. If you want an easier setup, I would go at least 2.5 gallon tank, with 5 gallon being even easier, and stuff it with plants.

If you want something pretty, there are things you can do with planted tanks that look spectacular. Personally, mine requires very minimal upkeep and I think it looks great. If I had more money I'd buy a suspended lighting fixture and let the plants grow out of the top (many of them flower when out of the water) but I'm cheap. :P

[BlueHaven]

I agree with the 2.5 gallons and up to 5.
Any less just seems too small, I have noticed that all 3 of my fish have loved their 3-5 gallon homes.

[AngelicScars]

I agree with everyone, I don't think you are going to get much of a difference as far as opinions.

[amp7594]

thanks every1 i just fiqured that the thing they live in at petco, a vase would be an "upgrade"