Quick Question about Happy Betta in Smaller Tank?

[ArcticRain]

I recently upgraded Mr. Plum into a five gallon tank. He never made bubble nests and never seemed to fully enjoyed all the swimming space. Even with all the plants and hiding spots he just didn't seem happy.
I had to move him into his 2.5 gallon QT tank for some TLC from a heater malfunction and when I woke up this morning their was a huge bubble nest around the plant I put in there! When I lifted the lid to try and take a picture most of it popped and he looked so mad at me. Oops! Anyway, since he made a bubble nest (which he hadn't done since moving into the 5g) and since he seems a much happier. Should I make the 2.5 gallon his permeant home?
Thanks!

[dramaqueen]

I don't see any reason why not. :)

[Oldfishlady]

As much as the other member hate for me to say this.....a lot of times the heavy fin males will be....or do better in smaller tanks especially without water movement......we like to see our fish in larger space because this makes us feel better and we feel they should feel better too with all this space to swim and explore.....we have to remember that this is a domesticated fish with abnormally/unnatural long heavy fins not found in the wild and most of these males have never been in space much larger than 1gal and by placing them in larger spaces most...not all mind you....just don't feel secure with this space and can be stressful on them and wear them out having to carry the long heavy fins around in all the space.......
This is based on my opinion/experience and observation of years of keeping this species as well as forums with many member that have so many fin issue once they place their long heavy fin male in larger tanks especially with filters........

[Pucky21811]

I've had a similar experience, but even more drastic. Until I can get out to buy a bigger Kritter Keeper, my HMCT Puck is living in a 1 gal tank. When I put him in his .5 gal hospital tank he blew nest bubbles; something he has never done in the 1gal. I think .5 is really tiny, but maybe I should put more decorations in? Oh well, anyway, I'm having the same issue. And OFL, thank you for reassuring me as well.

[Pitluvs]

Originally Posted by Oldfishlady

As much as the other member hate for me to say this.....a lot of times the heavy fin males will be....or do better in smaller tanks especially without water movement......we like to see our fish in larger space because this makes us feel better and we feel they should feel better too with all this space to swim and explore.....we have to remember that this is a domesticated fish with abnormally/unnatural long heavy fins not found in the wild and most of these males have never been in space much larger than 1gal and by placing them in larger spaces most...not all mind you....just don't feel secure with this space and can be stressful on them and wear them out having to carry the long heavy fins around in all the space.......
This is based on my opinion/experience and observation of years of keeping this species as well as forums with many member that have so many fin issue once they place their long heavy fin male in larger tanks especially with filters........

This +100 ^^ I keep my males in smaller tanks, 1.5g-3.3g. I'd never go above this, for the reasons stated by OFL :)

So yes, if he's quite content with the 2.5g, leave him there :)

[ArcticRain]

Ok, thank you guys! He will be staying in the 2.5 gallon from now on! More water changes for me but, oh well! Maybe I will be awarded with more bubble nests!
And Thank you OFL for the info!!

[bastage]

I definitely agree that the 5 gallon minimum myth is just a myth.. Some fish aren't going to prefer that, while others flat out don't want to be in a 5 gallon tank. My Males tanks range from a 2 gallon Petco hex to a 7.9 gallon Fluval Flora with the majority being in ~4-5 in my divided 20 long. The most important thing is to make sure the water is good & that the fish stay's happy & if they dont seem happy then try something else.

[Tikibirds]

If it makes him happy then go for it or you can try jam packing the bigger tank with stuff. Lots of things to hide in may make him more secure.

I though bubble nests were just a mark of territory and that they don't really mean the betta is happy...

[ArcticRain]

Tikibirds- Yes, I think that is true. I also think they make
bubble nests when their ready to breed. It's just the fact that he made them all the time in the smaller tank but, never in the big one.

[newarkhiphop]

Originally Posted by Oldfishlady

As much as the other member hate for me to say this.....a lot of times the heavy fin males will be....or do better in smaller tanks especially without water movement......we like to see our fish in larger space because this makes us feel better and we feel they should feel better too with all this space to swim and explore.....we have to remember that this is a domesticated fish with abnormally/unnatural long heavy fins not found in the wild and most of these males have never been in space much larger than 1gal and by placing them in larger spaces most...not all mind you....just don't feel secure with this space and can be stressful on them and wear them out having to carry the long heavy fins around in all the space.......
This is based on my opinion/experience and observation of years of keeping this species as well as forums with many member that have so many fin issue once they place their long heavy fin male in larger tanks especially with filters........

best advice ive read on here.