Tropical Fish Forums

Corkiddy · Members Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Location: Michigan

Hi there, I've recently been thinking of maybe getting a betta, but I know it definitely would not like my community tank, seeing as the current may be too strong for him and the gouramis wouldn't get along with him. So, I was thinking maybe of getting a second, smaller tank... around 2.5g or 5g. This is my question: Do bettas need to live in an already cycled tank? I know you can't just plop them in the water right away, but if people keep them in bowls, that water definitely isn't cycled. So my guess would be no, but I am just curious Smile

I would love to take care of a betta and would like to make him as comfortable as possible in his new home if I were to get one! [/I]
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Dave51 · New Members Joined: 13 Feb 2003

Simple answer is no, but the correct answer is yes. Many fish can be added to a non cycled tank and survive, though you know you should not do it. At least buy some type of Cycle product and give your tank a week or two weeks to cycle your tank fishless. As you said you want your betta to be as comfortable as possible and since you already have a tank use some of that water and filter material and it will not take long at all to cycle it correctly.

Corkiddy · Members Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Location: Michigan

Ah! I never thought of using the water I already have! Duh... thanks a bunch! And would some kind of filter, like an undergravel filter, be OK to use (would it not produce much if any current)?
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"color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the piano with the strings" - - wassily kandinsky

Dave51 · New Members Joined: 13 Feb 2003

really depends how strong a pump you have attached to it. Also since you plan to use that don't forget to transfer a handful of gravel

Corkiddy · Members Joined: 30 Dec 2006 Location: Michigan

Thanks for the great tips! Now I really have to decide about this betta... Laughing

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"color is the keyboard, the eyes are the hammer, the soul is the piano with the strings" - - wassily kandinsky

Bob · Moderators Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Location: UK

If you really want to get the best out of a male Betta, I would go for a larger tank, of about 10 gallons (even larger is better), with plants and some good tankmates, like a shoal of Glowlights or some bottom dwellers like Cory's.

I know that keeping Betta's in small tanks is a long held practice in the US, but they do look better in a bigger tank, and I doubt a 10 gallon would cost any more than a small one.

Bob

Shai · Regulars Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Location: Calgary, AB

I also recommend getting at least a 10g for a betta. I have one in a 10g with an AquaClear mini as a filter. The fish does very well, swims actively, and enjoys exploring the tank as a whole. Right now he has some shrimp for company and soon I will be adding in some other tankmates.

I also have a betta in a 55g (he used to be in the 10g with a small school of neons) and he is doing well also! He's become a strong swimmer and likes to prowl the tank, swimming through holes in the driftwood and through the plants.

Using water from an existing tank won't really make a difference. The nitrifying bacteria do not free-float in the water; they grow on surfaces like gravel and the sponge in the filter.
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