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Betta Fish: Too big.


This is a 21Litre, 5.5 gallon.
I have one single betta there as he is kind of aggressive. It feels like it is too big for a single betta. You can see the reflection of the betta on the right side for size scale.

I always read it should be 5 gallon minimum but do everyone actually follow this guideline ? Do they really benefit from at least 5 gallon ? What are your personal experiences, not read ups.



https://v.redd.it/alksexz9j1xf1

Posted by YubabaGold

20 Comments

  1. sprouts_n_doubts on

    This is a good enough space for her. Add more plants if you can, she’ll definitely enjoy them

  3. CalmLaugh5253 on

    Too big? No. But definitely too empty. This is a fish that thrives in heavily planted dimly lit setups. Your tank unfortunately doesnt offer any of it.

    Edit: also looking at the debris being blown around, the filter flow is possibly also too strong.

  5. BeezBreeze on

    Is that really 5 gallons? I have a 10 and my betta takes up way more room in it than that. Is she just a baby???

  6. Hot-Bed-8157 on

    5 gallons is the minimum and I don’t think it looks too big at all. Your fish looks young, and the tank would benefit from being heavily planted including more floating plants. He will grow larger, and likely use the space more when he feels more comfortable with more plants and overhead cover.

    I have a senior betta with a tumor in a 3 gallon so it’s easier for him to get around, but that’s the only reason I’d go smaller than 5-10 gallons personally.

  8. Thyves_Jade on

    What do you even mean “benefit” from at least 5 gallon? Of course they do. They deserve to live in a comfortable space, they like swimming around and exploring. The “I’m adding other stuff slowly so he won’t get bored” concept is problematic too, just get more plants for him please 💀

  10. Melinda_bp on

    Def not too big! I think if you spread stuff out a bit and give him some stuff to hang out in near the top he’ll be very happy! Honestly, I consider 10gal to be the minimum for adult bettas so I would be prepared to upgrade in the future. The plants are beautiful tho and it’s great that you’re looking to experienced owners instead of just googling the “minimum requirements” which are often misleading. I’ve found that my bettas like having lush plants to look through and rest on, obviously some access to the surface for breathing, and a change of scenery every so often since they’re very curious lil guys. Hope this helps!

  11. Ready_Driver5321 on

    Your tank is lovely. Def not too big. 5g is a minimum footprint for quality of life. Yes, they can survive in smaller but truly flourish w larger footprints (long over tall since they’re labyrinth breathers). Even smaller flow filters might need a little baffling for current.

    Glad to see you’re planning on adding plants for environmental enrichment. It will also lessen stress from reflection etc. All mine truly do enjoy heavy planting. Floaters help dim light to prevent excess algae is you elect longer light periods and give them fun places to lurk.

    I have one who likes to play in plants, one who lays in plants, and another who judges from plants.

    High level anubias or swords etc give great resting places near the top for easy air access. Something like a stroodie bubble would probably be very appreciated. Mine like that plus floater roots to give them their own personal cave.

    This is my smallest tank, a 7g. My smallest betta right now. Falkor def appreciates his plants.

    https://preview.redd.it/y4d11hhf92xf1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cb523a42aa67e0ecc8537b6d4c558deb0846223f

  14. Appropriate-Horse309 on

    You need more in your tank to keep your fish interested in it’s surroundings.

    Yes 5gal tank is the advised minimum sized tank for keeping fish in.

    The reasons for this is for the health of the fish, the smaller the tank you have, the harder it is to keep your water parameters within safe limits, with a small 1-4gal tank, a parameter spike will happen very suddenly and this is often not noticed until it is too late, bacteria growth can also affect the smaller tank within a couple of hours, again affecting your fish with fin rot, bacterial infections etc.

    With a larger tank holding a lot more water, spikes, ammonia and Ph levels etc happen slower allowing you time between your water tests to catch any parameter changes.

    If your ammonia levels suddenly spike very quickly, your fish will become sick very quick, With more water this reaction is a lot slower, giving you the chance to fix things before serious damage is done.

  15. Mostropi on

    Put some fast growing plant like water wisteria, it would become a nice little jungle for him to continue exploring.

  16. petersb89 on

    Definitely not too big maybe just rearrange the plants and rocks. If you put tall plants closer to the back and sides (or add more) it will block him from seeing his reflection. He also could use resting spots at the top of the tank like a hammock or log. I have my male in a 5 gallon and my female who never stops moving in a 10. Even though she’s much smaller she utilizes the entire tank where my male is more chill and likes being in his hideouts

  17. Few-Respond3104 on

    https://preview.redd.it/janxfh1dk2xf1.png?width=1290&format=png&auto=webp&s=0c9e2c004a74b40fdd4e956f83e5d0579ecd2aee

    This is Sailor. He has only been with me for a little while. He lives in a heavily planted 29 gallon. My last betta lived almost five years in this tank with just a few snails… with enough space it’s been amazing to watch the personalities expressed and colors/health develop. I started years ago with bettas and only had five gallon tank but now I’d never put one in anything under ten gallons, to each their own but watching bettas thrive is amazing. It’s not your typical betta tank but already Sailor looks great, acts out and has definitely begun to thrive. Good luck with your setup. I’m sure you’ll get it fixed up with some more plants etc after all the advice and support you get here 🫶🏼

  18. City_Witch98 on

    They absolutely benefit from a larger space. I have a 5 gallon right now(currently empty as I’m trying to get substrate and plants), but eventually I want to get a 10 gallon and use my 5 gallon for brine shrimp as a food source!

  20. SingleDealer4940 on

    https://preview.redd.it/fjjad6sjr2xf1.jpeg?width=3088&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d69e75fbe2be1d0ca132c025117abd3681e31730

    the bigger i’ve gone with my bettas, the better they’ve done. Two of my friends have also owned a lot of bettas and they have a similar experience but also some bettas do prefer smaller tanks. I have my one in a 20 gallon long and he is a dumbo half moon, he’s glorious and the biggest fish in the tank. After seeing him in that size of a tank, I can’t imagine going smaller unless they needed it. I always heavily plant my tanks so there’s plenty of places for him to rest if he chooses to.

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