Some people appreciate the concept of keeping bettas in bowls, similar to the traditional “goldfish in a bowl” setup. However, these days even goldfish are offered with the advice of a filtered aquarium. It frequently isn’t fair to the betta (or the goldfish), and if carried out improperly, it is animal cruelty. Can Betta Fish Live In A Bowl, then?
Since betta fish are endemic to Southeast Asian stagnant rice paddies and can withstand small spaces, they can potentially exist in a bowl. The fish may have poor water quality and unsuitable living conditions as a result of residing in a bowl, though. Because a bowl lacks a filtration mechanism, waste materials and uneaten food will accumulate in the water, increasing the levels of dangerous ammonia and lowering the oxygen content of the water, making it challenging for the fish to survive.
Although bettas are thought of as sturdy fish and can, generally speaking, withstand harsh conditions, it doesn’t mean that they appreciate it. It would not be comfortable over the long term, in the same way that you could exist in a room with no glass and only enough room for a single bed.
Despite the fact that these fish may theoretically thrive in a bowl, it’s vital to realize that it’s not the ideal habitat for them. This article will examine the benefits and drawbacks of bowl-keeping Betta fish in addition to offering advice on how to preserve a safe and secure environment.
Can Betta Fish Be Kept in a Bowl?
Theoretically, a Betta fish could survive in a fishbowl. However, you must ensure that everything is set up correctly. To do this, make sure the size is appropriate. You must also make sure that it has the appropriate decorations and a filtration system in place. While a fishbowl won’t ever be a Betta fish’s first choice of living space, it can be made hospitable with the right techniques.
What Sets This Apart From Keeping A Goldfish In A Bowl?
Again, there are a number of differences between maintaining your pet betta in a bowl and a bowl of goldfish. In actuality, goldfish are no longer frequently offered in bowls without filters nowadays. If you need a filter for your goldfish, any good pet store will advise you.
Because a filter will keep the fish’s water clean, the fish will remain healthy. In addition, water quality will likely decline the less water the fish are kept in, increasing the likelihood that they may become unwell. Read more here about filtration.
The little fellow will be happier with plants and decorations because bettas are clever fish that require more stimulation than simply a bowl and water. Even live plants might be placed in the aquarium if an aquarium light (LED, for instance) is chosen to be used on the bowl. A betta will be pleased with this.
Although it is feasible to add decorations, a light, and plants to a bowl, doing so will be much simpler with a square or rectangular tank.
What is Required for a Betta Fish Bowl?
It’s critical to have the right tools and set up the atmosphere while making a Betta fish bowl a suitable home. It is not sufficient to just put water in a bowl and add a Betta to assure their health and survival. The key to keeping a Betta happy and healthy is using the right fish aquarium equipment and paying close attention to the details when setting up the bowl.
Basics Of Keeping Bettas In A Bowl
The dimensions of the bowl should be taken into consideration when maintaining Betta fish in one. The fish will experience stress and a lower quality of life if their bowl is too tiny because they won’t have enough room to swim and explore. A Betta fish bowl should be at least 2-3 gallons in size.
To provide a Betta fish with a proper habitat to live in, additional equipment is required in addition to the bowl’s size. This consists of a heater to keep the water at a constant temperature, a thermometer to track the water’s temperature, and a source of light to provide the fish with enough light.
Setting up the bowl is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure that the environment is safe and healthy for your Betta fish. This includes adding a substrate to the bottom of the bowl, such as small pebbles or gravel, and adding live plants or decorations to provide hiding places and promote a natural environment.
Betta fish are sensitive to variations in temperature and light. Therefore, it’s also vital to take the bowl’s placement into account. Ideal conditions include a steady, well-lit area that is not subjected to direct sunshine or temperature changes. In conclusion, considerable thought must be given to size, setup, and equipment when keeping Betta fish in a bowl in order to provide a secure and wholesome environment for the fish.
Lowest Size
Betta fish require ongoing stimulation. This implies that they require a large amount of area to swim around in. The better, the more room. Yes. In the natural, betta fish inhabit small, shallow bodies of water, but we can bet that almost anywhere they exist, there will be a lot more water than 2.5 gallons.
Smaller fish tanks would have less water surface area, even if the swimming room weren’t a concern. For the Betta fish, breathing might be challenging as a result. In fact, smaller fish tanks are known to cause the death of Betta fish owing to an oxygen shortage.
You will require a fishbowl with a minimum of 5 gallons of water. To do this, though, can be a little challenging. This is due to the low production volume of 5-gallon fish bowls. You will therefore need to purchase a fish tank in its place.
Filter
Any fish enclosure must have a filtration system of some kind. In a small fishbowl, it assumes much greater significance.
Fish excrement is abundant. This may cause the fishbowl to start to fill with bacteria and dirt. Your fish will be forced to consume this if it is not filtered out. They might become ill if they consume it. This may result in their demise.
The fishbowl will be kept as clean as it can be for the fish thanks to a water filtering system that has been installed in it. However, it won’t completely delete anything. The fish tank will still require fairly frequent cleaning and water replacement.
Heater
Betta fish require warm water to survive. The ideal water temperature is between 75 and 80 degrees. Anything less than that will cause the Betta to become chilly. When they become chilly, a number of bodily functions begin to slow down. The immune system of a betta fish, for instance, won’t function as well in colder waters. They consequently have a higher risk of falling ill, which increases the likelihood that their lifespan will be shortened.
Air Bubbler
For a Betta fish to survive in its bowl environment, there must be sufficient oxygenation. An inadequate supply of oxygen can cause suffocation and a decline in the health and quality of life of the fish.
Most fish bowls have a narrow top that might restrict appropriate oxygen flow, making breathing challenging for the Betta. It’s critical to ensure adequate air enters the bowl because betta fish often come from confined spaces where they obtain oxygen from the water’s surface.
Lid
It’s common knowledge that betta fish will escape their tanks, especially if somehow the water is relatively shallow. This implies that the bowl needs to have a lid. We guarantee that perhaps the Bettas will ultimately jump out if there is no cover.
Keep in mind that the cover will stop other animals, such as cats or even dangerous insects, from entering the fishbowl.
Gravel
In a fishbowl, gravel is the ideal substrate to utilize. Gravel is excellent for helping to partially filter the water, i.e., it can partially but not completely aid in removing the bacteria.
The Betta fish cannot consume gravel, either. Consequently, you don’t need to be concerned about them picking food out from the bottom of the dish. There is a good likelihood that the Betta will swallow any sand that was already there. They might die as a result of this.
Also, gravel doesn’t float. This is significant because betta fish are extremely delicate creatures, especially around the fins. It implies that a renegade substrate won’t rip the fins off of your Betta.
Decorations
Intuitive fish include bettas. It follows that they require something to keep their minds active. Here, ornamentation is quite important. They are able to swim into and out of small plants. Little man-made caves. Those kinds of things.
Any decorations you place in the fishbowl should be aquarium-safe. They could kill your fish if they are not. We advise you to attempt to stay away from fake plants. This is due to the fact that wire is frequently used in their construction. Your Betta fish could suffer major harm from this. This implies that you should only pick actual plants.
Setting Up An Aquascape In A Betta Bowl
There are 6 steps in this betta bowl setup:
Find a Betta Fish Bowl
It is preferable to obtain a 3-gallon bowl or more if your objective is to produce a beautiful betta bowl aquascape. Create a planted shrimp aquarium if you can only find fish bowls that are 3 gallons or larger. It’s time to choose gravel or substrate after you have your bowl. Dark substrate contrasts beautifully with the green aquarium plants as well as with bright fish like neon tetras and koi betta fish, making it suitable for planted aquariums.
The Substrate Should Be Put Into A Mesh Filter Bag.
The next step is to cram gravel or substrate into a mesh filter bag. The mesh bag will have a layer of substrate atop it, allowing it to be filled with old gravel, tiny rocks, or any other aquarium-safe material. The mesh bag has been used to make the fish bowl’s bottom incline.
Driftwood and stones can then be placed at slightly varied heights, giving the area a more attractive and natural appearance.
Fill The Bowl With A Plant Substrate.
Take your favorite substrate right this second; I frequently combine Eco Complete and Fluval Stratum. In the fishbowl, completely enclosing the mesh bag, pour it next. Continue to add substrate until it slopes at about a 45-degree angle.
In order for plants like cryptocoryne to grow, the substrate should be at least 1/2 inch deep.
Set Your Seiryu Stones And Driftwood In Position.
Gather your hardscape (driftwood and stones that are safe for aquariums, such as Seiryu stone), and start adding them to your betta tank. Arrange your rocks and wood off-center rather than clogging up the bowl’s center. This will produce a more organic appearance.
You should arrange your pebbles and driftwood in something like a way that appeals to you because aquascaping a betta container is an art and not a science. In the next weeks, you can always arrange them differently. In fact, part of the fun of caring for a betta bowl in order to enhance the overall is changing the look of your vegetated bowl weeks and perhaps even months later.
Add Aquatic Plants
You should arrange your stones and driftwood before adding aquatic plants. The best aquarium plants for a betta bowl are those that can grow in aquariums without substrate or in a shallow substrate.
Anubias and Java ferns grow in aquariums via rhizomes and don’t require the substrate to grow in. They may instead affix to driftwood and stones. These are plants that work well in betta bowls.
These plants are best in the aquascape in the betta bowl:
- Java Fern
- Java Moss
- Anubis Barteri
- Brazilian Pennywort
- Alternanthera Reineckii
| Image | Plants for aquarium | Link |
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Java Moss |  |
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Brazilian Pennywort | |
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Java Fern | |
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Anubias Petite | |
Add Water
Even while the final phase of the addition of water may seem straightforward, overflowing your betta bowl at this point has the potential to ruin your entire aquascape. Water will erode the base and uproot plants if you pour it into the bowl too rapidly, along with stones and wood, as well as other debris.
Use a plastic bag to protect your thoughtfully created hardscape and plants. As a result, water will not disturb your betta bowl’s aquascape.
The Drawbacks Of Keeping A Betta Fishes In A Bowl
Following are the drawbacks of raising a betta fish in a fish bowl
Heater And Filter
Water quality and temperature rank first and foremost as causes.
It is nearly impossible to add filtration and a heating system to a spherical bowl. This is because they will take up a significant amount of the already limited space. Unfortunately, purchasing a square vase or a small aquarium accommodating this equipment is not a better choice. The filter will primarily ineffectively break down ammonia and nitrite because it is nearly difficult to create a stable process in such a small volume of water. And the water’s values will be continually fluctuating.
If you don’t use a drip system in a larger fish room, the alternative, very frequent 80–100% water changes, is stressful for the fish (which is what many betta breeders do).
Temperature And Water Values
There will be issues maintaining constant water quality because betta bowls cannot always be filtered. Even if you put a lot of effort into maintaining the cleanliness of your betta bowl or vase, an acid spike can happen rapidly and without your knowledge.
For instance, a small piece of rotten food won’t cause much harm in a 10-gallon (38L) tank. There’s plenty of water to dilute any ammonia, and the helpful microorganisms will take care of it, ensuring that the water values stay pretty consistent. That bit of food, however, can result in a significant ammonia surge in just 1-2 gallons (3,5-7,5L) of unfiltered water, which can quickly injure or even kill your betta.
The same is true of temperature, which is virtually impossible to maintain steadily in a tiny space. For the fish, the continuous changes are extremely stressful, which may eventually lead to illness.
Disease
There are other risks in a bowl besides elevated ammonia and nitrite levels, which can kill your betta on their own.
Since water temperatures and values are frequently unpredictable, as was previously said, your fish will be under a great deal of stress. Bettas will eventually succumb to disease even if they initially appear to be resilient enough to endure the fluctuating, unsafe water values since stress is highly terrible for the immune system. This can include parasites, fungi, and internal bacterial diseases like Popeye. Fin rot is a frequent and often simple-to-treat condition if it hasn’t advanced too far.
Your betta may pass away from any of these illnesses. Despite the availability of medication, you should endeavor to avoid them. Overmedication harms fish and doesn’t address the root issue of poor housing!
Inadequate Oxygenation
One of the main disadvantages of maintaining a Betta fish in a bowl is the fish’s poor oxygenation. Most fish bowls have a narrow top that inhibits airflow into the water. Furthermore, it might result in less oxygen in the water. Betta fish frequently rely on the water’s surface for oxygen since they are naturally accustomed to surviving in small, still bodies of water.
The Betta fish may suffocate and perish if the airflow at the surface is restricted. The health and well-being of the Betta can be further harmed by inadequate oxygenation, which can also result in a decline in water quality and an increase in dangerous pollutants.
It’s critical to consider a bigger, filtered aquarium as a substitute for the fishbowl. This makes sure the fish receive sufficient oxygenation.
Stress
Betta fish are particularly sensitive to stress. This is a result of a variety of things, such as poor water quality, temperature swings, and a lack of available space. These stressors get worse with the small size of a fishbowl, which can affect the health and happiness of the fish.
Additionally, stress can weaken the fish’s immune system, leaving it more vulnerable to illness and infection. Furthermore, agitated Betta fish have a higher propensity to engage in aggressive or bizarre behaviors such as excessive fin biting or sluggishness. Betta fish require a large, clean tank with correct water filtration, temperature control, and hiding places in order to reduce stress and establish a healthy environment.
Can A Betta Survive In A Fishbowl For A Long Time?
Bettas are fairly capable of surviving up to five years when housed in an optimum 2.5-gallon fish aquarium with a filtration system and heater. However, in a fishbowl, they only survive for a fraction of their typical lifespan. In some cases, less than a year.
I had one that survived for almost two years in a bowl with weekly tank cleanings and water changes if the water was noticeably unclean (cloudy).
As a result, should you have to keep your in a bowl, keep the fishbowl in the best possible condition, and contemplate moving your betta fish to a bigger tank as soon as it reaches adult size?
FAQ
How Long Can Betta Fish Survive In Water?
Betta fish typically live between two and four years. The habitat you keep your betta fish in has a direct impact on how long they live. You may extend their lives by keeping their tank clean and paying attention to their diet.
Can Betta Fish Survive Without Oxygen In A Bowl?
In contrast to most aquarium fish, bettas have a unique breathing system called a labyrinthine in conjunction with their gills. It allows them to thrive without an air pump. They can breathe very little air outside of the labyrinth. Bettas can therefore be housed in bowls without the need for an associated air supply.
If There Is No Heater, Can Betta Fish Survive In A Bowl?
Betta fish are tropical fish, despite the fact that this isn’t how most people think of them. That implies that in the wild, they reside in warmer water. Temperatures between the mid-70s and about 80 degrees are needed for them. You can survive without a heater if the room temperature is constantly in the mid-seventies, at the very least.
Do Betta Fish Prefer Solitude?
Frustration and depression are common emotions in betta fish. Although the majority of them can live happily in a tank by themselves, they still require a lot of environmental stimulation, such as caves, vegetation, and space to explore. They also experience stress, particularly when other fish kept in the same tank but of different species pick at their fins.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, it will probably take some time before tiny inappropriate tanks, betta bowls, and vases are no longer sold at pet and aquarium stores. Don’t support these products in the interim.
A bowl may look attractive at first. But if the fish are not properly cared for, they will quickly become lethargic and sickly. It is undoubtedly an unpleasant sight. A filtered, heated, and beautifully furnished aquarium will make your betta’s life much longer and happier.
We advise that you at least adhere to the tank’s instructions below if you determine to keep a betta in a bowl without the need for a filter or heater.
The bowl needs to be large, at least 20 liters. It should be in a warm room (warmer than the usual room temperature) and constantly maintains a temperature higher than the minimum required for betta survival. Only if you reside in a nation with a consistently warm temperature can this situation possibly happen. Change the water frequently. Every three days, we advise performing a 40% water change.