Is It Right To Keep Bettas In Small Vases?

Chazwick · 08-25-2005, 10:21 AM

I've been doing a hell of alot of research on Bettas recently when i happened to stumble across a website with a review on Bettas... now they are known to be fine small-ish places (even if i don't agree with giving animals a tiny living space.. or keeping them alone), but what i went on next to read, disgusted me! There is actually a trend to keep Bettas - living, beautiful creatures, in vases. Now these are tiny, empty vases with no filter, heater or air pump (etc), no gravel.. no place to hide.. it is disgusting! And people that would do something like that to a living creature should put themselves out of their misery.. if they feel it's right to do something like that! I actually felt sick seeing them...
Below are two pictures, in the second you may think 'wheres the betta?' it's that massive 6" creature squished into the vase, that cannot move. What kind of life is that for an animal?

maxpayne_lhp · 08-25-2005, 10:36 AM

Oh that this manner is not good... it blocks the oxigen over the surface that betta needs... I'm not really against keeping them in small vases but I'm totally against the above set-up ^^^
Anyway the options for the poll aren't really "wide" enough. None fits my choice... Add more!

**Baby_Baby** · 08-25-2005, 02:25 PM

the plants provide oxygen for the fish, max.

AshleytheGreat · 08-25-2005, 02:31 PM

...and they eat the roots of the plant for food. lol

All in all I dont think its THAT bad of an idea.

Chazwick, you said you have problems with keeping fish alone, why? I mean some fish are predators, predators dont get lonely.

Im totally me · 08-25-2005, 03:35 PM

I've read a lot about this. Several times, when the plants died, they killed off the fish. I have also heard that some of the fish loose scales/fins, from rubbing on the plant roots. They also, can't live primarily off the plant roots, as most people say they can.

I know a couple of people who lift the plants out to feed their Bettas, and keep everything clean, and have lots of space, so it really all depends on who is keeping the the Betta in the vase!

AshleytheGreat · 08-25-2005, 03:39 PM

I agree. My grandma feeds her betta in the vase with plant 2wice a week.

Hamm35924 · 08-25-2005, 04:47 PM

the root may povide oxygen, but some scientist did this experiment where he removed the special lung thing of betta and then put them back in a tank full of oxygen, and they died very shortly after, an aoutopsy showed that they had died from lack of oxygen.

Ownager2004 · 08-25-2005, 05:14 PM

I answered yes to your poll before I saw read your post...

I think those setups are fine given that you provide the betta with an area where it can breathe on the surface and a decent amount of water. But the ones pictured wouldn't be the type of setups I would think to be fine.

mlefev · 08-25-2005, 05:51 PM

It depends on the plant too. Peace lillies are notorious for producing toxins when their roots die off if the owner is not quick about cleaning dying roots. Keeping a betta in a smaller container is fine if you care for it correctly, but if you're a menace to the fish world you need to keep it in a larger container so the water conditions are more stable.

I agree that you do not have enough choices for the poll.

sisofafishlover · 08-25-2005, 08:13 PM

Hi! I agree with Im totally me and mlefev, it all depends on who has the Betta, what plant they choose.

I also don't think that there are enough options on the poll.

My female Bettas like each others company, but I wouldn't put any other fish with my male Betta, he doesn't like anybody but me!

Alisha · 08-25-2005, 08:37 PM

I agree with you 100%! I have 2 bettas and one is in a 2 gallon with a filter and air pump and a hiding space, and the other is in a 2.5 gallon with a filter and heater and a hiding space. I had my second one, that is now in the 2 gallon is a 1/2 gallon bowl and he was so un happy, I soon relized I couldn't bare to see him like this. So I quickly ran out a bought him the 2 gallon, and now he is so much happier. And I know, it just sickens me when I see them in that small of a space.

solar-ton · 08-25-2005, 09:26 PM

i still dont think they should be kept in a vase.in the wild the puddles are bigger than that...WAY bigger and anyone who does it and neglects the betta(i.e. thinks the betta will eat roots and doesnt need to breathe from the top)is a fool bettas a carnivores and are much more succeptible to diesease that a betta in a 2 or a 5 gallon i have 3 bettas(2 female 1 male) in a 5 gallon and there isnt one point in the day where they arent active.

maxpayne_lhp · 08-25-2005, 10:08 PM

o.O I don't think the plants can provide your betta... it even blocks its essential needs of oxigen. Imagin when you turn off the lights... the plant starts to take in oxigen... the zone above the water of your betty is a blockage... and brugh....

PatronusBestia · 08-25-2005, 10:18 PM

I used to have a betta in a 10 gallon. He was so happy to have all this space to swim around in.

waynside · 08-26-2005, 12:25 AM

i have some bettas in bowls...they are about a gallon each...but i do regular water changes in them...and they seem to do fine. i dont put any of the plant things in them though...and i let them see one another regularly so they can flare away...

havent had any problems...

Arlene · 08-27-2005, 05:28 AM

I cant beleive people are saying that this set-up is ok in their books. Im really sorry but this just really pi**es me off!. Ok, yeah sure the betta will survive and will probably live, but a human being kept in a carboard box would survive and live..does this mean it is ok? I know that their natural habitat is in small puddles of water blah blah blah, why not make them as comfortable as possible they are beautiful creatures and deserve much more than being stuck in a vase.

unthinkable90 · 08-27-2005, 07:01 AM

Scientists are smart.. they have studied bettas and its fine to put them in small places! they might be more comfortble in small places..mabey they dont like big places..my fish hadly moves..she dosnt need lots of 100$ space filters and heat um i dont think its okay to stuf sooo big plants in there and give betta a place hardly to turn around..im against plants..i dont mind small places and i just feed them food not plants

heres a pic of my betta

be happy

solar-ton · 08-27-2005, 07:16 AM

arent the puddels like 2 gallons or more lol humans will say anything to make it sound alright but deep down they know its cruel and wrong

Chazwick · 08-27-2005, 07:33 AM

Arlene i was pleased to read your post - because that's exactly how i feel.
My betta is in an 8 GAL tank (with a hell of alot of room, pretty tall) she is constantly swimming about, playing with the other fish and tagging along with the snail! Yet - those same 'so-called' scientists say that Bettas are best alone, huh? My betta loves company! It depends on the individual Betta.
As for the vase, it sickens me, and Arlene you took the words right out my mouth. They may be living in those small vases.. but no company, no space to explore, no hiding spaces.. they may be living, but that is not liFe. That is cruelty.. it's just another decoration for some snobs living room - because they think it looks good! I have one words for those snobs - Hey cheapos! Buy a tank!

cucci67 · 08-27-2005, 12:51 PM

If you don't want to treat the fish fairly, then you can get a few plastic fishies, and put them in a bowl.

View Poll Results: Is it right to keep Bettas in small vases?
Hell, No!	34	75.56%
Hey! I Keep My Betta In A Small Vase! No Fair!	6	13.33%
Yup - It's fine. They're only animals!	5	11.11%
Voters: 45. You may not vote on this poll

08-25-2005, 10:36 AM	#2
maxpayne_lhp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Michigan Age: 20 Posts: 2,174	Oh that this manner is not good... it blocks the oxigen over the surface that betta needs... I'm not really against keeping them in small vases but I'm totally against the above set-up ^^^ Anyway the options for the poll aren't really "wide" enough. None fits my choice... Add more! __________________ ~Nam Nguyen~

08-25-2005, 02:25 PM	#3
Baby_Baby Friendly Neighborhood Mod Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Tulsa Posts: 3,589	the plants provide oxygen for the fish, max. __________________ *Emotion is energy in motion.*

08-25-2005, 02:31 PM	#4
AshleytheGreat Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mi Town Posts: 785	...and they eat the roots of the plant for food. lol All in all I dont think its THAT bad of an idea. Chazwick, you said you have problems with keeping fish alone, why? I mean some fish are predators, predators dont get lonely. __________________ So let the haters hate, let the doubters doubt, I stand by my book, and my life, and I won't dignify this malarkey with any sort of further response.

08-25-2005, 03:39 PM	#6
AshleytheGreat Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mi Town Posts: 785	I agree. My grandma feeds her betta in the vase with plant 2wice a week. __________________ So let the haters hate, let the doubters doubt, I stand by my book, and my life, and I won't dignify this malarkey with any sort of further response.

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08-25-2005, 03:35 PM	#5
Im totally me Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: NM Age: 22 Posts: 44	I've read a lot about this. Several times, when the plants died, they killed off the fish. I have also heard that some of the fish loose scales/fins, from rubbing on the plant roots. They also, can't live primarily off the plant roots, as most people say they can. I know a couple of people who lift the plants out to feed their Bettas, and keep everything clean, and have lots of space, so it really all depends on who is keeping the the Betta in the vase!

08-25-2005, 04:47 PM	#7
Hamm35924 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 16 Posts: 229	the root may povide oxygen, but some scientist did this experiment where he removed the special lung thing of betta and then put them back in a tank full of oxygen, and they died very shortly after, an aoutopsy showed that they had died from lack of oxygen.

08-25-2005, 05:14 PM	#8
Ownager2004 L33t n00b Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Athens, Ohio Age: 25 Posts: 466	I answered yes to your poll before I saw read your post... I think those setups are fine given that you provide the betta with an area where it can breathe on the surface and a decent amount of water. But the ones pictured wouldn't be the type of setups I would think to be fine.

08-25-2005, 05:51 PM	#9
mlefev Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: California Age: 26 Posts: 817	It depends on the plant too. Peace lillies are notorious for producing toxins when their roots die off if the owner is not quick about cleaning dying roots. Keeping a betta in a smaller container is fine if you care for it correctly, but if you're a menace to the fish world you need to keep it in a larger container so the water conditions are more stable. I agree that you do not have enough choices for the poll.

08-25-2005, 08:13 PM	#10
sisofafishlover the 1 U admire Join Date: Aug 2005 Age: 17 Posts: 39	Hi! I agree with Im totally me and mlefev, it all depends on who has the Betta, what plant they choose. I also don't think that there are enough options on the poll. My female Bettas like each others company, but I wouldn't put any other fish with my male Betta, he doesn't like anybody but me! __________________ [color=Indigo][color=Indigo]Fish: 2.5 gallon: Crowntail male Betta 10 gallon: 2 female Bettas 50 gallons: 2 baby Gold, red tailed tinfoil barbs (sm) [b]Extinct means forever, do the right thing, let the word extinct, be extinct[i]

08-25-2005, 08:37 PM	#11
Alisha Betta Love Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 311	I agree with you 100%! I have 2 bettas and one is in a 2 gallon with a filter and air pump and a hiding space, and the other is in a 2.5 gallon with a filter and heater and a hiding space. I had my second one, that is now in the 2 gallon is a 1/2 gallon bowl and he was so un happy, I soon relized I couldn't bare to see him like this. So I quickly ran out a bought him the 2 gallon, and now he is so much happier. And I know, it just sickens me when I see them in that small of a space.

08-25-2005, 09:26 PM	#12
solar-ton guardian of the sea Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: a tree Age: 16 Posts: 685	i still dont think they should be kept in a vase.in the wild the puddles are bigger than that...WAY bigger and anyone who does it and neglects the betta(i.e. thinks the betta will eat roots and doesnt need to breathe from the top)is a fool bettas a carnivores and are much more succeptible to diesease that a betta in a 2 or a 5 gallon i have 3 bettas(2 female 1 male) in a 5 gallon and there isnt one point in the day where they arent active. __________________ minimum oscar tank size: 75 gallon for 2 a 125 goldfish can cause hith diesease! so dont feed them goldfish as a staple diet!

08-25-2005, 10:08 PM	#13
maxpayne_lhp Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West Michigan Age: 20 Posts: 2,174	o.O I don't think the plants can provide your betta... it even blocks its essential needs of oxigen. Imagin when you turn off the lights... the plant starts to take in oxigen... the zone above the water of your betty is a blockage... and brugh.... __________________ ~Nam Nguyen~

08-25-2005, 10:18 PM	#14
PatronusBestia Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 31	I used to have a betta in a 10 gallon. He was so happy to have all this space to swim around in. __________________ 125gal: 3 angels, 2 parrots, 1 bgk, 1 pleco, 3 cories 55gal: 3 creamsicle mollies, 1 scat 55gal: 2 angels, 1 pakistanie loach, 1 pleco 40gal: 2 koi, 1 shibunkin, 1 pleco 29gal: feeder guppies 29gal: 2 angels, 1 redtail sternella pleco, 1 bumblebee cat,1 butterfly pleco 20gal: 1 blue crawfish, feeder guppies, 1 killie 10gal: ghostshrimp

08-26-2005, 12:25 AM	#15
waynside Automotive Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Age: 34 Posts: 106	i have some bettas in bowls...they are about a gallon each...but i do regular water changes in them...and they seem to do fine. i dont put any of the plant things in them though...and i let them see one another regularly so they can flare away... havent had any problems...

08-27-2005, 05:28 AM	#16
Arlene Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Scotland Age: 34 Posts: 181	I cant beleive people are saying that this set-up is ok in their books. Im really sorry but this just really pi**es me off!. Ok, yeah sure the betta will survive and will probably live, but a human being kept in a carboard box would survive and live..does this mean it is ok? I know that their natural habitat is in small puddles of water blah blah blah, why not make them as comfortable as possible they are beautiful creatures and deserve much more than being stuck in a vase.

08-27-2005, 07:01 AM	#17
unthinkable90 Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Age: 18 Posts: 70	Scientists are smart.. they have studied bettas and its fine to put them in small places! they might be more comfortble in small places..mabey they dont like big places..my fish hadly moves..she dosnt need lots of 100$ space filters and heat um i dont think its okay to stuf sooo big plants in there and give betta a place hardly to turn around..im against plants..i dont mind small places and i just feed them food not plants heres a pic of my betta be happy __________________ Last edited by unthinkable90; 08-27-2005 at 07:03 AM.

08-27-2005, 07:16 AM	#18
solar-ton guardian of the sea Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: a tree Age: 16 Posts: 685	arent the puddels like 2 gallons or more lol humans will say anything to make it sound alright but deep down they know its cruel and wrong __________________ minimum oscar tank size: 75 gallon for 2 a 125 goldfish can cause hith diesease! so dont feed them goldfish as a staple diet!

08-27-2005, 07:33 AM	#19
Chazwick <3 Break it... Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Inside Your Skull <3 Age: 17 Posts: 404	Arlene i was pleased to read your post - because that's exactly how i feel. My betta is in an 8 GAL tank (with a hell of alot of room, pretty tall) she is constantly swimming about, playing with the other fish and tagging along with the snail! Yet - those same 'so-called' scientists say that Bettas are best alone, huh? My betta loves company! It depends on the individual Betta. As for the vase, it sickens me, and Arlene you took the words right out my mouth. They may be living in those small vases.. but no company, no space to explore, no hiding spaces.. they may be living, but that is not liFe. That is cruelty.. it's just another decoration for some snobs living room - because they think it looks good! I have one words for those snobs - Hey cheapos! Buy a tank! __________________ In my dreams I’m dying all the time, As I wake it’s kaleidoscopic mind, I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to lie, So this is goodbye, This is goodbye, Tell the truth you never wanted me, Tell me, In my dreams I’m jealous all the time, As I wake I’m going out of my mind, Going out of my mind... ♥ Last edited by Chazwick; 08-27-2005 at 07:37 AM.

08-27-2005, 12:51 PM	#20
cucci67 No Longer Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 481	If you don't want to treat the fish fairly, then you can get a few plastic fishies, and put them in a bowl.

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