The healthy and safety of a betta fish corresponds directly to the habitability of the environment you provide for your betta fish. Generally, a proper and efficient tank setup is needed to nurture a betta fish. However, some people suggest putting their betta in a vase.
Putting a betta fish in a vase is a bad idea, and you should not go ahead with it. There are many reasons why you should avoid putting a betta in a vase. The first and foremost issue is the vase size. A vase is too small to keep a betta fish. Secondly, a vase lacks the necessary water heating and filtering system. Lastly, a vase’s lack of water surface area can also cause breathing difficulties in your betta fish. Thus, you should avoid the idea of putting your betta in a vase and try out a proper tank instead.
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Betta In A Vase: Why It Is A Bad Idea?
In the wild, bettas usually live in swamps with relatively acidic and shallow water. In a captive environment, betta fish are generally kept in a tank. However, some fish owners prefer the view of their fish in a vase. For the same reason, some betta owners might decide to keep their betta in a vase.
It is recommended not to keep a betta fish in a vase due to a different host of reasons that we are about to discuss. Every fish is different, and just because it works for one fish does not mean that it would work for the other. Now, let us look at some drawbacks to betta in a vase.
Vase Size
Perhaps, the most critical issue regarding keeping a betta in a vase is the lack of sufficient for your betta fish to swim in. The basic rule of thumb is to provide at least one gallon of water for every inch of the fish you are planning to add. Therefore, practically speaking, a betta fish needs at least 3 gallons of water.
By keeping a betta fish in a vase, you will not fulfill this requirement. A big tank allows your betta fish to explore new areas and prevent boredom. A small and restricted environment like that in a vase will not only resist the betta’s movements but also prove to be boring for your betta fish.
Lack Of Water Heater
Betta fish need a warm environment to swim in. Ideally, bettas need a water temperature ranging between 76 degrees and 82 degrees F. Sometimes. The room temperature falls within this limit. If this is the case, you do not require a water heater.
However, it may so happen that the surrounding temperature is too cold or too hot. In that case, there comes a need to install a working water heater in your tank. As a vase is too small, it would be a challenging task to install a heater in it.
Recommended Reading | Top Heaters For Your Betta Fish
Absence Of Water Filtration System
A water filtration system is a must if you plan to keep a betta fish. A water filter ensures that your water is free of harmful waste and unwanted elements. Fish waste and food leftovers can affect the habitability of the tank. Thus, installing a water filter in the tank is generally advisable.
However, in the case of a vase, it is pretty challenging to add a proper water filter due to its compact size. In the absence of a water filter, the water may become stagnant. If the betta fish is exposed to such stagnant water for long periods, it may stress the betta out. Moreover, with no water filter, a vase would also witness a lack of oxygen level over time.
Small Water Surface Area
Besides their vibrant colored fins and elongated bodies, betta fish have more to offer. They have what is scientifically termed a labyrinth organ. This organ allows bettas to breathe atmospheric air for a short time. Thus, if you see your betta fish gulping for air near the water surface, then you need not panic as it is pretty standard.
Bettas have been seen to sometimes swim near the water’s surface to take in extra air. For this, you would need sufficient water surface area. Unlike the traditional tanks, a vase does not have a large water surface area. This prevents your betta fish from visiting the water surface for breathing. This, in turn, may cause suffocation. Therefore, you should avoid putting a betta in a vase.
Other Factors
Besides the reasons mentioned above, there are other factors as well that make vase a poor choice for a betta home. For instance, it would be tough for you to feed your betta fish due to the low water surface area. Moreover, keeping the betta in a vase may lead to your betta fish jumping out of the vase due to its compact size and absence of a proper lid.
Betta In A Vase: Alternative Choice
Thus, by now, we have already understood why betta in a vase is not an ideal choice. So, is there any other alternative? Is there any other way I can still use a vase? Well, to talk about the best alternatives, any suitable betta tank is your best bet. Most of them are the right size and have all the necessary features.
However, if you still want to keep your betta in a vase, then there are some things you can do to counteract the shortcomings. However, it is still not recommended that you use a vase instead of a normal betta tank as it is too much work. Here are some ways in which you may use a vase for a betta fish.
- Vase should be at least 3 to 5 gallons
- Try adding an air bubbler
- Install a water heater and filter
- Cover the top of the vase
- Add a suitable substrate preferably gravel
FAQs Related to Betta in a Vase
Can you put a betta in a vase with flowers?
It is not recommended. A vase is too small for a betta fish. Moreover, flowers may further restrict the movement of your betta fish.
What plants are suitable for a betta vase?
Even if you can keep your betta in a vase, adding plants like peace lilies and java fern is ideal.
Do bettas like small spaces?
Bettas need at least 3 to 5gallons of water to freely swim in. Bettas generally do not prefer compact and restricted spaces.
Can a betta fish live in a vase with a bamboo plant?
Not recommended. Keeping a betta fish in a vase with a bamboo plant can suffocate your betta fish.
Can you put a betta fish in a dollar tree vase?
It is not advisable to put your betta in a vase, whether a dollar tree vase or any other type.
Final Thoughts
Thus, it is pretty clear that you should not put your betta in a vase as it has nothing to offer to your betta fish. A vase is too small for a betta fish that needs at least 3 gallons of water. Moreover, it lacks all the other necessary features like water heating, filtering, and a proper lid.
