Are Betta fish tanks supposed to be so smelly?

Question

We bought our daughter a male betta for Christmas and it wasn't long before the tank (2.5 gallons) started smelling - strong enough that her whole room smelled like the tank. The fish is fine - eats well(pellets) and is active. We are just surprised at the stank - the guy at the petstore said to change the water once a month but it seems like it needs it once a week. I appreciate any input on this - thanks!

Answer 1

Any closed system like a jar or bowl requires wastes to be removed somehow.



First, you should be feeding your fish a specially designed FLOATING Betta food. You should give it no more than 3 pellets PER DAY. Overfeeding of fish is the #1 cause of death. While the fish may appear hungry and will even eat of offered food, it will lead to more accumulated wastes in the bowl. The fish does NOT need more nutrition.



Since it is a small space and a bowl, I suggest weekly water changes. Be sure to use a tap water treatment to eliminate chlorine and chloramine both of which are deadly to fish.



Yoour Betta has been able to survive in foul water because it is a partial airbreather. Normally when the water had an odor to it, fish can no longer breath safely in the water.



Often pet stores will underestimate the work inolved in keeping a fish for a pet. Ater all a sale is a sale, and most people would rather have a monthly change than a weekly change. But all in all, its a very simple process. NEVER EVER wash the bowl with soap. If you need to scrub it down, add table salt and warm water and rinse well before adding the fish back.



Bettas should live for 3 to 5 years. I have had some live as long as 13 years, and commonly 7 to 8 years. The key to success is proper feeding and not overfeeding.



Poor water will lead to disease like fungal and bacterial infection and ultimately cause an early death.

Answer 2

People think betta's only need small tanks because where they originated from, (which was Thailand) they lived in shallow water. The bodies of water are wide though. Another reason why people think this is because pet stores say it is best for betta's to be in a bowl, and not be in a tank. That is wrong. Bigger is better. Betta's can live to 10 years and even more if taken care of. A 5 gallon would be best. In the long run it would be really good. Betta's are tropical fish, so they need a heater. The water should be around 78F. Sponge filters are good for Betta's because they are not strong swimmers. Filters and heaters are necessary. Before you get the betta, you need the tank. You need to cycle it. If you are using tap water, put the conditioner in it and let it run. It depends on how big your tank is. A couple of days would be good. You also should have the filter on. Out the heater on so when the fish is about to go in the water is a good temp. You cycle it before you put a fish in. When you get the fish, let the bag (with the fish in it) rest on top of the water for about 20 minutes. When you are putting the betta in the tank, make sure you don't get any of the water from the bag into the water. Another thing, Betta's aren't the friendliest fish. They can't be put with any other fish. It's one betta for one tank. You shouldn't do 100% water changes either. It shocks the fish. Change 25% of the water once a week. It's a lot easier than a 100% water change, too. You don't need a monster tank for a betta, but definitely do NOT go under 3 gallons for a betta. If a 3 gallon or a 1.5 gallon are the only thing you can get, get the 3 gallon. I would strongly suggest getting a 5 gallon, but if you can't get the 3 gallon. Also, you need a cover on the tank, because betta's have been known to jump out of their tanks. Betta's also like plants too. Sorry this is so long and if you already knew this, these are the basics. Good Luck on your new fish. A light on top of the tank wouldn't work. You can't keep it on all of the time and you can't tell what the temp of the water is. ?It also won't heat it correctly.

Answer 3

I think many of the others have answered the question well; 25% water change about once a week (for a one to five gallon tank), keeping a live plant in with it (such as stick or 2 of bamboo), feeding him floating food (betas have an upward facing mouth and thus eat surface foods better).



A lot of beta fish bowls are EXTREAMLY small...now while it is perfectly possible to keep a beta in a small bowl, I would recommend at least a 2 gallon tank/bowl; think about living your whole life in your bathroom! Plus, it will not stink as bad. As for your "poor beta" suffering in poor water conditions...betas live in stagnant water in their natural habitat. Also, in regards to filtration, betas are very sensitive to water movement and prefer still water...if you get a filter that bubbles or forces our a high quantity of water, you may stress the poor guy out! A filter is okay with a larger tank (at least 10 gal) but it is much better to use a syphon or capture the fish in a clean glass with his own bowl water and fully clean if it is a small habitat. Remember NEVER do a 100% change as this will remove all the helpful bacteria that has grown in the water.

Answer 4

Do you have rocks/stones in the bottom of the tank? Did you put in a water additive to remove the negative properties of tap water? How often are you feeding the fish?



Small tanks do need changes more often, but 100% changes can shock a fish, try a 25% change more often if the smell continues.

Answer 5

Ive owned about 14 betas since i was 11...the guy at the pet store is a retard! betta water, if not filtered, requires atleast 1/2 of the water to be changed each week. if you dont like the hassel...try using a fitration system that utilizes charcoal. Also if u do continue water changes be sure to use water conditioners etc.

Answer 6

Put your beta in a glass, vase-like container. Then put a plant that can survive without soil, in the neck of the container so its roots are sitting in the water. The plant will feed off the waste of the beta. All you have to do is feed that beta and add water. Occassionally you may want to change the water. Most home and garden shops will be able to help you find an appropriate plant. The plant is decorative and funtional.

Answer 7

They say that they will not be. But beta company is a liar. If they smell it is normal because all beta fish tanks smell. If you want to make it not smell clean the tank much more often.

Answer 8

cycle the tank.