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A betta deserves more than a bowl

Published
Aug 14, 2026
Filed under
Livestock
Read time
1 min

Twelve litres, a heater and a gentle filter turn a fish that survives into a fish that shows off.

Bettas survive in small cups because they can breathe air. Surviving is not thriving.

The minimum

Twelve litres, heated to 26°C, with a filter turned down low. Long fins make bettas poor swimmers against strong flow.

What to put in it

Broad leaves near the surface to rest on, a piece of wood, and a lid. Bettas jump.

Tank mates

Never another betta. Shrimp and snails usually work in tanks of 20 litres and up, depending on the individual fish.

Maren HoltHead aquascaper, Tidewell
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