FEB 2021 update: LiveAquaria has raised the recommended minimum for a single male or female Betta to 5 gallons!!!
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LiveAquaria is behind the curve with its Betta fish tank size guidance. For 1 male Betta, LiveAquaria recommends 0.25 gallon (4 cups) minimum, and because female Bettas need more space to swim, it suggests they have 1 gallon minimum. Most experts and top retailers recommend tanks greater than 2.5 gallon for a single male Betta! (Marine Depot, Pet Supplies Plus, and Petland say 2.5 gal; PetSmart says 3 gal; PetMD and Vet Med Illinois say 5 gal.) Female Bettas are less popular, but a more commonly stated minimum tank size for a female is 10 gallons. LiveAquaria promotes the misconception that Bettas enjoy small tanks. Aquariums under 1 gallon require frequent -- even daily -- water changes, but the average person doesn't expect to perform daily tank maintenance. Petco sold LiveAquaria last July, and it is the only other top US retailer recommending 0.25 gal minimum for a male Betta. Is LiveAquaria still influenced by its relationship with Petco or do they share the same profit-first approach? There is a petition for Petco to raise the recommended minimum male Betta fish tank size from 0.25 gal to 3 gal. Maybe LiveAquaria will make the change before Petco and show responsible industry leadership? Link to the petition: https://www.change.org/Petco-Betta-Min
(Also posted on Instagram)
