Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Keeping Betta Fish in Tiny Bowls

INTRODUCTION: Oh that betta in a vase you saw at the pet store is just so tempting, isn't it? And what's not to like?  What with those sparkling marbles at the bottom.  A beautiful peace lily gracing things up above.  And of course, to top it off, an adorable and colorful male betta fish swimming inside the vase.  Maybe like this one?

You just can't wait to buy it.  Especially after reading the simple care instructions that say it's so easy to maintain after all.  It also said that no feeding is required since the fish basically just munches on the roots of the plant.  And what a perfect gift would this betta in a vase make as well.

Now don't be fooled by what your see or read about these peace lily betta vases. Because although you think the fish is living in a perfect place, it's not.  In fact, a vase like this is the worst place you could ever imagine to house your veiltail.  And by the way bettas are carnivores.  They would only eat plants or their roots as their last resort.  Just before starving to death that is.

All of which makes this peace lily set up a very bad idea. The same goes for keeping betta fish in tiny bowls.  That despite what you may have heard.  In fact here are the main reasons why vases and bowls are an absolute no-no for bettas.  (For more insights check out http://www.better-bettas.com/care/female-betta-fish/ )

Bowls Are Bad For Bettas Reason #1: Fluctuating Temps
Bettas thrive in a water that's held steady at some point between 76-82 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why you need to keep it that way by installing a heater in the tank. (note the word "tank".) Since there is no room for any heater to be installed in a bowl or vase, fluctuating temperatures are all but inevitable.  Which means the betta cannot escape falling prey to all manner of infections and diseases.

Bowls Are Bad For Bettas Reason #2: Too Small Space
Bowls are simply too small.  There isn't enough room for the likely male beta to roam around much less any space for you to put some decorations. Well, silk plants and rocks actually benefit bettas more than just the enhancing the setting since these would also serve as hiding places for them especially when they're stressed out or feel threatened.

Bowls Are Bad For Bettas Reason #3: No Room for Filters
Filters are really not required in any betta fish tank but they can certainly help keep the water up to your fish's high standards. With bowls however it would be impossible for you to install a filter. All of which can leave your fish worse for wear, especially when you consider the effects all the uneaten food and fish waste that might settle on the bottom of such a small set up.

Certainly bettas can thrive in cycled fish tanks without a filter that are kept in balance by partial water changes.   (Full water changes could be too stressful for the betta.)   Still the water can easily slip below minimum standards.  And crappy water conditions (no pun intended) are the leading cause of premature betta death.  

CONCLUSION: In a nutshell, betta fish just don't do well in tiny bowls and vases. This small amount of water is certainly a far cry from the natural environment they're used to or supposed to be in. So while a betta in a vase may sound like a dream décor for you, certainly your betta would take it as its worst nightmare. Which can't be what you would have in mind for a pet.