Reddit reviews Marina Style 5 Glass Aquarium Kit - 5 Gallons

I hate to be a debbie downer, but I would say no. Bowls and jars aren't really suitable for fish. They're hard to clean, lack filtration, and just don't provide adequate space. Bettas need heated water, and filters are optional but strongly encouraged. Since they can breath from the surface, you can get away without a filter but even in that jar there is very little surface area. Not to mention, a full grown Betta is going to dirty the water up in a jar pretty fast. There's no swimming room in there, and I just don't think the fish would thrive at all in that. It might survive if you do constant daily water changes, but I don't think it would be a good existence for the fish.

My personal recommendation is that I wouldn't recommend keeping a Betta in anything less than 2.5 gallons, heated. I don't keep mine in anything less than 5 gallons, just to make sure they have adequate swimming room. If you're on a super tight budget, you might try looking on craigslist. If you've got some spare cash, I'd recommend this tank. It comes with a filter, is relatively cheap, and the only thing you'd have to add (equipment wise) is a heater.

Again, I fully understand being on a tight budget, but this would be a one time expense that would last across multiple fish, and could change your fish's lifespan from months to years.

Why not turn this into a science lesson too? You see Betta produce waste which turns into Ammonia which is poisons, so you need bacteria to consume this. The bacteria produce Nitrites which bacteria once again produces Nitrates which only plants/water changes remove (hence why water changes are necessary)

I would recommend a simple starter aquarium that gives you the basics something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Style-Glass-Aquarium-Kit/dp/B0035HBFWM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1369459499&sr=8-2&keywords=5+Gallon+Aquarium

And also buy some plants and read up on fishless cycling.

What volume of water does it hold? What is the filter? Looks to me like it is too small, lacks a filter and lacks a heater.

Absolute minimum for bettas IMO is a 2.5 gallon and a filter like this

I always kept my bettas in a 5 gallon. Bigger tank lets you do more with it in terms of plants and hardscape. Plus the fish enjoy the room.

Here is a tank for $25 or one for $49.99 that would better serve your fish.

My little guy likes to explore a lot, actually. But I do know that the air exchange in a hex or circular tank is a lot worse than rectangular or semi-rectangular tanks.

Didn't really think about the difficulty with planting and decorating. Had these visions of one or two single plants elegantly stretching way up through the center while several lower plants surround them. Now that you mention that, I'm thinking about trying to prune them and rearrange hard decorations. Doesn't sound like fun at all.

Alright, I'll stick to the rectangular and bowfront 5Gs. Thanks for the input.

EDIT: I'm guessing this is the tank you got?

350$ is more then enough, for a 5 gallon tank. The bigger the tank the less the water quality fluctuates which makes it better for the fish and easier for you to look after. I would advise getting a 5gallon over the 2 gallon.

Read this: http://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/articles_51/fishless-cycling-article.htm

and this: http://www.firsttankguide.net/fishlesscycle.php

These 2 links are the most important part of keeping an aquarium. Please read at least one of them before you buy any fish!!!

Keep in mind you can buy most of this stuff used on craigslist for 1/3 of the price, but I'll link you some options for new 5 gallon tanks.

http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Style-Glass-Aquarium-Kit/dp/B0035HBFWM/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1412914315&sr=1-4&keywords=5+gallon+aquarium

http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-5-Gallon-Black/dp/B0089E5VLC/ref=sr_1_20?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1412914315&sr=1-20&keywords=5+gallon+aquarium

You will probably need a heater -30$, gavel vacuum -15$, water conditioner -20$, nutrafin or api master test kit -40$. ( I recommend nutrafin over api, if your city's tap water contains chloramine)


Things you can keep in a 5 gallon:

Option 1:

• Siamese fighting fish
  
• 2 nerite snails or 5 amano shrimp( make sure they are over 1/2 when you add them)
  
  
  Option 2:
  
  
• 15 cherry shrimp
  
• 3 nerite snails
  
  
  Option 3:
  
  
• 5 Boraras brigittae they get (.7 inches)
  
• 7 cherry shrimp
  
  Here is some info on boras brigittae: http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/boraras-brigittae/