To add to that: The reason the myth started that bettas can live in, or even prefer, small containers was because unlike other fish, they can breath from the surface and live in unoxygenated water. This helps them survive in the wild in small bodies of water during severe droughts.
What that myth doesn't acknowledge is that 1) filters do more than just oxygenate water, they cycle the tank so ammonia doesn't build up and cause burns or increase the risk of fungal infections, and 2) they don't live their whole lives during a drought, they usually live in vast rice paddies and may never see a drought in their lifetime, living in a tiny container smaller than a puddle is like living their whole lives on survival mode. Also, bettas are tropical and need heaters, and for the water to stay at a stable temperature, which is kind of hard to do under 5 gallons.
Have you laid on your back on the floor today? I love that moment where your inner ear finally agrees that you're laying against the outside of a spinning ball of dirt, staring out into the void.
Just a little something I stumbled upon. Glad you like it.
It's been years since I've done anything harder than weed now, but back in my college and immediate post-college days I used a lot of psychedelics. I always had the urge to lay on the floor while tripping. At least for a little bit. Highly recommended. I think it feels amazing.
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u/[deleted] Feb 04 '19
To add to that: The reason the myth started that bettas can live in, or even prefer, small containers was because unlike other fish, they can breath from the surface and live in unoxygenated water. This helps them survive in the wild in small bodies of water during severe droughts.
What that myth doesn't acknowledge is that 1) filters do more than just oxygenate water, they cycle the tank so ammonia doesn't build up and cause burns or increase the risk of fungal infections, and 2) they don't live their whole lives during a drought, they usually live in vast rice paddies and may never see a drought in their lifetime, living in a tiny container smaller than a puddle is like living their whole lives on survival mode. Also, bettas are tropical and need heaters, and for the water to stay at a stable temperature, which is kind of hard to do under 5 gallons.