Tanks: Size and Weight

            This week, I’ll be discussing different types of tanks appropriate for bettas, as there are quite a few options available these days. Last week, I mentioned that a tank 5-10 gallons is adequate for a single male betta, 5 being the minimum. I also mentioned that a 10 gallon is suitable for 3 females…this still holds true.

Tank Types

There are two tank-types available: glass and acrylic. Each has equal advantages and disadvantages.

(Photo provided by: davesgarden.com)

            Glass Tanks: I actually prefer glass tanks, due to their resistance to scratches, ease of cleaning, and clarity of viewing. However, glass tanks are also heavier and continue to become heavier as the tank-size increases. This is due to the thickness of the glass increasing with the size in order to support an increased water pressure. (Tullock) Glass tanks should never be moved while containing water, as the tank is much heavier due to water pressure and will break.

(Photo provided by: theaquapet.com)

            Acrylic Tanks: Acrylic tanks are more prone to scratches; they also cost more than glass tanks do. Acrylic tanks are also not as clear as glass tanks are. However, acrylic tanks are extremely light and come in many different shapes, such as: rectangles, squares, hexagons, octagons, tubes, etc. (Tullock) Acrylic tanks should also never be moved while containing water, as they crack easily.

When choosing a tank, keep these tips in mind:
-Make sure it has a wide surface-area for proper gas exchange (the absorption of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide).
-Never purchase bowls!
-Stay away from tall, narrow tanks. (Tullock)
-Look for possible damages to the tank, such as blemishes, scratches, or ripped silicone sealant.
-Stay away from tanks that appear as if they have been used before!

Now let’s take a look at how to figure out tank-weight and tank-size.

Size

            There is a simple method for finding the capacity of the tank through a formula provided by Tullock. Measure the length, width, and height of the tank (in inches) and use the following formula:

Length × Width × Height ÷ 231 = capacity (in gallons)

Using 5-gallons as an example, it would be:

16 × 8 × 9 ÷ 231 = 5 gallons

And you thought you’d never have to use math again, huh?

Weight

            Bettas are fresh-water fish, fresh-water in itself weighs nearly 8 pounds per gallon. (Tullock) To find the weight of your tank, you multiply the tank-size by the 8 pounds per-gallon rule. Let’s use a 5-gallon tank as an example:

8 (pounds per gallon) × 5 = 40 pounds

This is without including decorations and equipment!

            Now, add about 2 pounds per-gallon for gravel/substrate, and another 15 pounds for decorations and equipment (Tullock); making this:

8 + 2 = 10 pounds

10 × 5 = 50 pounds

50 + 15 = 65 pounds

            Including decorations and substrate, a 5-gallon tank would on average weight 65 pounds! Always make sure to have a stand that will accommodate such a weight.

*I hope you all again enjoyed this week’s post!*

 

Sources which I will be using are from personal experience, and three of my favorite books dedicated to this topic:

 

Alderton, David. Bettas and Gouramis. Irvine: BowTie Press, 2004.

Robert J. Goldstein, Ph.D. The Betta Handbook. Hauppauge: Barron's, 2004.

Tullock, John H. Your Happy Healthy Pet Betta. Hoboken: Wiley Publishing Inc., 2006.