Sure, but what are you going to do with an empty 10 gallon tank? You need a filter, a decent one is around 20 bucks or more, you'll want some lighting and a hood, that's another 20 bucks. What about decor, plants etc..? Another 20-40 dollars depending on what you get. So let's see, that's 13+20+20+20 = 73 bucks! Now, you can get a kit which most stores have but it's usually only a few bucks cheaper but you'll still be expected to get your own decor.

I checked out the price and it's like 50 bucks for a 5 gallon betta bow. I did find two okay looking 5 gallon kits (includes filter and hood/lights) on Walmart's website for under 30 bucks. They don't have them in store so I can't take a look at them in person but they do offer free at store pick up. Maybe I'll look into that. I just have to find a place to put it. I live with three other people and everyone has too much stuff so there's not a lot of room to work with...


I totally agree a 5-10 gallon is better for a betta and a much larger tank is better for a community tank. That being said, everything you stated is only a risk if the water's not clean. One betta that is fed sparingly (once a day, old food removed) will not create enough ammonia in a 2.5 gallon tank for lasting damage, especially if one has live plants and cycles the tank IMO.