Bubbles in Tank

Question
QUESTION: Recently I purchased a Petco mini one gallon aauarium for my halfmoon king betta. Prior to this, I had a one gallon AquaView one gallon tank that I purchased at Walmart. I don't put anything but spring water in my aquariums. However, within a few days, the surface is completely covered with bubbles. I went to Petco and they are at a loss. I have let the tank go for a week before intrducing the fish into the aquarium. Do you have an idea what is causing the bubbles?  ( I am attaching a picture of the tank with the bubbles ). Will the bubbles be harmful to my bettA?

ANSWER: Sandy,
Unfortunately, there is no picture attached to this question. A 1 gallon tank is not big enough for him. Male Betta's need at least a 5 gallon tank. Can you please try to upload the picture again for me? It would make it a lot easier for me to help you out. Thank you.

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bubbles   QUESTION: Thank you, Jamie, for such a quick response!  I will send you the picture again and hope it works. I don't have a PC so I am using my blackberry.  May I ask why a male betta needs a 5 gallon tank - especially since my male betta is by himself in the aquarium?

ANSWER: Sandy,

 To answer the question about the five gallon. Betta fish have what's called a labyrinth organ. This means he has to come to the top of the tank to breathe air. They need a larger water volume and in a 1 gallon tank they don't have it. Plus, with the one gallon, you will be doing water changes every other day and there is no type of heater that will fit and work in the smaller tanks. Remember, he is a tropical fish and needs his heater set between 80 and 82 degrees at all times. With the kings, they are bigger Betta's and need a lot more room. You have found out the hard way that people selling fish at the larger pet store chains have no idea about the fish they are selling. Had they known anything they would have told you not to worry. Your male Betta has built you a very nice bubble nest. The males do this when it is breeding time. This is where the male places the eggs when he is mating. They will even make them if they are happy and has nothing to do with breeding. You do however have another problem. Since the tank is so small it looks like the entire surface has now become a nest. This will make it more difficult for him to get the air he needs to live. Another reason it is better to put him in a larger tank. Just make sure you are testing his water and doing 25% water changes weekly and add a heater. Your Betta is not sick he is just giving you a present. I hope this has helped and if you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.

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QUESTION: I am sorry as I apparently did not make my question clear. I felt the need to respond so it may help others in the future. The bubbles in my tanks were not made by my betta!  I am aware of males making bubble nests but since the fish wasn't placed in the tank when the water sirface was covered in bubbles; why I wrote. With my first tank, I thought it may have been a bad filter. My second tank cost twice as much as the first one with the same identical problem. In both cases, I used spring water. I am at a loss since I don't have a clue to the cause. I do appreciate your help and will take your advice and get a 5 gallon tank for my betta along with a heater. Thank you so much for taking the time to help!  Sandy

Answer
Sandy,

Ok, now I know you have a filter in the tank. I would remove the filter. Betta's do not need them and males cannot swim if there is a current. I am thinking now that the filter is running too hard producing the bubbles at the top. Also, you do not need to set the tank out for any period of time. Set the tank up, use a water conditioner and place the fish in right away. With Betta's you do not have to cycle the tank because there is no filter in their tank. Sorry for the confusion but I did not know until right now that there was a filter in the tank.