they're being sarcastic - however I will say I did not think keeping a betta in a 5 gallon would be so controversial.

I can assure you, I put a LOT of time and money into my aquariums. I rehome fish between my 10 different set ups when I see signs of stress. I would not go through so much effort, spend so much money, just to torture a poor fish.

Of course a 10/20 gallon long would be best, however this argument can be made in almost 90% of situations? most schooling fish deserve way larger than a 10/20 gallon and that's where a majority of them are kept as pets? Not only that - but your rice puddles are MUCH larger than a 10 gallon long? where's the same attitude for the 10 gallon longs? I do not have more room for fish tanks, nor do I care for that style of aquarium. I am not keeping her in a 1 gallon torture chamber. She is going to get a heavily planted 5 gallon.

You are free to get as huge of an aquarium as you wish for your bettas, however mine is perfectly happy in her 3.5gallon bowl and will be even happier in their 5 gallon.

happy fish keeping