I can't stand to see anything in a small environment---fish in little cubes or dogs and cats in kennels. I can't stand to see any animal suffer---or think that it may be suffering.
My male Betta is in a 2-gal aquarium with a heater! I have a female Betta in a community tank with Gourami and ghost shrimp (the ghost shrimp know how to keep away from her!) I have put male Bettas in community tanks with tetras and they never bothered anyone. They mostly just stay to themselves.
IMHO, these little cube things were made for Betta just for the ease of being able to put them anywhere you please. Always what's best for mankind--not always what's best for animals.
Yes, I know where Bettas come from and what their natural environment is. But, its a natural and free environment-- not some glass cube. My Betta and other fish are here because I want to look at them. I owe it to them to create the best environment I can for them in return.
Just my 2 cents worth
Nancy
www.vrzone1.com