Everything You Need To Know About
Betta Fish
Almost!
What are Betta Fish?
Betta fish are most easily identified by their long, dramatic fins. They are often called "Siamese fighting fish" due to their semi-aggressive nature. They also breathe oxygen from the water's surface and will flare their fins when threatened. Their natural habitats are rice patties and flood plains in Southeast Asia.
What Kind of Tank are You Setting Up?
"I need something easy/simple."
"I don't have a lot of space."
"I've never had a fish before."
"I wish I could have multiple bettas!"
"I've had a betta before but I want to try something new."
"I have the room for a 10 gallon tank."
Single Betta Tank
For a single betta you should have a 1-5 gallon tank with a filter, heater, lid, plants, rocks, and decor. You will condition the water and let the tank cycle for at least 30 mins before adding your betta. You can add tankmates such as snails and shrimp, however it's possible that your betta will attack. Feed daily: 4-5 pellets/frozen worms per betta. Overfeeding your betta can lead to health issues in the future.
Female Betta Sorority
For a female betta sorority you should have a 10+ gallon tank with a filter, heater, lid, plants, rocks, and decor. You will condition the water and let the tank cycle for at least 30 mins before adding your bettas. It's important to add your female bettas at the same time, try to also choose similar-sized bettas. Feed daily: 4-5 pellets/frozen worms per betta. Overfeeding your betta can lead to health issues in the future.
Learn about fish compatibility!
Betta Community Tank
A betta community tank either has a single male OR a single female betta and several schooling fish or has multiple female bettas with several schooling fish. Never put multiple male bettas together. Compatible fish will be small, fast, and schooling. Compatibility will also depend on the fish's personality. The community tank should be at least 5+ gallons with a filter, heater, lid, plants, rocks, and decor.
What You Need:
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1. Fish Tank
2. Heater
3. Water Conditioner
4. Gravel + Decor
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5. Plants
6. Fish Food
7. The FISH!
1 - 10 Gallon Tank
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I recommend 3+ gallons for a single betta fish and 10+ gallons for a community or sorority
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You can easily purchase a kit that comes with a tank, filter, and an LED equipped lid
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Sometimes bettas have trouble swimming with a filter because of their large fins - if the filter is too strong for the betta, simply unplug the filter or remove it altogether
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Bettas should have a source of lighting (natural or artificial) on a consistent schedule
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Bettas are known for jumping so it's best to have a lid
Heater
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Bettas are naturally tropical fish and need a consistent water temperature (76-80 °F) to be happy and healthy
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Warmer water helps with digestion and reduces illness
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I recommend preset, fully submersible heaters - get a thermometer so you always know the temperature
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Make sure to unplug the heater when you are doing large water changes
Gravel and Decor
1-3 gallon tank =
5 or 7.5 watt heater
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3-5 gallon tank =
10 watt heater
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5-10 gallon tank = 50 watt heater
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Always purchase aquarium safe gravel and rinse it with hot water to get off any dust or debris
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Never boil or use soap on your gravel
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Avoid sharp/pointy decor to avoid tearing the long, delicate fins - look for smooth decor with hiding spots and flat surfaces
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You will need 1 lb of gravel for every 1 gallon in a standard tank
Plants
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Real plants produce oxygen and help naturally filter the tank - which is especially important in smaller tanks
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I recommend moss/marimo balls because they act as a treat for the betta to munch on
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Any plants with wide, flat leaves are perfect - an example would be the Anubias species
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With fake plants I would recommend silk instead of plastic - anything with wide, flat leaves is great
Water Conditioner
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It's important to get water conditioner to make your water safe for the betta
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You can use tap/sink water in your tank WITH conditioner to neutralize chlorine or any metals that might be present - testing your water parameters is very important
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You can also purchase pre-treated water from pet supply stores or use bottled water - however, the mineral content may vary
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I would avoid local pond/lake/river or rain water
Fish Food
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There are 5 types of food - flakes, pellets, freeze-dried, live, and frozen
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Pellets with occasional frozen food is the best diet for bettas
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Protein (shrimp/worms/larvae) should be the first ingredient
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Avoid fillers like wheat flour or rice meal
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Always thaw your frozen food before feeding
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Only feed 3-5 pieces of food each day - overfeeding can lead to health problems
The Betta Fish
Learn about testing your water parameters!
Do not overfeed your betta. Only feed 3-5 pieces of food every day. Or 5 pieces every other day.
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1 male or female betta fish is perfect for a 1-5 gallon tank
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Avoid the "king" betta species unless you have at least 5 gallons
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1 male betta can live in a 5+ gallon community tank with the right fish
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Multiple female bettas can live together in a 10+ gallon sorority