Betta Fish Care - All Helpful And Interesting Information
About Betta Care
Betta fish are easy to care for, but
they have some special requirements due to their behaviors. They are colorful
fish, both fierce and fragile. While they are among the most popular aquarium
fish the the world, they are also one of the most misunderstood.
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Or,
perhaps you're having trouble with a betta you've had in the family for a
while. It is tremendously disheartening when a pet gets sick or starts acting
strangely, but you're not alone. Here you can find the answers to many
frequently asked questions about betta fish and the things they do.
Maybe
you'll discover your betta's actions aren't so weird after all!
Even
though the tiny cups they come in at the pet store might suggest otherwise,
bettas are not disposable pets. They require the same care and respect as any
animal. Are you up to the task?
Of
course! If you didn't care about your betta fish you wouldn't be here! So let's
get down to business.
Betta Tank Selection
You want to choose a
quality aquarium and have it set up before you bring your betta
fish home. You may have heard that bettas do best in small bowls or even plant
vases, but that’s simply not true. Just like any other tropical fish, they need
space to thrive.
Small volumes of water pollute quickly,
creating a bad environment for your fish. You’ll want to choose a tank that’s
at least 5-gallons, but many people have great success keeping betta in
beautifully planted 10-gallon tanks. Avoid small bowls and very small tanks.
So, why do some people think it is okay
to keep these fish in tiny little containers? Betta fish are Anabantids, which means
they can breathe air above the water through their mouths as well as obtain
oxygen from the water through their gills.
They can exist in low-oxygen water
environments where other fish would perish. In the wild, this means rice
paddies or even muddy puddles. However, this is not an excuse for keeping
betta fish in poor conditions.
Heat and Filtration for Your Betta Tank
As tropical fish, betta may require
a heater and
filter in their tank. You can find nano heaters for 5-gallon tanks,
and if you choose a 10-gallon tank you’ll have many more options. Bettas need a
temperature between 75 and 80 degrees.
You’ll want a heater capable of
maintaining that temperature, as well as a thermometer that will accurately
measure the temp of the tank water.
As with heaters, you can find nano
filters for 5-gallons tanks, and a wider variety of options for 10-gallon tanks
and up. Look for something with an adjustable flow. Bettas don’t like a lot of
current. In worse-case scenarios strong currents can even be bad for their
fins, so try to find a filter with low-flow capabilities.
Ideal Water Parameters
- Temperature: 78 degrees
- Nitrates: < 20
- Nitrites: 0
- Ammonia: 0
- pH: 7.0
Additional Accessories for Your New Tank
You’ll need a few more supplies for
your tank. Some things to think about:
- Gravel and Substrate: In my opinion, regular
aquarium gravel is best. Some people like to use large pebbles and
marbles, and that’s fine if you are willing to go the extra mile every
time you clean the tank. However, waste and uneaten food can easily slip
between pebbles and become trapped, where they decay and foul the water.
If you use regular gravel the tank is much easier to clean.
- Plants: Bettas love plants, and
they’ll sometimes even rest on the leaves. There are pros and cons to
choosing live plants for your aquarium. But, if live plants seem too
daunting, there is nothing wrong with artificial plants.
- Hiding Spots: I always like to have a
hiding spot, such as a cave or decoration the fish can swim into. It gives
them a little haven where they can get away from light or current, or
whatever else might be bothering them. Some fish use hiding spots a lot,
where others rarely go into them.
How to Clean Your Betta Tank
If you set up your tank wisely you
only need to spend a couple of minutes per week on maintenance. The most
important thing is to perform a water change, while simultaneously cleaning the
gravel. This is easily accomplished with an inexpensive siphon.
Choose a siphon based on the size of
your tank. Obviously, very small tanks only require very small siphons.
You’ll want to vacuum the gravel
until you remove about a third of the water, and then replace it will clean,
fresh water. For small tanks, make sure you allow the new water to come up to
room temperature before adding.
It’s important to know whether or
not your water source includes chemicals such as chlorine. Many municipal water
sources do. I use well water now, so I don’t have to worry about this, but when
I lived in the city I always treated my tanks with water conditioner after each
water change.
Dealing with
algae is something you’ll have to do with good ol’ elbow
grease. Algae scrubbers are inexpensive and are made to scrape the side of the
tank clean. You may need to remove the decorations and clean them by hand
Betta Fish Care and Behavior FAQ
Have some questions about your betta
fish? Is he doing something strange? Are you worried about his health? Odds are
you're not the first betta owner to witness this behavior.
If you are new to betta keeping, or if
you just want to learn more about this wonderful tropical fish, you can find
in-depth answers to many of your questions below. If you don’t see your
question addressed here, you can also look to see if your question has been
asked before in the comments section.
After all of that, if you still can’t
find the answers to your betta questions feel free to ask in the comments
section below! I do respond ASAP to all legitimate questions, but be patient
and give it a day or two, and please be sure to check that your question isn't
already asked before posting.
What Do Betta Fish Eat?
Choose a simple flake or pellet and only
feed as much as he will eat in a few minutes. Most food containers advise
feeding several times per day, but in my experience once a day is fine.
In addition to flake food or betta
pellets, your betta can eat freeze-dried foods and (thawed) frozen foods.
Experiment and see when he likes. It’s best to find a good flake or pellet food
for his regular feedings and provide the more exotic foods as treats.
Don’t go crazy. Overfeeding is one of
the top reasons betta
fish die before their time. Your betta won’t eat a lot, so pay
attention to what he’s letting float to the bottom of the tank and learn to
gauge the appropriate amount of food to feed. Remember, he is one small fish
and doesn't need a lot of food. Uneaten food can spoil the water.
Why Is My Betta Fish Laying on the Bottom?
This is sometimes interpreted as a sign
that a fish is about to die, but fear not. When a betta fish sits on the bottom
it, in itself, does not mean that there is anything wrong. This is normal betta
behavior, and as long as he appears otherwise healthy it is no concern. He’s
just lazing around.
Bettas often sit on the bottom or of the
leaves of real or artificial plants. However, if he appears to be tucking
himself in a corner or in some other unnatural position it could be a sign that
you need to include a hiding spot in his tank.
Also be on the lookout for any other
signs of disease or injury. While healthy betta fish will often lay on the
bottom, ill or injured fish may as well.
Is My Betta Fish Happy?
This seems like an odd question, but it
is one I get several times per week in various forms on one or more of my betta
articles. Usually, someone is concerned because their betta is no longer
exhibiting a certain behavior, such as coming to the glass when a person enters
the room.
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Truthfully, I have no idea if a fish is
capable of being “happy” or not, though I am as guilty as anyone for using the
term. I think it is more likely that they feel content when their needs are
met, such as when they are free from danger and disease, well-fed and
unstressed.
Sadness isn't something you can prevent
in your betta, but you can prevent those other issues. You keep your betta
stress-free by setting up his tank correctly. You know he is well fed because
you practice smart feeding practices. You watch for signs of disease and treat
if necessary, and you keep his tank clean through proper maintenance
procedures.
These are things to strive for when
keeping a betta fish. If you do this he will be content, and maybe even happy!
Why Do Betta Fish Make Bubble Nests?
It’s a mating thing. Male bettas build
bubble nests, especially when they are content in their environment. In the
wild this is where the male betta stashes the eggs after they are released by
the female.
However, this is also the subject of a
little confusion at times. The absence of a bubble nest doesn’t mean your fish
isn’t content. Sometimes people change tanks or make some other alteration to
the betta’s environment and then become concerned when there is no bubble nest
the next day. Let your fish become accustomed to his new environment, and even
then don’t worry if he isn’t making nests.
Likewise, the presence of a bubble nest
doesn’t always mean everything is fine. Remember, this is an instinctual behavior,
and bettas live is some pretty rough environments in the wild. They makes nests
even when times are hard.
Also, bettas sometimes leave bubbles on
the surface of the water when they come up to breathe, and these can be
misinterpreted as attempts to build bubble nests.
Is My Betta Fish Bored or Lonely?
Worrying about a betta being bored and
lonely is often used an excuse to add more fish to the tank. Usually, I think
it is the fishkeeper who has become bored with the betta.
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There are situations where betta fish
can have tankmates, which I will address below. However, concern over his
social status is not a good reason to put him in a community setting.
Some fish do experience what we might
call primitive loneliness. They are schooling fish, and when they are not with
others of their kind they experience elevated stress. They don't like to be
alone.
But bettas are not this kind of fish.
They are fine all on their own, and in many cases they are better off. As long
as you follow smart betta care practices you don’t need to worry about the
mental state of your fish.
Why Is My Betta Hiding in the Corner of the Tank?
Bettas need some kind of decoration or
structure they can swim into when they need to feel safe. If that isn’t
provided, and he feels he needs it, you may find him tucked into a corner
instead. Always provide a place for him to escape to.
This is especially true if the current
in the tank is somewhat strong, or if there are other things in the tank that
are causing him to feel threatened. Even the outside room can be threatening,
if people are always tapping on the glass or making a great deal of noise
around the tank.
The solution is to have a hiding spot,
so betta can retreat when he needs to.
Why Is My Betta Flaring His Gills?
A betta flares his gills as a sign of
aggression. He is saying: Look
how big and bad I am! Back off, buddy!
If there is no other fish in the tank it
may be because he sees his reflection and thinks it is another betta fish.
Bettas are territorial, and the perceived presence of another male will send
him into fight mode. He doesn’t know it is his own reflection he sees.
This may be comical, and to some extent
good for the fish, but don’t let it go on for hours on end. Adjust the light
near his tank so he doesn’t see himself. If he is always flaring up because he
perceives another fish in the tank he will be under constant stress and prone
to illness.
Why Is My Betta Fish Swimming Up and Down the Sides of the Tank?
This is called glass surfing and
it’s usually a sign that a fish in unhappy in its environment. That means he is
experiencing stress of some kind. It could be because of poor water conditions,
or it could be because the tank is too small.
This is one of the reasons recommend
tanks at least five gallons for a single betta fish. Some people put their fish
in tanks as small as one gallon and then wonder why the fish spends all day
glass surfing. In my opinion one gallon – or two gallons or three gallons - is
far too little space. Bigger is better.
Like any tropical fish, bettas need to
swim around and have a little room. And remember: bettas do not like fast
currents, so if the filtration in the tank is pushing him around it could be
causing him stress.
Why Is My Betta Fish Turning White?
This is due to stress. If he just
went through a water change or some other event where his environment was
disturbed he should relax in a few minutes. Likewise, if he just went through
an episode of flaring it may be followed by his face turning white.
If it seems like he’s always stressed
it could mean there is something wrong in the tank. Some possible reasons
include poor water conditions, no hiding spots in the tank, or a tank that is
too small or overcrowded.
If he is living in a community tank
setting, and his face is white all the time, it is a sure sign that it is time
to get him out of there. Something, or some fish, is causing him stress, and it
isn’t the right environment for him.
Can I Have Two Male Betta Fish in the Same Tank?
In most circumstances two males
bettas in the same tank will severely injure or even kill each other. The only
possible way to have two in one tank is to use a divider system to partition
the tank. If you try this don’t use a clear partition, as both fish may stress
themselves to death trying to get at the other.
Male Bettas are aggressive
fish, and will attack each other and fish similar to them. It’s
important to realize this when planning the environment where your Betta will
live. Novice fish keepers are wise to keep their betta alone in a
single-specimen tank.
Can Bettas Live With Other Fish?
Maybe. It depends on the temperament
of the other fish, and your betta. You may be surprised to read this, given the
reputation bettas have for fighting. Because they are so aggressive, many
people keep them in tanks separate from their other fish, which is smart for
beginners.
However, they can be fine community
fish as well, under the right circumstances. When kept with tankmates, the
danger is often to the betta as much as to the other fish.
There are a few keys to keeping a
betta fish in a community tank. In a nutshell:
- Try to add your betta to a tank that’s already
established.
- Don’t put your betta in a tank with species who are
known fin nippers.
- No other semi-aggressive fish in the tank, especially
other anabantids.
- No other fish with flowing fins, as he may mistake them
for another betta.
- Have a peaceful tank with lots of hiding spots.
- Above all else, always have a backup plan (small tank
or bowl) ready in case betta doesn’t get along.
Can Betta Fish Have Tankmates That Aren’t Fish?
In many cases, yes, they can live
with critters. In fact, in smaller tanks it is preferable to housing them other
fish. You want to take some of the same precautions as you could keeping him
with tankmates in a community setting, such as keeping a peaceful tank and,
most importantly, having a backup plan in case things go wrong.
Some tankmates to consider are:
- Apple/Mystery Snails
- African Dwarf Frogs
- Ghost Shrimp
Is My Betta Fish Sick?
People often think their fish is
sick when really it is just a betta being a betta. However, there are some
signs to watch out for that will clue you in to illness. Look for the following
symptoms of common betta fish diseases:
- Swimming Sideways: If you notice buoyancy issues with your fish, it could be because of swim bladder issues. Overfeeding and poor water conditions are the cause of many betta maladies. Do a water change, and switch to an alternate day feed/fast schedule for a week and see if he improves.
- Fins deteriorating: This is often due to poor water conditions. Keep up with water changes, don’t overfeed, keep his water super-clean and he ought to recover.
- Scales look like they are ready to pop off: If your betta seems to be blowing up like a balloon to the point where his scales seem to be ready to burst, this is condition called dropsy. Unfortunately it is usually fatal, but can be prevented if you avoid overfeeding, especially live or very rich foods like bloodworms.
- Little white dots on scales: This is a parasitic infection called Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, or more commonly referred to as simply ich. It can be treated with over-the-counter meds, thought some fish keepers prefer to treat by raising the water temp and dosing the tank with aquarium salt.
Is Tap Water Safe for Fish?
If you are lucky enough to live
where you have fresh, clean water without additives floating around in it, this
will be fine for your betta.
If your water is drinkable, but you
know it contains additives such as chlorine, there are dissolving tablets you
can purchase that will condition the water and make it safe for your betta.
If you are unsure about the safety
of your water you can purchase quality bottled spring water.
It’s a good idea to have the pH of
your tap water tested. You can bring a sample and ask the staff at the pet
store to do this for you, or you can purchase a kit and do it yourself.
When Should I Change the Water in My Tank?
Some people wait until the water is
visibly murky before performing maintenance on the tank. By then it’s too late.
If your Betta lives in an unfiltered
setup you’ll need to completely change his water and clean his tank weekly.
If he is in a tank with filtration, you need to change about 20-30% of his
water weekly.
It’s best not to net him if you need
to remove him from his home. His fins are fragile and it can greatly stress
him. A better idea is to scoop him out into a small cup or bowl while you
perform the weekly maintenance.
Be aware that Bettas can jump, so
make sure he’s in a safe place.
Can Betta Fish Live With Goldfish?
The short answer is no.
Goldfish and betta fish have very different care requirements. Goldfish are
cold water fish, and betta are tropical fish, meaning the appropriate water
temperature for each would stress the other.
Goldfish pollute water quickly,
which would be deadly for a betta. They also have long, flowing fins, which
could provoke aggression.
Finally, goldfish grow much too
large for most home aquariums. They are appropriate only for very huge tanks
and outdoor ponds.
Where Do Betta Fish Come From?
In the wild, betta can be found in
ponds, slow-moving creeks and rivers in Southeast Asia. The fish you purchase
in the pet stores are all male, and bred to bring out their amazing colors and
flowing fins. Wild bettas are far more dull. Some pet stores sell female
bettas, but they are not nearly as common.
Take Good Care of Your Betta!
Betta are so popular not just
because they are beautiful, but also because they are so easy to take care of.
But don’t make the mistake of thinking they are disposable pets. It's easy to
keep your fish healthy if you know the ropes.
Finally, please don’t keep your
betta in a tiny cube, and if you’re given one in a plant vase please liberate
him as soon as possible. If nothing else, I try to be an advocate for
responsible fish keeping.
Good luck with your betta!
A good article from pethelpful.com
