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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If you've just brought your new betta home, or if you are thinking of getting one, you probably have a lot of questions. This betta fish care guide can help you figure it all out, and give you the information you need to provide your new pet with a healthy environment where he will thrive for many years.

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!Bottom of Form

A good article from pethelpful.com

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What Do Betta Eat and How to Feed Betta? Best Betta Fish Food

Feeding you bettas the best type of food is a challenge for many fish owners. There is a wide variety of food available in the fish stores online and local pet stores that you can feed your fish. 

While deciding what you must feed your betta fish first just think from the fishes’ point of view and you'll be able to easily come with a lot of options. What would your betta have eaten if he would have been in the wild? Answering this simple question will itself make things easier for you to decide what kind of food will be best.

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Here are some possible options to keep your betta healthy and improve it's lifespan.

1. Best Betta Fish Food - Live Food

Under live food bettas absolutely love bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp larvae. In the wild these live types of food are easily available and bettas when in wild can easily consume them. Blood worms are dark red colored and that is why are named like that.

You don’t have to visit a nearest lake or water puddles to catch these for your fish. You can buy them a local fish store in plastic bags and feed your fish. One challenge is that since your fish will love them to eat when they are alive (it's live food, right?), you'll need to keep necessary arrangement to keep them alive.

2. Best Betta Fish Food - Fish Flakes

Fish flakes are made from dried fish and bettas love them. Fish flakes contain vitamin C. B complex and even vitamin E. Some manufacturers use artificial colors in the fish flake food. If you find that the fish flakes food contains "spirulina" which is a type of algae then it's good for your betta.

3. Best Betta Fish Food - Beta fish Pellets 

If you don’t want to go for live food and even fish flakes for some reasons then a better option is betta fish pellets. One advantage of these is that these have been specifically prepared for bettas alone. While making these manufacturers take extra care to make them into the size, an adult betta can eat easily.

4. Best Betta Fish Food - Freeze Dried Food 

Instead of using live food some fish owners use freeze dried brine shrimp and blood worms. Since these are dried you don’t have to take extra care to keep them alive and even feed your fish just like flakes. Since this food is dried you don’t even have to keep them in a freezer. You can store it just like flakes and feed your pet whenever you have scheduled their meal.

5. Best Betta Fish Food - Mosquito larvae

This is the best amongst all types of food you can feed your betta, because in the wild bettas feed on these and stay healthy for years. The only problem is finding these near your home. You just can't go out and bring these from any dirty water puddle back in your tank because apart from mosquitoes you'll also bring a lot of bacteria causing deadly diseases for your fish.

Apart from the type of food mentioned above here are some simple rules you must follow.

• Do not overfeed your bettas because fish do not eat everything you feed them. The uneaten food settles at the betta of the tank and gets rotten. The rotten food can drastically alter water chemistry and this can be harmful for your fish.
• Maintain a tight schedule of feeding your bettas. Just like we humans even fish have a digestive system of their own and feeding everyday is a bad idea. You can feed your betta daily only the amount that he will consume completely. 
  What you can do is feed him little and see how much he consumes. If you find that you are feeding too much and he's leaving it uneaten, then adjust the next day and modify your quantity the other day.
• No matter how much you plan there is always be uneaten food at the bottom of the tank. You can remove the fallen uneaten food particles while cleaning the tank using siphoning tube so that the water chemistry remains intact.
  

Happy Betta Keeping!

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Reasons Why Betta Fish Die?

Betta fish are among the most popular freshwater tropical fish out there, and it’s easy to see why. They’re beautiful, with their flowing fins and brilliant colors. They’re mysterious, originating from far-off lands in the East. And, of course, they are very dangerous, having been trained in super-secret fishy fighting styles.

But no aquatic ninja skills can save bettas from the ultimate end that awaits us all. Ashes to ashes; fish flakes to fish flakes. One minute you’re swimming merrily along, the next you’re belly-up and stuck to the filter intake.

There is no escaping the Angelfish of Death. Unfortunately, for many betta fish it all ends far too soon. If you are the keeper of such a fish it can be pretty disheartening when it dies before its time. You begin to wonder what you did wrong, what you may have done differently and if you deserve to keep a fish at all.

I’ve been there, with bettas and other species of fish. All you can do it take an analytical view of your fish-keeping habits and try to puzzle out whether or not you made a key error somewhere along the line. In some cases you’ve done nothing wrong. Just like other pets, and even people, fish can suffer from congenital issues that shorten their lives.

However, any time you unexpectedly lose a fish it is worth your time to take a look at things and see if you might need to change some of your practices. This article can help with that process. Here I’ve outlined some of the typical reasons betta fish die, and what you can do to avoid them.

1. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Poor Water Conditions

Dirty water is one of the quickest ways to doom any fish tank. And it doesn’t even have to be visibly dirty. Chemicals from decomposing fish waste and uneaten food can contaminate your tank, rendering the water toxic.

Betta have a reputation for surviving in harsh environments where most fish would perish. This is because they are anabantids. They have evolved the ability to take gulps of air from above the water when the water itself is polluted and low in oxygen.

Sadly, this is also what makes people think it is okay to keep bettas in bowls and tiny tanks. Sure, he’ll survive for a while. But small volumes of water pollute very quickly, and it won’t be long before he is feeling the negative effects of poor water conditions. Fin rot and other diseases may be the result, as well as a marked increase in stress that will shorten his life.

Here are three things you can do to avoid this situation:

• Choose at least a 5-gallon tank for your betta. This not only means a better living space for your fish, but the tank will be easier to maintain.
• Use a filter. Yes, betta fish need filters in their tanks. Some 5-gallon tanks come with filters. Otherwise, there are nano filters out there choose from. If you go with a 10-gallon you will have many more options.
• Vacuum the gravel and perform regular water changes. If you suck up the debris and perform a partial water change every-other week your betta’s home will stay much cleaner.

2. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Low Temperatures

Some people seem to think bettas are like goldfish, and they’ll do fine in an unheated bowl or tank. This is incorrect. Goldfish require cooler water, but bettas are tropical fish. As such, they require water temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees.

Cool water again means stress, illness and premature death for your betta. Even if it’s warm where you live, if the temperature drops at night it will cause the tank water to rapidly cool.

So, what can you do?

• Choose at least a 5-gallon tank. (Yup, it's worth mentioning twice.) Tiny volumes of water cool off very quickly. Five-gallon tanks maintain their temperature a little better, and 10-gallon tanks better still.
• Use a heater. Like filters, there are nano versions available for 5-gallon tanks, but more options for 10-gallon tanks.
• Monitor the water temperature. Don’t rely on the heater settings. A simple aquarium thermometer will tell you how warm your water is at all times.

3. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Overfeeding

All fish need to eat a healthy diet. This means a good-quality flake or pellet and occasional treats. But some well-meaning betta owners go overboard, adding way too much food for one fish to consume.

Just like with people, when fish overeat it can lead to illness. Uneaten food can also foul the water, making it toxic for your fish. And, what goes into a fish must come out, so if you are stuffing your betta to the gills there is bound to be more waste in the tank.

So, what to do?

• Feed your fish once per day and only as much as he will eat in a few minutes. Try to make sure as little food is wasted as possible.
• Consider a fasting day. Skip feeding one day per week.
• Clean the gravel and perform water changes. Set a regular schedule to maintain a healthy tank. This doesn't have to be a major chore, and there are easy ways to do water changes.

4. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Harassment by Tankmates

Betta fish can have tankmates in certain situations. However, you need to be very careful how you go about it. Certain types of fish may provoke aggression in bettas, particularly other anabantids or fish with flowing fins they may mistake for another male betta.

But there is another side to the story, one you don’t often think about until it’s too late. While bettas have a reputation for aggression and fighting, they are actually fairly small, slow-moving fish. They can be attacked and bullied by larger fish, and smaller fish may nip at their fins.

This means perpetual (you guessed it) stress which inevitably leads to a premature (say it with me) death.

So how do we avoid this?

• Have backup plan. Whenever you have your Betta in a community tank setting you need to have another setup ready to go in case of disaster. This could be something as simple as a temporary one-gallon bowl. (With the intent to upgrade him to a 5-gallon tank ASAP.) The point is to have a way to get Betta out of there if things go wrong.
• Never try to keep your betta fish with tankmates in a tank under 10 gallons.There simply isn’t enough room for everyone to get along.
• Be very selective about which tankmates you choose, and how you introduce your Betta. This articlecan help.

5. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Stress

As we have seen, betta can die from poor water conditions, overfeeding, cool water temperatures and a dangerous living situation. Aside from the physical damage these issues can cause, when your fish is under constant stress he is more likely to get sick, and more likely to die.

But there are other potential stressors in you tank, ones you may never have thought of. The current from the filter or bubbler may push betta around. He may see his reflection in the tank glass and think it’s another fish, and constantly be looking to fight with himself. If he has no hiding spot such as a small cave or decoration he may feel vulnerable. If some knucklehead in your household is constantly tapping on the glass it may startle him.

There are a few simple things you can do here, aside from tackling the person who keeps tapping on the glass.

• Choose a low-flow filter that doesn’t blow him around the tank. Avoid bubblers in small tanks.
• Make sure he has somewhere to hide and escape from the world if he feels the need. Something as simple as a decoration or rock cave is fine.
• Adjust the light in the room so he doesn’t see himself. A little flaring is no big deal, but if he thinks he has to continuously defend himself it will wear him out.

6. Reasons Why Betta Fish Die? - Issues Beyond Your Control

Betta fish are bred in huge numbers. They live in teeny cups for part of their lives, until you bring them home. If I’m saying a tank smaller than 5-gallons pollutes quickly, you can imagine how bad those little cups must be. It seems the deck is stacked against these poor fish from birth.

You have no way of knowing if your fish is sick when you bring him home. You have no way of knowing if he has some congenital issue that he’s going to die from no matter what you do. You can take a new puppy to the vet to get him checked out for such issues, but with a tiny fish there is simply no way to know.

If you feel like you’ve done everything right and your fish dies anyway, you have to go easy on yourself. Yes, it always helps to take a look at your fish-keeping practices and analyze if you could have done something differently. But, remember, it may not be your fault at all.

Likewise, if you’ve done all the wrong things and your betta lived for years and years, don’t assume doing the right thing doesn’t matter. Like people, some fish can live unhealthy lives and survive into old age. And, some can live in healthy, heated, safe, happy water and die young anyway.

All we can do is what we can do. The rest is luck.

Saving Betta

Caring for a fish properly can go a long way toward making sure he lives a long and happy life. As their stewards we owe it to them to try our best and keep their interests in mind. We have a responsibility when we take a living thing into our home and care for it. If we aren’t going to take it seriously, why even have a fish at all?

Aside from practicing smart aquarium care habits, one other thing you can do is be wise where you purchase your fish. Conscientious pet stores only stock as many fish as they know they can sell in a reasonable amount of time. If you see a massive pile of betta cups filled with dazed and half-dead fish, don’t bother looking for the one healthy fish in the pile. Go somewhere else.

If you’ve lost a betta it can be frustrating and heartbreaking. You may have made some errors, things you can do differently next time. Being a good betta owner doesn’t mean you are always perfect, but it does mean you do your best, and learn from your mistakes.

Happy Betta Keeping!

Source: Eric Dockett - pethelpful.com

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Betta Fish Care Tips

Thanks for Aquarian Vikas' Tips

Below are the tips to take care of your Betta Fish: 1. Water Temperature - To keep your betta hail and hearty, dont forget to provide it with lots of clean and warm water. The aquarium’s temperature should never fall below 74 deg Fahrenheit (23.5 deg Celcius). The ideal temperature should be between 78 and 80 deg Fahrenheit (25.5 to 26.5 deg Celcius). Hence, a heater and a thermometer is a must for your betta tank. 2. Aquarium Space - Provide sufficient space in your aquarium for the betta. Keep your betta in an aquarium of at least 10 gallons (around 38 litres) and ensure that the betta has at least 5 gallons (19 litres) of the tank space dedicated to the betta. This will let your betta or any other fish live healthily in your tank. 3. Water Condition - Perform your weekly 10 - 15 % water changes so that the aquarium always has clean water and the waste not cleared by the water filter will be cleared. When selecting a filter for your betta fish tank ensure that the filter will not produce excessive current in your tank, as this will make it difficult for the betta to swim. 4. Food - Always remember that Betta is a carnivore hence needs a varied and a high protein diet. Most frozen or processed tropical fish foods are appropriate for your Betta. Bettas have small appetites so don’t overfeed them. They should be able to consume all the food within two minutes of feeding. Always remove the leftover food from the tank immediately after the fish stops eating as this could contaminate the water in the tank. 5. Hiding Places - In order to feel comfortable, Betta fish need to have lot of hiding places. Ensure that you provide them with soft cover using live or artificial plants. 6. Companionship - Male Bettas are very territorial toward any fish that they think is another male Betta invading their territory.

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Helpful Tips for Betta Fish Care – 5 Key Steps by Adam Short

So, you are the proud owner of a betta. Now what? In this article, you’ll learn what you must pay attention to if you want to raise a thriving betta.

The betta fish. It’s been touted as one of the most colorful, beautiful fish in the world.

Also known as the Siamese fighting fish, it originated in Thailand, Vietnam and the Cambodian regions.

The males come in a variety of colors and they are fascinating to watch, one of the many reasons millions of fish lovers choose the beloved betta fish as a pet.

So — you are the proud owner of a betta. Now what? 

In this article, we will touch on the necessary items to which you must pay attention if you want to raise a healthy, thriving betta.

The main points to consider when caring for your new betta are:

·         How to set up the aquarium

·         What you will need to maintain the tank

·         Characteristics of a healthy betta

·         What does a betta eat and how often?

·         Warning signs of possible diseases

1. The Aquarium Setup

Your home is your castle, right?  You like to keep it clean and free of clutter. Well, it’s not any different for your betta. A clean home equates to a happy betta.

Bettas do not necessarily require a huge, overpriced, complicated filtration system, or a lot of toys. In a way, you can say bettas are “minimalists” — they like their space, and lots of it. Think of the wide open ranges and fields of Texas. There’s no need to crowd the tank with tons of plants, mini castles or figurines. The number-one rule — keep it simple.

Size is important — to a betta. The tank should be at least 3 gallons of water per betta fish; this is the minimum amount of space. A general rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon of water per inch of fish and then add another gallon for good measure. If you plan to add more fish to your tank, I recommend a 10-gallon size.

When assembling your betta’s new home, consider these things:

·         The aquarium can be either glass or acrylic

·         Plants can be either live or plastic

·         Use waste-absorbing gravel

·         Don’t forget a heater — bettas like to stay warm

·         Betta food and treats (bloodworms are a nice treat)

·         Water and fish treatments

2. Maintaining a Healthy Tank

If your tank is meant to be “home” for your betta fish, or perhaps a few nice neighbors, then you will need a filtration system — but not a huge, complicated one. Bettas prefer stagnant water, so the system should not create a lot of “waves.”

Temperature is important to bettas. As with the three bears: not too hot, not too cold — just right. The water should run around 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

The pH levels for the tank should range between 6.8 and 7. Test the water — literally — before submerging your little one into the tank; you want to make sure he’s comfortable. Buy additives or tablets at a pet store to help regulate the pH levels and measure the pH with test kits. Test the water at least weekly.

An important note: Before adding any items to the tank, such as plastic plants, gravel or other decor, rinse the items thoroughly. Many may contain chemicals that can be hazardous to your betta.

3. A Checklist for a Healthy Betta

First and foremost, keep the tank clean
Second, keep an eye on your betta’s:

·         Color — should be bright and clear

·         Fins — no tears or holes

·         Scales — should be smooth

·         Quick movements — they love showing off

These are indicators that your betta is healthy and well. Bubbles on the surface of the water will also mean your betta is a happy fish.

4. Your Betta’s Appetite

Bettas have a rather simple diet. They will grow fast if they are fed mostly fresh or frozen foods that are nutritious for them. But like humans, they do have an appetite for tasty treats — although for bettas, these are things such as worms, insects and small crustaceans. 

If you notice body swelling or signs of constipation, cease feeding your fish for several days and then feed him only live food for several days. The condition should improve. Once health is restored, reduce the amount of food you fed your fish previously so constipation does not occur again.

Tips: Feed your betta small meals throughout the day. If this doesn’t work with your schedule, feed him once in the morning and again in the evening. If you can feed him only twice a day, give your betta enough to eat for approximately a 2-minute feeding duration. Leaving uneaten food in the aquarium can be dangerous as well, so remove all food remnants from the tank. These betta fish care guidelines are vitally important to follow as improper feeding can lead to poor health.

5. Is Your Betta Not Feeling Well?

Your betta likes to swim at the top of the tank, but if he’s floating… you have a problem.

Betta care is not that difficult if you follow the proper steps and guidelines. But, unfortunately, even the most experienced betta owners may deal with an occasional sick fish.

Here are a few signs your betta may not be feeling 100%:

·         Swimming becomes a strange pattern

·         The fins look clamped

·         Your little fella is spending way too much time at the bottom of the tank — hiding

·         He’s at the top of the tank gasping for air — constantly

·         He’s got the “shakes”

·         He’s using the plastic plants and castle as a scratching post — well, he’s not a cat

Normally your betta will have cotton wool disease, ich or velvet, all of which can easily be treated with an over-the-counter medication (usually containing malachite green) and aquarium salt added to the tank. Consult your veterinarian or the specialist at the store where you bought your betta before starting any treatment.

Good luck, and happy betta keeping!

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This featured contribution was written by Adam Short, proud owner of Betta Fish Center, an educational resource for betta owners looking for information on how to keep their fish happy and healthy. On his website you can find free articles, videos, user-submitted gallery images and a betta forum where members can interact and ask questions.

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