There are many false ideas surrounding Betta fish care, ranging from mildly incorrect to outright harmful. But good information can be hard to come by, even in these days of the internet. If you've found this list, however, you're in luck! I'm an experienced Betta fish keeper with eight Bettas currently in my care, and I've put together a quick list to help new owners (or old owners looking to learn more) get a better idea of what goes into proper Betta care.
Note: If you're reading through the list, and realize you've done a couple of the incorrect things, don't fret or feel bad! Everybody makes mistakes, and what matters is that you care enough to learn more and fix them. Misinformation is everywhere and its often easy to believe. I made many mistakes myself during my early days of Betta keeping!
1. Betta fish need a minimum tank size of 2.5 gallons (not liters!)
Betta fish's natural territories are approx. 29 gallons in size, and the .5 or 1 gallon tanks sold in stores for them are not NEARLY big enough to keep a Betta happy and healthy in! Each betta needs at least 2.5 gallons of space, but 5.5 gallons is preferred. Bigger is always better, and I can assure you that your little friend will enjoy and make good use of the extra space!
2. Betta fish need a heater
Betta fish live in rice patties in the wild, and their habitat's temperature doesn't ever drop below the mid-50s. In captivity, the recommended Betta fish water temperature is between 78-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to get your buddy a tank-size appropriate heater, it'll do them a world of good.
3.The softer the decorations, the better
Betta fish have very fragile fins, and decorations with sharp or harsh edges can often rip or tear them. Ouch! Make sure that any decorations you put in their tank have soft edges. Live or silk plants make great tank décor.
4. Add a place to hide
To lower the stress your fish may experience by always being in an open area, add a small place to hide in their tank. Small caves, logs, and other decorations meant for hiding are readily sold in stores. For a cheaper option, a terracotta pot laid on its side can make for a great budget hidey hole. Please do not use cholla wood, as Bettas can get stuck inside and suffocate.
5. Water changes
When doing water changes (which should be preformed at least monthly, more frequently ideally), do not just put in water straight from the tap. Tap water contains heavy metals and chlorine that are very harmful to fish. When doing a water change, either leave water out over night to let the chlorine evaporate or add a water conditioner. I personally recommend SeaChem Prime, it's not expensive at all and not only detoxifies the water, but also binds ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, making your fish tank water perfect for your fish! Also, try to get the water temperature close to the tank water temperature before adding it; I do so by using a water thermometer. Your fish will surely appreciate it!
6. Filter
People often say that Betta tanks do not need filters. This is only partially true. Unless you're planning on really keeping up with (and doing extra) water changes, a filter is HIGHLY recommended! It will help keep your tank clean and your water oxygenated. A low flow or sponge filter is best, because Betta fish are not naturally very strong swimmers, and a strong filter current will impede their swimming ability. Also, a quiet filter is needed, as Bettas have a very keen sense of hearing, and the constant noise from a noisy filter will cause them stress!
7. Day and night cycle
Bettas, like people, need darkness to sleep! No matter if they have a tank light, or simply are placed near a lamp, make sure they get at least eight hours of darkness each night.
8. Keep your Betta company!
From what I've seen in my Betta keeping, Betta fish are extremely social towards their owners, and will even begin to recognize them!! Spend some time with your buddy, talk to them, sit next to them, even if just for a little bit each day. They'll appreciate it, and will be sure to show you with their big personalities.
Bettas are beautiful, active, and very social pets with great individual personalities. Their care is not overwhelmingly hard, and if you follow these six steps, you'll be sure to have a happy Betta!
