Betta Care Guide

Basic Betta Care

Tank Size and Environment:

  • Bettas need a minimum tank size of 5 gallons, though larger is always better. A filtered tank with a heater is highly recommended to maintain water quality and stable temperature (around 78-80°F or 25-27°C).

Tank Setup:

  • Use a gentle filter with low flow, as bettas prefer calm waters. You can also provide a sponge filter to minimize water movement.
  • Add live or silk plants to provide hiding spots and resting places. Avoid sharp decorations that might damage their delicate fins.

Water Quality:

  • Perform regular water changes (about 25-30% every week) to keep the water clean and free from harmful toxins.
  • Use a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines from tap water before adding it to the tank.

Diet:

  • Offer a balanced diet of high-quality betta pellets or flakes as their primary food.
  • Supplement their diet with occasional treats like frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp.

Feeding:

  • Feed small portions twice a day. Bettas have small stomachs, and overfeeding can lead to health issues.

Tank Mates:

  • Male bettas are aggressive and should be kept alone in their tank. They are called "Siamese fighting fish" for a reason.
  • Female bettas can sometimes be kept together in groups (sororities), but it requires careful observation and a large tank with plenty of hiding spots.

Water Conditions:

  • Monitor the water temperature, pH (around 6.5-7.5), and ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels using test kits.
  • Keep the water parameters stable and within acceptable ranges.

Observation and Health:

  • Keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual behavior.
  • Quarantine new fish before introducing them to the main tank to prevent potential disease transmission.

Acclimation:

  • When introducing a betta to a new tank or after transportation, acclimate them slowly to avoid stress and shock.

Tank Maintenance:

  • Regularly clean the tank, filter, and decorations to prevent the buildup of waste and algae.