Caring for Betta Fish

When purchasing or planning to purchase a number of Betta fish, finding out about caring for Betta Fish will be an important step. Just like other types of fish, bettas have got their own requirements and when these are adhered to, you will get pleasure from happy and long lived fish.

Segregation From Other Fish

As their alternative name,Siamese fighting fish, suggests, these types of fish must be segregated adequately.

Male Bettas must be seoparated or otherwise they will fight. Females may also fight, though they are less popular, since breeders have yet to figure out how to get the brilliant physical appearance which the males possess.

If you wish to purchase a couple of males, but want to avoid the cost and up keep of two fish tanks, an option is to purchase a specially divided tank, which will keep the fish securely separated from one another.

You should not have small fish living in the same tank as Bettas, since the bettas will eat them.

Adequate Tank Size

A minimum of a 2 gallon tank is required and ideally bigger, to support just one Betta.

A common myth is that bettas like smaller environments. This has happened as pet stores must segregate bettas and the pet stores shelf space is limited. Bettas can survive in small environments, however they will have a much reduced quality of life.

Water Temperature

Bettas are tropical fish and as such must be kept in warm conditions. An air conditioned room is often too cold for Bettas.

The water temperature must be kept at close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, give or take a few degrees in either direction. If you feel that keeping this temperature is going to be a challenge then you might like to buy thermostatically controlled heater for the fish tank.

Cleaning

You must clean the fish tank on a regular basis, about once a week.

Keep the fish inside the tank and scoop up the debris from the base and sides of the tank. A turkey baster is useful for collecting debris from the bottom part of the tank.

Some of the water will also need replacing. It is recommended to empty out about 25 percent of the water, once each week. Replace it with water at room temperature (75 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not add cold water to the tank, or you might shock the fish.

Food

Bettas are carnivorous, and geeding them is reasonably simple. Your local pet store should have dried bloodworms or pellets that they will feed on.