How to Keep a Betta Fish
Betta fish, also known as Siamese fighting fish are colorful and entertaining pets that require minimal maintenance. They're a great fish to have if you don't want to have a complicated aquarium set-up. Here is some information on how to keep a Betta fish.
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Things You'll Need
- Fish Bowl
- Fish Bowl Or Tank
- Small Net
- Betta Fish Food
- Fish Bowl Decorations (Optional)
- Room Temperature Water
Instructions
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Keep your betta fish in a fish bowl or tank with room temperature water away from extreme heat, cold or draft. They are typically comfortable out of direct sunlight in an average room. Special filters and aeration are unnecessary. Leave two to three inches of room when filling the tank with water so your fish cannot escape the aquarium.
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Clean your fish bowl regularly. While these fish are indigenous to some murky water conditions, they will remain healthier if their bowl is kept relatively clean and clear. Regular cleanings will also prevent unpleasant odors. Many well-kept betta fish live to be two to three years of age.
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Scoop out excess debris such as uneaten food regularly and change the water a few times a month. Prepare for a bowl change by putting water aside a day prior and letting it stand almost twenty four hours before placing your fish in it. Removing your betta fish with some of his existing water and putting him into a safe temporary home such as a tall, wide glass and ensure it's out of reach of an accidental spill is a good idea while you clean the bowl. Special products and ph kits are available at a local pet store to condition the water but these resilient fish don't need too much fuss.
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Feed your betta with betta fish food (procured from your local pet store) 2-3 times per day by placing a small pinch of food in the bowl.
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Consider placing a betta friendly plant such as a Chinese evergreen and a mate for your betta such as a non-aggressive fish or frog that will aid in keeping the bowl clean.
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Tips & Warnings
Never put two betta fish in the same tank. The males will fight, probably till the death of one. Breeding betta fish is very complex and requires research and careful planning so keeping a female and male together is also not a good idea.
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Comments
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nomader
May 08, 2008
Awesome Thanks! Thanks TinasArk too. -
TinasArk
Nov 19, 2007
I used to keep Bettas, as they're SO beautiful and have such "personalities! I had a 10 gallon tank with two dividers and it held 2 males on either end with 2 females in the center section. That was a really cool set-up. They had lots of plants and caves to hide in when they needed "alone time". I personally found that it's really important to have a heater. When temp drops down below 70, I saw my guys lay at the bottom not moving much. But as soon as I got that heater, they became and stayed very active until the day they died. And another "warning"...Bettas are jumpers. I'd suggest some kind of lid that allows air exchange (Bettas NEED to breathe air!).
