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Step 1
Betta fish are available at just about all pet stores, such as Petco or Petsmart, and are very inexpensive.
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Step 2
When you go to the pet store to select your new fish, observe the bettas for their color and their movement. The healthier fish will have vibrant coloration, and will respond to movement.
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Step 3
In the wild, betta fish inhabit shallow water, so they will be comfortable in a small fish bowl, which you can find at the petstore. If you have the extra room to keep a larger home for your new betta, give him the bigger fish tank or bowl. Betta fish can be kept in a small fish bowl with no filtration or in a tank with a filtration system. If you don’t have filtration then you'll need to change the water at least once a week, more often if you can.
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Step 4
Water straight from the tap contains chlorine which can harm your fish, so avoid using water right out of the tap.
Purchase a water conditioner from the pet store, or you can fill the fish bowl and let it sit for the two days so the chloride can dissipate before putting your betta in it. -
Step 5
Once the water is prepared in the bowl, you're ready to welcome your new pet to his new home. Take the bag that you took him home in, and float it in the bowl, so that the temperature in the bag will adjust to match the temperature in the fish bowl. Pour some tank water into the bag with the fish so that the betta acclimates to the chemicals and water condition, be sure to do this slowly. After about ten minutes you should ease the fish out of the bag and into the tank. Try to avoid dumping the bagful of water into the bowl.
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Step 6
Feed your betta once a day. Avoid over feeding him, or you could kill him. Just sprinkle a pinch of betta food into the bowl. Fish food specifically made for bettas should only be used, the pet stores all sell this.
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Step 7
Clean the fish bowl once a week, more often if needed. Remove any buildup on the tank sides and replace some of the water. Keep a couple gallon jugs near the fish bowl so the temperature stays similar to the water in the bowl. This will also allow the chemicals to dissipate. Then remove some water and replace it once or twice a week.
Comments
bigearthguru said
on 6/1/2009 Great article! Thanks!
scooter181 said
on 5/16/2009 good article
tsimmons said
on 4/17/2009 Your betta is beautiful!! Very good article.
tsimmons said
on 4/17/2009 Your betta is beautiful!! Very good article.
Gem4544 said
on 12/16/2008 thanks for this article! good tips