How to Take Care Of A Male Betta Fish

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By telygrid
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Take Care Of A Male Betta Fish

In this article, I will be showing you how to care for a betta fish. Most people think that bettas are very easy to care for. This is true, but they still require some work. Taking care of these fish is rewarding and they are a good first pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

3+ gallon fish tank with screen lid
Betta Food
Brine shrimp net
Stick-on thermometer
Aquarium heater
Water Conditioner
Filter (optional)
Betta fish

Step 1

Before you even think about buying a fish, you have to get the tank ready. A 3+ gallon tank is good. If you got the tank used, WASH IT OUT! Don't use soap, as this kills fish. Use VERY hot water to clean the inside of the tank. Then dry it and bring it to the spot where you want to fill it. Fill it up to the top with tap water. Do not use distilled water, but bottled water is OK, although it's expensive and not recommended. If you use tap water, put in the water conditioner as it says on the bottle.
Step 2

Now that your tank is filled, heat it to the optimal temperature. Bettas thrive in water 78-80 degrees F. Once the water is this temperature, be sure to keep it maintained. Be sure your tank isn't in front of a window or air conditioner. Also, don't keep your tank in any sunlight. The water will heat up and kill the fish.
Step 3

Now that your tank is ready for the fish, you can go out and buy your fish. Remember, it's always better to adopt than to buy. Get a fish that looks healthy and lively. If you see one with a ring of bubbles at the top of the water, and you like the color of the fish, get it. (A bubblenest is a sign of happiness.)
Step 4

Bring home your new fish. Try not to make any stops. Once you get home, put the container that the fish is in, without opening the container, into the tank water. This will allow the water in the container to come to the same temperature as the water in the tank. After about ten minutes, open the container and pour in a little of the aquarium water, then close it again. Let this float there for five minutes. Then take your net and use this to move the fish to his new home. Don't just pour the water in, as the pet store water may be infected.
Step 5

Now your fish should be swimming around, and stretching out in his new tank.
Don't feed him the first day, and keep the water at the optimal temperature. The next day, feed your fish as directed on the food bottle.
Step 6

If you have a tank without a filter, clean the tank by scooping out 30%
every 1 week for a 3-5 gallon tank, and every 2 weeks for a 5+ gallon tank. If it's unfiltered, clean out all the water every month. If you have a filtered tank (3+ gallons) change out 30% every 2 weeks. Full water changes aren't required if you use a filter. Remember, the replacement water should be the same temperature and conditioned. Have fun with your new fish!