Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish, are one of the most popular types of fish found in homes around the world. Their vibrant color and active lifestyle seem to appeal to fans of fish, as well as those who have never eaten fish before. Bettas are relatively easy to care for, and their low maintenance is particularly appealing to people who would like to keep fish but don’t have a lot of time to care for them.
Once you bring your Betta home, you should begin to become familiar with his typical movements and behavior patterns. When you look at your fish after you’ve had them for a while, you’ll know if something’s wrong, if they’re not feeling well, or if the water in their tank isn’t in the best condition just by looking.
1. Make sure the jar or bowl you keep your Betta in is big enough for him to swim in and not hit or tear his fins or scales. Also make sure there is enough surface area for you to get enough oxygen.
2. Your Betta will thrive in the cleanest water you can provide. It doesn’t require a filtration system, but you should change a third of your water every three days to keep it fresh and clean and prevent your finned friend from getting bacterial or fungal infections. Aged water (water that has been sitting for twenty-four hours) is what should be used to replace the old water.
3. Do not put your betta fish with other betta fish. They are called Siamese fighting fish because they are, in fact, fighting fish. They will tear at each other, often killing at least one fish before coming to a stop. Betta can be paired with algae eaters, guppies, or corydorus catfish safely.
4. Use a turkey baster to clean small uneaten food particles or debris from the bottom of the container or jar. Allowing this debris to settle to the bottom of the jar will make the water cloudy, unsanitary, and smell horrible.
5. The PH of your tank should be exactly 7.0. You can get a PH test kit at your pet store along with solutions to either lower or increase the PH of your water.
6. When cleaning plants, rocks, or decorations in the container, you should never use soap on them. It is very difficult to completely rinse all the soap from these items, and soap residue can harm or even kill your Betta. Instead, use warm water and an abrasive brush to clean your stuff.
7. Keep your Betta tank, jar or bowl covered! Your Beta will jump up and you don’t want it to end up on the table! Keeping the water level at least two inches from the top of the tank should also reduce this problem.
8. Your betta eats meat and likes live foods, like brine shrimp. Frozen bloodworms are also a good option for carnivores. Most Betta fish will happily eat the Betta pellets that are sold in most pet stores. For a special treat once in a while you should offer some live food! You will have fun watching him eat it!
9. Do not decorate your Betta bowl with rocks or marbles that may cause your Betta to get stuck between or under them. Make sure they are a flat, smooth surface that does not pose a health risk to your fish.
10. Remember that your fish is a living, breathing liability. You need to feed, clean, and care for your Betta just like you would any other pet. If he’s sick, take him to the vet, if he’s hungry, feed him, if his house is dirty, clean it.
That’s all! These ten tips for caring for your Betta fish will help you maintain a healthy fish. Internet betta groups or library books can be a great source of information if you want to learn more about your finned friend!