How to Care for Betta Fish

Betta fish are easier to care for than many other fish species. The truth is, all pets require care and attention, so there is no pet that's entirely 'low-maintenance.' However, due to their resilience and lower space requirements, Betta fish often demand less upkeep. Furthermore, since Betta fish are freshwater fish, it’s easier to set up and maintain their tanks.

• Betta fish have a special organ known as a 'labyrinth' that allows them to breathe air from the surface and survive in water with low oxygen levels. This means they are easier to care for than other fish. Pretty simple, right?
• Betta fish are also quite beautiful and typically affordable, meaning you'll save money as well.

A tank with a capacity of 10 to 20 liters is the best choice. Betta fish enjoy swimming and exploring, but they don't require excessive space. However, the tank should have a minimum volume of 10 liters to ensure a clean and healthy environment, allowing the Betta fish to feel comfortable and express their natural behaviors.

• With Betta fish, no tank is ever too big! The larger the tank, the more room your fish will have to roam.
• If you're keeping one male Betta and a few females (or other non-conflicting species), the general rule is that for every 2.5 cm of fish size, 4 liters of water should be provided in the tank.

Yes, gravel can help regulate the tank's environment. A layer of gravel at the bottom of the Betta tank encourages the growth of beneficial bacteria, which helps break down waste that accumulates in the water. Gravel also serves to anchor decorations or plants you place in the tank. However, you need to ensure that you choose gravel specifically designed for aquarium use.

• Aquarium gravel comes in various colors and sizes, but it is recommended to choose small-sized, naturally colored gravel to avoid injuring the Betta fish and to reduce stress.

Decorate the tank with fish-safe materials and aquatic plants. Decorative items and aquatic plants (either real or artificial) not only enhance the visual appeal of your Betta tank but also provide Betta fish with hiding spots when they feel stressed. Be sure to use items designed specifically for aquariums, and only fill about half of the tank to avoid overcrowding your Betta fish. This allows your Betta fish to have ample space to swim and explore.

• If using artificial plants, choose those with silk leaves, and avoid plastic plants with sharp edges to prevent injuring your Betta fish.

Mix water conditioner with tap water. Tap water is the most commonly used water source for Betta fish, but the problem is that tap water in most cities is treated with chlorine and other chemicals. These chemicals can harm your Betta fish, so you should add water conditioner to tap water to keep it safe for your fish. Fill the tank with tap water and add the conditioner according to the instructions on the packaging.

• The typical ratio is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5ml – 5 ml) of water conditioner per 40 liters of water. However, be sure to read the instructions on the packaging to confirm.
• Never use distilled or purified water in the aquarium, as any natural minerals that remain in the water can actually be harmful to Betta fish.

The ideal pH range for Betta fish is between 6.5 and 7.5. In addition to temperature, pH level is a crucial factor in a Betta's tank environment. Water that is either too acidic or too alkaline can negatively impact the health of Betta fish. You should check the pH level of the water weekly using a pH testing kit or pH test strips.

• There are several ways to adjust the pH of the water if needed. You can aerate the water to increase the pH or add bogwood to lower the pH.
• Ask at your local aquarium store if they sell products specifically designed to adjust the pH for aquarium water.

Ensure the water temperature stays between 24 - 27°C. A consistent water temperature is ideal. Betta fish health can be negatively impacted if the water becomes too hot or too cold. It's recommended to regularly monitor the water temperature with a thermometer to maintain a balanced and healthy environment for your Betta.

• The placement of the Betta tank can influence the water temperature.
• If you live in a cold climate, you might need to use an aquarium heater.

Perform a partial water change once a week. The water change cycle involves removing 10-20% of the tank's water and replacing it with clean, treated water. This helps reduce toxins and ammonia in the tank. At least once a week, you should remove some water and replace it with treated water to maintain a healthy environment for your Betta fish.

No, harmful toxins will accumulate in the Betta fish if you keep it in a glass jar without a filter. While you may see Betta fish kept in glass jars without filtration systems, this is not an ideal environment for them. Toxins build up quickly in the water and can harm the fish. Moreover, a small glass jar doesn't provide enough space for the Betta fish to swim freely, which they enjoy. If you still prefer to keep your Betta in a glass jar, make sure to choose a jar that holds at least 10 liters of water and install a water filter to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish.

• If you're growing live aquatic plants in the aquarium, make sure to trim them monthly to prevent them from overgrowing and taking up too much space in the tank.

• Male Betta fish are highly territorial, so it’s best not to keep two males in the same tank, as they will likely fight each other.