Bettas can adapt to many different environments, but that doesn't mean you just have to place them in decorative bowls or vases. In reality, betta fish need a lot of space and filtered water to thrive. When setting up an aquarium for your betta, think about the health and happiness of your pet fish. Don't forget the golden rule for betta fish: never put two male betta fish in the same tank as they will fight to the death.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing an Aquarium and Accessories
Step 1. Choose an aquarium large enough for your betta
You've probably seen betta fish placed in small plastic bowls at the pet store, but they actually need more room to grow. To keep your fish happy, healthy, and stress-free, choose a glass or clear acrylic tank that can hold a minimum of 10 liters of water, but it is highly recommended that you have an aquarium of 20 liters or larger. Make sure the tank has a lid, as betta fish can jump. An aquarium of this size provides enough space for the fish to swim freely and the water will not be contaminated as quickly as a small aquarium. In addition, the aquarium can be warmed safely and the nitrogen cycle can be carried out properly.
- Betta fish need a tank with a minimum capacity of 10 liters. Less than that will not be sufficient, no matter if the shortage is only 2 liters.
- Betta fish cannot live with other betta fish. The idea of a female betta fish “assemblies” is widely discussed on social media, but is considered unethical and unnatural for fish. The best option is to place the fish separately. So you need an aquarium for each fish. In this way, betta fish can live a calm life without stress.
Step 2. Use a filter with a weak flow
Betta fish naturally live in large bodies of water with gentle currents. Their long, fluttering fins make it difficult for fish to fight strong currents. So, it is important to choose a filter that is labeled “gentle” or has adjustable settings. Choose a filter that is designed according to the size of the aquarium to be used.
- If you have a filter that creates a stronger current, try making a flow damper using a crop or a cut water bottle.
- The presence of a filter is necessary for betta fish (and all fish kept in an aquarium) because it allows nitrogen to circulate so that toxins do not accumulate in the water.
Step 3. Set up a water heater to regulate the temperature of the aquarium
Betta fish are tropical fish and thrive in water with a constant temperature between 74-85°C. For fish safety, use a thermometer to make sure the water is at the right temperature.
If you choose to use a tank with a capacity of less than 20 liters, it may be risky to use a water heater because the tank can overheat. This is one reason why it is recommended that you choose an aquarium large enough for your betta
Step 4. Purchase a substrate for the aquarium base
Substrate is an important part of the aquarium environment. The substrate allows good bacteria to grow on the surface of the gravel. In addition, the substrate creates a more natural environment for the fish and makes the aquarium more pleasing to the eye. Choose small pebbles or sand, not gravel made with large pieces of rock. Food and debris can get trapped between the boulders and cause ammonia levels to rise.
- If you are using live plants in an aquarium, you will need a 5 cm layer of substrate so the plants can take root. If using artificial plants (only those made of silk), you will only need about 2.5 cm thick.
- Choose a substrate with natural colors, such as white, black, and brown to coat the aquarium. Lightly colored substrates, such as pinks and oranges, will make the environment feel less natural for your betta.
Step 5. Buy plants and other decorations
Live plants help provide oxygen, remove nitrates, and provide a natural environment for betta fish. Decoration is an important part because it can enrich the aquarium environment and provide a hiding place for fish. If you want to add live plants, choose a type that will grow well in aquarium conditions. In addition, you must also take into account the light intensity, temperature, and substrate.
- Remember, the gravel must be at least 5 cm thick to support live plants. Using native plants creates a more natural micro-ecosystem in the aquarium because the plants filter out waste and use it as fertilizer and increase oxygen levels in the water when it "breathes". Anubias nana, Javan fern, and marimo ball can be choices for beginner plants because they do not require fertilizer or carbon dioxide and do not require a lot of light.
- If you want to use artificial plants, make sure you choose one that is made of silk and doesn't have sharp edges. Betta fish's long, fragile fins can be injured if they swim near plants.
- Choose other decorations to make the betta fish happy. Structures that allow fish to hide, such as caves or tunnels can be a great option to ensure your fish feel safe and comfortable in their home. Make sure you choose decorations that do NOT have sharp edges or rough surfaces to minimize the risk of snagging fish fins. Use fine sandpaper or a nail file to work out the problem areas.
Part 2 of 3: Setting Up the Aquarium
Step 1. Place the aquarium in a safe part of the house
Choose a location near a window, but not in direct sunlight. Make sure you place the tank on a solid surface so you don't risk collapsing. Finally, if you have other pets, consider placing the aquarium in a room where it cannot enter.
- You can build an aquarium cabinet that is designed to hold the weight of the aquarium you choose.
- Leave about 12.5 cm of space between the aquarium and the wall to accommodate the filter and heater.
Step 2. Install the filter
Different types of filters require different installation methods. Check the instructions provided by the filter manufacturer and make sure you installed it correctly.
- If you have an externally powered filter, attach it to the back of the aquarium. The aquarium cover may have holes for easy installation. You must wait until the aquarium is full of water before turning it on.
- If you have an undergravel filter (a filter that is located under a layer of gravel or sand), install the filter plate first and make sure the hose is properly attached. Do not turn on the filter until the aquarium is full.
Step 3. Add substrate
Wash the substrate under cold running water (no soap!) to remove any remaining dust, which can clog the filter and cause cloudy water. Make a layer of substrate 2.5-7.5 cm thick at the bottom of the aquarium. Arrange for the substrate to slope slightly towards the back of the aquarium. Place a clean plate on top of the gravel and start pouring water over the plate to fill the tank. The plate will prevent the water from shifting the pebbles as they are poured. Pour water until the aquarium is one third full.
- While adding water, check the aquarium for leaks. If you notice a leak, it's important to fix it before you're done filling and setting up the tank.
- Remove the plate after you have finished filling the tank.
Step 4. Place the plants and decorations
For live plants, you'll want to make sure the roots are well buried under the surface of the gravel. Arrange the plants so that the tallest ones are at the back of the tank and the lower ones are near the front. This setting allows you to get a better look at your betta.
- Make sure all decorations are firmly embedded in the gravel so they don't come off.
- When you've finished filling the tank, it's best not to put your hands in the water again. Therefore, make sure you like the arrangement of the plants and decorations before pouring water.
Step 5. Finish filling the aquarium and turn on the filter
Fill the tank to about 2.5 cm from the lip of the tank, then plug in the filter and turn it on to make sure it is working properly. You should check that the water circulates slowly, smoothly and quietly. Adjust the settings if the water movement looks very strong.
Step 6. Install the heater on the inside of the aquarium
Most heaters are attached to the inside of the aquarium with a suction cup. Position the heater near the filter mouth to ensure the water is evenly heated. Plug in the heater and attach a thermometer so you can start monitoring the water temperature.
- Adjust the heater so that the water temperature is between 25-27 °C.
- If the aquarium has a lamp, turn it on to see if the heat of the lamp affects the temperature of the tank. If the heat of the lamp affects the temperature drastically, you will need to change to a better lamp before adding your betta to the tank.
Step 7. Add the dechlorinator to the water
Dechlorinators are very important because they work to remove chlorine/chloramines and heavy metals from water. You only need to add it if you fill the water with chlorinated tap water. Add the amount of dechlorinator according to the instructions given for the volume of water in the aquarium.
- If using bottled water, which does not contain chlorine, you can skip this step.
- You can also add SafeStart according to the recommended dosage. SafeStart is a bacterial catalyst that will help develop a healthy environment in the aquarium.
Step 8. Circulate the water before adding the fish
Doing a water cycle without fish will help develop a population of good bacteria that can help circulate nitrogen in the aquarium. If you don't cycle the water, the high levels of toxins in the water can kill the fish. So, don't skip this step. Learn how to process water in an aquarium to meet the needs of your betta. You will need a water test kit to monitor the water's pH, ammonia and nitrate levels to make sure it's safe for fish.
- The ideal pH level is 7. Ammonia and nitrite should be at 0, while nitrate should be below 20 ppm before adding fish to the aquarium.
- You may need to add an ammonia extractor to lower the levels.
Part 3 of 3: Adding Betta Fish to the Aquarium
Step 1. Buy the betta fish you want
It's a good idea to wait until the aquarium is completely ready and processed before buying fish. That way, you will help facilitate the fish's adaptation to its new home as soon as possible. Go to the pet store and pick a betta fish that you like. Remember, each fish needs a separate tank, even the female fish.
- Look for active and healthy betta fish with brightly colored bodies and intact fins.
- If the fish seems to be drifting aimlessly, it may be sick. Choose fish that swim vigorously.
Step 2. Put the fish into the aquarium
Place a plastic bag or container with fish in the tank for 20-60 minutes. Make sure the bag is tightly closed and put it in the aquarium so that the water in the bag reaches the same temperature as the water in the tank. This will prevent the betta from experiencing sudden changes in temperature when it is introduced into the tank. After about an hour, the fish are ready to be released into the aquarium. Open the plastic bag and let the fish swim freely in the aquarium. From now on, you should take care of your betta fish according to the following instructions:
- Feed the fish 1-2 times a day. Provide a variety of high quality foods such as pellets, live or frozen foods.
- Freeze-dried foods are more likely to cause bloating and are low in nutrients. So you only need to give it once every two weeks or not at all.
- Don't overfeed or your betta will get bloated.
Step 3. Change the aquarium water if necessary
If you have an aquarium with a capacity of 20-40 liters, you will need to change 25% of the water every week to maintain a healthy tank. Here's how to change the water:
- Use a gravel vacuum to suck up the dirt and hold it in the bucket until you have removed the right amount of water. There is no need to remove the fish from the tank when you clean it.
- Drain the water into the sink, tub, or drain in the bathroom and fill the bucket with clean water. Don't forget to process it!
- Pour clean water into the aquarium.
- Put the fish back in the tank once the water has warmed up to the right temperature.
Step 4. Clean the aquarium regularly
The cleaning method that can be used will depend on the type and size of the aquarium selected. Scrub the walls of the aquarium and the dirt-filled decorations with an old toothbrush.
- Use common sense to determine if you need to clean the tank thoroughly. If the tank looks dirty, it's a good idea to clean it, no matter the last time you did it.
- Monitor pH, ammonia and nitrate levels as well, and perform partial water changes to lower levels if necessary.
Tips
- If you want to place live plants in the aquarium, make sure you provide adequate lighting.
- Remember that betta fish "gathering" is an unnatural condition!
- You can put your betta with other fish that live well in an aquarium with a minimum capacity of 40 liters, even better if the capacity reaches 75 liters. Some betta fish have a more aggressive temperament. So make sure you monitor the fish to see what their temperament is like.
Warning
- Don't swallow the information the pet store gives you. You should also do your own research and/or join a betta forum.
- Don't place your betta in a bowl or vase! The bowls and vases are not large enough to be safely heated, do not allow the installation of filters and limit the movement of the betta fish.
