BETTER Betta Care
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Info in a nut shell!
Never rely on one person's information! Do your research so you will be prepared to offer your Betta a long, healthy life.
The information contained on this website is from my own personal experience and research. There are many sites and forums that offer more detailed information on how to properly care for your betta.
Keep in mind, bettas are not "disposable" and should not be treated as such. They deserve the best possible environment we can provide for them to live a happy life.
Am I Sick?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your Betta might be sick. Do your research and find the best form of treatment:
* Raised scales
* Swollen gills
* Bulging eyes
* Pale in color
* Clamped fins
* Rubs body along decorations
* Not eating/spits out food
* Lays on his/her side
* Swollen belly
* Fins falling apart
Bubble Nest
Male Bettas will build a bubble nest to prepare for fry, and most male Bettas will build nests. It is certainly a sign that your fish is happy and healthy, but just because a fish does not build a nest, doesn't mean he's not happy - it depends on the fish. Some build more frequently than others. One cause of a "non-bubble-nest-builder" is that the water flow from your filter might be too strong.
Water...
Always use a water conditioner such as Prime or Stress Coat per instructions. Bottled water is not fish safe and does not contain the necessary minerals your fish needs. Using a conditioner with your tap water is really all you need. Water Temp: 78-80.
Decorations
Two must-haves: Betta Log and Leaf Hammock. Avoid anything with sharp edges as Betta fins can tear easily. Live or Silk plants instead of plastic are much safer. All of my Bettas also enjoy curling up in a tiny terra cotta pot which has been cleaned thoroughly. Never use decorations that have been painted!
Play Time!
Once your Betta has acclimated to his new home, he will enjoy "playing". He will eventually follow your finger as you gently move it along the tank. NEVER bang on the glass - this can shock your fish and cause death. Play time is gentle time :) He will learn to recognize you in time!
He will also enjoy decorations that allow him to swim through, especially the Betta Log!
Where do they
come from?
Wild Bettas are found in shallow waters of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, and parts of China. Most Bettas found in pet stores are now captive bred. Through selective breeding, breeders have enhanced their appearance to produce longer fins and unique colors.
Size, etc.
Mature males can grow to 2 to 3 inches, females are slightly smaller than the males. They have an upturned mouth which makes it easy for them to eat at the surface. Their labyrinth organ allows them to take oxygen from the air, which is why they can survive in low-oxygen waters.
Well-Being
Ideal minimum size tank, in my opinion, is 2.5 gallons with heater and filter. Water temperature should be 78-80 degrees. As small bowls or cute little containers are difficult to heat, it is recommended to never keep a Betta in anything smaller than 2.5 gallons. And NEVER house a Betta in a vase with a flower on top! This is a selling practice that should be outlawed, as Bettas need to have access to the surface, and certainly more room than a vase provides.
Nutrition
Keep in mind that a Betta's stomach is only as large as his eye and if care is not taken when feeding, your fish can come down with bloat. I recommend New Life Spectrum Betta Formula, which are tiny pellets laced with garlic. Feed 3-4 pellets 2x/day. An occasional treat of frozen bloodworms is also very good for your Betta.
Tank Mates
Most male Bettas prefer to live alone, so before adding any fish to your tank, do your research. If keeping a tank with females, you should have at least 5 to keep aggression to a minimum, and your tank size should be a minimum of 10 gallons. NEVER put a male and female together unless you have done your research on breeding.
NO-NO!!
By holding a mirror up to the side of the tank, you are causing your Betta to "flare". This might be cute to some people, but what you are actually doing is stressing your fish out - this is not a good thing! They see their reflection as an intruder in their territory, so please lose the mirror.