For many, the simplicity of keeping a beta fish is a large part of the attraction. But even though betas do not require large aquariums or fancy filtration equipment to maintain, beta fish care does take a commitment to a certain amount of ongoing work.
The first key to beta fish care is to give your fish at least a little space. Yes, they can be kept alive in those little jars they sell them in at the pet stores, but imagine how happy you'd be if confined to a space so small you couldn't move. Bettas kept in very small containers often grow listless and may lose color over time. While your fish does not require a tremendous amount of space, you do want it to have enough room to swim around a bit. A one to two gallon fish bowl works nicely. In addition, since Bettas do breathe at the surface from time to time, you want to make sure there is sufficient space at the surface for your fish to do that.
It should be noted that bettas can jump, so it is important to put some type of cover over the top of your container (as long as it is not airtight!) to keep your fish in the water.
Keeping the water clean is essential to good beta fish care. One way to do this is to be conservative when feeding your fish. Any uneaten food can cause bacterial growth and cloudy water, so be careful with how much food you put in. I suggest using beta pellets and feeding just one or two at a time, two to three times per day to prevent overfeeding. Not only does overfeeding create the potential for bacterial growth, it can also produce swim bladder difficulties, which can be fatal in betas.
Frequent water changes are important to keep toxins from building up. Small containers should have at least one third of their water changed at least twice per week. Larger containers with one to two gallons of water or more can be done once per week, with about half the water being changed out.
I suggest using bottled distilled water to change your betta's water. Distilled water is pure and free of chemicals like chlorine that are toxic to fish. In addition, since distilled water has a neutral pH, it is ideally suited to the needs of betta fish.
Good betta fish care also involves keeping the water warm - about 75 or 80 degrees. Bettas come from tropical regions and do not like it when the water temperature is too low.
Smooth objects without sharp edges make good decorations in the betta fish container because bettas like to rest on objects above the bottom. Bettas have delicate fins, so anything with sharp edges must be avoided, even artificial plants that are particularly rigid.
By following these tips, you are well on your way to having your betta stay healthy and showing a wonderful display of its vibrant colors. A bright, active fish is your reward for good betta fish care.
The first key to beta fish care is to give your fish at least a little space. Yes, they can be kept alive in those little jars they sell them in at the pet stores, but imagine how happy you'd be if confined to a space so small you couldn't move. Bettas kept in very small containers often grow listless and may lose color over time. While your fish does not require a tremendous amount of space, you do want it to have enough room to swim around a bit. A one to two gallon fish bowl works nicely. In addition, since Bettas do breathe at the surface from time to time, you want to make sure there is sufficient space at the surface for your fish to do that.
It should be noted that bettas can jump, so it is important to put some type of cover over the top of your container (as long as it is not airtight!) to keep your fish in the water.
Keeping the water clean is essential to good beta fish care. One way to do this is to be conservative when feeding your fish. Any uneaten food can cause bacterial growth and cloudy water, so be careful with how much food you put in. I suggest using beta pellets and feeding just one or two at a time, two to three times per day to prevent overfeeding. Not only does overfeeding create the potential for bacterial growth, it can also produce swim bladder difficulties, which can be fatal in betas.
Frequent water changes are important to keep toxins from building up. Small containers should have at least one third of their water changed at least twice per week. Larger containers with one to two gallons of water or more can be done once per week, with about half the water being changed out.
I suggest using bottled distilled water to change your betta's water. Distilled water is pure and free of chemicals like chlorine that are toxic to fish. In addition, since distilled water has a neutral pH, it is ideally suited to the needs of betta fish.
Good betta fish care also involves keeping the water warm - about 75 or 80 degrees. Bettas come from tropical regions and do not like it when the water temperature is too low.
Smooth objects without sharp edges make good decorations in the betta fish container because bettas like to rest on objects above the bottom. Bettas have delicate fins, so anything with sharp edges must be avoided, even artificial plants that are particularly rigid.
By following these tips, you are well on your way to having your betta stay healthy and showing a wonderful display of its vibrant colors. A bright, active fish is your reward for good betta fish care.
About the Author:
George Best is a betta fish enthusiast. For detailed tips from a true expert on bettas who has actually travelled to Southeast Asia to learn from the masters of caring for and breeding bettas, George recommends you visit the expert's site on betta fish care.
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