Betta fish are commonly called Siamese fighting fish. With the right care, you can enjoy the company of your new fish friend for years to come. As these fish will be living in a fish tank, an artificial environment, it’s your responsibility to make sure that they get the care they need to thrive. With the right knowledge, you could be responsible for these little creatures living long and happy lives. Read our blog post to get a good foundation on caring for your pet then find a fish tank and its accessories for sale on Junk Mail.
1. Getting to know your Betta – do your research
Pet shops sell Beta fish but before you collect your new pet, it’s important to understand how to care for him properly. Blue and red colour Betta fish are both common options. Before you decide to add a new pet to your family, make sure that you are ready to make a commitment to caring for him. These fish can live for over five years so it’s important to know that you’ll be responsible for caring for him for the entire duration of his life. The minimum size fish tank that’s suitable is 2.5 gallons and a bigger tank of 5 gallons is preferable. Keeping a Betta fish in a smaller tank is cruel and bad for their health. Smaller tanks will make your fish unhappy and it will also shorten their life. While this article outline the basics of caring for your fish, it’s advisable to do extra research to gain an in-depth understanding.
2. The tank, your Betta’s home
Get your Betta’s new home ready before you fetch him from the store. You’ll need to prepare the fish tank with the necessary equipment, such as a heater, thermostat and filter. The water must be heated to the optimum temperature for these fish and the filter must not cause a strong current in the tank. A sponge filter can help to safeguard your Beta’s fins. Don’t add jagged rocks or décor with sharp edges as these fish have extremely sensitive skin.
Instead add live plants to the tank to give it a natural look as well as to provide a comfy place for your fish to sleep. Plants also help to improve the water quality. Betta fish have been selectively bred to be aggressive so you won’t be able to add just any fish to the tank. There are a few select fish types that make good tank mates. Putting another Betta in the tank, even if you have two female fish, will result in a fight to the death. Having more than one fish in the tank is also stressful for these fish as they’ve been bred to live alone.
Photo by Huy Phan on Unsplash
3. Adding water to the tank
Buy a good quality water conditioner as regular tap water contains chlorine and chloramines, which can harm your new pet. Distilled bottle water is not suitable for your fish either. You’ll need to get a special water tester from the pet shop to ensure that the water is safe for your fish. Bettas are active and they can jump high so make sure that your tank has a top cover or that you only fill the water up to 80% of the tank.
4. Feeding your Betta
Make sure that you buy the right food for your Betta. These fish are carnivores and they should be fed pellets that have been specially developed for their nutritional needs. Make sure that you buy good quality pellets and flakes from a reputable manufacturer. Underfeeding and overfeeding can both be fatal for your new pet. Set up a regular feeding schedule and give them the recommended amount of pellets at the same time every morning and every night.
It’s advisable to soak the pellets in water before you give them to your fish to prevent them from expanding in your fish’s stomach which can result in poor health. Remove any excess pellets from the tank. If your fish spits out the pellets they may not like the food that you’re giving them or the pellet may be too large for their mouth.
5. Tank maintenance
Photo credit – Chevanon Photography
Keeping the fish tank clean is vital for the well-being of your Betta. Before you make any changes to the tank, give your fish a chance to adjust to his new home. Before you buy your Betta you’ll need to cycle the tank. You’ll need to have a sponge filter in the tank as changing the water too often is stressful for the fish. Vacuum the bottom of the tank gently as part of routine maintenance. If you add new water, make sure that you treat it first. If you’re changing water, you’ll need to make sure that the new water is the same temperature as the old water so you’ll need to use a thermometer. Use a testing kit to monitor the water every week.
6. Your Betta is smart
Betta fish are intelligent and they can recognise the face of their owners. They form a bond with their owner so make sure that you set time aside to keep your fish company and you can even play a few fish games with him. These curious fish will be a long-term friend if you take care of them properly.
Now that you’re more familiar with what it takes to keep your own Betta healthy and happy, head on over to Junk Mail to find the tank and accessories you need today.
