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.::The Fish Girl::. For the Freshwater aquairum fish fanatic! |
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Bettas are Labryinth fish, meaning they can survive in very shallow waters. Just because you can house a betta in a tiny cup doesn't mean you should. How would you want to live in a closet instead of a bedroom? Bettas much rather prefer community tanks, small tanks or bowls (at least one gallon. See the bowl page.), or large jars. Bigger is better.
*Fact: In the wild bettas live in rice paddies, which can cover acres, not tiny puddles, as some people will tell you.*
.::Different Housing::.
The Individual Small Tank
This is the best environment for bettas. A small tank, from one to 5 gallons is set-up with a gentle filter (avoid power filters), such as a corner filter or an undergravel filter (avoid the later if you feed live worms). Gravel is placed in tank, and some live plants, too. A rock or two to add to the decor and a small 25W heater if the tank is at least 5 gal (never put a heater in anything less than 5 gal, you could boil your fish!!). If not heated, the tank is placed in a warm room, so the temperatures stay above 68F. Anyway, this set-up is the best you can provide your betta, but it might not be practical if you have a bunch of bettas.
The Individual Large Jar
The second best betta set-up. In this setup you need a large jar, one gallon or more, housing ONE betta (male or female). The jar can have some gravel and a live plant, for as long as you rinse and clean gravel and trim plant regularly. Plants that are rotting will pollute the water instead of cleaning it. Gravel where uneaten food accumulates can be a wonderful bacteria hatchery!! So there you go. Clean clean clean. This set-up does not necessitate a filter, but you will need to make a full water change weekly. A MUST. Having two jars with a betta in each, right next to each other is best, so the bettas will flare at each other and be more active. Also remember that BETTAS CAN JUMP and so always keep a cover on your jar or tanks. Especially jars. But don't screw a lid on tight. In an environment without a filter, there is no way for a betta to get oxygen besides leaving an open space above the water. I have found that a plastic coffee tin lid works to set on bowl or jars.
*Fact: Bettas who jump out and land on the carpet may survive for a long while, so always place them back promptly in their jar if you find one on the floor, even if it looks dead, they often come back to life.*
The Community Tank
Bettas can be housed with other fish. But it all depends on the betta. Some bettas don't mind other fish, but others will kill everything in sight. Don't put a betta in with other fish that look like bettas, ie guppies, fancy goldfish, or any fin nippers like barbs. Females can be housed together. They will establish a pecking order, so there will be chasing and nipping at first. If you are going to keep females together keep at least 4 and not just 2 or 3.
.::Cleaning and Care Info::.
Water
Use either regular tap water or spring water. Do not use distilled water. Whatever you use, be sure to always treat it with a dechlorinator first. Untreated water will kill your fish.
Water Changes
A small 1 gallon tank should have a 50% water change at least once a week. Anything larger can go longer. In my 3 gallon tank I change about 25% of the water every other week, and sometimes I can go only once a month for a 50% water change with two fish in the tank. The more fish, the more often you should change the water.
Temperature
See the betta profile page for information on temperature, pH levels, and water needs for bettas. Remember that any tank smaller than 5 gallons should not have a heater. Instead put the tank in a warm room in the winter and monitor the temp. closely.
Filters
A filter isn't really needed, but is very helpful. In tanks 3 gallons or over you should have a filter. Don't use an undergravel filter if you feed worms. (Bettas are carnivores and you'll probably be feeding worms.) Also don't use anything with a strong current. Bettas hate that.
Decorations
A few live plants in a small individual tank or a community tank are nice, and plastic are just as nice. Gravel can be a pain, but I always recommend a couple inches of gravel, and if you use a gravel siphon to make water changes then it won't be such a pain. In a small or large jar or bowl, gravel really isn't needed, but can add a colorful touch.
I Home I
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