Betta Fish for Beginners

Bettas are one of the most famous freshwater fish in the hobby. They are easy to take care of and don't need other fish which makes them one of the most favorite fish in the aquarium hobby. This blog takes you through all the things you need to do in order to take care of your betta.

First things first, they need a 5 gallon (18 liters) tank or more. Because of their size many people keep them in 1-2 liter (0.26-0.52 gallon) bowls, which is wrong. Bettas are active swimmers and need a lot of space to swim. They won't survive in bowls and we want them to thrive that is why it's important for you to get a 5 gallon tank or more than that for your betta.

The next important thing to know is that you should not keep a betta with another betta. They will flare at each other and probably die out of stress. Many people have succeeded in keeping bettas with other fish and/or shrimp and snails but they could only do so because they had a big tank and lots of hiding spots (and of course, their betta's personality matters too)

Bettas appreciate planted tanks with many hiding spots. Plants have many benefits and can be very helpful. You should start with some anubias nana and some wood and stones if you're a beginner but you could also dive in the complicated world of aquatic plants and find some pretty-easy-to-take-care-of plants.

Bettas need tropical temperatures. Somewhere around 26 degree Celsius (78 degree Fahrenheit). If you live somewhere cold, you must get a heater and if you live somewhere tropical, your betta will do just all right even without one. Bettas can breathe air through a special organ called labyrinth but they still need a filter unless you are doing the walstad method (I will talk about this in one of my upcoming blogs)

Bettas are picky eaters. Like mine, who doesn't eat pellets but eats freeze-dried worms and live food. Your betta might do the same or might eat everything you feed her/him. Bettas need a variety of food which contains high quantity of protein. You can give it pellets and live brine shrimp somedays as a treat. Make sure to not overfeed your betta as ammonia could build up easily. Bettas can go without food for a week or so but that doesn't mean you would feed it once a week forever.

RESEARCH. Research before buying a betta fish and research after buying one. Keep learning new things and make sure your betta has everything to live a happy, healthy and long life. Watch YouTube videos about it, search for betta care on the web. Just like this blog, I am sure there are many other ones that are helpful too.

After all, it is up to you to take good care of your betta fish and provide everything that it needs. Bettas have a lifespan of 5 years but with good care they can live up to 7 years or even a decade.

I hope you find this blog useful. And peace out ✌