How to set up an aquarium for a Betta fish

Many people think that one can install a Betta fish in a simple decorated vase because this species is able to adapt to many environments. In fact, these fish need a lot of space and filtered water, and that’s what you’re going to have to provide your Betta with to keep it healthy and happy.

You will also have to respect certain rules and in particular the one which prohibits putting two males in the same aquarium where they would end up fighting until death.

Click: Best 5 gallon betta tanks

Choose the aquarium and accessories:

Choose an aquarium with sufficient volume for your Betta. You’ve probably seen fish of this species swimming in small, transparent plastic pockets, but you shouldn’t think a tight space is right for them. In fact, for your Betta to be healthy and happy, it must have at least 20 liters of water, preferably in a glass or acrylic aquarium (transparent). These fish can jump above the surface of the water and that is why you need to make sure that the tank is fitted with a cover. A large aquarium will allow the Betta to swim freely in water that will not be quickly contaminated as would be the case in a smaller space.

  • You could put your fish in a small aquarium or a large vase, but you would have to clean the water very regularly and change it at least once a week. If you nevertheless decide to install it under these conditions, you should choose a container that can hold at least 10 liters of water, otherwise you can be sure that it will get sick.
  • Bettas cannot live with other fish of the same species. This is always true when it comes to males and often true with females. The right decision is to separate the fish by placing them each in their container.

Get an aquarium water filter:

In the wild, Bettas live in weak currents because their long and flexible fins do not allow them to fight against strong currents. This is why it is important to choose a water filter that is adjustable or has a low flow rate. Choose a filter that is designed for aquariums of the same type and volume as yours .

  • If you have a filter that generates a relatively strong current, place plants in front of the outgoing flow to attenuate it. However, it is always preferable at the outset to acquire one with a low flow of water to be sure that the fish will not be weakened because it constantly has to fight against a current too strong for it.
  • Bettas can survive in unfiltered water if you clean it regularly to remove food scraps and scraps. To maintain the health of your fish, you must prevent the water from becoming cloudy.

Get a heating element to regulate the temperature of the water in the aquarium:

Bettas are tropical fish that are adapted to a water temperature between 23 and 30 ° C. Choose a heater with a thermostat, which allows you to monitor the temperature of the water to provide your fish the best possible environment .

If you live in a climate that is warm enough to keep the aquarium water at the right temperature, you should not have to install a heating element. However, you will need to monitor this temperature so that it never drops below 23 ° C.

If you have chosen a small aquarium that is less than 20 liters, do not install a heating system that could kill your fish by overheating the water quickly. This is another reason to choose an aquarium for your Betta that has a volume of at least 20 liters.

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