I've actually been making it a project to write up what I've learned about betta care in the past few weeks. I plan leave care sheets in places like the local pet stores and Wal-Mart in hopes that people don't make some of the same mistakes I did with my first bettas. If there's one thing that really stands out to me after all my reading the past few weeks, it is that the betta fish are one of the most poorly kept pets, simply because of marketing, misinformation, or lack of information. This, of course, is not to say that PTer's bettas are poorly kept, but I decided to post a very rough draft of some of the very basics of betta care that I've written up in FAQ form. If it helps even one person learn something they didn't know before, then its purpose has been fulfilled! :) So, here is my FAQ, as it stands right now.
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Betta Care FAQ
What bowl or tank size should a betta be kept in?
A 1 gallon bowl or tank should be the absolute minimum, preferably a 2.5 gallon tank and up. The bigger the accommodations you can provide, the more likely your betta will be increasingly active, fit, healthy, and happy. A 1-gallon plastic critter keeper can be purchased at most pet stores for under $10, and a 1-gallon aquarium kit at around $20. If you can provide bigger, go for it! A lot of people think bettas are inactive fish, but if they have a home large enough for them to swim regularly and explore, they are actually quite active fish! Mine are almost always on the move!
Another important thing: LIDS..keep your bettas covered, they DO jump. The lid also serves the purpose of keeping the surface air ,above the water, nice and humid. This is a necessity, if your betta is constantly gasping at cool air it can lead to pneumonia.
How often should I change the water?
The smaller the container, the more frequent water changes should be done to prevent ammonia (produced by fish waste) building up to toxic levels and causing sluggishness, gill dysfunction, an impaired immune system, and even death. Bettas can tolerate higher ammonia levels than most fish before succumbing, but it can and will cause health problems. A 1-gallon tank should be changed at least once a week, a twice-a-week change or partial water change is even more preferable.
What else should I put in the tank?
Bettas love plants, especially live plants, and in my experience show a definite preference of hanging out around a live plant versus a fake one. If fake plants are used, only cloth or silk ones should be put in as many plastic plants can catch and tear the betta's delicate fins. They also love any type of cave-like area, but make sure it is smooth with no sharp edges (A good test for any item you put in with a betta is to run a nylon pantyhose over it. If it doesn't catch or tear, it should be safe for a betta). Some people use simple things such as small flower pots or pieces of PVC pipe to create caves and interesting tunnels for the betta to swim through. Bettas are very curious and exploratory fish, so use your imagination and be sure to add or change things around from time to time to give him something new and interesting to explore.
What fish are good to keep with a betta?
Ideally, bettas should be kept alone. They can sometimes peacefully co-exist with other fish, but it is never a sure thing. Oftentimes, either the betta will pick on other fish or the other fish will nip at the betta's long flowing fins. Particularly there are often problems when keeping a male betta with fancy tail guppies (betta sometimes kills or maims them thinking they are rival bettas), angelfish (they like to nip betta fins), or tiger barbs (also bad nippers), and of course another betta. Be very careful about what you put with a betta. Even with good community fish, based on the betta's personality and the personality of the other fish, I'd say there's about a 50/50 chance of it working or not working out.
Should I keep his tank filtered?
Filtration is pretty necessary if cycling a tank, but bettas don't require filtration the way most other fish do. Bettas do not like a strong current, and some will spend all their time depressed or in hiding if there's a current. I personally keep my tanks filtered because I am trying to get them cycled, but I have the current pretty much blocked using a homemade plastic bottle "current blocker" (which I can share if anyone is interested). If you don't have filtration, again, water changes will need to be more frequent.
What should I feed my betta?
[Taken directly from fishforums.net] Besides clean water and appropriate tank size, diet is the most important factor in keeping healthy bettas. Try to give a wide variety of fresh, frozen and pellet food. I prefer Hikari brand for everything, they're wonderful and full of vitamins. Though they are carnivorous, they enjoy the occasional veggie (they seem to particularly enjoy peas), so offer some now and then. Avoid freeze dried treats, they have a tendency to cause internal damage.
How often should I feed my betta?
[Taken directly from fishforums.net] Bettas have fast metabolisms. Therefore, it's best to feed them small amounts of food (1-2 pellets, brine shrimp, etc.) multiple times a day. I personally feed my betta 1-2 pellets 3-4 times daily. Once in a while I make my betta fast, just to make sure the food exits his system and to make sure its healthy.
How long do bettas live?
If kept under good conditions and the betta remains healthy, he may live anywhere from 2 to 5 years, depending on his age at purchase.
Why is my betta making bubbles at the top of his tank?
This is called a bubble nest. When a male betta is healthy and satisfied with his living conditions, he may build bubble nests which simply means he is feeling at home and ready to breed, should a female happen along. This of course does not mean he NEEDS to be bred, and any breeding should only be done after thorough education of everything involved, the same as any responsible breeder of other species.
This information is compiled through extensive reading from various sites, including but not completely limited to: fishforums.net, petfish.net, and bettatalk.com, as well as one of the best sites I've found for good basic betta keeping instructions, including the types of tanks they should be kept in, diet specifics, and water temperatures, is here: Betta care
A lot of time and effort has gone into the learning and gathering of this basic information, and it is only the bare basics. There is so much more out there to know and learn. I only hope that my learning can help others out there to keep happier, healthier, beautiful betta fish :).
