Getting A Betta - Have Some Questions

[Jessika]

The others have answered your questions pretty well, but I will add that the bigger the tank, the better. I would suggest no less than a 2.5 or 5 gallon tank. The more room they have the more active they will be.

Also try to avoid filters - the water disturbance can stress them out. Though the water disturbance is not as noticable in larger tanks, so if that is the case then you can experiement and observe him a few days just to see.

Also if you DO decide to get a larger tank, bettas DO make wonderful tank mates with other types of fish, contrary to popular belief. They just do not get along with other aggressive type fish, any other bettas, fin-nipping fish, or any colorful fish that could be mistaken as another male betta.

[bckrazy]

First off, the reason Betta people dislike Betta vases, is the fact that the surface area is covered with roots, and many people neglect feeding the Betta ANYTHING - they let it rely on eating the plant roots. Bettas are carnivores, and only eat plants out of desperation. The plant on the top also blocks the air supply. If the vase is over 1 gallon, is changed weekly, has plenty of surface room and the Betta is fed appropriate food daily, I have no problem with vases! 2.5 or 5 gallon Minibows are really great for starters! They have a great amount of room for the Betta, and they include a filter, light and base... just buy the gravel/marbles/sand (if you want it!), plants and caves, dechlorinator and food. Here's just a basic list of what I recommend for starters. Preferably, you'd be able to buy a Betta from a local breeder (ask Ashley about this) or an aquarium store with healthy Bettas.

*2.5 or 5g Minibow (comes in black, red, purple, teal, or blue)

*Silk plant or low mainanence live plants (such as Java Ferns, Java Moss, or Water Sprite)

*Small terra cotta pot (very small, at any garden store) OR cave/rock/faux driftwood at aquarium store

*Any gravel that you like and fits your color scheme!

*StressCoat OR Amquel & Novaqua

*Hikara Bio-Gold Betta OR Betta Bites

*Hikara/SF Bay/etc frozen Bloodworms and/or Brine Shrimp

*Net (if you plan to use a net)

*Extra meds you might want to have on hand: Bettafix, Maracyn & Maracyn 2, Aquarium Salt (you can add a pinch at each water change)

[IRescue452]

Be careful with gravel. My friend gave me her tank with shiny coloured gravel. Its made for aquariums but the paint comes off in tiny pieces in the water. I took the gravel out after a week because the fish looked lethargic. They were much better after that. I think I know why her fish were always droopy and lethargic. For somebody who loved her fish she sure wasn't too quick to notice this.

[GoldenLuv]

is it true that you can only have one betta in a tank cause if you were to have several in a tank they would kill each other

I too have also been thinking about getting some fish

[Roxyluvsme13]

is it true that you can only have one betta in a tank cause if you were to have several in a tank they would kill each other

I too have also been thinking about getting some fish

Yes. They have ot be separated. Unless you plan on a sorority of females.

[IRescue452]

Males must be alone, no other males or females. Occasionally, breeders can house two docile males together that have been together since birth. Females can live together, but not with males. Once again you come across the occasional over aggressive female who must be alone.

[Jessika]

is it true that you can only have one betta in a tank cause if you were to have several in a tank they would kill each other

I too have also been thinking about getting some fish

Males can NOT live together, but they can live in unison with other types of fish. It is a rumor that they can not be tanked with any other fish. They do make wonderful tank mates for goldfish, some tetras, danios, etc.