Ten Tips for caring for your Betta Fish
Adam Short


Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of the most
popular types of fish found in homes across the world. Their
vibrant color and active lifestyle seems to draw in fish fanatics
as well as those who have never had fish before. Betta’s are
relatively easy to care for and their low maintenance is
particularly appealing to people who would like to have fish but
don’t have a lot of time to care for them.

Once you bring your Betta’s home you should begin to familiarize
yourself with their movements and typical behavior patterns. When
you look at your fish after you’ve had them for awhile you’ll
know if something is wrong, if they are not feeling well, or if
the water in their bowl is not in the best condition simply by
being observant.


1. Make sure the jar or bowl that you keep your Betta in is big
enough so that he can swim around and not bump or tear his fins
or scales. Also be sure there is plenty of surface area so that
he can get enough oxygen.

2. Your Betta will thrive in the cleanest water that you can
provide for him. He does not require a filtration system, but you
should change out a third of his water every three days so it
stays fresh and clean and keeps your finned friend from getting
bacterial or fungal infections. Aged water (water that has set
out for twenty four hours) is what should be used to replace the
old water.

3. Do not put your Betta fish with other Betta’s. They are called
Siamese fighting fish because they are, in fact, fighting fish.
They will tear at one another, often causing the death of at
least one fish before they stop. Betta’s can be coupled with
algae eaters, guppies, or corydorus catfish safely.

4. Use a turkey baster to clean small particles of uneaten food
or debris from the bottom of the bowl or jar. Allowing this
debris to sit at the bottom of the jar will cause the water to
become cloudy, unsanitary, and to smell awful.

5. The PH of your tank should be at exactly 7.0. You can get a PH
testing kit at your pet store along with solutions to minimize or
increase the PH of your water.

6. When you clean the plants, rocks, or decorations in the bowl
you should never use soap on them. It’s very hard to completely
rinse all soap from these items and the soap residue can harm or
even kill your Betta. Instead, use warm water and an abrasive
brush to clean his things.

7. Keep your Betta tank, jar, or bowl covered! Your Beta will
jump and you don’t want him to end up flopping on the tabletop!
Keeping the water level at least two inches from the top of the
tank should also cut down on this problem.

8. Your Betta is a meat eater and likes live foods, such as brine
shrimp the best. Frozen bloodworms are also a good choice for
your meat eater. Most Betta fish will happily eat the Betta
pellets sold at most pet stores. For a special treat every now
and again you should offer some live food! You’ll have fun
watching him eat it up!

9. Do not decorate your Betta bowl with rocks or marbles that may
cause your Betta to get stuck between or under them. Be sure that
they are a flat smooth surface that provides no risk to the
health of your fish.

10. Remember that your fish is a living, breathing
responsibility. You need to feed, clean, and care for your Betta
just like you would any other pet. If he’s sick take him to the
vet, if he’s hungry feed him, if his home is dirty, clean it.

That’s it! These ten tips for caring for your Betta fish will
have you well on your way to keeping a healthy fish. Internet
Betta Groups or library books can be a great source of
information should you want to learn more about your finned
friend!

Adam Short is the owner of Betta Fish Center and co-wrote the
above article with Amanda Fenton. Amanda has been caring for
Betta fish for over 25 years. She is a contributing writer to
http://www.bettafishcenter.com  - site providing information and
tips on betta fish care.



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