Post by burningamber520 on Apr 26, 2009 19:39:59 GMT -5
Heres an artical I wrote awhile back, I thought it might be helpful for new betta keepers
Bettas originate from the tropics of South East Asia, Thailand, Bangkok and certain parts of Vietnam.They come in a wide variety of color and fin strains. Bettas are fighting fish so you must only keep one male to a tank. Several females can be kept together in groups,provided the tank is large enough.
Bettas have seven fins ,two pairs of paired fins,the pectoral and the ventral fins. The pectoral and the caudal fins are the bettas main source of navigation and the others provide stability.
They are anabantoids which means they have an auxiliary breathing apparatus called a labyrinth organ. This enables them to breathe air directly from the surface.Air passes over the labyrinth organ and out the gill slits. This organ allows bettas to live in oxygen depleted waters that would be lethal to most regular tropical fish. It's a wonderful adaptation for survival in the rice paddies and also why bettas are usually kept in such deplorable conditions during their time in cups.
Temperature
The optimal betta temperature is 74-82F, the absolute minimum being 68. So when you're picking out a tank for your new betta you need to consider the temperature of your house. If he won't be warm enough, you'll need to buy a small heater. 25w works perfect for a small tank, 2.5 to 5 gallons. A heater in a tank any smaller than that can be risky. If you'll require a heater,you must buy a bigger tank.
Tank Size
Bettas can live healthy and well in anything from a 1 gallon up. A 1 gallon is the absolute minimum, preferable size is a 2.5 to a 5. Bettas are not the best community fish but it can be done. It's recommended to avoid bettas in a community if the tank is below 10 gallons. Be sure and research tankmates to avoid too much conflict.
Water Changes
Water changes in small tanks should be very frequent, at least once a week, twice a week is even better. You can do it two ways, 100% weekly changes or 50% cycled tank changes using a gravel vac. Bettas don't necessarily need filters, that's up to you. They do make water changes a lot easier,but your betta may prefer his tank water calm. You can purchase small box filters that connect to air pumps, these seem to work well.I prefer cycled tanks, they work the best. This helps to keep your water quality constant rather than building up ammonia each week before a water change.
Choosing a Betta
When shopping for a betta you should look for the most alert fish, look for clean fins, smooth scales, nice belly and clean water. If the majority of the 'cups' are clean and there are a couple of dirty water cups, avoid those, those are your dirty bettas. Some are messier than others.
Acclimating
You should take your time when you're acclimating your new betta. Float him in his tank for a good twenty minutes and then slowly pour 1/4 of his cup water out into the sink (careful that he doesn't jump out!) Never,ever pour old cup water into the new tank. Repeat the 1/4 water replacements every 15 minutes for a couple of hours until you're certain it's fresh water in his cup, then release him.
Diet
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,so offer some now and then. Avoid freeze dried treats, they have a tendency to cause internal damage.
Bettas originate from the tropics of South East Asia, Thailand, Bangkok and certain parts of Vietnam.They come in a wide variety of color and fin strains. Bettas are fighting fish so you must only keep one male to a tank. Several females can be kept together in groups,provided the tank is large enough.
Bettas have seven fins ,two pairs of paired fins,the pectoral and the ventral fins. The pectoral and the caudal fins are the bettas main source of navigation and the others provide stability.
They are anabantoids which means they have an auxiliary breathing apparatus called a labyrinth organ. This enables them to breathe air directly from the surface.Air passes over the labyrinth organ and out the gill slits. This organ allows bettas to live in oxygen depleted waters that would be lethal to most regular tropical fish. It's a wonderful adaptation for survival in the rice paddies and also why bettas are usually kept in such deplorable conditions during their time in cups.
Temperature
The optimal betta temperature is 74-82F, the absolute minimum being 68. So when you're picking out a tank for your new betta you need to consider the temperature of your house. If he won't be warm enough, you'll need to buy a small heater. 25w works perfect for a small tank, 2.5 to 5 gallons. A heater in a tank any smaller than that can be risky. If you'll require a heater,you must buy a bigger tank.
Tank Size
Bettas can live healthy and well in anything from a 1 gallon up. A 1 gallon is the absolute minimum, preferable size is a 2.5 to a 5. Bettas are not the best community fish but it can be done. It's recommended to avoid bettas in a community if the tank is below 10 gallons. Be sure and research tankmates to avoid too much conflict.
Water Changes
Water changes in small tanks should be very frequent, at least once a week, twice a week is even better. You can do it two ways, 100% weekly changes or 50% cycled tank changes using a gravel vac. Bettas don't necessarily need filters, that's up to you. They do make water changes a lot easier,but your betta may prefer his tank water calm. You can purchase small box filters that connect to air pumps, these seem to work well.I prefer cycled tanks, they work the best. This helps to keep your water quality constant rather than building up ammonia each week before a water change.
Choosing a Betta
When shopping for a betta you should look for the most alert fish, look for clean fins, smooth scales, nice belly and clean water. If the majority of the 'cups' are clean and there are a couple of dirty water cups, avoid those, those are your dirty bettas. Some are messier than others.
Acclimating
You should take your time when you're acclimating your new betta. Float him in his tank for a good twenty minutes and then slowly pour 1/4 of his cup water out into the sink (careful that he doesn't jump out!) Never,ever pour old cup water into the new tank. Repeat the 1/4 water replacements every 15 minutes for a couple of hours until you're certain it's fresh water in his cup, then release him.
Diet
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,so offer some now and then. Avoid freeze dried treats, they have a tendency to cause internal damage.
