do's + don'ts

things to do and things to avoid at all cost!

do... have a decently sized tank !

despite all the articles out there arguing that bettas are happy to live in tiny puddles, they need space!

even though the number of gallons needed changes from person to person, a safe bet would be one that ranges from 5 to 10 gallons AT MINIMUM !

betta fish also love hiding spots, so a few real plants are a major plus!

don't... PUT THEM IN VASES!

why would you do this ??

this is the equivalent of living in a porta-potty.

betta fish excrete a lot of waste; the smaller the tank it's kept in, the faster the water will get dirty.

bettas aren't furniture, they require all the necessities to flourish and live a good life.

do... have a heater and filter

classified as tropical fish, betta fish need to be kept in water between 75-80 degrees and a heater can help keep it constant.

although everyone has different preferences, i highly recommend using a sponge filter. they provide gentle filtration and are easy to use, inexpensive, and don't create strong currents.

while not always needed, a thermometer can help give an exact reading on the water's temperature.

pro-tip: GET A LID! Bettas CAN and WILL jump out of their tanks whenever they feel like it.

don't... skimp out on basic requirements

yes, Betta fish are very hardy and practically indestructible.

however, having bad water parameters can be harmful to them, which can lead to numerous diseases further down the line.

do... give them a variety of food

flakes and pellets are perfectly fine! always check the nutritional label to ensure they get plenty of the required proteins, fat, vitamins, and minerals needed for optimal health; bettas are carnivores!

on top of this, blood worms and brine worms make for a more expansive pallet for your betta; however, they should be given every once and a while, as they can be very fatty and cause unhealthy weight gain.