A betta fish is a perfect starter fish for new aquarium enthusiasts. They are small, easy to care for, and are typically very active. In addition, they make great additions to any community aquarium because they are good at eating smaller fish and invertebrates. If you’re interested in adding a betta to your home aquarium but you’re unsure of what kind to purchase, this guide will help you choose the right fish for your needs. We’ll cover some factors to consider when buying a betta, including size, colour, and behaviour.
How to Buy a Betta Fish
Before buying a betta fish, consider the size of your tank, the type of water your betta fish will live in, and whether your tank is conducive to their needs. For example, a betta fish needs slightly acidic water with a pH of 7.0-7.5 and temperatures between 77-82 degrees Fahrenheit. To create the right water conditions, add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda per five gallons of water or use an aquatic soil conditioner.
How to Choose the Right Size Betta Fish Tank
Choosing the right size tank for your betta fish is important. A small betta fish needs a 10-gallon tank, while a medium betta fish needs a 20-gallon tank. Large betta fish need a 40-gallon tank or more. Betta fish like to swim in groups and enjoy plenty of hiding places, so a tank with lots of nooks and crannies is perfect. When choosing the colour and shape of your betta fish, consider its personality and environment.
What to Feed a Betta Fish
Betta fish thrive on a diet of live and frozen betta fish food, including small invertebrates, freeze-dried pellets, or even cooked insects. A varied diet is important for the fish to receive the best nutrition. Lower-quality food should be used until the fish gets used to the new diet.
Tips for Keeping a Betta Fish Healthy
If you are new to the world of aquariums, or just want to keep your betta fish healthy and happy, here are a few tips to follow:
1. If you are new to betta fishkeeping, start with a small tank – a 5 or 6 gallon tank is perfect for a single betta fish. When your betta gets bigger, you can move him or her to a larger tank.
2. Feed your betta pellets and live food regularly – betta fish love food that comes from the water column, so make sure to feed them regular pellets and plenty of live food such as mosquito larvae or brine shrimp.
3. Only add cold water if you absolutely have to – slowly introducing your new betta fish to cold water can help acclimate him or her gradually.
4. Get a quality aquarium filter – this is one of the key components of keeping your betta healthy and happy in an aquarium. A good filter will remove waste and provide oxygen for your fish.
5. Be careful when handling your betta – never touch its scales, as they can be very sharp!
