by Isadora Pandora

Created on: November 23, 2008   Last Updated: February 04, 2009

Betta splendens (the most commonly kept betta in the US) are fairly easy fish to care for. Their spectacular finnage, brightly hued scales and funny personalities are a markedly beautiful and entertaining addition to the home or office. It is no wonder of their booming popularity as pets.

Though easy to care for; one should not jump into buying a betta without researching the proper care involved keeping them. There is nothing quite as sad as a once glorious, rainbow colored fish turning into a pale, lifeless lump at the bottom of a 1/2 gallon tank. Sure; buying one of those small vases may seem like a cheap way to house a fish, at first; take into consideration though; the cost of replacing said animal a few times a year (and the medications involved)- you would soon save money had you spent a little extra on a 5 gallon aquarium with a filter, light, heater and more room.

Caring for a betta is like caring for various other tropical fish species; betta need;

A heater (especially in small aquariums-the temperatures fluctuate markedly in small amounts of water)

Clean water (either by way of a Mechanical filter or Biological)

Plants

Proper food

The largest aquarium you can manage. 1 Gallon (LONG) would be acceptable.

Temperature should be 62-82 degrees F

Set the aquarium up like you normally would;

Clean it first with vinegar and water, and then rinse well; even new tanks are dirty! Lay your substrate (gravel/sand and or clay) out; sloping it towards the front of the tank slightly. Begin now to slowly fill the aquarium halfway with water; place a saucer in the bottom using it to displace the water; this prevents the substrate from shifting.

Arrange your plants and decorations; make sure there are no sharp edges or unstable areas that could harm your betta. When you're satisfied with the aquascape; finish filling the tank.

Just like with other fish; the tank needs to cycle; failing to allow this can kill your fish. The process of cycling can take up to three weeks; simple run your aquarium as if it already contained fish; feed it with fish food, turn the light out on schedule and enjoy it! There is no need to dechlorinate the water; the cycling process allows the chemicals to dissipate naturally. Before you know it; your test kit will show stable results; then you're ready for Mr. Betta!

Picking out your betta is an important thing; this will be your pet for 2 or more years! Choose only the most alert and brightly colored fish you can find. He should be actively swimming about

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