Caring For Bettas - Top 3 Frequently Asked Questions
With so many different opinions around on how to care for Bettas, how do you even know what information's correct? A lot of the time, common sense can help.
For instance, since Bettas are tropical fish, they need warm water, right? Other times, the answers aren't so easy.
Below are 3 of some of the most frequently asked questions, and my answers to those based on my years of experience successfully caring for Bettas.
1.
What is the best tank size for a Betta? Despite popular belief, Bettas don't do better in small amounts of water.
Sure, they can survive, but they wouldn't be healthy or live very long.
Bettas are much more active and are generally healthier in larger amounts of warm water.
A great middle-ground size aquarium would be 2.
5 gallons.
This size allows for swimming room and space for a heater and decorations.
A 5 gallon tank is another good size.
This will provide room to fit in a filter and allows you to cycle the tank, making caring for a Betta even easier.
2.
How often should a Betta's water be changed? The amount and frequency of water changes depends on the tank size.
For tanks without filters, plan on 100% water changes.
For sizes under 2 gallons, full water changes twice a week is a good amount.
The smaller the container, the more often water changes are needed.
Anything larger than 2 gallons, and a full change once a week should be sufficient.
If your Betta's aquarium has a filter and is cycled, then weekly changes of 25% is a good general amount.
3.
Are other fish compatible with a Betta? Bettas are generally solitary fish and can be aggressive towards tankmates.
However, it can work and many people have successfully kept other fish with Bettas.
Keep in mind, though, that success can depend on a particular Betta's personality...
some are more high-strung than others.
If the aquarium is at least 5 gallons and is heated and cycled, then there are some tankmate options available if you want to try it.
Some options are: Mollies, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus catfish, Danios, and even Apple snails make good choices.
How many you can have and in what combination does depend on tank size.
Caring for Bettas can appear to be complicated, but once you know their temperament and the basics of keeping these amazing, colorful fish, it becomes very rewarding.
For instance, since Bettas are tropical fish, they need warm water, right? Other times, the answers aren't so easy.
Below are 3 of some of the most frequently asked questions, and my answers to those based on my years of experience successfully caring for Bettas.
1.
What is the best tank size for a Betta? Despite popular belief, Bettas don't do better in small amounts of water.
Sure, they can survive, but they wouldn't be healthy or live very long.
Bettas are much more active and are generally healthier in larger amounts of warm water.
A great middle-ground size aquarium would be 2.
5 gallons.
This size allows for swimming room and space for a heater and decorations.
A 5 gallon tank is another good size.
This will provide room to fit in a filter and allows you to cycle the tank, making caring for a Betta even easier.
2.
How often should a Betta's water be changed? The amount and frequency of water changes depends on the tank size.
For tanks without filters, plan on 100% water changes.
For sizes under 2 gallons, full water changes twice a week is a good amount.
The smaller the container, the more often water changes are needed.
Anything larger than 2 gallons, and a full change once a week should be sufficient.
If your Betta's aquarium has a filter and is cycled, then weekly changes of 25% is a good general amount.
3.
Are other fish compatible with a Betta? Bettas are generally solitary fish and can be aggressive towards tankmates.
However, it can work and many people have successfully kept other fish with Bettas.
Keep in mind, though, that success can depend on a particular Betta's personality...
some are more high-strung than others.
If the aquarium is at least 5 gallons and is heated and cycled, then there are some tankmate options available if you want to try it.
Some options are: Mollies, Corydoras catfish, Otocinclus catfish, Danios, and even Apple snails make good choices.
How many you can have and in what combination does depend on tank size.
Caring for Bettas can appear to be complicated, but once you know their temperament and the basics of keeping these amazing, colorful fish, it becomes very rewarding.