Several Good Betta Habitats

The Small Tank

The smallest tank a betta should be kept in should hold 2 gallons. This is actually a bit smaller than recommendations for any other fish. Bettas with their labyrinth organ can live in smaller aquaria than many other fish, but here at least they can turn around and swim back and forth, much better than the cups they are sold in. Basic decor should include some kind of plastic or live plant (bettas like to have a place to hide when they are feeling less secure.) A filter is also a good idea.. A nice filter for a very small tank is a tiny submersible bubble powered one. They are available at most "pet" stores, and fairly inexpensive. Next, remember that bettas like heat, and make sure to keep them somewhere that it doesn't drop below 75. Bettas often loose color and act lethargic when too cold.

As for maintenance: change out 35% of the water once a week, and replace it with dechlorinated tapwater at the same temperature of the existing tank water. Do not wash the gravel and decorations in tapwater every week, as that will remove any beneficial bacteria that have begun to grow there. Feed them at least once a day as per instructions on their food.

The Betta Palace

A nicer tank that leaves some room for tankmates or just for the betta to stretch is a standard 10 gallon fishtank. The tank itself is rather cheap, and being a standard size cheaper to filter, heat and light than any "specialty" sizes. In this tank you can also have a few tankmates. Decor should be at least a few plants, in this tank with a florescent light you could even try a few hardy live plants. Tankmates that could live comfortably with a Betta include pygmy cories, false cories, Harlequin Rasboras, Neons Tetras, Glowlight Tetras, Dwarf Loaches, and other smaller peaceful fish.

Maintenance: 35% water change, same as listed for a small tank. Every 2 weeks take out the media from the filter, sponges, etc., and rinse it in the bucket of tank water you removed. This is getting rid of dirt before it can break down and dirty the water. Yet again DO NOT wash it in tapwater, as the chlorine will probably kill any beneficial bacteria that may have moved in there.

For more information about the bacteria look here under Cycling.

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