Gilbert

HI

I have a few questions. I'm going to try one last time to see if I can succesfully keep a betta now that I know better. My question is: Do bettas like oxygenated and agitated water or do they prefer still water. I heard that the labyrinth organ allows them to get air directly. Also, what is the best food for bettas? I fed mine red grubs all the time cause he seemed to liked them and he refused flakes.
Could I keep them with small snails?


Thanks

Devon

You're right, bettas are equipped with a labyrinth organ that allows them to "breathe" from the surface of the water. Ideally you would keep them in a long, shallow tank of 5 gallons or so to allow them to quickly surface from anywhere in the tank if they need to make use of it (the 6.6 gallon bookshelf aquarium is highly recommended around here for bettas, that feature being one of the many reasons).
Bettas should be kept at 79-80F, but the warmer the water, the less oxygen it holds. I myself use a small air stone to agitate and add extra oxygen for my bettas... they also seem to really enjoy playing in the bubbles. It's not mandatory though, because any good water filter you use will help keep the water oxygenated.

You can keep them with snails... in fact, it's the only thing mine have ever tolerated with them in their tank in the way of critters. Just remember that snails are messy and while they're wonderful little cleaners, they do contribute to the bioload.

Martinismommy

I feed my 8 boys Hikari bloodworms Hikari Betta pellets and frozen baby peas thawed/peeled and cut up into tiny peices....I have them all in filtered tanks with no airstones..If you really want a snail I'd say a nice Apple snail....That's what I have and it seems to work well with Bettas...

chickadee

One Apple or Mystery Snail in with him will grow quite large (can get as large as your fist) and are quite beautiful and come in many different colors. They are fascinating to watch with their actions but they do add a lot to the bioload of the tank. Snails if you have 2 will soon give you 2000. Bettas do not eat snails contrary to popular opinion but it is best to stay away from the type that are going to be giving you hundreds of them.

I realize it must sound like we are just trying to keep you from having fun with your betta but you do not want to have trouble with added ammonia in your tank and snails (like more than one in that tank) will make it almost impossible to cycle the tank due to the greater bioload.

I used to have one Apple or Mystery Snail with each of my bettas and they got along with them quite well.

Gravel maintenance becomes very important though and should be done weekly at least.

I keep extra sponge filters running in the back of all my tanks that take the place of airstones as I think they do need added oxygen but also do please pay close attention to the temperature in the tanks. It should never go above 80 unless treating for disease or under 78 as it will slow their metabolism and cause a problem with their digestion and raise the chance of constipation. As far as food goes, flake food raises the chance of constipation as it is not made for bettas to eat. I realize some feed their betttas flake food but their mouths are not really shaped to grab flakes from the water and they are protein eaters for the most part although they do need some veggie matter to keep their digestive systems running regular. So the foods that my guys get on a regular basis are: Atison's Betta Pro Pellets occasionally (maybe 2 or 3 times a week); mostly Hikari Freeze dried blood worms 3 per meal 2 meals a day; about 2 meals a week they get a sprinkle of freeze dried Hikari Daphnia they can have all they want of this as it is the one food it is impossible to overfeed as it is like prunes for them it contains a high fiber content: they always get thawed and peeled frozen peas cut into small chunks (1/4 the size of their eye) about 4 pieces each 2 times a week (not as a meal.. not withing 3 hours of a meal) as a pea treat to keep their digestion working correctly. I have not had bettas with constipation or swim bladder problems following this routine yet.

Rose

Rose

0morrokh

Your questions seem to have been covered, but I will just add this about feeding: the important thing is variety (as is true with any kind of fish...). Get a good brand of pellets (Atison's or Hikari) and freeze dried or frozen bloodworms (Hikari) as the main part of their diet, but supplement their diet with whatever else you can get them to eat. Keep frozen peas on hand in case of constipation...many of us feed pea one day a week as a preventative. Other than that their diet should be high protein (which is why it's best not to regularly feed bettas normal fish flakes).

COBettaCouple

I put flexible bubble wands in all of our Betta tanks. I think it's possible to get by without aeration, but I'd recommend aeration in all tanks.. plus Bettas find the air bubbles something to play with.

I feed our Bettas thawed frozen Hikari Bloodworms and Ocean Nutrition Betta Pellets.

Sprinangl2

i agree with Dave-Mr. Wiggles does love his bubbles!!!