First off, Betta's do NOT belong in bowls, and under NO circumstances should they be in there. How would you like to be stuck in an outhouse your entire life with food shoved under the door once a day? You wouldn't, so your Betta won't either. Also, although I usually don't like the "inch per gallon" "guideline" in general, I do like it defending Betta's
Your average Betta bowl is under 2 gallons (I'm being generous), and a Betta gets what, 3"? It just doesn't make sense. Finally, Betta's are TROPICAL fish. This means a HEATER and a FILTER! Well, if you're still with me, here's what I like in a Betta tank.
TANK SPECS:
Tank Size: Absolute minimum in my opinion is 2.5 gallons! However, personally I wouldn't stick it one in anything other than a 5.... It also must be a tank, a bowl is hard to attach a filter and heater to. I prefer a 10 myself so I can put in a few tankmates. My "perfect" tank would be a 15 with a school (4 or 5) Cory's. A really popular tank is the 6.6 Gallon Bookshelf Tank from Petco. I have no experience with one however, as I'm in the Great White North. Also, go for a long tank over a high tank for reasons typed about later. BE SURE TO CYCLE!!!
Filtration: Filtration is a must, there's no ifs, ands, or buts. You need to be careful selecting a filter however. Betta's from a cup aren't used to a current, and when a filter is throwing them around the tank, it is bad for the fish. My recommendation is a filter with flow control (I.E. Eheim Liberty and Aquaclear series). I have also had good luck with a Hagen Elite Stingray 10 in my 10 gallon.
Heater: Not even a decision, Stealth
But seriously, a Betta needs the temperature between 78-80. Lower than 78 and the Betta becomes sluggish, higher than 80, and the lifespan is shortened.
Substrate: Although gravel is the "standard" substrate, I much prefer flat glass marbles. The thing about gravel is Betta's have sensitive/fragile fins, and they swim around the bottom, they can easily rip their fins which can lead to infection. So if you go with glass marbles, go to a Dollar Store/Buck or Two/etc, the same thing at your LFS will cost at least twice as much. Although I am a huge fan of sand, it's not for Betta's. A few people who have had sand ended up with dead little buddies due to the Betta's eating the sand and choking.
Decorations: Before even THINKING about putting anything in with a Betta, run a nylon stocking or similar over the entire thing, and if it snags, that means your little friend's fins could get caught. My recommended betta decor is hamster tubs, pvc caves, flower pots, etc. Silk plants are excellent too. One little hint I have is buy a broad-leafed fake plant with a suction cup end, and put this about 2 inches or so under the water surface. Betta's have the labyrinth organ (means they breathe air), so when they "sleep", they can easily reach the water surface.
FISH & TANK MATES
The Debate, Male vs. Female
Male: Males are what you usually see looking up at you from inside a little cup anywhere. They have the long, flowing beautiful fins often associated with the Betta's. They are arguably one of the most handsome freshwater fish in the world.
Females: Contrary to popular belief, sorority tanks do, more often then not, fail. Although they don't have the long flowing fins of the males, females are beautiful in their own way.
No matter which sex you pick, please only keep one Betta.
Tankmates: Cory Cats, Otto's, and Pleco's are the only fish I would suggest to go with Betta's. Of course, each Betta is different and has their own personality, so when thinking of adding tankmates, always have a back-up plan in case it doesn't work out. Cory's and Otto's are schooling fish, and need, at a minimum, 2 of each kind. A 10 gallon will fit a male with 2 Peppered Cory's quite nicely. One thing to know about Otto's is put only in a WELL-ESTABLISHED tank as they are very sensitive about water conditions. The Pleco species of course depends on your tank size.
Feeding: Betta's will eat pretty much anything, but stay away from freeze-dried bloodworms as once they get inside their stomachs, they expand , which can cause bloating or death. However, if you soak them first, this is okay. I feed my guy flakes or pellets, and peas once a week to help with constipation.
Hope this helps out people who are starting out a Betta tank, and if anyone has any suggestions, I will definitely take them into consideration
Also, in my humble opinion, a Betta is better in a heated, uncycled tank rather than a cup at Wal-Mart or PetSmart, so if you fall in love with a little guy, grab'em
But get that tank cycled as soon as you can. You could be like me and run an extra filter on a established tank so if you somehow brought one home, you'd be all ready
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great job again! and you man is handsome!
And I can say I've had better jobs....
