Betta Advice!!

Hello everyone,

So I currently have this 28L tank that’s housing a school of guppies.


First question is, is this tank appropriate for a male guppy? I’m currently cycling a 140L that I’ll be moving my guppies too, so obviously the Betta would be alone. Do I need to do a big water change or anything before adding the Betta? Or can he just go straight in after removing guppies and doing a partial water change to clean up?

Secondly! What should I do in the way of decorating the tank? It currently has a plant and a ship ornament but I’ll be taking out the ship because it has a couple of sharp edges. What ornaments are popular? What plants?

Lastly! What should I look for when choosing a Betta? I heard that you should look for one that flares when you approach the tank & looks healthy. What breeds are best? I also heard that crowntails are a little harder to care for, is that true?

Thanks for all your advice and sorry for the newbie questions, I just want to make sure I look after this little guy to the best of my abilities!

 

I recommend guppies in nothing smaller than a 10 gallon tank.
You should do a water change before adding the betta, yes.
Well, bettas should look bright, no damage to their fins or scales, healthy eyes and mouth, and no bloating.

There is no "better" type of betta, I like them all, so you choose what you like best
Crowntails just have a bit of sensitivity to the water, making their rays rot or curl if not properly cared for.
I actually have a crowntail, and his rays have broken off slightly.

 

No as long as all of the levels are at a safe level for the new betta you do not need to do any water changes. As food decorating natural plants are a favorite for bettas, especially anubias which can be planted on rocks or driftwood that has been sandpapered down so no sharp edges are present. They enjoy laying on the leaves if they become tired. If you don’t want to go the live plant route silk plants are the way to go as they won’t tear the bettas fins.yes flailing is a sign of a healthy betta, check to see f the betta has clamped fins, this is a sign of stress and may show that they aren’t doing as water changes as often as they need to. Also check for ammonia burns which just look like black burns on their skin, if they have this they likely have lasting fill damage that will shorten their life. The typical male betta is the easiest to care for, they have the straight fins. The farther you get from them the most delicate they become. These are the dragon scale, half-moon, dumbo ear, and crow tail bettas.

 

The guppies will be moved to the 140L, obviously being a newbie on the fish hobby I listened to the person at the pet store who was extremely ill informed. Let’s just say we had an uncycled tank and a few fish deaths. The person sold me the 28L tank and pretty much just gave me a handful (8) guppies (AT ONCE!) to put in it telling me it was the best way to go and didn’t answer any questions. Obviously that was incorrect, I now have 5 guppies in the small tank & as soon as I saw the mistake I ordered the 140L and we are waiting for it to fishless cycle. That again, is why I’m asking for advice here because I know the advice from the shop will be non existent lol.

I love the look of the crowntails, there is this beautiful black and grey one that I saw at the shop but obviously we aren’t ready to buy yet.

Thanks for the pointers! It’s been very helpful!

 

The best type of Betta is the one you like the best. In fin shape I would rank them Halfmoon, Rosetail, Delta, Double, Veil, and then Crowntail. Crowns to me look like they just came out on the wrong end of a fight but others love them. Dumbo ear can be a variation of any type I think.

For coloration I like the Butterflies and then a dark body with brightly colored fins. Mine is a Halfmoon with a dark purplish body and bright red fins. I love him and consider myself lucky to have found him at PetSmart. They have only had a few as good looking as him since I got him 4 months ago and they were all "Premium" Butterflies costing $20 to $25. Benny was $10.