How To Set Up A Betta Tank?

[mperkins21]

Hello, I currently have a 55 gallon community tank, and I really want a betta (not for the community tank).

Whats a good size tank?
Whats some good substrate?
What are the musts needed?
what type of food, I currently been feeding my community tank freeze dried blood worms or freeze dried baby shrimp, and tropical fish flakes, would some of thoose be ok, or should I buy betta fish food? and how many times a day since I feed my community 3 times, but I heard betas get bloated easily?

 

[Merilial]

I like 5 gallons for Bettas (10 if you get a King Betta). As for substrate, I'm a fan of sand, as I think it's easier to clean and looks more natural, but gravel is fine too.

You'll need a filter and heater. I bought TopFin's 5 gallon starter kit, which will go on sale soon with the holidays. You will need to baffle the filter, as even on the lowest settings it'll knock your new friend around.

One thing I learned the hard way is that bettas tend to be stubborn about changing food. Ask at the store what they feed them. Ultimately I try to wean my fish onto tropical color-enhancing fish flakes and feed bloodworms and other treats for variety now and then.

Also, buy soft plants that pass the panty hose test. Your Betta will thank you, and especially love you if you get something that they can rest on close to the surface.

 

[banks741938]

I like

Also, buy soft plants that pass the panty hose test.

Panty hose test???? can you explain what that is. Ive never heard of that.

 

[Merilial]

Panty hose test???? can you explain what that is. Ive never heard of that.

Oh! My bad. Essentially, you use a pair of pants hose and drag them across the edges of decor. If it tears them, then it'll tear your bettas' delicate fins.

 

[banks741938]

Oh! My bad. Essentially, you use a pair of pants hose and drag them across the edges of decor. If it tears them, then it'll tear your bettas' delicate fins.

Got it. That's what I thought you probably ment.

 

[Merilial]

Got it. That's what I thought you probably ment.

Good luck!! I love Bettas, they have so much personality.

 

[WinterSoldier.]

In my opinion live plants are a must, a good filter, feeding sparingly, dirt is a good substrate for plants.

 

[KasumiKi]

A betta will really thrive in a 10 gallon tank that has lots of live plants and maybe some driftwood if it doesn't have rough edges! Getting a filter with a low flow rate is very important too. Bettas don't do well in water that has a lot of flow. You can always use organic potting soil for the plants if you put a gravel cap on top or you can just go with some aquasoil or something. Bettas love room to swim and are very curious so if you want a smaller tank a 5 gallon would be fine but I wouldn't go smaller than that. If you could a 10 gallon would be perfect.

For a live planted tank, if you have any algae problems, snails are always a good thing to have and they pair well with Bettas. There are snails that won't breed in freshwater like Nerite snails if you're worried about that or if you're keeping your tank clean enough then snails shouldn't really overpopulate. In fact if you're having a snail problem in a tank it most likely means that your tank is pretty dirty and you need to clean it.