So you’ve decided to take the plunge into the world of betta fish ownership. Or at least you’re thinking about it. Betta fish care is important and somewhat different from other fish care.
I have been a proud betta owner for years. While I may not be the world’s leading expert, I can provide you with some basic care tips here that can help your betta experience move along quickly.
Preparing for Your Betta
When picking out a betta, you need to be sure he is colorful and lively in his cup at the store. Additionally, he shouldn’t show apparent bumps or distensions.
When you bring him home, set up your fish tank with a filter and heater. Setup your aquarium accessories if you bought some.
Before putting your fish in his new home, treat the water with dechlorinating drops. Chlorine can harm and even kill your betta fish. Additionally, the temperature of the water should be between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Feeding Your New Fish
Feeding is a big concern of many new betta owners. I thought my betta was dying the week after I brought him home.
Bettas are picky eaters. They adjust to one food at the store. If the pellets are not what they’re used to, they may spit them out and refuse to eat them.
But don’t worry. I simply waited a few days until he got hungry enough to try one. Now he’s as happy and healthy as can be.
If you’re having trouble after a few days, try soaking the pellets of cutting them in half. Don’t freak out if it still takes him a week to realize what you’re feeding him is his new diet.
While bettas can eat live foods as an enjoyable treat, they aren’t necessary. Fish food pellets provide all proteins and nutrients a betta requires.
A good guideline for feeding your betta is to spread feeding out to twice a day. Only feed your betta one or two pellets each feeding.
If you believe your fish is becoming unhealthy from overeating, feed him small peaces of a pea for a day. The next day, skip feeding to clear his digestive tract.
Betta Fish Care Misconceptions
A common misconception about betta fish is that they naturally live in small ponds. This is not true. Wild bettas are actually found in river basins and rice paddies.
Another false fact is that bettas are fine in small containers. While they can survive in small areas, they are generally lethargic and lackluster. My betta thrives in a ten-gallon tank all to himself.
Ultimately, as with any pet, you should only get a betta fish if you are able to care for it.
