Start a Betta Aquarium

Understand What a Betta Needs

Most subpar Betta homes stem from a misunderstanding of the species. Bettas are:

1. Tropical

  • Ideal temp: 78°F

2. Solitary

  • Male Bettas should always be kept alone; females can have sororities only with experience and proper conditions.

3. Low Flow

  • They dislike strong currents but still require a filter (below is why)

4. Low to medium light

  • Bettas do not like bright environments

 

Choose the Right Tank

Minimum:

  • 5 gallons, non-negotiable for long-term proper health.

Ideal:

  • 10-20 gallons, easier to keep stable, room for plants, hiding places, and swimming room.

Why bowls and <5 gallon tanks are inadequate:

  • Little room for an adequate filter
  • Too drastic temperature/parameter fluctuation
  • Waste builds up too fast, and the nitrogen cycle cannot keep up
  • Bettas don’t have enough room to swim
  • No room for decoration/plants

 

Pick Your Equipment

  • Heater
  • Filter
  • Lighting
  • Substrate
  • Plants/Decor

Good Live Plants for Bettas (Optional)

Bettas love heavily planted tanks because the dense cover reduces stress.

Top choices that thrive easily:

  • Anubias
  • Java Fern
  • Cryptocoryne
  • Water Sprite
  • Java Moss
  • Moss balls
  • Floating plants (Water Lettuce, Salvinia)

TIP: Floating plants = Betta heaven
They create dim lighting and calm the surface.

 

Feeding Your Betta 

What to feed Daily

High-quality protein is essential. Whether frozen or dry, high-protein is the answer.

Treats:

  • Frozen bloodworms
  • Frozen daphnia (best for digestion)

TIP: Avoid freeze-dried foods, as they can cause bloating.

How much to feed

1-2 times per day, enough to eat in two minutes

 

Maintenance

Weekly:

  • 30–50% water change
  • Gravel vacuum
  • Clean the inside of the glass with an algae pad
  • Test ammonia & nitrite (should always be 0)
  • Test nitrate (keep under 40ppm)

Monthly:

  • Rinse the filter sponge in old tank water, but do not replace it.
  • Prune plants if applicable

Never do this:

  • Replace your filter media fully
  • Rinse anything in tap water
  • Over-clean the tank

Doing these can kill your beneficial bacteria. See this page for more info on the Niteogen Cycle and the good bacteria.


Common Betta Myths

Myth: Bettas like small bowls

Truth: They survive in them, not thrive.


Myth: Bettas don’t need filters

Truth: They need clean, cycled water.


Myth: Bettas like cold water

Truth: They are tropical; cold water kills them slowly.


Myth: Bettas need mirrors

Truth: A few minutes a day is fine but not required.


Myth: Bettas get lonely

Truth: They do NOT need tankmates and almost always dislike them.


The Few Optional Tankmates (If You Want Them)

Only in 10 gallons or larger, and only peaceful, small species.

Safe options:

  • Nerite snails
  • Mystery snails
  • Amano shrimp
  • Ghost shrimp

Riskier but sometimes works:

  • Corydoras pygmaeus/habrosus
  • Ember tetras
  • Chili rasboras

 

Betta Health

Signs of good health:

  • Active
  • Eats readily
  • Flaring occasionally
  • Smooth, full fins
  • Bright, full colors

Warning signs:

  • Clamped fins
  • Lethargy
  • Not eating
  • Heavy breathing
  • Sitting on the bottom or surface constantly
  • Dull color
  • White fuzzy patches

Quick response plan:

  1. Test water immediately
  2. Water change 50%
  3. Check the heater and temperature
  4. Identify any physical symptoms and treat