Betta Fish and Betta Fish Care

Posts Tagged ‘Betta Tanks’

After goldfish, the Betta fish is probably the second most popular fish kept. The Betta Splendens is a favorite because of its beauty, its long fins and because they are relatively easy to care for. The males sport deep beautiful colors whereas the females are less colorful.
It is called the Siamese Fighting Fish because of its behavior towards other males of the same species. You cannot keep two or more males in the same tank. If more than one male betta fish are placed in the same tank, they will fight until only one of them remains. They will flare out their gill covers and erect their fins showing the other fish their fighting posture.

There are ways to see this behaviour without introducing another male. One way is to use a small hand mirror and place it up against the tank glass so that the male betta may see his reflection. He will mistake his reflection as another male and the betta fighting posture should then be displayed.

You can get small betta tanks that come with dividers which will allow you to keep two bettas in the same tank. Many keep them in small bowls and they may live for a while in these small bowls. However, to get the most beautiful colors and optimal health for your fish, they will do better in a 10 gallon or larger tank with a heater that can maintain a constant temperature in the aquarium. If you plan on keeping yours in a small tank, please read the small tank setup page for ideas on equipment needed. Also check out the Betta Tank Setup article written by COBC for the magazine that lists the equipment needed to keep a betta.

 Bettas are fashionable fish for their brilliant colors as well as long, graceful fins. Bettas are famous for their aggressive nature. For this reason, betta owners generally use special tanks that house only one fish to preclude fighting. Betta tanks could be found in numerous places. Or, you could improvise one, if needed. Read on to learn more.
 

Step 1
Go to a pet store that sells fish, or a specialty aquarium store, and browse the fish tanks available. Look for the smallest tanks, which are usually meant for betas. Find a betta vase topped with a plant for a more uncommon habitat. Feed any fish that live in a beta vase instead of relying on the plant roots for food.

Step 2
Shop in discount stores for fish tanks and accessories. Shop in Wal-Mart or Target for a minimal selection of inexpensive beta tanks.

Step 3
Look in second hand stores for small tanks or for attractive small vases that could house a beta. Make sure the tank or vase has no hairline cracks by inspecting it thoroughly before purchasing.

Step 4
Search on-the-internet at specialty websites for a suitable tank. Purchase marbles for the bottom of the tank and any decorative tank features at the same time. Shop for water plants locally or risk having them arrive dead through the mail.

Step 5
Have enough tanks to house each of your betas. Keep male betas apart or they will fight until one is dead. House a different species with betas if you must, making sure that the fish are about the same size to keep the beta from attacking a smaller fish.