To help betta fish adapt to a new environment smoothly, scientific adjustments should be made in water quality, temperature, environmental setup, and feeding. Here are the specific steps and precautions:
I. Preparations
Fish Tank Selection
Use a square fish tank of 5 gallons (about 19 liters) or larger. Avoid round tanks, as they can affect the betta's vision.
The tank must have a lid to prevent the betta from jumping out.
Water Quality Treatment
Use tap water aged for at least 2 days or purified water to remove chlorine.
Add Indian almond leaves (torn into thumb-sized pieces) to simulate the natural habitat. Remove the leaves once the water turns tea-colored.
II. Acclimation Process
Stillness and Temperature Adjustment
Place the unopened betta bag in a dark, quiet area for 30 minutes to reduce transportation stress.
Submerge the bag in the tank for 20 minutes. Every 5 minutes, add a small amount of tank water to the bag, repeating 2-3 times to balance temperature and water quality.
Introduction to Tank
Use a fish net to transfer the betta (avoid pouring in transport water). Maintain a water level of 5-8 cm for easy breathing.
After introduction, keep the tank in darkness (e.g., cover with a cardboard box) for 1 day, then gradually restore light.
III. Daily Management
Feeding Adjustment
Do not feed the betta for the first 2 days. Start with small amounts afterward, increasing gradually based on appetite.
Use specialized pellet food or frozen dried bloodworms to avoid polluting the water.
Environmental Optimization
Maintain water temperature at 24-28°C (75-82°F). Use a heater to warm water slowly (no more than 2°C per day).
Add hiding spots like driftwood and aquatic plants to reduce stress.
IV. Troubleshooting
Bottom Lying
If the betta stays at the bottom for extended periods, raise the temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F) and add aquarium salt or Indian almond leaves for conditioning.
Water Quality Maintenance
Change 1/3 of the water weekly, removing leftover food and waste from the bottom. Avoid frequent full water changes.
Following these steps, betta fish typically adapt to the new environment within 1 week. For severe discomfort (e.g., loss of appetite, body lesions), isolate the fish immediately and consult professional fish disease treatment plans.