Key Tips and Precautions for Betta Fish Care
Compiled from advice by multiple reliable sources
1. Housing Environment
Solitary Housing is Ideal: Betta fish (males in particular) are best kept alone to prevent fighting. If housing multiple female bettas together, ensure there is ample space and hiding spots (such as aquatic plants or caves).
Tank Size: A square tank of 20–40 cm in length is recommended, with a water depth of 15–20 cm. Smaller water volumes require more frequent water changes, while larger volumes maintain more stable water conditions.
Water Quality Management: Though bettas tolerate low oxygen levels, regular water changes (1/3 of the tank volume weekly) are necessary to prevent excessive ammonia buildup. New tap water must be dechlorinated—this can be done by letting the water sit (to "age") or using a water conditioner.
2. Water Temperature & Lighting
Temperature Control: The optimal water temperature ranges from 24–27°C. If temperatures drop below 20°C, a heating pad or heater is required. Chinese bettas have stronger cold tolerance, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures will harm their health.
Lighting: Provide 8–10 hours of soft LED white light daily; avoid direct exposure to strong sunlight.
3. Feeding Guidelines
Food Selection: Offer live food (such as bloodworms or daphnia) or high-protein commercial betta pellets. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to obesity.
Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 times per day, giving only the amount the fish can consume within 5 minutes. Remove any uneaten food promptly. Female bettas in the breeding season need extra nutritional support.
4. Health & Behavior Monitoring
Mirror Training: Exposing male bettas to a mirror for 2–5 minutes daily can encourage them to display their vibrant fins and help stimulate regular bowel movements.
Common Behaviors: Frequent bubble-blowing (especially in males) indicates the betta is well-adapted to its environment. If the fish jumps out of the tank, lower the water level or add a tank cover.
5. Breeding Precautions
Pairing Tips: Male bettas become highly aggressive during the breeding season. Isolate females separately first to observe their condition and prevent them from being injured by males.
Hatching Environment: Floating aquatic plants (such as hornwort) are needed to provide hiding spots for fry. Maintain clean water conditions throughout the hatching period.
6. Additional Practical Advice
Tank Landscaping: Both live plants (e.g., Java fern, moss balls) and artificial plants work well, but avoid decorations with sharp edges that could tear the betta’s delicate fins.
Water Change Details: Ensure the temperature difference between new and old water does not exceed 1°C. Retain 1/3 of the old tank water to minimize stress on the fish.
Note: There are significant differences between betta species. Thai bettas require more strict temperature stability and solitary housing compared to Chinese bettas.