Every home can feel empty without a pet. Because of our busy lifestyles, we cannot always find time to care about an animal. However, fishes do not require much maintenance, so we can easily keep them happy and entertained in small aquariums.
With various fish types, there are different characteristics. Each type requires proper conditions that need to be respected for the wellness of the pet.
An example of a beautiful fish that doesn’t need much care is the bettas. However, before you get your first betta, being prepared is essential. For that reason, we have created this article with a couple of everything you need to know about being a betta owner.
Introduction of the bettas
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They are a colorful type that lives in shallow and freshwater. They are usually found in places where there is a lot of plants where they can hide or shallow ponds like rice plantations and paddies.
It is called a fish that fights because of the behavior that the males have. They can be aggressive, especially to other male species. However, when left alone, they make great pets because of their small anatomy and easiness of care.
How big the aquarium needs to be
Even though bettas are small, they still require a large swimming area. For that reason, you should not put them in a bowl with restrictive movements. Imagine further decoration of the bowl, they will have no place left. In addition, by keeping the betta in a small space, the water gets intoxicated quickly and causes health problems.
For a healthy environment, they require at least twenty liters of water. If you plan on having two bettas, you will need a forty liters aquarium, so plan your interior placing properly.
Interactions with other fish
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They are usually aggressive fishes so they are limited in situations with other fish. That is why it is not advisable to get a betta to your existing aquarium.
Especially males are the ones who cause all the problems, so don’t pair them up with other male fish. If you want to accompany your betta, combine two females for a smaller risk.
Decorations are a must
A blank aquarium does not look appealing, and it can cause a boring atmosphere for the fish as well. In nature, they are always swimming through plants and shells, and they are good at hiding.
Consider adding up decorations that look great to you. However, there are a couple of things you need to be careful about.
Firstly, you need to leave enough free space so the fish can swim without obstructions. Secondly, the decorations must not be sharp, since the bettas can have their fins torn up.
Plants
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Natural plants are always a great addition to your aquarium. They make the scenery real, and they offer great water oxidation.
Be careful about the type of plant you will be getting. Ensure that the plant does not grow too much so it doesn’t take up all the space. Explore all your choices, and consider talking to the person at the shop where you have gotten the fish for plant recommendations.
Temperature adjustments
Bettas originate from warm tropical places, so the water needs to be heated up properly. Even if it is warm in your place, the temperature has fluctuations that can stress your betta.
To keep an appropriate temperature in the tank, consider using a heating device. That way, you can preserve the thermals properly, since the device activates when the temperature drops.
Cleaning regularity
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The cleanliness of the tank, and replacing the water are essential for the wellness of your betta. They release a lot of toxins, so they have to be cleaned regularly.
The water needs to be replaced depending on how big your tank is, and whether you have installed a filtering mechanism. Smaller tanks that have no filtering mechanism need to have almost half of the water replaced over one day, and thorough cleaning twice a week.
Bigger tanks with a filtering unit installed, need a thorough cleaning once a month, and replacement of about ten percent of the water in two-week periods.
Preparation of the water
Although most of the fish accommodate great to the regular tap water, there are a couple of things that have to be done. When you replace the water, add the substrate of a conditioner. That removes certain chemicals and improves the conditions of the water
If you have not used such a product before, ask the seller at the shop, or look on the internet. There are various products that all get the job done, just select one and try it out.
What food do they need
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With many food choices, you can’t go wrong, just remember that they need a lot of protein. There are a lot of products to choose from, starting with shrimps, pallets, etc. to make their diet varied, so visit https://www.bktfish.com/ for more details.
Keep in mind that they can easily overfeed themselves, so don’t give them too much. They usually require up to four pallet pieces in a day. Create a schedule, or give them food whenever you are eating so you don’t forget. If you notice they have left a piece of food, take it out.
Health consideration
Although bettas are usually healthy, you should do your best in observation since most of their diseases can be visually noticed. The most usual health problem is the rotting of their fins. If you notice a slight discoloration, talk to a vet for a solution.
Another problem they usually get is eye problems in the form of bulging. Many things can be done for the treatment of that condition, but you should first prevent any additional infection. For that reason, salts are a great addition to the water.
Swelling or formation of spots on the body is another symptom. If you notice that something is wrong with your betta, speak to a vet or bring it to the store where you have bought it. They should know the issue, and most importantly give you a solution to improve your bettas’ life.
