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BETTAS by Jim Sonnier
Really clean Powder Blue Doubletail male
Bettas are tropical fish and need to be kept in freshwater at a temperature of about 75-80 degrees Farenheidt. Most people are comfortable at somewhat lower temperatures so some type of heating arrangement should be made for the fish in order to keep them in optimum health. A wide variety of water heating units are available for this purpose. Bettas can survive at lower temperatures but they may be physically weakened and become susceptible to disease.
Unless you have well water it must be treated to remove chlorine or chloramines. Many products can be purchased at fish stores and online that accomplish this task. Some of these water additives also remove Ammonia and toxic metal compounds. Click water chemistry for more information.
Because they have an air breathing organ in their heads Bettas can be kept in small amounts of water. The oxygen they get from the water through their gills will be supplimented by oxygen from the air above the water as they "breathe." However it should be noted that a Betta in a small amount of water can quickly be overcome by toxins produced by waste products from the fish itself and decomposing food in the container. Therefore regular water changes are necessary. If a Betta is kept in a pint or less of water one-third of the water should be changed daily and 100% of the water should be changed once per week. If a quart container is used the water change can be done every third day plus the weekly 100% change. For maximum toxin removal the bottom one third of the water and all solid waste in the container should be removed. This is where the solid wastes and most of the toxins will accumulate. A turkey baster or siphon tube will allow effecient access to that area of the container. A half gallon container would require a 100% water change every week. For containers over one half gallon the water change should still be made every week unless some sort of filtration is used. Click jar maintenance for more information.
Growing Bettas and adult breeders should be fed at least twice daily. Adult Bettas that are not being conditioned to spawn generally do best when fed once daily. Use at least two different types of foods, including one that is specifically formulated for Bettas. The other could be a type of freeze dried food. Remember to feed small portions so that all of the food is eaten by the fish. It is best to feed only as much as the Betta will consume in a couple of minutes. This will prevent a buildup of decomposing uneaten food in the container. Click foods for more information. Follow these guidelines and your Bettas will not just remain static; they will grow and prosper!
Summary
1. Water temperature 75-80 degrees F.
2. Remove chloramines from water
3. Very frequent water changes
4. Feed at least twice daily
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This page was last updated on 12/26/06
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