How to Set Up a Betta Tank

A tank is the best home for a betta.

Are you planning on getting a betta fish? Don't just stick him in a bowl or vase! This article explains how to set up a tank that will keep your betta healthy, happy, and handsome.

:: Steps ::

Get everything you need.

Buy a tank. For a single Betta, a 45 litre (9.9 gallon) tank is the smallest you can go. Make sure your tank comes with a hood- Betta are known jumpers, and having a hood can prevent a tragedy. In some countries the animal welfare laws suggests no smaller tank than 40 litres (10 gallons). The RSPCA in the UK state 45 litres min for any fish.

Buy a filter. Like all fish, Betta need clean, filtered water. The filter should have a gentle current or an adjustable flow.

Buy a heater and a thermometer. Betta are tropical fish. They need their water at a constant temperature between 75 and 80 degrees F. (25 C-27 C)

Buy your substrate. Use smooth gravel or sand- you can even use marbles! Rough substrate will tear your Betta's delicate fins. Neutral colors make your bettas colors pop.

Buy decorations. These have to be smooth, also. Betta love caves and things to swim through, so have at least one cave-like decoration. You can also have silk or live plants, but no plastic. Plastic plants are too harsh for Betta fins. Never fill the surface with plants, betta need space to breath the air.

Put it all together.

Put your tank where you want it. It should be out of direct sunlight. Betta are very intelligent, curious fish, so don't tuck the tank in a corner where it won't get much attention.

Put in your substrate and decorations. Leave any live plants until you have it filled up, though!

Fill your tank with water treated with a water conditioners such as Prime and Jungle brand Tank Buddies. You can put a small dish or saucer on the substrate and pour the water over it to avoid messing up your decorations. Once the tank is full, you can add your plants.

Install the heater and filter, following the directions on the package. Turn them both on to make sure everything is working properly. If the current from the filter looks too strong, and your filter is not adjustable, try putting some sponges where the water comes out. This will diffuse the current.

Assemble the hood.

Cycle your tank.

The tank is now ready for a Betta!

:: Video ::

:: Tips ::

If you have live plants, make sure you have the proper lighting.

If the tank is big enough (60 litres/16 gallons) and has lots of hiding places you may put one male and one or two females in same tank. Note that male can be very violent towards females, hence hiding places.

If you want more than one betta, you can get a 10 gallon tank with a divider. This lets you have two bettas in one tank.

:: Warnings ::

Don't put your betta in a bowl or vase! Bowls and vases are not large enough to heat safely, don't provide filtration, and limit your fish's movement.

Be wary of advice you get at the fish store. Do your own research and/or join a forum dedicated to fish.

Never put two male bettas in same tank, they will fight till death. Putting 2 or more females together is possible though. A male will also kill a female if he is not breeding with it. (dt/ba)

(source : http://www.wikihow.com)