Betta splendens, or more commonly known as simply Betta fish, are one of the most widely kept fish in the aquarium hobby. Marketed as easy to care for beginner pets, Bettas are sold in tiny cups often paired with small aesthetically pleasing tanks lacking the key things they need to survive. These beautiful fish then suffer in cold water with limited space and no enrichment affecting them physically and psychologically. But, with proper direction, even a beginner aquarist who has never kept fish can create a perfect environment where a Betta can thrive.
The History of Betta splendens
Betta splendens are among the oldest species of domesticated fish; they are the most popular of the 76 species in the Betta genus. Originating from Thailand, they can also be found in nearby countries such as Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. In the wild they thrive in warm shallow freshwater rice patties, marshes, stagnant ponds, and slow moving streams and eat a diet of crustaceans, plankton, and insect larvae. Due to the low amounts of oxygen in their natural habitats, Betta fish have evolved to breathe air from the surface with the help of a specialized respiratory organ called the labyrinth organ.
Betta Fish Tank Setup
Before you buy fish online for your tank, please give adequate time for your tank to cycle. If you don’t know what that entails, here’s an article to get you started: https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/fish-tank-cycling
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Tank size: In captivity, Betta fish need an absolute minimum tank size of 5 gallons. This gives plenty of space to swim freely and establish territory as Bettas are a very territorial species. Any tank smaller than a five gallon does not give the space needed and makes it extremely difficult to maintain water parameters. You should always have a lid on your tank as bettas are jumpers and a light that supports any plants you have.
Filter: A gentle low-flow filter is needed to help keep the water clean and clear, as well as grow bacteria to keep water parameters stable. Sponge filters are perfect for this type of setup, but a hang on back filter modified with a sponge on the out-flow works amazingly as well.
Heater: An adjustable heater is needed, as bettas are tropical fish that thrive in warm water. Without warm water they become slow, and lethargic as they are cold and uncomfortable.The heater should be set between 78-80 degrees fahrenheit for optimal conditions.
Plant Cover: Bettas thrive in tanks with plenty of cover so planted tanks are the way to go. Easy to grow plants like ludwigia, java fern, jungle vallisneria, hornwort, and amazon swords make amazing additions to any betta tank, just make sure to use a substrate that supports plants. Soft silk plants can also be used instead, even though live plants help to keep an aquarium balanced, silk plants can provide the needed cover to make a betta feel safe.
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Substrate: Sand, small fish tank pebbles, and bioactive plant substrates all work great as a substrate for the bottom of your tank. It’s crucial to have a substrate for bacteria and microfauna to grow and establish.
Decor: Any small decor or hides added to the tank should not be painted as these paints can leach chemicals into the water. The decor should also have no sharp point or edges so that fins are not ripped.
Suitable Tankmates for Bettas
Many species of wild betta fish exhibit social behaviors in the wild, while Betta splendens is a fully domestic species, some other fish can be kept with them successfully in the right size tank.
Neocaridina shrimp make amazing additions to betta tanks of any size and come in many different unique colors.
Freshwater Invertebrates from Our Vendors
Ember tetras are my personal favorite betta tank mate and can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Ember Tetras are a very small species of schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more.
Corydoras catfish are one of my favorite fish especially for betta tanks.They are an extremely interesting fish that varies in color and size depending on species and do amazing in 20 gallon or larger tanks.
Time to get started with Bettas!
Setting up the perfect tank may seem scary, but with the right direction it can be fun, rewarding, and easy! Betta fish are seriously one of the most underrated fish in the hobby, with the proper care, they can live several years and be a beautiful addition to anyone’s home.
