Monday 22 April 2013

Betta fish care - FAQ

I intend to share simple and most vital information here which would help most of the beginners. I welcome all to post your questions here or private message us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Bettamadness so that we can revert to you with relevant suggestions.

A happy Half moon plakat betta flaring


The above image downloaded from net


1. How much space do a betta need?

Typically bettas need less space when compared to other fishes. If the water quantity is too small they tend to jump out of the tanks and you would find them dead.

I would suggest a 1.5 to 2 gallon ( 4 to 8 ltr)  tank for them to be healthy and less affected by parasites or diseases.

Bettas like planted aquarium with a few hideouts. free swimming space will help protect bettas from fins diseases.

2. What is the water quality requirements for a betta?

In my experience, there are 3 key things that needs to be monitored for bettas

  • PH of 6.5 to 7.5
  • Temperature  - 76 to 82 Deg F or 24 to 27 Deg C
  • TDS ( Total dissolved Salts) - 30 to 100 ppm



3. Who are the tank mates for a betta?

Although a few variety of fishes can be kept along with the bettas, They like to swim alone.

4. What to feed bettas?

I give my bettas a balanced feed which is a mix of betta micro pellets, Tettra bits, Frozen dried blood worms, mosquito  larvae & grindal worms. You can also give all live worms rich in protein like blood worms, tubifex worms etc...

The commercial micro pellets are good because they come with a mix of most of the required minerals and proteins required for betta health and growth. They also help in enhancing their colour.

5. How long do bettas live?

Well, If kept in proper care and diet, i have seen them living up to 3 years.

6. How big would the bettas grow?

I have a one year old betta male and it is already 3 1/4 long ". A normal betta well fed can grow up to 4 (from from head to end of tail) ". I have read that giant bettas can grow up to 7".

7. How fast can they grow to an adult stage?

They can grow in to an adult in 4-6 months time and would be ready for breeding.

8.  How frequently should we change water?

A common opinion all over is that bettas need 10-20% water change every alternate day. 50% water change once a week.

 However,

  • If they are in a planted aquarium
  • With over flow filter / sponge filters
  • Fed right amount of food such that no food is left over in the tank ( often the remains of food contaminate the tank water)

Then  you can change 10 to 20% water every week. This is my experience.

Happy fish keeping !

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