First time Betta owner, need a lot of info?

Question

Hi, I want to get a betta. I want it to have the smallest tank possible, but be happy. Should I get male or female? Does it matter? I want a pretty betta, but are a certain kind hard to deal with? And are the different tail types important? Can I put it with only 1 or 2 other fish? Filter?? Heater?? Thanks for all and any info.

Answer 1

a male betta is prettier and they can be kept in even very small glass bowls. but if you want them to be very happy or if you want them to be as a pet and not a decoration you should get a bigger tank  Betta's are alot like goldfish because you can stick them in some water and they will most likely survive. Betta's get along with alot of fish, but not all of them, ask your fish store  about that. NEVER EVER EVER NEVER PUT A BETTA WITH ANOTHER BETTA, ESPECIALLY MALE.THEY WILL LITERALLY EAT EACH OTHER!! A FIGHT TO THE DEATH!! IVE SEEN IT HAPPEN.  also, my betta ate my little froggy, i don't know if that's normal or not.

Answer 2

I would recommend 5 gallon as the smallest.  You can get pretty 5 gallon kits at walmart or online, they come in colors like blue, red, and purple I think.  If that's too big, don't go smaller than a 2.5.  Male or female and tail types are personal taste.  Males are more colorful and have longer tails.  If you want a small tank only get one fish.  You need a gentle filter, sponge type would be fine or an adjustable hang on back type.  A heater is a must, get the type appropriate for the size of your tank.  And keep it set for 78-80 F.  Change around 25% of the water once a week.  Research "cycling" so you can understand what goes on with the water.  A lot of beginner problems can be avoided by cycling and understanding it.  Feed once or twice a day, small amounts of betta pellets, brineshrimp, and or bloodworms, be careful not to overfeed.  It can cause health problems and water problems.

Answer 3

1. Good choice, Bettas are beautiful.

2. The smallest tank possible would probably be a 2.5 gallon.

3. A good way to tell if they are actually happy, or enjoying themselves is when they make a bubble nest.

4. The difference between males and females are their coloring and fins. Males coloring tends to be much more bright, as the females are dull colored. There are also a large variety of male bettas. Crown tails, veil talis, half moon, this is why the males are sold more.

5. Female bettas can be kept together.

6. Bettas do not need a filter, although they are nice as they lower the amount of times you have to change the water a month. A heater is not necessary either, but remember, they do like their water temperature fairly on the warmer side.

Answer 4

Should I get male or female? Male Does it matter? Well, i think males are prettier.  I want a pretty betta, but are a certain kind hard to deal with? No, they're about the same. And are the different tail types important? No, it doesn't really make a difference. Can I put it with only 1 or 2 other fish? No, absolutely not. They will kill each other, no matter if it's male/male, female/female, or male/female. Filter?? It's good, but my betta has been alive for 1 year without anything but a vase and a lamp. Heater?? Waste of money! Lamps are good, though. None is needed. :] Good luck!

Answer 5

A betta needs a filtered heated 5 gallon tank to be healthy.  They need water at about 80F.  Putting them with other fish is alright as long as they are small and don't ahve flowing fins.

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