Getting a betta today! Some questions.

Question

Okay so today is my birthday and my Sister works in a store that sells fish and she promised me for my birthday she will get me a betta. Well I already have a tank. It's like five gallon horizontal, and I have three plants, gravel, and a cool skull cave in it so I think he will be happy. My questions are do betta's make good pets? Will my betta swim around a lot because I love watching fish swim? And will my betta live at least two years????

Thanks all!

Answer 1

Bettas make great pets.  They get surprisingly tame and will even learn tricks if your patient.

Don't be surprised if you notice your betta watching you.  

You're set up is just about perfect.  They do need gentle filtration and a heater.  You don't mention them, I don't want them forgotten.

They're carnivores.  They need betta pellets (Hikari are the best) or freeze dried blood worms.  Fish flakes will not do.  

Chances are the hamster and betta will ignore each other.  No freaking.  Even if they notice each other, they won't have much of an opinion about the other's presence.

EDIT TO ADD:

Well cared for bettas live about 4 years.  My oldest one lived to be 5 and a half.  I've heard of a 7 year old betta, but only once.

Answer 2

Betas have to live alone. They're fighting fish, and will try to kill anything in sight! Don't put their tank next to mirrors or other living animals, they'll try to kill their reflection, and end up killing themselves. Betta's are beautiful fish, just as long as they're your only fish!

Answer 3

no its fine you dont have to and yes my betta Mikki lived 2 1/2 years :D:D:D but then he died in a shell i recommend not using shells

Answer 4

yes they make a great pet if u u keep them happy... ur aquarium set up is ideal for ur betta...  

if they are happy then they swim around alot..sometimes they sit at the bottom somedays not for long... they will swim towards top of the tank when u get back home... they keep noticing u as u work... and they flare their tail and swim when they are happy...

ur betta may flare at him in the beginning but as he gets used to it he may start watching his neighbor on the wheel.......

Answer 5

Bettas are feisty, curious, active and intelligent little guys :)

Your tank is perfect! Just remember a heater and gentle filter. (Too strong and your bettas fins will get caught in the current)

Get him a variety of foods as well. Maybe some blood worms, pellets and brine shrimp or something. Not having a variety can cause constipation. (lol! its true and actually very common)

Most bettas live around 4 years in the right conditions.

Your betta will probably find your hamster interesting but not really care too much about it. He might like to watch him a little though. And your hamster will not care in the least.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new fish :D

Answer 6

get a heater bettas are tropical fish and do best with heaters