I need a Betta expert! Questions on care, feeding, and tank

Question

I used to have Betta's when I was a kid, before the internet was in most peoples homes, and looking back, we did a lot of things wrong!

The unfortunate misconception that they like small bowls was sincerely believed by my family. I still thought that was true when I bought my Betta last week.

I bought a 1/2 gallon starter kit, and then did some research when I got home, only to find that almost everything I thought I knew about Betta's was wrong!

So I went back and got 1.5 gallon tank, because as of right now that's all I can afford. I have an under gravel filter in it, pebble gravel, and a couple of plastic plants, and the mini tank has a light.

I've been on many sites about Betta care, and I'm reading different instructions everywhere.

With a tank this small the under gravel filter, I've been changing the water 2-3 times a week.

But then some sites say that's too stressful for the fish.

I've read that you're only supposed to feed your betta 2-3 times a week. Then other sites AND the food instructions say 2-3 times a DAY.And I'm afraid of over feeding, The food I'm using right now is Betta Bites made by HBH.

Is tap water ok with the water conditioning treatment? Or should I be using spring?

Is a heater needed in such a small tank, or should I stay away from them?

Can I use vase gems (http://beachcrafters.com/BEACHCRAFTERS/LISTINGS/GlassGems/standards/saphbluereg.jpg)

with the under gravel filter (it would make it easier to clean) or is the gravel better? And if I can use the vase gems, do they have to be bought from a pet store?

Sorry for so many questions, but I want to get some solid answers to take the best care possibly for my fishy :)

And when I can afford to, I do plan on getting a 5 gallon tank. So if you have any advice for that, that'd be appreciated too!

Answer 1

First of all, bettas can live an average of 5 years. I use a 10 gallon tank. Tap water is fine as long as it sits out for 24 hours. You can also use conditioner as an extra percaution. Depending on the size of your tank, change water 1-2x a week. for my 10 gallon, i do it once a week. I feed my bettas 2 pellets per day. If they get constipated (huge stomach), microwave peas, mash them and feed it to them. I keep them without heater, near a window away from sunlight. temperature should be around 70 degrees. A heater is fine though. If any colder, the fish will probably stay at the bottom and barely move. I feed them brine shrimp (live) sold for 1.oo at local pet stores, and dried microworms as an extra treat. I don't use any gravel or pebbles but plenty of silk plant decorations for hiding places.  

Answer 2

you shouldnt change the water that often and when you do think you need to change it you should only take out about 2/3 of the water...

Answer 3

okay first, the tank doesnt have to be that big,(mine were always in small tanks and they would live for a very long time-my sisters lasted for at least 1yr.) and if you have more then two bettas do not put them together because they are gonna fight. and to keep the water clean i would just clean the tank about once or twice a week.(depending on size)

as for water, dont put the betta in right when you fill the tank, you can use spring water, and let the tank sit for 24 hrs(at least) because it has to be room temp.

stay away from heaters, there no need for one. you can use vase gems or any gravel basically used for fish tanks, those won't make a difference to how long he lives.

second, food-they sell betta food at pet stores, and you can even get them at walmart, but the are like little red pebbles, you give them about six each a day.

and care is basically all this put together cause its a fish, they don't really need attention beside you feeding and cleaning them so yeah, hope this helps =]

Answer 4

Change water once a week. Feed as much as the package says. Any water is fine for conditioning. A heater isnt required and you probably wouldn't find one small enough. You can use any gravel or gems just remember to rinse them. Do not get a 5 gallon tank for a betta. Your tank is perfect sized. Bettas don't are shy and timid in 3+ gallons. They don't know what to do with all that space. They PREFER smaller tanks. After all in Thailand they live in puddles! We are suppose to make their tank seem like home aren't we? Check out these sites. And read my sorce please.

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Betta,%20Bas...

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Betta,%20Hou...

Answer 5

my brother had a betta for a very long time and we just had a simple small fish tank and fed it every day

Answer 6

YES! get a 5 gallon tank!

I changed from 1/2 gallon to 5 gallon.. my my fishy is SWiMMING like he never swim before..

Answer 7

ok i have beta fish too. we use normal rocks, it looks like to me that's what u have. and ur take is perfect size. thats about the same size as mine. we fee (its baisclly my moms) the fish about 1 times a day to about 2 times a day (only if we forgot to normally) with 2 of the betas we clean it out once a week and with the third one at least once every 2 weeks. depending on how dirty it is