How to Set up a Beautiful Betta Fish Tank
Congratulations on your new betta fish. Betta splendens is one of the most stunning, beginner-friendly fish out there, so of course he needs to have a beautiful aquarium to match. For a warm welcome, make sure to check out our recommendations for shopping and setting up tips.
Betta Checklist – Everything You Need to Get a New Fish
Let’s start shopping for the components needed to set up your betta fish’s new home. All of these items can be easily found at your local pet store or online.
#1 Aquarium
A
5-gallon tank
is a great starting size for a single betta fish. Many new owners mistakenly believe that betta fish are like houseplants that can live in tiny containers. But a dog who can survive in a kennel all their life would not prefer to live in a larger house or yard. A bigger aquarium gives your betta fish the freedom to swim around and explore his environment. You will also notice a cleaner aquarium for a longer time.
A small 0.5-gallon tank may need to be refilled every day, while a 5-gallon fish aquarium can last for up to two weeks.
Because of their aggressive nature towards other species, betta fish are known as “Siamese Fighting Fish”. All bettas, male and female, should be kept separately. In fact, betta sororities (or an aquarium with all female bettas) are not recommended except for the most experienced fish keepers. There are many options for keeping betta fish in a larger tank. You can also check out our list to find other fish tanks.
Equipment
Betta fish do like to jump out of the water, so make sure to get an aquarium
Cover or Hood
You must prevent escape. You also need an
aquarium light
Your handsome boy will be best viewed from the highest angle. You can best view your handsome boy because of his long finnage.
small, gentle filter,
You can use a sponge filter or a nano hang-on to-back filter. Finally, betta fish are tropical fish that enjoy temperatures between 78 to 82degF, so purchase an appropriately sized
Heater
Your tank.
(Most betta fish aquarium kits are much too small, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the many equipment options, look for an all-in-one kit that’s 5 gallons or bigger to help simplify the shopping process.)
Decorations
Aquarium decor is a great source of enrichment for your betta fish, so design a look that is both attractive and fun for your pet to explore. Most people enjoy using an aquarium.
gravel or sand
to cover the tank bottom, as well as some
Schmuck
or fake plants without any sharp edges. You might also consider adding
live aquarium plants
to make a beautiful nature aquarium. A great choice for beginners are anubias and java ferns. They do not require special substrate or lighting and can help to keep the water cleaner by biological filtration.
Blue male betta fish in a planted aquarium with carpeting plants
Other Supplies
Don’t forget about the materials inside the tank.
dechlorinator
to remove toxic chlorine from the water and a
siphon
for easily cleaning the aquarium.
Good staple foods include high-quality betta pellets or freeze-dried bloodworms. Finally, invest in an aquarium water test strips so you know when to clean the tank. It’s time for a water change if the levels of ammonia or nitrite exceed 0 ppm.
Aquarium Co-Op Multi-Test Strips
How to Set Up a Betta Tank
Now that you have all your supplies, here is a step-by-step guide to assembling your aquarium:
1. Pick a good location. The aquarium needs to be near an electrical outline for the equipment and a source of water for easy tank maintenance. Avoid direct sunlight and areas near heating units or air conditioners to minimize temperature fluctuations. Finally, remember that your aquarium is likely made of glass or acrylic, so select a spot where the tank will not get hit or crashed into because no one wants 5 gallons of water leaking all over the floor. 2. Use a good aquarium stand. Fish tanks are surprisingly heavy (close to 10 lbs. You can expect to pay about 10 lbs per gallon for water and supplies when your aquarium is full. Plus, the stand should be somewhat water resistant so that it won’t warp over time. 3. Wash your supplies. Use warm, soapy water to rinse your tank, equipment, substrate and decorations. Do not use any soap or cleaning detergents, since they may be harmful to your fish. If you purchased a used aquarium, you may want to check for leaks by letting it sit full of water for 24 hours and looking for signs of dampness. 4. Prepare the supplies. Now you can start the interior design. Install the equipment in the aquarium (without plugging them in yet) and then position the decorations around them in a pleasing manner. Since betta fish don’t like fast currents, try placing some ornaments or plants in front of the filter to hide it and lessen the water flow. 5. Add water. Fill the tank up with tap water. Add a dechlorinator for the removal of toxic chemicals and chlorine. The filter can now be plugged in, but most heaters require you to wait 30 minutes before turning them on (in order to acclimate to the water temperature). Read the equipment manuals for more details, such as how to add a drip loop for the power cables.
One of the most common questions we receive is “Do bettafish need a cycled aquarium?”. So, if you don’t know what the nitrogen cycle is, read this article on how to “cycle” an aquarium.
Red and white dumbo betta fish with white pebbles
Welcoming Your New Betta Fish
The final step in setting up your aquarium is of course adding your new betta fish. You don’t need to give preventative medication if he is the only fish in your aquarium. Most betta fish bought from pet shops have been kept in isolation their entire lives. Simply float your betta’s little container or bag in the aquarium for 20 minutes so that the temperature in his bag matches the temperature in the tank. Then let your betta into his new home without adding any of the fish store water into the aquarium – either by scooping him out with a net or draining all the old water first.
We hope you found this tutorial helpful in creating a stress-free and amazing environment for your new fishy friend.